The Maiden And The Warrior. Jacqueline Navin

puzzled. He knew quite well there was nothing wrong with them, and so did she. “Take these away. My lady wishes fat pies, stuffed with meat and spices, not these skinny things.”

      The servant was shocked, and his moment’s uncertainty gave Alayna the time to snatch several pies and deposit them in front of her. “These will do fine,” she said, and smiled to the servant, turning an angry look on de Montregnier.

      He chuckled softly, inclining his head slowly to concede her the victory.

      Her manners were dainty enough, but her appetite was substantial. She ate every last morsel. When he offered her the chalice, she made a point of turning the cup so that her lips would not touch where his had been. Lucien smiled ruefully at that bit of drama. In their short acquaintance she had distinguished herself as the most difficult, exasperating woman he had ever met. She was not a bit intimidated by him. No one had ever been unmoved by his temper, his damning scowls, yet this slip of a girl had the audacity to check him at every turn. It should infuriate him, and most times it did. But why, by God’s teeth, did it amuse him so?

      Noticing his dark look upon her, Alayna met his stare bravely. “Now ’tis my turn to ask you, my lord, for you look unhappy. Though you usually appear as if you have swallowed a lemon, you seem particularly dour right now. Are you, then, displeased?”

      Lucien stiffened at the gibe. “I have important matters on my mind, demoiselle. Do not forget there is much I must accomplish before the justiciar arrives.”

      “Ah,” she said, “and your worry over your spurious claim weighs on your mind.”

      Spurious claim? She was at it again.

      “I am a man of action, experienced in the ways of war, not government. But I suppose I shall acclimate myself soon enough. I have no such anxiety that all will not be exactly as I intend.” He leaned forward. “And that everyone here will do exactly as I intend.”

      She sniffed delicately. “Well, ’tis a daunting job. If a man were not up to the challenge, it surely would appear to be an intimidating task.”

      He looked at her lazily, allowing a small smile to tug at the corner of his mouth. He picked up the chalice and took a long drink.

      “Actually, I find myself looking forward to it. I thrive on challenge, be it of arms or wits. I have no lack of confidence in my ability to prevail in any situation.”

      “Aye, your confidence, as evidenced by your frequent boasts, seems indeed endless.”

      He shrugged. “’Tis only fact. I have never been bested.”

      “Yet.”

      “Are you telling me you think you will gain some advantage over me? Do you believe for a single moment that I will not get, from you and everyone else in this castle, exactly what I require? If you do, I must warn you how wrong you are.”

      “Thank you for your immense generosity, my lord baron,” Alayna replied, “but I need no assurances from you.”

      “The future will tell, will it not?”

      “Aye.” Alayna nodded primly. “Let us wait for our debate to be determined by the test of time.”

      He lifted the chalice in mock salute. The heat of his look made Alayna uncomfortable. Annoyed, she turned away.

      As the meal progressed, the crowd grew rowdy, drinking their fill on the fine ale that flowed freely. Alayna did not like the shifting mood. She had no wish to be present if the occasion was going to degenerate into a raucous melee.

      From beside her, Will said, “Do not let them concern you, lady.”

      “Am I that obvious?”

      “I am afraid you are not very good at hiding your thoughts.”

      “A fault of mine,” she said.

      His eye flickered gently over her face. “I do not think so.”

      She glanced back to the vociferous group of hired soldiers. “They seem rather reckless.”

      Will leaned back in his chair, a self-assured smile on his face. “It will become apparent that recklessness in de Montregnier’s household is a very dangerous choice.”

      She frowned. “Your master seems not the least bit interested.”

      He looked past Alayna to Lucien, who was occupied with Agravar. His smile did not waver, indeed it seemed to deepen at his lord’s lack of attention. “Aye, my lady, it does appear that way, does it not?” He squinted into the crowd. “There is someone waving at you. Over there.”

      Alayna saw Mellyssand seated at a trestle table trying to get her attention. She rose, saying, “Will you excuse me?”

      Will came to his feet beside her, bowing low over her hand and saying with emphatic earnestness, “Pray do not tarry, or I shall grow too lonely.”

      She laughed lightly, then glanced apprehensively at de Montregnier. He was not paying any attention, she noted with relief. As she stepped off the platform, she was acutely aware of the many eyes that followed her. It seemed she was becoming something of a curiosity. They must all be wondering about her after her numerous clashes with the new baron. No doubt they thought her a lunatic to irritate the formidable man. Perhaps they were right.

      “Alayna!” Mellyssand exclaimed, giving her a quick hug. “We have not seen you today.”

      “I have been occupied with much to do,” Alayna said evasively. She could not very well divulge her recent activity of cutting and sewing stolen garments.