Page 7 of The Earl

“’Tis a long story,” Lance said, clearly weary. “We prepared for siege but found ourselves in battle instead.” The blacksmith smiled. “And we won.”

Guy’s laugh was what all four of them needed. “That you’re sitting here is evidence of it. But more details would be welcome.”

“And will be forthcoming,” Terric cut in. “Tomorrow. I am hungry. And tired.”

“And newly married.” Guy winked at his friend. “Lady Roysa is a lovely woman.”

All three of them glared at the mercenary. His smile slipped slightly. “Is she not? I meant nothing inappropriate. I’m a happily married man myself.”

Aye, she was lovely, but not so lovely as Cait. Conrad wanted to see her. Needed to see her.

“Shall we dine, then?” Conrad asked. “I missed the evening meal myself.”

“You should tell them why,” Guy prodded. “Or perhaps the lovely Lady Jeanette will be lurking in the hall, looking for you.”

Jeanette.

If Conrad had possessed the ability to silently murder a man with his gaze, Guy would be the first one to know about it. In his typical fashion, the marked man grinned back at him as if he were the cleverest person in the chamber.

Indeed, he could be right. But he was a bit of a bastard too.

Conrad avoided looking at Terric, but he could feel his friend’s eyes on him.

“We will talk more,” Conrad said, pushing away from the wall. “But first, we eat.”