How to Train Your Knight: A Medieval Romance Novel by Stella Marie Alden Read Free Book Online Page A

eyesight.
    He mounted his charger with a thick blanket instead of saddle. His stomach growled, reminding him he’d miss breaking-of-fast yet again. By God, if she had a lover, this would be the end of it. He wouldn’t be guessing the lineage of his sons. This was her gratitude for the infinite patience he’d shown her? Damn the woman.
    Lady Ann paused and glanced over her shoulder. She had the oddest feeling of being pursued, but that was ridiculous. She’d used this ruse with her previous husband for months without issue. The sun rose higher and warmed her face, chasing away fears. When the path narrowed into the woods, she took off her silly cap. Her hair blew around her head and into her eyes. She laughed and brought Nellie to a cantor.
    Today, she was scheduled to check the fields, the glazier, and the miller. The tradesmen would do their accounts with her and they’d make plans for the next few weeks. These tasks could’ve been left for Stephen, but her people needed to be assured. Life had to continue as normal until she could figure a way out of this mess.
    Small white and purple violets dotted the sides of the road, infusing the air with their scent, along with mud, lilacs, and spring grasses. I wonder if purple violets can be crushed into dye. The new vat in town needs to be full if we’re to make any real coin come fall.
    She passed by thatched roofs where the wool was stacked to stay dry. Several men were already outside working on separation and she waved. They’d need to pre-dye the wool to intensify the color before they spun it. She sighed and hummed. The whole town had work to do, and this morning Brother James’ sermon had been so uplifting. He spoke of God’s bounty. Her thought’s wandered to the strange knight in Sally’s room as the forest thickened again. Something was familiar about him. His voice when he spoke softly, it sounded like—
    Lord Thornhill’s son!
    The Beast !
    And she’d been so nice to him.
    But last night, he wasn’t at all beastly. In fact, he was almost a gentleman. “He’s neither kind nor gentle,” she argued out loud. He’d said the words himself. Admitted to torture.
    Her good mood passed as quickly as the warm, spring weather. A storm thundered in the west, she shuddered, and the wind blew through her. She paused despite the weather, to enjoy the rolling of the great mill wheel. Water whooshed in the giant cups, filling over and over. What a thing of wonder.
    A drop of rain reminded her of her duties. “What ho,” she shouted from atop Nellie.
    Old gray Josiah limped down the stairs of the stone mill. He grabbed Nellie’s reins, gave her a pat, and met the nag, cheek to cheek. “What ho to you. I heard you’re wed again?”
    “Aye, I suppose.” She tried, unsuccessfully, not to show her feelings.
    He looked over her attire. “Hiding already?”
    “Aye.” She slipped one leg around and he helped her dismount.
    “He’s not beat you?” Frowning, he touched her purple jaw.
    She winced and grabbed her ledgers from the basket hanging on the saddle. “That was just an accident before the wedding. I haven’t given him a chance to hurt me.”
    “But we met the new lord yesterday. He seemed like a fine man . Good lineage and stout heart.” He sent her a look and tone that challenged.
    “You met him?” Not fair . She was going to warn her people before the knight had a chance to worm into their good graces. She pouted. No one should like The Beast.
    “Aye, we shared a glass of mead and spoke of the business of the mill. He stayed for, but a few minutes. Said he was anxious to get home to you.” He winked and put her horse under the roof of the mill.
    “Now, come in out of the weather. It’s about to downpour. Then we can talk about flour and grain and coin. My favorite subjects and yours.”
    At the end of the day, Marcus eased into the warmth of the pool.
    Soon after, Thomas ascended a few steps and stripped. “Where have you been all day? I almost