Page 44 of The Blacksmith

Chapter 14

“What did you say?” Lance hoped he’d misheard her. It sounded as if the countess, lying sick in her bedchamber, wanted to see him.

He’d spent the meal attempting to avoid overtly staring at Idalia, knowing it would only remind Guy, who had decided to stay, of his indiscretion.

With the earl’s daughter.

They’d barely finished their repast when he saw the flash of royal blue moving toward them—Idalia. Her father had never come to the hall for supper, but according to the men around them, such an occurrence was not unusual. He’d made fewer and fewer appearances since the countess had taken ill.

Idalia’s expression confirmed he had heard her correctly. Her gaze shot to Guy, who’d taken a few steps away, giving them as much privacy as was possible in the hall, although he could clearly hear all that was being said.

“She guessed something was amiss. And inquired after the cause. How Marina knew, I’m still unsure. The cowardly maid ran off before I could get the full story, but it seems—”

“Idalia.” Lance’s tone was calm, assured. Not at all what she’d been expecting, he could see. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”

He meant every word—the last thing he wanted was for her to feel ashamed—but he didn’t need the censorious look Guy was currently giving him to know he’d made a grave mistake.

If Lady Emmeline wished to speak to him about her daughter, this could very well be his last day as smith at Stanton Castle. Which would leave him with two choices. Asking the earl directly for his position on the king’s policies, at the risk of being branded a traitor, or leave without the support they so desperately needed.

Neither option was desirable, and he deserved Guy’s censure for having put himself—them—in this position.

“I do believe your friend thinks otherwise,” Idalia said, glancing at Guy.

It was his turn to silently warn off the mercenary, not an easy task as Guy rarely backed down. But he did now, for her sake.

Ever the gentleman.

“Will you come with me?”

Dammit. This was not good. “Now?”

“Aye,” she answered sheepishly. “My mother can be a tad impatient. She was resting when I left, but if I know her . . .”

She trailed off, leaving him with no choice but to comply.

“If you’ll pardon him a moment,” she said to Guy, who bowed in parting. “This way.”

He followed her through torchlit hallways and up a circular stairwell at the back of the hall. As they climbed higher and higher, Lance realized he was in trouble for a different reason than he’d anticipated.

About to put the most important mission of his life in jeopardy, he could think of only one thing as the stairs beneath their feet gave way to a small empty corridor. Lance would like nothing more than to spin Idalia around and ensure she would remember him fondly if they were separated after this meeting.

Indeed, when she stopped and turned, he nearly gave into such folly. Her lips parted, and Lord if he would not like to kiss them.

“I am sorry,” she said, unmoving.

“There is nothing to be sorry for.”

He had no idea how close they were to her mother’s chamber. Lance only knew, in this moment, they were alone.

Cursing himself, he nonetheless found himself reaching for her. Grasping the back of her neck, he pulled her toward him, taking full advantage of her acquiescence. In no time, the kiss spiraled from a quick joining to one that threatened to make him lose control.

What is wrong with me?

He pulled away, regrettably.

“I could not resist . . .”

“I’m glad for it,” she whispered.