The Angel's Assassin by Samantha Holt Read Free Book Online Page B

that Hocktide was already upon them. A
time of celebration and play, Alderweald had always enjoyed this day. The
villeins would take two days from their work and much feasting took place.
Though Annabel was aware traditions varied from place to place, in Alderweald
much fun was had when the village women were bound by the men and offered their
freedom in return for coin. The next day, the same would be done to the men and
their coin given to the parish funds. She wondered how Alderweald was faring
now it was under the hand of the rebels. Her heart ached with sorrow briefly,
allowing a melancholy rarely felt to resonate within her.
    Nicholas seemed to
sense her brief drop in spirits and murmured in her ear, causing her to
shudder.
    “There shall be
much revelry tonight; mayhap you would like to join in?”
    Annabel perked at
the thought. Some time spent dancing and feasting would surely help her regain
her usual positive outlook.
    “Aye, I should like
that very much.”
    “You shall need to
stay within my sight, my lady.”
    Annabel lips
twisted with amusement. “I suppose you shall be watching over me carefully, and
what fun will there to be had then?”
    “I shall be. ‘Tis
my job,” he told her perfunctorily.
    Annabel laughed,
aware Nicholas didn’t understand the she was teasing, but even as she did so
she felt a great sadness for the knight. How was it that he was unable take
pleasure in aught? Mayhap tonight she could show him the joy that could be
found in life.
    The inn now stood
in front of them, standing rather more proudly than the shabby homes that
surrounded it. It was a two storey building with outer stairs leading to what
Annabel assumed was the guest rooms. A large stable indicated that most of the
travellers were wealthy people, likely travelling through to London and
Hampshire. The deep pockets of its guests probably explained why it looked in
better repair than the rest of the village.
    Nicholas aided Annabel
down from the mount, his fingers linking briefly with hers. He dropped her hand
quickly before motioning to the oak door that stood open in the base of the
building and handing the reins to a stable hand. The smell of cooked vegetables
and herbs wafted from it and Annabel took a grateful sniff, already dreaming of
tucking into a hot meal.
    Nicholas’ leather
covered hand touched her again, this time curling around her elbow, as he led
her through the doorway. Almost possessively, he kept her close as she surveyed
the room.
    The fire pit had
been lit, radiating a glow that seemed to seep under her skin, instantly
soothing her. The long tables and benches were rough, but clean, and several
guests were tucking eagerly into supper.
    The innkeeper
greeted them genially, his countenance probably stemming from a need to keep
his rich patrons happy. He was a large man with a ruddy face and nose, and
crooked teeth, but Annabel immediately liked him, sensing him to be honest and
hardworking.
    Leading them back
out of the dining hall, he escorted them up the stairs and along a hallway that
spanned the length of the building. When they reached the end, he pushed open a
creaking door to reveal their chambers for the night.
    Nicholas quickly
dismissed the innkeeper with the slip of a coin into his palm and stepped in
after Annabel, filling the room with his broad shoulders and dark presence.
    Annabel looked
warily around the small room. It was pleasant enough, with two plump looking
pallets and already lit candles, but Nicholas’ proximity disturbed her
suddenly. She had never been in an enclosed space with him before and it
heightened her awareness of him, her skin prickling with sensation.
    “Is all well, my
lady?”
    She turned with a
start to see him staring at her in confusion. What he had to be confused about,
she knew not, but it was not the first time she had seen him watching her with
a perplexed look upon his face.
    “Aye…” She bit at
her lip. “Are we to share?”
    He nodded.