Feeling another set of eyes on her, Tara glanced
up to see Duncan looking at them. In her delight at
seeing him, his scowl went unnoticed. She said, If
you ll excuse me.
Duncan s eyes connected with Mr. Steel s, when
she turned to walk toward him. His chin rose
slightly. Tara glanced back at the man, then back at
Duncan. Is he jealous?
Before Tara had a chance to say hello, Duncan
swept down and captured her lips in a searing kiss.
The clearing of throats reminded her, they were
in public. Not that she cared.
Good morning to you, too. Tara staggered
back. Oh, yeah. He was jealous.
His charming smile looked down at her while he
placed her arm in his. Tis a lovely day. Let us see
what we can do to entertain ourselves.
Maybe it was his old-fashioned words, or maybe
the way his glance devoured her, but Tara would
have followed him anywhere in that moment.
Even with Bruno trailing behind them, they
managed to have some fun. Jugglers, jesters, a man
who breathed fire and even a few really bad actors
butchering Shakespeare entertained the crowd.
The children of the fair grew bored. Tara noticed
more than a few sneaking behind tents and heard
the unmistakable sounds of handheld video games
being played. She pointed the kids out to Duncan
and rhetorically asked, What did children in these
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Catherine Bybee
times do for fun?
Most children of the villages work a large part
of their day, helping their families in whatever trade
they are in. Children of the wealthy have servants to
do much of the work, so the males start practicing at
an early age to become knights. The females learn
early on the way to run their households.
Well, aren t you an encyclopedia of medieval
knowledge.
Tis what I ve been told. He avoided her
searching eyes. Ah... It looks as if some of the men
are anxious to win tomorrow. He lifted a hand,
pointed to the men who were already in the arena
practicing for the upcoming games.
Tara looked at the men on horseback with
nervous anticipation.
You are competing, right?
Duncan s hand rested on the small of her back
as they moved closer to get a better look at the men
as they practiced. Nay, Tara. I will not be
competing.
She turned to him in shock. But I thought... I
mean since we ve been...
His face softened in a boyish, playful smile.
You re joking, she said in relief.
I ll not be competing. I will be winning, he
declared with absolute conviction.
Her sigh came out in a rush, which was followed
with her delicate hand hitting his chest. Don t scare
me like that.
Are you worried I wouldn t fight for your
hand?
You re the only guy here I ve kissed! You damn
well better fight for my hand!
I do enjoy your kisses.
I ll give you another if you win, she promised.
He moved closer looking as if he would take
another kiss right then. Bruno grunted behind them,
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Binding Vows
ruining the moment.
Damn, she thought, wishing they were alone.
****
They were finishing their evening meal when
Madame Gwen made her appearance in the dining
hall. Tara noticed the look the brothers exchanged,
but the plastic smile on Gwen s face made her forget
what she was thinking and left her feeling chilled.
Polite greetings were made, and Fin started
asking questions as soon as Madame Gwen walked
up.
What s next on tonight s festivities? he asked.
Instead of answering, Gwen looked over at Tara.
Miss McAllister, you will be asked to dance with
every man competing tomorrow. I hope you don t
object.
Well... Tara straightened up to attention.
We wouldn t want the men to think you ve
already picked the winner and there s no reason to
play the games. Grainna directed her look at
Duncan. I m sure your friend won t mind.
Tara noticed a slight twitch in Duncan s jaw.
She hoped he would object.
Instead he smiled and said, Of course not.
Good. Gwen clapped her hands together, her
bracelets jingled. Instantly, the music stopped and
gave her the audience she demanded.
Lords and Ladies, her voice rang out. On the
eve of the solstice, and the tournament
commemorating the occasion, I want to thank you all
for joining us tonight. As promised, tomorrow s
games will fill the day and end with the joust.
Shouts went up from the crowd as drunken men
raised their glasses.
The winner will have the honor of partnering
with Lady Tara in a handfasting ceremony.
Whistles could be heard over the crowd. At least one
man shouted something about a wedding night. The
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Catherine Bybee
celebration which will follow will rival any period
wedding of the time of the Renaissance. One I hope
you will enjoy.
Clenching the goblet, Tara took a giant swig
from her wine. Duncan s hand found the other
resting in her lap under the table. His gentle
squeeze reassured and calmed her.
Those competing for Lady Tara s hand have the
opportunity to meet with her tonight and are given
one dance each. Gwen signaled the musicians and
sound filled the air. Enjoy your evening. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]