“Do you really need me around here?” Peter asked.
John’s green eyes swiveled in his direction. “Yes, I need you,” he stated. “How could you even ask?”
“I meant just for now.”
“I suppose I can survive. Why?”
“I plan on riding out to Havendell every morning to keep an eye on things.”
“You do that anyway.”
“I might be gone all day.”
“Might?”
“I’ll probably, most likely, be gone all day.”
His brother’s stare had its own personality. “You’re shackled,” John said.
“Shackled?”
“With a ball and chain around your ankle.” John sighed. “Fine. Do what you must, but I still say you should duel Gilburn and take the woman.” He scratched at the stubble on his jaw. “Or just take the woman and be done with it.” He smiled.
“I wish it could be that simple.”
“Have you spoken with her father yet?”
Peter leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “I haven’t. He’s too sick.”
“Make a special request of Lady Havendell. Surely she would agree to letting you see him. You’re a far better match for her daughter than Gilburn.” He said the man’s name as if it left a bad taste in his mouth. It made Peter smile.
“I tried, although I didn’t tell her of my intent. It’s too soon for that.”
“Her husband is dying. Wait too long and Gilburn may, heaven forbid, sway even Zipporah.”
“She would never marry him. She knows better.”
“Not unless she was forced.” John lifted his brows.
“Which is why I’m keeping an eye on her.”
“You can’t watch her all the time.”
“I know.” Peter shrugged. “I’m just a knight, and Zipporah is Lord Havendell’s only living child.”
“Gilburn is only a knight as well.”
“With his lord wrapped around his finger, and Prince John to back him up.”
“I could die so that you can become Lord Ravenmore.”
Peter laughed. “Could you now?”
“I can see it.” John held his hands out before him. “I’ll go down like the heroes of old. Perhaps you can erect a statue of me in the inner bailey.”
“No, you would like that too much.”
John grinned, then his brow creased and his smile receded. “I’ve always liked the girl, but I hope Zipporah’s worth the energy you’re expending. What side of her door do you guard her from these days?”
Peter shook his head. “Now that is none of your business.”
Laughing, John stood. “Get something to eat, and promise me you’ll sleep tonight. You’re keeping me awake with your pacing.”
Peter watched his brother walk off. John must have waited up just for him. The two of them had left behind their widowed mother when they’d gone on Crusade. After she had died, several months back, John had been given leave from service and sent home to take care of his estate. Peter, being John’s first knight, had been sent home with him. Peter didn’t like letting his brother down at a time when he could use his help. But he had a responsibility to Zipporah as well.
Torn, and hating the feeling, Peter stood and wandered toward the kitchens, hoping to at least find something to keep his stomach from growling all night long.
Darcy Branwyn 
Leave a comment