Luke glanced down at Isabelle, and she couldn't help but grin at the expression of sheer shock. She nodded.
He was so busy watching Isabelle that he missed the velvet hat smacking him across the face. “Take that.”
“Hey!” Luke grabbed the hat out of Thindle's hands. “Stop that.”
“Unhand my woman, you wretch.” Thindle's brows knit to a fierce scowl and his fists were clenched while he pranced around as if he were a boxer, “We're going to fight for her, you and me.”
Isabelle took the hat from Luke's hand and threw it at Thindle. “I'm not your woman.”
Thindle grabbed her arm. “I'm the richest man in the region, and I want you.”
With the whole of her strength, Isabelle thrust Thindle from her. He tripped backward on his boots and fell onto the dirt. He picked himself up, brushing the dirt from his clothes.“Your father will be interested in hearing that your maidenhood is at risk. I look forward to my conversation with him.”
Isabelle grabbed Luke's hand. “We'd better hurry. We need to get to my father before Thindle.”
*
Thindle delighted in the opportunity. Once Edward learned of his daughter's loose morals, he would have no choice but to marry her off. He found Edward walking with his wife through the vendor booths.
With a nod to Edward's wife, Thindle made his request. “Edward, may I speak with you for a moment?”
“I only have a short time. My wife has not dragged me through all of the tents yet, and I'd like to have supper before sundown.” He winked at his wife, whose face was as fresh and pretty as the day they met. Maybe an extra laugh line or two about the eyes.
“Indeed. I've heard that wives can be a bit of trouble. Looking at the crowd, Thindle tugged on Edward's sleeve. “We need a spot of quiet for the news I bring.”
In a low whisper in the small space between two tents, Thindle gravely spoke of seeing Edward's daughter, Isabelle, kissing a paladin in the stables.
“I see. That is terrible news.” Edward said.
“Imagine my shock when I saw her wrapped around him like a scarf.” Thindle's face flushed, “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to give you such an image.”
“Does that mean you are withdrawing your suit?” Edward asked.
“No. But if you need her married sooner rather than late, I'm willing to take on the challenge. I won't allow the girl to run off once she's mine.” Thindle slapped Edward on the shoulder as if they were old friends.
Edward rubbed his beard, “I still haven't spoken to Isabelle yet. I want her to be happy above all.”
A sudden commotion in the crowd drew Thindle and Edward's attention. Luke and Isabelle were holding hands and out of breath as they arrived. They had gone left when Thindle went right. He'd been lucky and found Edward first. “Have you seen Papa?”
Edward stepped into the open, Thindle right behind him.
“There's the miscreant.” Thindle pointed to Luke.
Edward took a deep breath when he saw Isabelle's flushed face and the look of adoration she gave Luke. He reminded himself that he couldn't very well kill someone for loving his little girl. “Luke, you will meet us for dinner at the dining tent where we will discuss today's events. Isabelle, you'll be accompanying your mother and I until that time. Good day, Luke, Thindle.”
Isabelle squeezed Luke's hand . “Don't look so worried. Everything will be fine.”
“Isabelle!” Edward called her impatiently to his side.
“Sorry.” Isabelle didn't look the least bit sorry. She actually looked quite pleased with herself. And Edward couldn't help but see the stunned expression on Luke's face when he looked at her. So, Thindle had told the truth. As a father, the idea brought with it a painful melancholy. His little girl was a woman now and ready to make her way in the world.
*
The next afternoon as contestants were taking position on the field, Isabelle waved at Luke, the other hand shielding her eyes from the sun. He carried her favor, a cheery yellow ribbon, for good luck.
“So are you two betrothed or not?” Stefan handed her a tart and took a bite of his own.
“My father said that if he earned enough coin to buy a house and land that he would allow us to be married. Until then, I am free. Father doesn't want to tie me to a betrothal in case I change my mind.”
Stefan nodded, his mouth full of tart.
“Why aren't you in the tournament? Swordplay is your best event.” Isabelle daintily took a bite of the blackberry tart and watched Luke step into the ring.
“I'm a better swordsman than Luke. He's been talking since yesterday about buying land, and every coin counts. Told him I pulled my shoulder. He'll be taking this tournament's purse at the least.” Stefan's eyes laughed with true joy while he stretched his perfectly fine shoulder muscles.
Isabelle thought of the adventures a man might seek when scratching for coin. She cheered for Luke when he won the round and smiled at Stefan, “You're a good man. Watch after him, will you?”
Stefan tilted his head, “Funny. Your father stopped in the stables this morning and asked the very same.”
“What?”
“I'm to make sure Luke stays safe while at the same time keeping an eye out when you visit. Your father must know you well. He’s afraid you'll fall under a paladin's sway.” Stefan teased, finishing up his tart and wiping his hands on a kerchief. “I guess that mean's I'm to make sure you don't kiss. A hug or two would no doubt be appropriate.”
Covered in dirt and grass stains and sweat, Luke strode triumphantly from the field. Lifting her skirt, Isabelle shoved her half-eaten tart into Stefan’s hand.“Close your eyes.”
She ran to the field and was swept into Luke's arms for a paladin's kiss.
*
Stefan’s story can be found in Dark Visions: First Love. Luke and Isabelle also appear in the Dark Visions Series.
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Jeanette Raleigh has been spending much of her time writing. This year Book 2 in the series, Dark Visions: Lost Love will be published. when not busy at work, she loves painting, hiking and reading.
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Friday Afternoon