Free Candace C. Bowen - A Knight Series 01 by A Knight of Silence

the upper passage. A slight smile of
approval touched his lips as he briefly met her gaze.  
    He lowered his eyes as she eased back into the shadows lest he expose
her presence. Hylda took a considerable risk to eavesdrop.   It was something any mother would do for a
beloved child.
    Glancing at Lady Baldith, he fought to conceal his disgust.   Staring at the rings on her right hand, he
let his anger flow through him as he turned a cold stare on Sir Everard. “I
wish to discuss your daughter’s dowaire, sir.”
    Sir Everard frowned. “This is all untoward, your lordship. We discussed
the matter at length when last we met.   I
assure you nothing has changed.”
    Fulke stood to place his hands flat on the table.   Leaning forward, he gave into his anger.   “I assure you, things have changed. Sir.” In
a tone that his men knew all too well, he continued, “I do not speak of your
favored daughter’s dowaire. I speak of the dowaire for the daughter that you
and your lady wife banished to a convent, just this morn.” His eyes narrowed to
angry slits. “Dare you deny you banished Mistress Reina for no other reason
than she cannot communicate as befitting your high standards?”
    The response to his words by those gathered was immediate, ranging from
shock, outrage, surprise and joy. In the midst of it all, Fulke remained
defiant.
    Lady Baldith was the first to find her voice. “My husband’s daughter is
worthless, your lordship.”   Her dark eyes
sparked with fury. “You could never present her at court.”
    Briefly fixated on her rings, he slid his gaze slowly over the arrogant
woman.   Contempt flaring in his eyes. “I
would not demean myself to present you at court.” He sneered, “My lady.”
    Flustered, Baldith’s face took on an unhealthy shade of red as she
gained her feet. Glaring down at her husband, she snapped, “Say something,
Everard.”
    He calmly flicked a hand in her direction. “Leave us. Take Sibilla with
you.”
    Sibilla was the last to grasp Fulke’s intent. Her dreams of a life at
court once again dashed, her rage knew no bounds.   Jumping to her feet, she whirled to face
Fulke. “You dare place that drasty lack-wit above me?”
    Before Fulke could respond, Sir Everard’s fist slammed down on the
table hard enough to split the heavy oak. “You will leave this hall at once,
Sibilla!”
    Satisfied with her husband’s unyielding stance, Baldith calmly dragged
her outraged daughter from the hall, murmuring assurances in her ear.
    Hearing low chuckles from the men at the adjacent table, she quickened
her pace.
    Waiting for the sound of simultaneous door slams from the upper level,
Sir Everard shifted his gaze to Fulke.   “Please take a seat, your lordship.”   As Fulke stiffly complied, he continued, “For obvious reasons, a dowaire
has not been set aside for my eldest daughter. What do you ask?”
    Not expecting Sir Everard to yield so easily, Fulke gained a new
respect for the elder knight. “I ask nothing that is not in your power to give,
sir.   I ask only for you to release
Hylda, so that I may reunite her with your daughter.”
    A shriek of joy sounded from the shadows above.  
    Feigning a cough, Fulke concealed the quirk of his lips behind his
hand.
    Paying no heed to the outburst, Sir Everard heaved a weary sigh.
Staring heavenward, he asked, “Do you love my daughter?”
    “I will protect her with my life,” Fulke replied honestly.
    Everard pressed, his dark green eyes scrutinizing Fulke. “Do you ask
for her hand out of pity?”
    Fulke did not hesitate, “No, sir.”
    Sir Everard swung his legs over the bench to stand.   “Consider it done, your lordship.” His back
to Fulke, he murmured, “You did not ask for it, but you go with my blessing.”
    His plan to embarrass the elder knight into agreeing to the marriage
unnecessary, it took a moment for Fulke to dip his head in acknowledgement.
    The hall was silent as those gathered watched Sir Everard ascend