Love's Call by C. A. Szarek Read Free Book Online Page A

a simple tunic covered by a hunter green jerkin.
    The Rider.
    Avril owed her thanks for finding her.
    When had they entered the room?
    She hadn’t even heard the door. Avril’s eyes darted around the room. The healer, the three ladies, two maids, plus her knight. Everyone was looking at her.
    Her head swam, and she gripped the bedding with her free hand until her knuckles whitened.
    Lord Dagget exchanged a look with Sir Roduch Avril didn’t miss, then the knight squeezed the hand that still rested in his.
    She took a breath. The small gesture calmed. The room stopped spinning.
    “Aimil-love, Cera, Ansley, give her some space,” the healer admonished gently, stepping toward the women. “She hasn’t even eaten yet.”
    “I apologize,” Lady Aldern said, smiling. “I was eager to meet you and see how you are this morning.”
    Avril scooted closer to Sir Roduch, wishing he was still on the bed so she could tuck herself into him, which was ridiculous, because none of the ladies meant her any harm.
    “I’m…I’m fine.” Manners, Avril. “Good morning, Lady Aldern? Mistress Fraser? Lady—” She inclined her head to each woman.
    Both redheads nodded, confirming Avril’s assumption.
    “Aimil,” the dark-haired girl said, smiling. “I’m Tristan’s wife.” She gestured to the healer, who reached for her hand.
    “I’m sure Avril and Roduch are hungry. They’ve had a long night. Let’s let them eat, and give Avril a chance to bathe,” Lord Dagget said.
    Avril’s knight’s shoulders loosened.
    She too relaxed a bit. Soon she would be alone with him again. She could get her bearings. And a bath would be heavenly.
    “Of course,” Lady Aldern said. “Meara?”
    “Yes, milady?” The girl hurried away from the tray of food and curtsied before the duchess.
    “Why don’t you head down to the stores and find a few things for Avril to wear.”
    Meara grinned, dimples visible, and nodded, her pigtails bobbing. “Yes, right away, milady.”
    Lady Aldern’s smile lit up her beautiful face. Lord Dagget and the Rider grinned. Lady Aimil had her hand to her mouth, as if she was hiding a smile. Even Sir Roduch looked amused.
    Avril studied the girl. She didn’t sense much magic, but as she concentrated, Meara’s aura flickered into view. Its pale pastels revealed the girl was pure of heart and content. Bubbly. No doubt she rarely went without a smile.
    Envy rolled over Avril.
    How could a young maid, whose duty was to serve people, be so happy?
    “What’s your favorite color?” Meara asked, looking straight at Avril.
    Gazing into the maid’s open sincere expression, Avril let go of her ill feelings. Meara was lovely.
    Perhaps we can be friends?
    Roduch chuckled, the ladies were grinning. Only Morag had tsked, but none of the others paid her any notice.
    Avril struggled for words, biting back a gulp. No one had ever asked her preferences before. Tynan had bought her three new dresses when they’d gotten married, but he’d picked them out.
    They’d been what he’d wanted her to wear. Dark colored, drab, and too old for her in style. She’d hated them every time she’d donned one. He’d even thrown out all the gowns she’d brought from home.
    She’d had the same three garments for four turns. Mended time and time again. Lady Cera had thrown out the gown Avril had worn the most.
    “Go on, lass, you can answer her,” Roduch said, amusement in his tone.
    Her eyes darted to his before meeting Meara’s light brown eyes. “Umm…I like blue. Light blue.”
    The maid nodded curtly and left the room whistling.
    “I’ll have to have a word with that one,” the headwoman muttered.
    “She’s fine, Morag,” Lady Cera said.
    Morag said nothing, but her brow furrowed. Then she bowed and slipped into the privy room with a bucket of fresh supplies.
    “Thank…thank you, Lady Aldern,” Avril said.
    “It’s nothing, but you’re welcome.” She smiled, resting a hand on her swollen belly.
    “I’ll be back