Free Angie Arms - Flames series 04 by The Strongest Flames

reluctance to face it since awakening this morning.  He admitted to her he had no chance of protecting her against Garrick.  Keri did not know to hope Garrick was here, or away.  She did not doubt Cyrille’s assessment of their situation.  He had been in the King’s service a long time, and knew Garrick far better than she.  But if Garrick was here, perhaps he could be reasoned with.
    If he was not here , there was little chance his wife would know his exact whereabouts.  It was not likely he would send a messenger to inform her he would be home, as soon as he killed Damien or herself.  At least if he was here, they would know fairly quickly whose side he was on.
    Garrick was a married man , perhaps he no longer did the King’s dirty work, and Cyrille was just not informed yet.  His wife was a kind, gentle lady, who seemed to adore the man.  If Garrick was who Cyrille said he was, how could she care for him as she did?  She knew the Countess was the last effort in his quest to rise above his birth.  It seemed more likely Garrick would follow Damien’s lead, and not go to meet the King.
    But there she stood alone on the steps, the Countess Ryann Kinnard.  Her blond hair glowed in the afternoon sun, and Keri swore she could see the blue radiance of her eyes from several paces.  She was a tiny woman, if Garrick was as evil as Cyrille believed, he could have easily crushed her.  As they drew to the bottom of the steps, Keri saw the confusion on her face, as she descended to them. 
    “Sir Cyrille, Lady Keri, what has happened?” 
    She had genuine concern for Damien’s household, Keri could tell by the tone of her voice. 
    “Is Garrick here?” Keri asked , sliding to the ground.
    “No,” Ryann replied.  “He was summoned by the King.”
    Keri cast a quick glance to Cyrille, before reaching up to lift Waverly from her little pony.
    “You are welcome here of course,” Ryann said, ever the gracious hostess , but she still wore a mask of confusion.
    “I’m sure the children are thirsty after their long ride,” Keri said , moving toward Cyrille.
    “Of course.  Please allow me to see to their comfort.  I will meet you in the solar in a few moments.  Do you remember the way?”
    “Of course,” Keri said, ignoring the scowl Cyrille sent to her when she took control of his horse’s head, to hold him still.
    Stiffly Cyrille climbed from the saddle.  It had been a long journey for the injured man , and she could tell by the way he moved, even before dismounting, he was in a great deal of pain.  She convinced him earlier to leave his hood off his head, so he could feel the sun on his face.  It was a rarity for him she knew, and she was glad to encourage it.  The first time she saw him, she would never have believed he would ever come to mean as much to her as he did.  She knew the story of his, injuries and how he saved her husband from the fate.  How could she not love the man, who loved his brother so much, he sacrificed himself?
    She could not blame him for his reaction.  He was a man who lived alone among so many , and she forgot he may not be as comfortable with her, as she was with him.  She did not think he desired her.  Damien once tried to give her to his brother, but he refused.  How wrong she was.  She saw his passion burning in his eye, but it had been too late.  Now all she felt was guilt for not realizing.  Of course a man such as Cyrille would not be comfortable with her leaning against him, sitting closely, when he could not touch her, or any woman.   
    “What do we do now?” she whispered , as three boys came from the direction of the stable, and took the horses away.  She immediately recognized Roland’s son, Will, who offered her a bow and a concerned smile, before leading her horse away. 
    “I think it would be wise to stay here until we know what our next move will be.”
    “You don’t know?”
    “Of course not , but I believe this will be the last place