Free Betrothal (Time Enough To Love) by Jenna Jaxon Page A

allowing Alyse to choose their roles for the procession had simply been another attempt at chivalry, yet now that decision seemed reckless. Suddenly, he doubted her judgment, and his own in allotting her the task. He heartily wished he could recall his words, no matter the delight they had inspired in her. Should he go to her and retract his offer? Geoffrey groaned at the thought. He could not go back on his word. Could he at least seek her out to find the direction of her thoughts?
    Dread at the coming encounter stole through his heart as Geoffrey strode from the room, leaving the courtiers still avidly discussing the approaching festivities.
     

Chapter 8
     
    When Geoffrey disappeared from sight, Alyse sighed, for once sorry to see him go. Her admiration for her betrothed had risen several notches since the end of Mass. If truth be told, it had been rising ever since their first stormy meeting. He had proved himself gallant last night at dinner and compassionate toward her this morning after church. Now, with this remarkable gesture regarding the procession, her fears for her coming marriage had greatly dissipated.
    She could scarce believe he had dared ask the king to allow her the great honor of riding beside him. Then to have granted her the choice of the knight and lady they were to portray…’twas an honor she would never have dreamed he would accord her, especially on such short acquaintance. Surely, the gesture spoke of his confidence in her discretion and wisdom, her ability to show him to the best advantage before the king and court. A trust she vowed to uphold.
    At once, the weight of the decision pressed down on her. She had to choose wisely, lest she and Geoffrey be ridiculed throughout the court. With a shake of her shoulders, she went to her duty with the princess, knowing she would think about Geoffrey Longford and the knights of the Round Table the whole long afternoon.
    “Lady Alyse, you are come late from chapel, I think.” The gentle voice of Princess Joanna greeted her as she slipped into the chamber. She had hoped the young princess would not notice her tardiness.
    She turned, noting Anne and Maurya already in their accustomed places on benches alongside the princess, and curtsied deeply to Joanna, seated at the end of the reception chamber. “I beg pardon, Your Highness. I meant no disrespect. Sir Geoffrey, my betrothed, had news to impart that kept me a little while.” The sudden memory of the kiss that had detained her further brought fire to her face.
    “Then come sit by me, Alyse, and tell us your news.” Joanna smiled and indicated the seat of honor at her right side. “Is it regarding your nuptials?”
    “No, Your Highness. There is no other news about my marriage.” Alyse smiled back. Joanna had asked hundreds of questions about her wedding in the past two days. The princess’s own marriage to Prince Pedro of Spain loomed large in the fourteen-year-old’s mind, so she had questioned Alyse daily about hers.
    “Then what great news has Sir Geoffrey given you? I can see you are glowing with excitement. Your cheeks are red.” The princess laughed, and Alyse dropped her gaze to her lap to hide her hot face.
    “Sir Geoffrey tells me I am to ride in the procession to the tournament this week.”
    A burst of chatter erupted at Alyse’s words. All the ladies-in-waiting knew the princess would ride with her father’s chancellor, Sir Robert Bouchier, and that they would be garbed as Sir Pellinor and Niniane, the Lady of the Lake. This news had fed their conversation for the past week. Now, however, all eyes turned to Alyse, the questions coming sharp and fast.
    “You are truly to ride in the procession, Alyse?”
    “Where will you be placed?”
    “What knight will Sir Geoffrey portray?”
    “Who will you be?”
    Despite the barrage of questions, Alyse remained undaunted. Her excitement carried her onward as she tried to answer everyone at once. “Sir Geoffrey told me he did beg the