Read Defy Not the Heart for Free Online

she was waiting for the giant to speak again. But he did not, did no more than glower at Walter de Breaute for making light of his embarrassment.
    They might have given their names, but Reina was aware they had not really said who they were. Still, courtesy demanded. “I am Reina de Champeney andI bid you welcome to Clydon. Your arrival was most timely, as I am sure you have realized.”
    Walter was quick to forestall her thanks. “How long were you under siege?”
    “There was no siege. They attacked with the dawn, after their man who had passed the night with us opened the outer gates to them.”
    “And you went out to fight them yourself?”
    Now that the giant was heard from again, his contempt unmistakable, Reina could have wished he had kept his mouth shut. “To fight, nay. My man. Sir William, was bedfast, and there was no one else capable of taking charge.”
    “You sent for help?”
    “There was no time,” Reina answered without thinking, then paled to realize what a fool she was to give him that information before knowing his purpose there.
    He might have saved her from one devil, but he could as like as not be another. And she would swear he seemed relieved with her answer, that his lips were not so tightly drawn now, his stance more relaxed.
    “Why have you no—”
    Reina cut hint off. “You have not said what brings you to Clydon Castle.”
    “We come from your lord.”
    Reina relaxed at once. That was a strange way to say he was from Guy of Shefford, but then he was a strange man. They no doubt had been asked to deliver another letter from the earl’s castellan on their way past Clydon, since she had not yet answered the last one as to the date of her wedding. Nor could she answer this one, at least not until John de Lascelles arrived next week and she knew whether he would beagreeable to marrying her or not. Lord Richard, whom she would have preferred to wed, was still in Ireland, according to his castellan’s last reply, seeing to his father’s lands there. The man had been unable to tell her when Richard would return. But these were her problems and must await another time.
    Since these men were vassals to Shefford, as she was now herself, it was her due to have their help, so she need not feel quite so beholden. But they were indeed welcome, even if they were only Shefford retainers.
    “Forgive my abruptness, Sir Ranulf. I must confess I am sore overset by this morning’s happenings. I will answer all of your questions, but allow me, please, to see to your comfort first.” At his reluctant nod, she sighed with relief and turned to Aubert, who was just now dusting off his clothes from his sprawl in the rushes. She was too tired to bother with her own. “Get the servants back to set up the tables for dinner, then send my steward to me for further orders. He will see to Sir Ranulf’s men, so you report to Lady Margaret. I wish to know how Sir William fares. Theo, find Dame Hilary and have her prepare several chambers, with baths for each, and wine. Do not forget the wine. And send Lady Elaine to the wounded. I took care of the most needful, but there is still minor stitching to do, and ’tis time she learned to apply her needle to flesh. Then you may see to me.”
    Walter watched her walk away from them and shook his head. “She can barely stand up, let alone get to her chamber, and God’s wounds, did you hear the way she took command, and she such a tiny thing? Mayhap I should help her…” His words trailed offas Ranulf left his side, and his mouth dropped open when be saw Ranulf had left to follow the lady himself.
    Ranulf reached her in only three strides and scooped her up in his arms. He heard her gasp but ignored it, continuing on to the stairs she had been heading toward.
    “You should not wear armor if you cannot carry its weight,” was all he said.
    Well she knew it but did not say so, too afeard at the moment of his intent. But that fear lasted only as long as it took him to