Page 52 of Veil of Winter

“Are you always so humble, deflecting praise?”

Elyce thought about it for a moment. Praise had been a rare occurrence in her life. But instead of telling him that and risking sounding pathetic and asking for his pity, she said, “I am truthful.”

“You were very impressive. I only had to stand there and look like a fierce fighter.”

Elyce laughed, then covered her mouth.

“Do you doubt my fierceness in battle?”

“Oh no, of course not.” But Elyce was still smiling.

Sir Gerard had a smile on his lips. He had been trying to make her laugh, far from being offended by her laughter. How refreshing to be around someone with a lively and self-deprecating sense of humor.

“I suppose we have nothing to do the rest of the day until supper. I think we could all use some rest after...”

Sir Gerard was looking at her so strangely, she stopped in mid-speech.

“There is a garden adjacent to the castle. It’s covered in snow, but there are some statues and walking paths. Would you like to explore it?”

“Yes, that sounds relaxing. A pretty garden. But I believe I should change my dress. I don’t want to drag this hem through the muddy snow.”

They stopped at Elyce’s door. Sir Gerard said, “I will knock on your door in half an hour.”

“I shall be ready.” Elyce went into her room and shut the door.

He wanted her to explore the castle garden with him! Could it be? Could he be in love with her?

She was being silly again, imagining he was in love with her when he’d only asked her to take a walk.

“What did King Wenceslaus say?” Ysa’s eyes were wide as she waited to hear.

“He will send three dozen men and a letter.”

“That is good, is it not?”

“It is, very good. Help me get out of this dress. I’m going for a walk in the castle garden.”

“Oh? Did the king invite you?”

“No, Sir Gerard.”

“Is that wise? To be alone with him?”

“We will be in the garden. What do you mean?”

“I only mean... that is, you do not think he is trying to woo you, do you? After all, he is a foreign knight and you are the Princess of Montciel. You cannot possibly marry him.”

“Why should we not marry?”

“My lady?” Ysa’s already wide eyes widened even more.

“He is a good man, from a noble family, brave and true. How much better to marry a good man like Sir Gerard than someone like Count Rodrigo, who cares naught for God’s laws?”

Ysa stared at her with open mouth. “You cannot be thinking of marrying him. Even if you love him, you must think of what’s best for Montciel.”

“That is exactly what I have been thinking of, the people of Montciel. If I married Rodrigo, it would not—”

“I know that, but you must marry another nobleman, a prince or even a king, and create an alliance that could help keep Montciel safe for generations.”