Page 20 of Chivalry in the Meadow (Hope Runs Deep #2)

Sir Cedric’s grin sharpened. “Some of us don’t need charm to beat our opponents, though it helps with the company afterward.” He turned to Mia as she and Lilly had drawn closer and winked.

A sudden rustle cut through the laughter. Dry grass shifting just beyond the tree line. The sound was too quick, too deliberate to be the wind.

Sir Rowan rose, scanning the tree line.

“Probably a hedgehog,” he said, though his eyes stayed on the tree line longer than seemed casual.

Sir Alaric didn’t move, but his hand brushed the hilt of the sword lying at his side. “Hedgehogs don’t watch,” he murmured.

Mia glanced toward the sound and caught a glint. Two points of reflected firelight low to the ground.

But when she blinked, they were gone.

“You ladies look lovely,” Sir Cedrick had turned his full attention to them. “I hope to see you at the ball.”

“We will be there, “Lilly said. “After we dine.”

“Excellent,” he replied.

As the ladies continued to the food tents, the delicious scents of roasting meat filled the air. Everyone it seemed was milling about. Likely with the same idea of eating before the ball.

“This will be quite a large ball,” Mia said. “Look at all the people!”

“The fair still closes at the regular time for the general public,” Lilly said. “And the only way to attend the ball is to wear a mask. No mask, no entrance. Finn explained that this is a celebration to start the season off right, a bonus for the employees.”

“Oh!” Mia said. “So, we won’t be dancing with complete strangers.”

“Even if we don’t know them, someone here likely will,” Lilly said. “That’s much safer.”

“I agree.” Mia was feeling better about the idea now. She mostly just wanted to dance with Sir Cedric and Sir Alaric.

Hopefully neither would get mad at her for wanting to dance with them both.

“I think we’d best find something filling to eat for dinner,” Lilly said. “Finn told me that some of the men who make mead will be offering tastes tonight, and I want something solid in my stomach before trying anything with alcohol in it. But not anything that could get on our fine dresses.”

“Good idea,” Mia said eyeing Lilly’s dress. “That yellow will show every stain if you drop the littlest thing. Mine is a little more forgiving but we still should try not to soil them. I’m thinking roasted chicken sounds good. It sure smells good.”

“I could go for that,” Lilly said.

“Are you ready for a night of enchantment,” a woman dressed as a fairy asked as they passed her on the way to dinner.

“Yes, I am!” said Mia.

Lilly laughed. “I am too!”

“Then come by the fairy grove before you dance,” she said, “And try some of pucks pink surprise punch.”

“Oh, that sounds dangerous,” Lilly said.

“Is this ball just an excuse for a drinking party tonight then?” Mia asked.

“No, it’s an actual ball with dancing,” Lilly said. “And all the knights are supposed to be there. Which one would you most like to dance with? If you must pick one.”

“I don’t know,” Mia said, not as quick to answer that as she had been before. “Sir Cedrick, I guess.”

Though she’d been leaning more toward Sir Cedrick since she’d arrived, it was becoming harder to do that as she got to know Sir Alaric.

“I would say you should dance with them all, but I don’t think there are enough men to go around for all he ladies that are here,” Lilly said.

They purchased chicken and biscuits, then found seats and enjoyed their supper. Both had eyed the corn on the cob but neither of them wanted to arrive at the ball with something between their teeth.

“Oh, I did find out where the showers are,” Lilly said. “There are two. One for ladies and the other for gents. And they are behind the costume shop, where the permanent buildings are. Finn said there are busy times and times no one is using them, like during the jousting.”

“I’m glad you found out,” Mia said. “And glad there is a building, not a curtain strung up outside somewhere. So then there should be lights, like in the costume shop.”

“Yes,” Lilly said. “I got the impression that is where they have water lines and electric run. The other areas of the encampment don’t have either one.”

They finished eating, cleaned their hands and bought some chocolate mints from the candy lady, then walked to where the ball was being held.

The central fire pit glowed orange and gold shooting flames up and lighting the area around it. Lute music wove through the air. Everyone was in costume with masks, some with cloaks, and dramatic flair. A violinist played a haunting tune near the beer cart, the tune drifting toward them.

Performers danced with flaming hoops, brightness against the darkening evening.

The atmosphere shimmered, drunk on fantasy, candlelight, and smoke.

Mia twirled, laughing. For the first time, she fully relaxed, ready to have fun.

What could be better than a Renaissance Masquerade Ball!

Sir Cedric found her first. He appeared as if summoned. Ever the white knight, he was dressed in light blue, silver and white, his half-mask white. He extended his hand silently.

Mia took his hand, and he led her to the dancing circle.

They began to move to the music and the world blurred around her as they moved.

He was smooth, effortless, his hand always just where it needed to be. But there was heat in his touch that wasn’t entirely comforting.

“You wear mystery well,” he murmured, his fingers brushing her back, as he twirled her.

“Thank you,” she said, her eyes catching a glimpse of the herald beyond his shoulder, all decked out in red and purple wearing a purple mask. The shimmer now over there, where he had stood, was a blur of red and purple wavering in the air.

“But there’s a shadow behind your eyes tonight,” he added as he’d been watching her eyes. “Something troubles you.”

“I’ve been seeing things,” Mia said cautiously, that shimmer distracting her from enjoying the dance with Sir Cedric.

What is that?

His lips brushed her ear. “Some truths are only revealed when you stop seeking logic.”

The music shifted, and then the song ended.

Sir Cedric bowed. “Another time,” he said. “We shall meet and dance again.” Then he disappeared into the crowd where the herald had been as the firelight flickered, leaving Mia to stand alone where he’d left her.

He’s a tease, and he flirts with all the ladies. I wonder where he’s gone off to.