Knight Errant by Rue Allyn Read Free Book Online Page B

them, she could have found such intense pleasure. The longing to repeat the kiss and perhaps seek greater sweetness in his arms increased her grief.
    She had escaped Basti, but that poor woman had not. Perhaps if circumstances had been reversed, Seraphina would still live, would even now serve the Beguine community in ways far superior to Juliana’s small efforts. If she had been in Seraphina’s place, Juliana knew she would not want her sisters to weep and moan but to act. That was what she must do, for Seraphina’s sake and for the sake of all Beguines. She must continue with her mission to aid their fellowship in Palermo. She must rid herself of Sir Robert Clarwyn.
    More tears clouded her vision as she acknowledged the rightness of her plans. How had it happened that in a few short weeks he had become essential to her? Else why weep at the necessity of cutting ties with him? ’Twas not to be borne.
    She licked her lips and tasted salt. She had cried enough. With the back of her hand she swiped at the damp tracks on her face. Berthild approached, carrying a trencher. Across the room, Sir Robert stood talking with Henry.
    “Are you well, dear?” Berthild offered the food.
    Juliana eyed the savory meats and vegetables laid out on the bread suspiciously.
    Berthild smiled. “Cook is drunk again. The innkeeper’s wife prepared this.”
    Suddenly aware of her hunger, Juliana fell upon the food.
    “You seem well enough,” murmured the older Beguine, and she stroked a hand down Juliana’s hair.
    Juliana nodded, focused on eating, and ignored Sir Robert’s approaching footsteps.
    “Aye, she is well enough physically, Berthild, for now.” Fierce displeasure rumbled in his voice.
    Just to confirm the ire she heard, Juliana cast a swift glance at the storm in the knight’s green eyes. “Please leave us, Berthild.”
    “I do not think I should.”
    She knew the older woman worried about her, but Juliana felt safe with Sir Robert, safer than she had ever felt. She did not understand why she trusted him. She had seen anger and fury in his eyes. He disdained the beliefs that prompted her every action. He opposed her at every turn. He was no different from other men. So why trust him to keep her safe? Perhaps Berthild was right to worry. Still, she offered reassurance to her friend.
    “I will be fine.”
    The Beguine gathered the others and left the room.
    Sir Robert loomed over her. “Do you recall what I said I would do if you ever placed yourself in danger again?”
    Juliana sat up, setting the trencher aside. She folded her hands together and fixed her smile in place. “I have been shaken sufficiently for one day, sir.”
    “Aye. ’Tis all that keeps me from rattling your bones now.” He paced away from her.
    She waited.
    “What in the world possessed you to leave the inn?”
    “I only thought to help find us a ship.”
    “With Basti lurking about?” he shouted.
    “I did not know for certain that he was here, and I took Henry with me for safety’s sake.”
    “And much good that did.”
    “We did not expect to encounter a mob.”
    “And I did not expect to have to search a mob to find you. Nor to have to . . . to . . .” He thrust his hands through his hair. “To do what I did.”
    The kiss hung between them, like a blade that would cut any who dared approach it. If he wanted to ignore that thrilling touch of lips, so be it. She waited, watching him pace, certain he had more ire to spew.
    “Henry tells me you found a ship and plan to leave on the morning tide.” His voice cut, hard and sharp.
    “Aye.”
    “Exactly how many people did you arrange for this ship to transport?”
    So he was worried that she intended to go to Palermo and defy his order to take ship for England. Well, she did intend it. She had never told him otherwise. “Three Beguines, one cook, one groom, and four mules.”
    “Come morning the ship will be short one passenger.”
    “Nay. I must go to Palermo. Berthild and Gretle alone