Page 45 of Knight School Chronicles Box Set

“ Stephen’s brother Henry summoned a council at Winchester in his capacity as a papal legate to consider the clergy’s view of his imprisonment,” Gareth said.

He and his wife stood atop the ramparts of Castle Blackwood. The sun had just begun to set and, whenever they were able, the two of them made their way up here. Just above their chambers, it had become one of their favorite places to come.

“Is it true,” Evelina asked, tucked into Gareth’s side, “Matilda made a private deal with Henry to deliver the support of the church in exchange for granting him control over church affairs?”

“I’ve heard the same,” he admitted.

“’Tis all so tenuous.”

“More now than ever. No matter the outcome, we will be prepared.”

“Can I confess, I do not wish to leave here? ’Tis the first time in all my life I’ve served a purpose.”

Gareth turned to her and, reaching down, lifted Evelina’s chin.

“When our time here ends, we will decide our future together. You will always serve a purpose, in some way, even if it is not alongside Lady Elara here at Castle Blackwood. You have my vow on that.” He smiled.

“Your days of embroidery and attempting to sing are over.”

“You do not care for my singing?” she teased.

Gareth was saved from answering as Evelina spotted the one thing that currently caused her worry. Now that the baron had left them alone, even if he had not decided about her inheritance, which Evelina cared little about, it was her friend and maid that made her frown.

“I do not like it,” she said, watching in the courtyard below as Sir Roland approached her from behind.

It seemed, while she and Gareth were away, the two had begun a very dangerous dance.

Amalia had confessed her growing attraction to the knight, but even Gareth agreed little good would come from such an attachment.

Sir Roland was not the sort of man to give his affections to just one woman, nor would Amalia ever claim the title of his wife.

Unlike Evelina, the eldest son of the Lion of Ravenswood cared very much about his inheritance.

Even if he willed it, an earl’s son simply did not marry a lady’s maid and daughter of a farmer.

“If there is one saving grace, it is that Amalia’s affection for him does not seem to affect her thinking on the matter of the two being together.

She knows they cannot marry, and though attracted to him, also believes Roland to be a pompous, overly confident cad. But he does appear to be pursuing her.”

“Roland is a pompous, overly confident cad. Her thinking on that is correct.”

She laughed. “He is your friend.”

“Aye, and a fiercely loyal one at that. But I would not see even my worst enemy share the man’s bed if she had any care for her heart.”

“I cannot believe you have any enemies, and certainly none of the female persuasion.”

“When we do visit my family, remind me not to introduce you to one who might disagree.”

“Who?” she demanded.

“’Tis not important. A young man’s crush, is all. I’ve now a fondness for chestnut-haired daughters of nasty barons. Even better if they are bastard born.”

She swiped at his chest with her free hand.

“You are a cad yourself to say such a thing.”

“Aye? Would you like to venture belowstairs and settle our differences in our bedchamber?”

“An enticing proposition, but I am so hungry of late and would not miss the evening meal.”

His eyes widened. “Hungrier of late, aye?”

She nodded.

“Your breasts,” he said. “I nearly mentioned it last eve. They filled my hands more so than usual. Does that mean...”

“I’ve not yet seen the midwife, but ’tis very likely so.”