Page 93 of Whispers of Wisteria

I returned to my table with a broken heart.

There was nothing further on my calendar for the day, and now my coffee was ruined, too. My only options for entertainment were the giant book or the novel I’d borrowed from Miles’s secret stash. This time, however, it’d been with his blessing.

He’d been more than happy to share his Andreina Bellini collection with me. Excited even.

Either way, I must remain the ever-vigilant and ready assistant. Whenever Gloria needed me, I would be there.

I opened my bag and looked inside, pondering. Maybe it was time for some lighthearted fun.

With that thought, I openedLongsword of Love.

The low-hangingmoon cast a dim glow over the rugged moors, and three figures were made visible in the darkness. Through the light was the dashing form of Sir Jean de la Vergne, a handsome knight of unwavering courage, as he led his horse through the mist and to… death.

Alas, his heart was weighed down by more than just the upcoming battle. On his noble steed before him was Guinevere, the most lovely noble maiden he was bound to protect. She seemed lost in thought.

“Guinevere,” he spoke softly, “I must face the dragon alone. Maiden, pray, let me return you to your father’s care.”

“Sir, I cannot!” She swooned as she met his gaze, her eyes filled with conflict as they paused in their journey. “Sir Jean, do you not believe we are destined to walk the same path? Can love and duty truly align?”

He dismounted, stepping toward her, his hand trembling as he reached for hers. “I would walk through fire for a chance to be with you.”

Her eyes flickered down as tears filled her dewy eyes. “But you’re sworn to something else. A knight’s duty must come first.”

His heart ached, but he stood firm. “I would choose you above all else, Guinevere. I’d rather fall with you than live without knowing your love.”

Her hand shook as she placed it in his. “Then I will continue this journey with you. Perhaps we shall die together tonight.”

Without another word, her lips met his in a kiss that was both tender and urgent. Yet the moment was shattered when they pulled apart as a distant roar sounded near.

The dragon!

“Together,” he promised, “we’ll defeat the beast. And whatever comes next, we face it side by side.”

“Hey.”

I jumped as a surly-looking guy dropped into the seat across from me. “I heard you’re married to Dubois. That true?”

“Yes…” I said, my voice softer than planned, and I held the book over the bottom half of my face. “C-can I help you?”

This better not have anything to do with Bryce’s unseemly business associates. At least my plans contributed positively to society.

“I have a bone to pick with Bryce,” he said, and I held my breath as he leaned over the table.

The last time this’d happened, someone tried to stab him with a butter knife, and I’d saved his life.

“He tricked me,” the man continued. “I want my money.”

“Um…” My heart was racing, and I glanced around the coffee shop. But of course he’d pick a time when no Officers were around. “I—I can’t really help you with t-that.”

I didn’t even have access to my own money. Every coffee I got was a drip further into debt. But if I did have money, I’d just pay the man myself to make him leave.

“You’d better find a way to help me,” he replied in an unfriendly tone. “You’ll give him a message from me, otherwise you’ll be the message.”

“Please go away,” I said, leaning back. I wasn’t equipped to handle this sort of thing.

He reached across the table. I dropped the book as he grabbed my left wrist. “Not until you—”

A larger hand closed around Bryce’s not-friend’s wrist and pinned it to the table. Still, he held on.