Page 12 of Chivalry in the Meadow (Hope Runs Deep #2)

It occurred to her that in all the conversation last night with Sir Cedric, he hadn’t once asked her anything about herself, not even her name.

As Sir Alaric walked beside her with her arm in his, her frightened nerves slowly began to calm down.

In his presence she felt safe, and just a bit lighter.

It was a beautiful morning, and she looked about and enjoyed it. She noticed the colorful striped tents of all colors, some with pennons and flags bearing coats of arms, waving lazily above in the early morning breeze. Where before she’d been more focused on herself and the scare she’d just had.

“Every merchant has some kind of flag,” she said.

“Yes, it helps the fairgoers to find them,” he said.

Then they were to the cafeteria, which wasn’t far, as it was on the edge of the public area and close enough for the workers.

“Mia!” Lilly rose upon seeing Mia enter the cafeteria on Sir Alaric’s arm. “What’s wrong?”

“How do you know anything is wrong?” Mia asked.

“You look pale,” Lilly said.

“She needs to eat,” Sir Cedric said. He pulled out a chair for Mia.

She sat. “Thank you.”

“Sit still and relax,” he said. “I’ll fix you a plate.”

“The eggs have gone cold,” Lilly said. “But the bacon and sausage links in the warmer are still good.”

“Not to worry,” Sir Alaric said. “If you want eggs, I’ll tell the cook. She’ll fix you some.”

“Her favorite breakfast is pancakes,” Lilly said. “But those got eaten up.”

“Are there any breakfast foods you don’t like?” he asked Mia.

“No,” she shook her head. “I can eat whatever is easiest.”

“Hmm,” he said, gave a nod, and left to talk to the cook.

“So, tell me, what happened?” Lilly asked. “And how did you end up being escorted here by a handsome knight?”

Mia took a deep breath and began. “Sir Cedric almost ran me over with his horse.”

“No!” Lilly exclaimed. “How did that happen?”

“I stepped out of our tent and his horse was galloping toward me. But he snatched me up just in time, so I didn’t get run over.”

“Oh my!” Lilly placed her hand over Mia’s. “I’m glad you’re all right!”

“Me too,” Mia said.

“You were rescued from certain death and dismemberment, by a brave, dashing knight!” Lilly said. “Now that is like something out of one of your romance novels. Why aren’t you with him now?”

“It wasn’t nearly as exciting and swoon worthy as it is in romance novels,” Mia said.

“For one, it was terrifying. For another,” she put her hand over the bodice.

“My ribs are sore from wearing this thing. These aren’t meant to bend, or to be a thing for a man to grab hold of to pull you onto his horse. ”

“Oh, no,” Lilly said. “Are you bruised?”

“I’ve no idea,” Mia said. “But I am sore.”

“Maybe we can find you a different dress which would feel better,” Lilly said.

“No, I don’t want to be a bother,” Mia said. “I’ll be okay.”

“So,” Lilly grinned. “You were on his horse with him. What did it feel like to sit way up there, next to him?” Lilly asked.

“He sat me on his thigh,” Mia said in a quiet voice.

“His thigh?” Lilly squeaked, her eyes lighting up. “That big muscular thigh?”

“Yes.” Mia’s face heated.

“Now we’re getting to the juicy parts,” Lilly said. “Was it romantic? And kind of sexy?”

“Not exactly,” Mia said with a wince, as she realized she couldn’t slump down wearing the thing but had to sit up straight. “Sir Cedric wouldn’t let go of me, or put me down, and he and Sir Alaric started fighting over me.”

“Ooh!” Lilly clapped her hands together. “Two knights vying for your hand, now that’s exciting! Tell me more!”

Mia sighed. “Sir Cedric finally put me down, and I was able to walk here with Sir Alaric. He’s quite chivalrous. More than Sir Cedric. And guess what?”

“What?” Lilly eyes brightened, like they did whenever Mia told her a secret.

“The fighting the knights do in the tournament is scripted,” Mia said.

“I guessed that” Lilly said. “White knight must always win kind of thing.”

“In public, it is,” Mia said. “But they sometimes fight in real life, and that isn’t scripted.”

“Really?” Lilly said, her eyes widening.

“Yes, and Sir Cedric and Sir Alaric don’t like each other,” Mia said. “At all.”

Lilly nodded. “I can see that.”

“And Sir Elias?”

“Yes!” Lilly leaned forward in excitement. “Tell me about him.”

“He was chivalrous,” Mia said. “Your favorite is a good choice.”

Lilly leaned back in her chair with a big smile. “I wish I could’ve seen him. Hey, why do you keep meeting knights when I’m not around? Maybe I need to stick closer to you.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Sir Alaric said, as he carried a plate with bacon, link sausage, scrambled eggs, and pancakes to place in front of Mia. “Milady is served,” he said as he set the plate down.

“Oh, that all looks delicious!” Mia said. “Especially the pancakes.”

He grabbed a bottle of syrup from the next table and placed in front of her.

He looked at Lilly. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea for the two of you to stick together,” he said. “It’s safer that way.”

“Is it dangerous here?” Lilly asked. “Finn didn’t warn us about anything.”

Sir Alaric paused.

Mia got the feeling that there was something dangerous here, and he didn’t want to tell them.

But what could it be? This was just a Ren Faire.