The Saxon Bride (The Norman Conquest Series) by Ashley York Read Free Book Online

and took a small bite. The honey smeared her lips. Quickly, John was leaning toward her, pulling her close. He licked her lips before kissing her. He was so tender that she was moved by the gesture and leaned into hi m, wanting the kiss to continue.
    The burst of applause from those present in the hall surprised Rowena. She smiled in answer when they separated at last. Not all present looked happy with their display of affection. Noticing John had not yet moved away, she realized he was waiting for another kiss. She kissed him chastely. He frowned but pulled back.
    The young man on her left caught her eye. He sat against the wall, his clay whistle on his lap. He had a small smile and looked at her expectantly. It was Cedric, the performer. Too shy to come to the table himself, he was apparently hoping Rowena would intervene on his behalf. She did not disappoint. Trying not to smile at his bashfulness, she turned back toward John.
    "My lord…" Catching him unguarded, she was taken aback by the look of sadness she saw there. It passed so quickly, she wondered if she had imagined it.
    "My lady?"
    A ripple of delight washed over her at the title. She glanced away to hide her pleasure.
    "Our performer tonight is a bit shy and hoping you would enjoy hearing his songs," she said. "He is very good. Will you address him?"
    She tipped her head slightly indicating the man.
    "Please." John smiled warmly at the performer and stood, facing those in hall. "Friends and visitors, let us rejoice in the blessing of music that God has given us by listening to…" realizing he didn't know the man's name, his composure fell slightly and he looked to Rowena to complete the introduction. "Rowena?"
    "Cedric."
    "Cedric." John lifted his cup.
    Applause broke out with murmurs of excitement as th e man stepped into the middle of the hall. A sudden hush fell like a blanket over the hall in anticipation of the entertainment as Cedric produced one long note from his whistle then cleared his throat. No longer the shy young man, he took over the music with confidence, having nothing more than his voice and a whistle.
    Lifting his strong, clear voice, he told the story of the fallen soldier. He had been killed by an arrow and left to die alone by his companions. While he suffered the inevitable, it was a fallow deer that came to be with him. The story was enchanting and one of Rowena's favorites. She brushed away a tear and clapped enthusiastically. Cedric blushed as he bowed low. Next taking up his whistle, the pleasant music increased the peaceful mood that fell over the hushed crowd.
    John wiped at her cheek, his touch light. "That song brought tears?"
    Rowena dipped her head, shrugging a shoulder. "I think it is a lovely story. ‘Tis all."
    "Ah, my wife has great sentiment." He took her hand in his. "I will remember that."
    The way he held her hand was comforting. She felt suddenly less alone.
    "What was the commotion in the yard earlier?" she asked John in a hushed tone without looking directly at him. The quiet sound of the whistle filled the cavernous space .
    "Your men are not accustomed to the size of our war horses. They were frightened." Even with his soft tone his disdain was apparent.
    She stilled and considered why his words sounded insulting. Glancing at the soldiers’ table again, she saw the man who had accosted her in the hall. He was not looking at her now. In fact, he looked as if he were being ostracized by the other men.
    "Who is that man sitting by himself?" Her eyes stayed on him while John looked to see who she meant.
    "He is a new man. I believe his name is Stephen. He is from the king's family."
    Her eyes narrowed as she spoke, "He forced his attention on me in the hall this morning."
    "What? You must be wrong!" John stood before she realized his intent. "Stephen. Come here." His voice was suddenly that of the lord of the manor. Cedric ceased his playing. Unsure what had happened, he looked at the others around the hall. They were