Free Sword for His Lady by Mary Wine Page A

to feel deeply about a woman, she’d left a scar on his heart. Isabel turned and locked gazes with him. He felt the connection, his passions rising.
    Dangerous or not, there was no way he was leaving. He lifted his drinking bowl to her, silently sending along his acceptance of her challenge.
    And to the victor went the spoils.
    * * *
    â€œThey are in good humor,” Mildred muttered as she looked past Isabel at the baron and his officers.
    â€œOf course they are. They have taken what they rode out to claim.”
    Well, not all that the man had come seeking was his. She pressed her lips together, feeling a knot of dread tightening in her belly. Time felt as though it were crawling by while she waited for the baron’s next move.
    It’s more like anticipation…
    There were times she loathed not being able to deceive herself.
    â€œStop that frowning. The king could have sent someone worse,” Mildred chastised.
    Isabel felt her temper flaring again. She stood up, irritated by just how quickly Ramon de Segrave was able to destroy her poise. Just the mention of the man was enough, it seemed.
    You’re the one who insisted on him bathing…
    Heat licked at her insides and crept into her cheeks.
    She sought out her bed, grateful for the fact that her chamber was one place where she would not have to deal with the baron. But Mildred followed her, intent on finishing their conversation.
    â€œYou’ll have to think about it, my lady.” There was a hard note in Mildred’s voice. “Barons are not the sort to be denied what they crave.”
    â€œI have nothing from the king that orders me to wed him, Mildred,” Isabel muttered. Mildred pressed her lips into a hard line for a long moment as silence filled the chamber. A soft pop from the fire across the room made Isabel flinch. She happily removed her wimple and laid it on a table with a sigh. There was no garment she detested more. Having her hair smashed against her scalp drove her insane.
    Mildred drew in a deep breath. “That man doesn’t look like he is planning on leaving.” She used a firm tone and waved the two other girls that were in the chamber toward the door. Isabel sighed when they were gone. Mildred helped her lift her pelisse up and over her head, leaving her in a thin under tunic. Mildred didn’t have to help her disrobe, but she did anyway, and Isabel was grateful for their friendship. Mildred gave the heavier over gown a few shakes before laying it carefully over the back of a chair. Isabel pulled the under robe over her head and traded it for the worn one Mildred offered her. She slept in her oldest under robes. A few mended spots and thin fabric were no concern once the candles had been snuffed out.
    â€œYou can see right through that now. The fabric will fail completely in a few more washings, mark my words.”
    â€œWell, until then it is soft and comfortable.” As well as the first thing that had pleased her since the baron arrived. “I can see to myself, Mildred, go and tickle your grandson.”
    Mildred smiled and nodded before heading toward the door. “Brush your hair out or the fairies will come to steal your dreams and leave you naught but nightmares.”
    Isabel picked up the comb that was laid carefully on the long table sitting against the wall of her chamber. It was a silver one her parents had given her. In spite of how many years ago she’d received it, the comb still shimmered in the candlelight.
    Isabel had been too sour with her friend today. Left alone with her thoughts, she felt guilt nip at her.
    Two wide candles were set into wooden holders on the table. Their flames flickered yellow and orange. She sat on the side of the bed and pulled her hair over her shoulder, working the tie free that held it in a single long braid.
    * * *
    The way to keep Ramon de Segrave at bay was to make certain the man was busy.
    Isabel woke with a start as the thought