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“Aye,” said Maira, not wanting her to know she allowed thieves into her courtyard. “It was a nice gesture, but unfortunately they have to leave.”
“Leave?” asked Lady Ernestine. “But they haven’t even sold any of their wares yet.”
“That’s right,” said the man. “And how soon you forget, Lady Maira, that you invited my friends and me to stay for a meal.”
Her eyes snapped up and she was about to object when Lady Ernestine spoke.
“I think that is a wonderful idea. I love feeding those less fortunate than myself,” said the good-hearted woman. “What is your name?”
“I am Jacob, my lady. And might I be bold enough to offer you a token of my appreciation?” He dug through his pocket.
“Oh, that’s not necessary.” Lady Ernestine swiped her hand through the air and a blush rose to her cheeks.
“It isn’t much, but can I offer you a small bauble?” He held out a lady’s comb to wear in her hair. It had a small gold butterfly on the handle.
“Oh, that is charming and I do love butterflies,” she exclaimed. Jacob held up his open palm and the woman took the gift from him. “Lady Maira, please see that our guests get whatever they need during their short stay.”
“But Lady Ernestine, I am leaving in an hour unless you forgot. I still need to finishing packing my belongings.”
“Your trip can wait until after the meal and until our guests leave.”
“I would love Lady Maira to give me a tour of your elegant castle if it is convenient,” said Jacob with a charming smile.
“It isn’t,” Maira mumbled to herself.
“’Tis no trouble at all,” Lady Ernestine beamed. “Lady Maira will escort you around the grounds. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll tell the cook we’ll be expecting a few more guests for the meal.” She turned and left, pushing the comb into her hair as she walked.
Jacob turnedand grinned at Maira, but she was scowling at him.
“How dare you give away stolen goods to buy your way into the castle,” she said in a hoarse whisper. “I should turn you in right now and expose who you really are.”
“You have no idea who I am,” he scoffed. He held out his arm like she’d expect from a nobleman and she instinctively laid her hand over it to be escorted, not knowing why she did it. “Besides,” he continued, “the goods belong to a dead woman so I hardly call that stealing.”
“Imanie might be dead but I can vouch that these are her things,” she retorted as they headed to the keep.
“I’d like to see the armory first,” he told her, ignoring her comment altogether. “After that, the blacksmith’s shop, and the stables.”
“Why should I show you anything? You have no right to come in here and make demands.”
“I see.” He nodded slowly and studied the castle. “So, you didn’t like my gift to you?”
“I like the bracelet, but that is beside the point.”
“Then, what is the point, my lady?”
“The point is that . . . that . . . you have me so confused. I’m not sure what the point is anymore.”
“Then let’s stick to the tour because I won’t be staying long and don’t want to miss the meal.”
Maira reluctantly gavethe stranger named Jacob a tour of Castle Rothbury, only because Lady Ernestine had instructed her to do so. She had a bad feeling about this man and needed to keep a close eye on him. She didn’t trust him any further than she could throw him. They walked in silence as they entered the first building attached to the battlements.
“This is the armory,” she said, watching his eyes light up as he surveyed the weapons inside. He walked over and picked up a sword and looked down the edge, squinting one eye.
“I haven’t seen weapons this nice in a long time.” He tested the weight of the blade in his hand.
“When have you ever seen weapons like these at all?” she asked, suspiciously.
“A long time ago,” he said, picking up a battle axe and surveying it next. “Where is all the chain mail and plate armor?”
