Free Binding Vows by Catherine Bybee

Bruno trailing behind them, they managed to have some fun. Jugglers, jesters, a man who breathed fire and even a few really bad actors butchering Shakespeare entertained the crowd.
    The children of the fair grew bored. Tara noticed more than a few sneaking behind tents and heard the unmistakable sounds of handheld video games being played. She pointed the kids out to Duncan and rhetorically asked, “What did children in these 61

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    times do for fun?”
    “Most children of the villages work a large part of their day, helping their families in whatever trade they are in. Children of the wealthy have servants to do much of the work, so the males start practicing at an early age to become knights. The females learn early on the way to run their households.”
    “Well, aren’t you an encyclopedia of medieval knowledge.”
    “’Tis what I’ve been told.” He avoided her searching eyes. “Ah... It looks as if some of the men are anxious to win tomorrow.” He lifted a hand, pointed to the men who were already in the arena practicing for the upcoming games.
    Tara looked at the men on horseback with nervous anticipation.
    “You are competing, right?”
    Duncan’s hand rested on the small of her back as they moved closer to get a better look at the men as they practiced. “Nay, Tara. I will not be competing.”
    She turned to him in shock. “But I thought... I mean since we’ve been...”
    His face softened in a boyish, playful smile.
    “You’re joking,” she said in relief.
    “I’ll not be competing. I will be winning,” he declared with absolute conviction.
    Her sigh came out in a rush, which was followed with her delicate hand hitting his chest. “Don’t scare me like that.”
    “Are you worried I wouldn’t fight for your hand?”
    “You’re the only guy here I’ve kissed! You damn well better fight for my hand!”
    “I do enjoy your kisses.”
    “I’ll give you another if you win,” she promised.
    He moved closer looking as if he would take another kiss right then. Bruno grunted behind them, 62

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    ruining the moment.
    Damn, she thought, wishing they were alone.

    ****
They were finishing their evening meal when Madame Gwen made her appearance in the dining hall. Tara noticed the look the brothers exchanged, but the plastic smile on Gwen’s face made her forget what she was thinking and left her feeling chilled.
    Polite greetings were made, and Fin started asking questions as soon as Madame Gwen walked up. “What’s next on tonight’s festivities?” he asked.
    Instead of answering, Gwen looked over at Tara.
    “Miss McAllister, you will be asked to dance with every man competing tomorrow. I hope you don’t object.”
    “Well...” Tara straightened up to attention.
    “We wouldn’t want the men to think you’ve already picked the winner and there’s no reason to play the games.” Grainna directed her look at Duncan. “I’m sure your friend won’t mind.”
    Tara noticed a slight twitch in Duncan’s jaw.
    She hoped he would object.
    Instead he smiled and said, “Of course not.”
    “Good.” Gwen clapped her hands together, her bracelets jingled. Instantly, the music stopped and gave her the audience she demanded.
    “Lords and Ladies,” her voice rang out. “On the eve of the solstice, and the tournament commemorating the occasion, I want to thank you all for joining us tonight. As promised, tomorrow’s games will fill the day and end with the joust.”
    Shouts went up from the crowd as drunken men raised their glasses.
    “The winner will have the honor of partnering with Lady Tara in a handfasting ceremony.”
    Whistles could be heard over the crowd. At least one man shouted something about a wedding night. “The 63

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    celebration which will follow will rival any period wedding of the time of the Renaissance. One I hope you will enjoy.”
    Clenching the goblet, Tara took a giant swig from her wine. Duncan’s hand found the other