Free The Spymaster's Protection by S A Monk

German knight’s bearded face was one of grim
resignation.
    Brother Lucien greeted her with a twinkle in his dark eyes and
a broad, slashing smile.
    Gabrielle returned his greeting with a quieter, more reserved
smile, still a little overcome that he had abandoned his brethren to boldly sit
near her. If he was an ordinary knight, there would have been nothing wrong
with his choice of seat. But he was a monk, more specifically a Templar monk.
Everyone knew they were not allowed to talk to women socially. He should have
been sitting with the knot of Templars seated below their Grand Master. Surely,
his rogue behavior would be frowned upon. His companion certainly did not look
too pleased.
    Further flaunting propriety, Lucien de Aubric complemented her
on her appearance. "It is good to see you again, Lady de Châtillon. You
look very nice."
    Very nice? Lucien thought. She was easily the most
stunning woman in the room! Her garments shimmered around her, giving her a
glow in the candlelight that was breathtaking. And in spite of the sad fact
that all of her glorious hair was completely hidden, her elaborately twisted
turban framed her exquisite face to perfection. The moment he had seen her walk
in with her aging husband, he had been struck by an intense wave of resentment.
What a crime it was that she belonged to a reprobate like Reynald de Châtillon!
    It had been a relief to at least see her seated so far away
from him. He looked that way and saw that her husband was looking toward
another woman who had just entered the hall. Lady de Milly. A pale shadow
compared to the beauty sitting at the table above him.
    Lucien caught the eye of Gérard de Ridefort. One bushy grey
eyebrow lifted in censorious inquiry. Lucien scoffed silently. The old bastard
had little room to censor him or anyone else. He was a pale moral shadow
compared to his predecessor, Master Torroja.
    Before he returned his attention to Gabrielle de Châtillon, he
glanced at his companion. From the stiff set of his facial features, he could
tell the young German knight considered Lucien's choice of seat foolhardy.
    Lucien took pity on his friend. He didn't want him to suffer
any reprisals for being with him. "Go sit with our brothers," he
suggested. "I will be fine here for a short while."
    Brother Conrad shot Gabrielle a quick look and warned in a low
tone. "You tread dangerously, my friend. Be careful."
    "Always." Lucien grinned recklessly. "But I
believe I will be safe enough with the queen's lovely ladies."
    Conrad was a tall man with moderately long reddish blond hair
and a matching beard.
    Lucien had known him since the German had come to Outremer
four years ago. He and Conrad found many things in common, but blind devotion
to the Order and its Rule was not one of them. Lucien knew Conrad worried that
his irreverence and independence would one day jeopardize his status in the
Brotherhood. No doubt his fears held more than a little merit.
    The German responded to his remark about the queen’s lovely
ladies with a roll of his eyes, then rose from the bench and walked across the
room to join the large group of Templar knights and sergeants who had been
invited to celebrate King Guy's birthday.
    Lucien meanwhile was determined to enjoy Lady de Châtillon's
company. He returned his attention to her and saw her studying him. She looked
perplexed by his presence.
    God's bones! She made his pulse quicken! He was indeed on
dangerous ground around her.
    Gabrielle met his dark eyes and wondered if he was sitting
close because of her, or if he was here to indulge in a little flirtation with
the queen's ladies. She had heard his response to his friend. Was Lucien de
Aubric one of those Templars who held to his vows of chastity only if it was
convenient? Over the years, Gabrielle had seen more than a few Templars enjoy
her husband's licentious entertainments at Kerak. Sadly, there was no shortage
of priests and prelates who broke their vows to satisfy their baser