Free Embark (King Arthur and Her Knights Book 4) by K. M. Shea

sharp-mouthed insults like compliments. Britt would even say they were friends…sort of.
    “The Lady of the Lake is far too important to play make-believe with you,” Merlin scoffed. “Guinevere is your best choice. Why are you so reluctant?”
    “ WHY ?” Britt hissed, stabbing her finger in Guinevere’s direction. “I already told you all the legends of King Arthur point to Guinevere and Lancelot as Camelot’s ruin! They—” Britt stopped speaking when she realized that Lancelot was standing with Guinevere.
    The handsome knight was smiling down at Guinevere, who was blushing and knitting her hands together.
    “So you are still obsessed with that, hmm? We must talk sometime about these legends—they seem to drive every stupid move you make. If it upsets you that much we can scrap the plan. Perhaps we should instead cultivate the image that you love all women, and will not tie yourself down because you are too passionate,” Merlin said, adjusting his cloak. “Britt?” he said when she didn’t respond.
    “What?” Britt asked, looking at the couple with unease. She forced a smile when she noticed Sir Ywain and Sir Griflet standing a short distance away, watching her with great intent.
    Merlin sighed and draped an arm across her shoulders. “Stop worrying. We won’t use the useless pest,” he said, poking Britt’s furrowed brow to smooth it out.
    “Thanks,” Britt said, sagging. “It’s just—it’s been a tough day, and I really hate Lancelot.”
    Merlin patted her shoulder. “There, there. What would you say to a day trip…two days hence?”
    “A day-trip?” Britt perked.
    “Yes. I was going to visit my mentor—Blaise. You could come with. You would enjoy making his acquaintance, and you have been forced to put up with Lancelot and his antics recently. I suppose you deserve a break,” Merlin said.
    “Really?” Britt said, her stance growing a little awkward when she realized just how close she and Merlin were standing with his arm affectionately draped over her. She was thankful for the heat of the day, which masked her self-conscious blush.
    Merlin—oblivious as ever of the affect he had on her—chattered on. “I believe I’ve told you about him before. He’s a hermit, and he lives in a chapel that is only a few hours ride from here. We’ll have to set out early in the morning and warn the core of your knights—Sir Ulfius, Sir Bodwain and the like.”
    “Okay,” Britt said, her heart beating erratically in her chest.
    Merlin nodded in satisfaction. “It is settled. Perhaps Blaise will have some words of wisdom to share with you regarding your worries,” Merlin said, patting Britt once more before stepping away—to her regret.
    “I’ve always been curious about the man who raised you. I will look forward to it,” Britt said.
    “Wonderful. I may as well prepare Sir Kay, or it will be a traumatic experience for him,” Merlin winked.
    Britt laughed. “He’ll insist on sending guards with us.”
    “Unnecessary. You’re the best swordsman we have, and I’m a wizard !” Merlin scoffed.
    “That’s sure to impress him,” Britt said.
    Merlin grinned and said, “Be sure you are ready for your session in court later this afternoon. If you show up sweaty and in your practice armor I’ll have you dunked in a horse-trough.”
    Britt rolled her eyes. “Yes, Merlin.”
    “Enjoy the matches, lass,” Merlin said. He winked and strode away, humming a song under his breath.
    Britt watched the wizard go with a fond smile. She knew her adoration—she refused to call it love—for Merlin was horribly one-sided. The wizard probably didn’t even really think of her as a girl, and even if he was vaguely aware of it, he would never enter into a relationship that could jeopardize his precious plan for King Arthur’s rule. Britt doubted Merlin would ever really love a woman anyway. He was too focused on his goal, and too driven.
    She sighed. “Still, it’s disappointing.”
    As an