Page 14 of One Knight in the Forest

A curious edge had crept into Cyn’s voice. ’Twas as though he was withholding details, important ones.

“And you?” she asked, unable to stop herself from being so bold. “Were you not also awarded a keep?”

“I declined the King’s offer.”

He’d practically snarled the words. “Declined?” she echoed.

“Aye. More than once.”

Such a refusal made absolutely no sense. The gift of an estate from the King was one of the highest honors that could be bestowed upon a nobleman. “Why would you decline?” she asked, astonished.

Cyn’s mouth flattened, and his movements stiffened as he retied the linen bandages. “Despite your foolishness a short while ago, all looks fine. I will check your wound again in the morning.”

He had neatly avoided answering her question, but now she was even more intrigued. There must be a very good reason why he’d refused the King’s gift. Cyn clearly had no intention of telling her, though, for he turned his back to her and blew out the candles, returning the area around the cot to shadows.

“Cyn?”

His shoulders tensed. He glanced back at her, his gaze narrowed.

“Please. Why—?”

“Because I did not deserve it.”