Free Envious by Katie Keller-Nieman Page A

couldn’t help but smile.
     
    1204
    I was there by the road when the King’s guard rode past, bringing a second horse with him, and I was there when he returned, and Eric rode that horse. He looked so regal, sitting atop his mighty steed. The gash on his sweet face had closed for the most part, and I wondered if it would be gone the next time I laid eyes on him. How long would I go without seeing him? A month? A year? Would he recognize my face?
    I stepped up to the path, my valor well wasted on a garden and a few chickens. As the warrior approached, I asked him, “I see you have a long journey to the King. Would you like a drink? Come, take rest in my humble home.” The man was handsome, rugged as he may be, with hair as dark as mine, curling slightly, though pulled back. His face was scarred, much like my love’s would soon be.
    Eric’s face betrayed him, revealing his jealousy. The guard slid from his mount. He was not as tall as I expected. He was less than one head taller than I was, and young. Maybe six years or so older than myself. He smiled, a warrior’s smile.
    “Beautiful maiden, I would be honored to rest a while in your company. We shall stay. I wish we had days to spare, but only hours, kind girl.” Eric slowly dismounted, burning holes in his new master’s back. Jealousy did not wear well on him. “Come, young guard. Take pleasure in the offerings of this house.”
    I had never spoken with a warrior. I had been warned against it. They were called brutish and were known for having their way with women, whether consented or not. I had always kept from them, but I needed to see Eric. I longed to share time with him once more before he pledged his life to the King’s will. I brought out the finest wine and mead, hoping my father would not notice if it went missing. The guard introduced himself as Heodred, son of Hretheow, also a warrior.
    “I am half the size of my father but can drink twice as much!” He laughed a hardy, contagious laugh. I found myself laughing at his every word. Eric, however, did not laugh.
    “This boy,” Heodred exclaimed, throwing his arm around Eric’s shoulders, “will be accomplished in battle some day, as I am. Maiden, my cup runs dry.” I poured more mead into his flagon and offered the jug to Eric. He took the mead although somewhat forced by Heodred. “Drink, and be happy. Today is a happy day. This woman is lovely, and loves to serve you! Take pride in it and drink!” I beamed. Heodred laughed. Eric sulked in embarrassme nt, face hidden behind his mug.

     
    CHAPTER 9
    GETTING LOOSE
     
    I pulled my hair loosely up into a ponytail. It was curlier than usual today and it looked better messy. I had laid on my makeup thicker, attempting to make a more grown up and mysterious look; I completed the appearance by wearing my coolest clothes, a skin tight, short-sleeved V-neck shirt with a pushup bra and my tightest jeans. I wished I didn’t need padding to give me any shape, but that’s life.
    I rushed up the stairs and immediately was struck by the music’s strong beat. Handing someone some money, I headed into the crowd. I grabbed a beer and popped it open, sniffing it suspiciously. It didn’t smell all that great, but I didn’t think it was supposed to. I took a cautious sip. Yuck! It tasted like a skunk. I reluctantly took it with me on my search for Eric. He had to be there already. Just look for the crowd. There! By the speakers. He was in a group of people jumping. Jumping? Jumping to the music. I guess they couldn’t dance. Oh, well. I made my way through and next to Eric.
    “HI!” I yelled above the music.
    He saw me and yelled back, “Sup, sweetheart?!! You drinking, Wild Thang?!”
    I blushed. “Yeah! Want some?!”
    “Yeah! Let’s go!” He put his arm around my waist and carefully guided me through the crowd and back to the beer. Eric filled a cup from the keg and gulped it down. “So, you look sexy tonight. Showin’ off for me?”
    I laughed,