Choose the Sky: A Medieval Romance (Swordcross Knights Book 2) by Elizabeth Cole Read Free Book Online Page B

of the swan. Had he moved the chest somewhere else? Had he concealed it for a reason only he knew? Perhaps he’d done it just before his illness struck. Unfortunately, the location of the chest was now locked away in his own mind, a better lock than any iron device a blacksmith could forge.
    Several months ago, Godfrey had rallied for a time, and Mina actually asked him where the money was. He’d answered in an indignant way —of course the money was safe in the treasury, where else would it be? Mina didn’t press the matter, fearing that any excitement would hurt him. Indeed, she blamed herself for his subsequent relapse, even though Joscelin, who was at Trumwell at the time, told her that it wasn’t her fault.
    Now, Mina withdrew the tiny pouch of silver coins that Joscelin had given her, and placed it on a shelf. It looked so pathetic, sitting there. It was hardly worth keeping in the treasury, but it represented most of what she had. She’d sold nearly all her jewelry to pay the wages of the garrison. She’d sold some of the more valuable objects owned by the family to pay for grain and meat that could not be grown or hunted. Yet, every quarter the money dwindled further.
    What can I do?
she asked silently. What else could she do, other than keep a tight rein on expenses, and pray for her father’s recovery?
    She turned away before the tears clouding her eyes could fall. She would
not
cry.
    Mina locked the door, and took a few deep breaths to steady herself.
    When she walked into the great hall, a servant dashed over to her. “My lady, a runner has just come. The guests you mentioned will be here by this afternoon.”
    None of her prayers would be heard, it seemed. She had prayed most fervently for the irritating Luc of Braecon to be diverted to another path. “Tell the kitchens to cook a meal suitable for a noble guest. The chambers are prepared?”
    “Yes, my lady. All is as you instructed.”
    She nodded. She’d be damned if her poverty would be revealed to visitors. She’d show every courtesy to her guests, no matter what the expense. “Very well. I’ll be in my chamber. Alert me when the lord’s retinue is sighted.”
    All too soon, news of her visitor came.
    Domina patted down the skirts of her gown. The gown was not nearly as fancy as what she wore to court. This was only a plain woolen dress, the blue color somewhat faded as the dyes ran out with each washing. Constance had redone the trim with new ribbon purchased in London, and Mina felt the dress would pass, especially among men who would not notice a thing like the tiny patches at the hem. She wryly surveyed her reflection in a hammered mirror. They would notice the neckline, not the fabric.
    She walked to the front entrance of the keep, waiting patiently for the retinue to enter the castle gates. The cold air bit at her exposed skin.
    “Do you not want your cloak, my lady?” Constance whispered.
    Mina gave one short shake of her head.
    The sound of hooves echoed, and then the retinue rode in, not unlike an invading army. It was smaller than Mina feared. She’d assumed the lord Luc would have a string of servants with him, not to mention numerous horses and mules who would all require room and board.
    Fewer than ten people rode in. Luc was the most visible, riding at the front, the hood of his cloak down so he could look about. He was followed by another man whose face was concealed because his cowl was up, though the heavy cloak couldn’t hide the broad shoulders of a knight. Three more men followed, probably men-at-arms. Behind them, four squires rode, each managing a few pack animals.
    Luc rode all the way up to the steps of the keep before reining in his horse and dismounting. Something in Mina hoped he’d show discomfort after a day of riding, but he looked quite comfortable, almost as if he were returning home after a short jaunt.
    “My lord, you are welcome to Trumwell Castle,” she said formally.
    “I thank you, my lady