Free Candace C. Bowen - A Knight Series 02 by A Knight of Battle Page A

stops us?”
    “He would never create a scene in such a place.”
    “How do you know?”
    “Justice de Glanville has a close acquaintanceship with a baron well known to me. Men of their ilk prefer aiming at the backs of their enemies, not facing them head on.”
    “He is as vile as I thought him to be.” Inhaling a deep calming breath, Lecie pasted a smile on her face and gently squeezed his arm in thanks. “You could not have come at a more opportune time.”
    “Had I known he was in town, I would not have left you at all.”
    Once they were out of sight of the justice, Talan turned back to them with a grim look. “I think it best if I were to return Mylla home.”
    “Unfortunately, I agree,” Albin responded. “I shall escort Lecie back to the inn and meet back up with you at the ale stand.”
    Lecie glanced towards the center of the square where the stage was set. “What of the children? Shall we fetch them as well?”
    “Leofrick will keep an eye on them until I return,” Albin assured her. “At least they can still enjoy the day.”
    Hugging Mylla, Lecie whispered, “Have faith in him.”
    “I shall,” Mylla whispered back. “You do the same.”
    Setting off in opposite directions, Lecie led the way through the milling throngs as Albin lightly rested his hand on the small of her back.
    A pair of jesters briefly blocked their way, dancing around them and tossing flower petals above their heads. Bowing low before her, one of the jesters presented Lecie with a blue silk kerchief.
    Accepting a coin from Albin, his glowering gaze had them moving off as a group of children followed behind.
    Albin slowed as they passed through the last of the stalls. Spotting a table set with an array of hair ornaments, he guided her forward. “Take your pick to remember the day by.”
    “That is not necessary, Sir Albin. I shall always remember this day.”
    Gesturing to the table with a sweep of his hand, he smiled. “Humor me.”
    Her stomach fluttering by the look in his eyes, Lecie perused the hair combs. Her eye resting on a delicate silver comb fashioned into a butterfly, she picked it up. “This one is beautiful.”
    Settling a price with the vendor, Albin passed the man a few coins.
    “Thank you, Sir Albin,” she spoke as soon as they stepped away from the booth.
    “You are most welcome. May I?” Taking the comb from Lecie’s hand, he smoothed the hair behind her ear to fasten it. “Beautiful indeed.”  
    Once they were clear of crowd, Albin once again extended his arm to her. “It is not how I envisioned the day to go.”
    “Aside from the justice’s appearance, I found it quite enjoyable.”
    “You are just saying that to be kind.”
    Pleased to have him all to herself she glanced up at him. “It is the truth.”
    Cupping her hand where it rested lightly on his arm, Albin smiled. “I often think you are too good to be true.”
    At a loss for what to say, Lecie nervously changed the subject. “Do you think Sir Talan would have drawn his sword against the king’s justice?”
    “Where Mylla is concerned I have ceased to be surprised by what the lad does.”
    “Still, you do not think he would have actually done it? Surely he would have been cut down on the spot.”
    “A man in love is not bound to be rational when his love is threatened, regardless of the cost to himself.”
    Drawing to a halt, Lecie looked up at him. “Is their love hopeless, Sir Albin?”
    Albin cupped her cheek with a sad smile. “I believe where there is love there is always hope.”
    “I shall pray it is so.”
    Looking away, he heaved an uneasy breath. “I best see you back.”
    They walked the rest of the way in silence, each lost to their own thoughts. 
    Entering through the back door of the inn, Lecie smiled up at him. “Thank you for the day and the beautiful comb.”
    “It was my pleasure.”
    Her heart began to pound as he met her gaze. Swallowing hard, her lips parted to speak and felt foolish when she could