Free From Darkness Won by Jill Williamson Page A

must. I’ve always known you were headstrong, my lady, but not so selfish. Perhaps I mislaid my opinion of your character. For at this moment, you are no better than any spoiled young noblewoman I’ve met.”
    “It is not my fault I was raised in Granton Castle, given everything I wanted—even things I did not. I am tired of having my life lived for me. I choose my path, not Mother, not any prince, and certainly not you. Who invited you to this meeting, anyway?”
    “Forgive me, Vrell,” Jax said. “I asked Sir Rigil to come. I hoped—”
    “That he would talk some sense into me? I see now that I have put my hope in the wrong comrades.”
    Sir Rigil stood and circled the table to stand before her. “Now see here—”
    Vrell turned her back to him. “Please leave, Sir Rigil. And I trust you will keep this conversation—and my identity—to yourself.”
    “I would never betray your trust, but the prince—”
    “Need not know. You yourself have given your opinion of the attributes of my heart. He would be better off without such a deceitful woman in his life, would he not?”
    “You put words in my mouth, my lady. And whether or not he would be better off should be his choice.”
    “My choice, Sir Rigil, and I have made it.”
    “I will not lie to my prince and future king. Should he ask me of Lady Averella’s whereabouts…”
    “You will not know them.”
    Sir Rigil sighed. “But you will inform Master Rennan of this, will you not?”
    “I have already spoken with Master Rennan. He is aware of my situation.”
    “And what did he say?”
    Vrell averted her eyes.
    Sir Rigil snorted a knowing laugh. “That’s what I thought. Good lad, Master Rennan.”
    Vrell swallowed another retort. She did not wish to quarrel with Sir Rigil. “Won’t you change your mind, Jax? I can take care of myself. I have my own horse.”
    “I cannot go against Prince Oren, Vrell. I’m sorry.”
    Sir Rigil gripped Vrell’s upper arm. “Lady Averella, whether you can protect yourself is not the issue. Prince Oren knows that your presence would still be a distraction to our men.”
    She pulled away. “I am plain enough that most men pay me no mind.”
    “Regardless, while your beauty would fluster many, all would be distracted by their need to protect you. Our men train to a certain code. We swear to protect women and children above all. No man would be able to focus on his task when you were nearby, vulnerable, without an escort.”
    “Your men need not concern themselves. I can—”
    “Forgive me, my lady, but it is not a question of need. It is simply the way Arman made men. We cannot, in good c onscience, ignore the presence of a woman. Like it or not, you would be a great distraction.”
    The chivalry she had hoped for during her time as a boy had come too late. “I thank you both for your counsel. Good day.”
    Jax reached out for her again. “Please, Vrell, do not be cross.”
    She stepped back to avoid his touch. “Not cross, only disappointed. For I very much wish to serve as a healer.”
    “If your duchess mother should travel south,” Sir Rigil said, “I am certain Prince Oren would covet your assistance with any wounded.”
    “Thank you, Sir Rigil. I shall inquire as to whether she plans to make such a journey.”
    When the men had left, Vrell fell back into her chair. “Oh, Syrah, I am such a fool.”
    Syrah ran to Vrell’s side. “No offense, m’lady, but I’m glad Prince Oren said no.”
    For months Vrell had longed for home, and now she wanted to leave again. What was the matter with her? “But I can help, Syrah. I am a gifted healer.”
    Syrah released a shuddering breath. “The idea of you on a battlefield, m’lady, it terrifies me. Stay here where I can care for you.”
    “You are sweet. But there is no honor in doing nothing.”
    “There is plenty of honor in taking care of your sisters and the people of Carmine. There is much to be done here.”
    “And plenty of sisters to help