“Do you think we’re safe from my uncle’s men, Sir Coenred?” Lilia asked, exhaustion in her voice. She took off her cloak and set it aside.
A single candle burned in the middle of the table. The light scent of lavender floated in the air while the flame danced on the wick, casting the room in a warm glow.
The princess ran her slender fingers through her dark hair. It was ruffled from travel, but it still had a glossy sheen to it. Indeed everything about the princess seemed polish and beautiful. In her presence, Karina felt like the lowest of serfs, even though she knew that she wore the finest quality tunic that she could afford.
“You will be safe enough here, my princess. Treville is a large town with protective walls surrounding it. From what I gather, Lord Richard and his men have scattered throughout the kingdom. Somehow your lord uncle discovered our intentions to travel to Baltroham, and sent his men after us. ‘Tis fortunate that we killed many of the traitors in the skirmish, but the five remaining are intent on capturing you.”
A chill ran through Karina’s spine as she heard Lord Richard’s name. She glanced over at Alays, who stared back at her, her eyebrows shot up in alarm and fear. Everyone knew that the king’s brother was ruthless; he had no qualms about killing innocent people. It was also no secret that he wanted to overthrow his brother from the throne. King Edward was a just and fair ruler, and the thought of his brother replacing him was truly a nightmare.
“I imagine that there is a great reward for my capture,” Lilia said with a wry twist to her lips.
“I would imagine so,” Coenred said, frowning. “But they will not be able to get to you, my princess. The gates of Treville should be fortified now, and ‘twould be impossible for the traitors to enter.”
“Will my being here put the people in danger?” Lilia’s lips compressed into a thin line while she clasped her hands tightly in front of her. “I’m not certain ‘twas a good idea for us to seek refuge in this town.”
“We will all be in danger, my princess — if your lord uncle unseats your father from the throne. Once Sir Bram arrives, we will discuss our options, and come up with a plan for your escape.”
As if on cue, a soft knock sounded at the door. Karina watched as Coenred pulled the princess to his side and stood behind the door. He motioned for Alays to go to the entrance.
“Who’s there?” Alays called out, her voice shaking.
“’Tis Geoffrey,” answered a low, urgent voice. “Open up.”
The tension visibly melted from Alays’ shoulders and she fumbled with the wooden barricade. The door squeaked open and Geoffrey slipped in, followed by Bram. Before Karina could ask about Eli, Geoffrey was already explaining that the boy was outside, acting as a look-out.
The younger knight immediately went over to Coenred, and began to speak in low tones. Meanwhile Geoffrey walked unsteadily toward the princess, and with some difficulty, he executed a bow. “Sir Bram has told me what has happened, my princess. You have my assistance, if you require it.”
Lilia looked at Geoffrey, surprised at his intense sincerity. “I am honored by your show of loyalty, Goodman. What is your name?”
“Geoffrey de Servian,” he said.
“Servian,” Lilia murmured. She searched his countenance, studying it carefully. You remind me of a knight I know from the royal courts.” She twisted her lips to one side as she tried to recall the name. Then she gave him a triumphant smile. “’Tis Sir Edgar de Servian that I know.”
“Sir Edgar is my brother,” he said, offering her a polite smile.
“Geoffrey and I trained together, my princess,” Bram interrupted as he broke away from Coenred and approached them. “He has excellent qualities and —”
“I didn’t know Geoffrey is a knight —” Alays broke in, now seeing him with new eyes.
“Nay, I’m not a knight,” he said shortly.
An awkward silence filled the room.
Geoffrey’s face hardened into a mask, and it didn’t appear as if he wanted to continue the discussion.
Lilia coughed delicately in her hand, breaking the silence. “It matters not whether you are a knight. What matters is your loyalty to me. We need to find a way out of this dilemma, as I do not want to be imprisoned by my lord uncle.” She gave a small shiver. “I fear that he aims to hurt my father by holding me ransom.”
“These men will stop at nothing to capture the princess,” Coenred confirmed. The seriousness of his tone caused another heavy silence to hang in the air.
Geoffrey shifted onto his good leg. “We cannot let these men harm you, my princess.”
“But what can we do?” Lilia asked.
“We need to get the outlaws out of Treville,” Geoffrey said.
All eyes turned to him, hope and interest reflected on their faces.
“But where?” Bram asked.
Karina brought over a jug of ale while Alays began to set empty cups on the table. But everyone was too preoccupied with the discussion to take notice of them. She could hear the fear in the princess’ voice. Alays paused, staring wide-eyed at them, the trepidation apparent in her face. Absently, Karina’s eyes settled on the empty cups on the table, and then realizing her duty, she began to immediately pour the drink into the tankards.
Geoffrey watched as she filled his cup, but she made sure to avoid his gaze. She was aware of his background, so she shouldn’t be surprised to discover that he had impeccable courtly manners as well. He seemed as comfortable around the princess as he was around the horses.
“’Tis best that we lure them deep into the forest,” Geoffrey said.
“You would dare to go into the forest?” Alays gasped, forgetting that she was not supposed to be part of the discussion. “’Tis said the green demon lurks in these woods. If you venture too far in, you may never come back alive.”
“If these men are as ruthless as Sir Coenred suggests, we must do all we can to protect the princess, and the people of this town.” Geoffrey hesitated, and gave Alays a considering look. “Even if it means that we must confront the so-called green demon.”
Karina looked at Geoffrey in disbelief, and unable to help herself, she burst out, “You would care for the welfare of the townspeople?” She didn’t have to reiterate the damage that they caused in the short time he lived in Treville.
“The townspeople don’t know the truth,” he said, shaking his head, his demeanor calm.
“How do you propose that we lure the traitors?” Bram cut in. “And if we manage to lead them into the forest, where would we take them? They would not be satisfied with being led aimlessly through the woods.”
“You can take them to the old woodcutter’s cottage,” Alays offered. All eyes fixed on her, and she shrank back as if she suddenly realized that once again, she had spoken out of turn. “I — I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Tell us more about this cottage,” Geoffrey said.