Page 11 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“I would give anythin’ to have a respectful nobleman look at me in any way besides disgust. Dinna ruin this chance, Raven. Ye have the opportunity to marry well and be rich and respected. Ye have everythin’ to look forward to, so dinna do somethin’ that ye’ll regret someday. Like I did.” She frowned and looked at the floor.

“Oh, Lark. If I could, I’d change places with you in a minute. You are welcome to any of the noblemen who want me for their bride, because I don’t want a one of them.”

“If only it were that easy.”

“Come.” Raven placed the boar bristle brush down on the dressing table. “Let’s go have some fun.” She took her cousin’s hand and dragged her toward the door.

“I’m no’ sure I like the sound of this, Raven. What are ye goin’ to do?”

“I’m not sure yet,” said Raven with a smile. “However, I assure you it’ll be whatever it takes to make every eligible nobleman run the other way.”

Chapter 4

“Is it really necessary that I wear this?” Jonathon stood with Rook in the castle’s guardhouse, staring down at the clothes that Rook insisted he wear. They were the clothes of a castle guard. The tunic depicted the Blake crest of a silvery-white eagle with wings and talons spread and ready for attack, emblazoned over an azure field. He wore a pair of breeches that came down just below the knee with hose underneath. His feet were clad in leather boots. Over his shoulders was a long cloak made of black silk. At least he was able to wear his own weapon belt that included his sword and dagger that he’d constructed himself. Still, it all felt too pretentious. He wasn’t really a castle guard. He was naught but an armorer, and a mercenary at times.

“Aye, it’s necessary,” insisted Rook, handing him a metal helm.

“The helm too?” Jonathon shook his head, not wanting to put it on. “I’m not fighting the enemy here, I’m just guarding your sister. Is this really necessary?”

“All right, forget the helm.” Rook took it back and threw it down with a loud clank. “But you need to look the part of a respectable guard if my sister is going to treat you as anything but a mere commoner.”

“I see.” Jonathon fidgeted with his clothes, trying to make them fit better. They felt too tight and were uncomfortable. He was used to working in the forge wearing very little—sometimes even going bare-chested, if he knew he wouldn’t have customers that day. This wasn’t him at all. It was much too constricting. “So, do you really believe she is going to let me close to her?” he asked.

There was one other guard in the armory. Rook waited until the man left before he answered. He cleared his throat. “Actually, I discussed this with my father because I felt it would create a problem calling you her personal guard. I suggested we only tell her that you’re a new guard here and will be working as security for the tournament. She’ll accept that easier.”

“She’ll still wonder why I’m following her around.” Jonathon reached back, tugging at his tunic.

“I thought of that, too. I think I’ll tell Raven that she’s to show you around the castle so you can devise ways to make it safer during the tournament.”

“Why would she believe that? I’m not one of your father’s normal soldiers, and neither am I titled. Plus, I’m only temporary. It seems far-fetched for even me to believe.”

“Aye.” Rook nodded. “You’re right. Raven is smart. She’d never fall for it.” He let out a deep breath. “Well, I guess we’re back to plan one. We’re just going to have to tell her the truth.”

“The truth?” asked Jonathon, thinking that was the worst idea of all. “We’re going to tell her that I’m reporting all her doings back to you and Lord Corbett?”

“Nay, not that much truth.” Rook looked over his shoulder to make sure no one heard. “And keep your voice down. These walls have ears.”

“Well, what is the story?” asked Jonathon, already regretting he’d agreed to this lame task. Certainly with all these plans flying around he was going to somehow get tripped up.

“I’ve got it,” said Rook, snapping his fingers. “You’ve had inside information that there is a man planning on abducting my sister since he wants her for himself.”

“What? That’s absurd,” said Jonathon. “Besides, don’t you think Lady Raven could defend herself? I certainly do.”

“She’s going to get a personal guard, or should I say chaperone, whether she wants one or not,” said Rook with a frown. “We can’t have her acting so reckless. You need to make it seem like she needs you.”

“Me? How?” he asked, shaking his head.

“I don’t know.” Rook shrugged. “Just make it sound as if you’re keeping her from danger, even though you’re not.”

This didn’t sit well with Jonathon. “I assure you, I can protect her, my lord—that is not the problem.” Jonathon didn’t like the insinuation that he couldn’t protect a woman when he was more than capable. “I know how to fight and I’m damned proud of it. I assure you, I won’t let anyone harm her, even though there is no danger of that.”

“Good, good, you’re starting to sound believable,” said Rook with a chuckle, looking over his shoulder again as two knights entered the armory. “Now, let me introduce you to some of the knights of Blake Castle.” He was about to do just that when Jonathon stepped in front of him and greeted the knights himself.

“Sir Henry, Sir Robert, how are you today?” he asked with a bow.

“Jonathon? Is that you under those clothes?” asked Sir Henry with a smile.

“It is him,” said Sir Robert, taking a closer look. “Jonathon, I’ve been meaning to stop by your shop and tell you what a fine job you did on repairing my armor.”