Page 27 of To Love

“I do not wish to speak of it,” he said, as much of an admission as he’d offer. But in not denying it, the damage had been done. The ladies had enough grace not to ask again, though they’d know soon enough. Darien and Roland were both unusually quiet, and Gareth looked at him with pity, though said nothing.

This would not be the last he would hear of the matter from his friends, but thankfully they seemed inclined to move on to other topics, for the moment.

“Gareth.” Amalia swatted Roland’s hand from the bread she’d just put onto their shared trencher. “I overheard it mentioned this morn that Matilda may soon come out of hiding. Have you heard the same?”

“Why do you ask him and not me?” Roland asked his wife.

Her smile showed that Amalia knew precisely how to rile her husband. “Because he is an instructor and likely knows things that you do not.”

Little did Amalia realize how true her words were.

Gareth clearly relished the role of being Roland’s superior. He did not gloat—Gareth was not that type of man, or knight—but with Roland? He did seem to enjoy the role.

“I’ve heard the same but have not yet spoken with anyone who can confirm the rumors.”

“Some say she sets her sights on Winchester,” Evelina said. “With its strategic and economic importance undeniable, controlling the city would be a boon to her cause for certain.”

“Perhaps you should ask my wife,” Gareth said to Amalia, “and not I, about the rumors.”

“Perhaps I shall,” Amalia teased back. “How is it the women are most informed?”

“I know very little compared to Lady Elara.” Evelina reached for her wine goblet. “I spoke with her this afternoon and continue to be amazed at her resourcefulness. They were wise to bring her here, do you not think?” she asked none in particular.

Alden remained silent.

Both Roland and Darien grinned.

Gareth cleared his throat. “Aye, most wise.”

Gareth’s strange behavior was enough to raise her suspicions. Evelina’s eyes widened. Alden stood, despite the fact he’d not finished eating.

“Pardon me,” he said. “I’ve business to attend to.”

“Business,” Roland muttered, earning him another swat on his arm from his wife.

Alden gave his friend a warning look, and Roland pursed his lips together in an exaggerated manner.

“Be careful,” Darien said, more serious than usual. “’Tis dangerous business to which you attend.”

His friend had no idea how dangerous. Alden caught Gareth’s eye, and unless he was mistaken, Evelina noticed. She would very likely be questioning her husband before the night ended. Would he share the truth with his wife despite being told not to tell anyone?

As Alden made his way through the corridors, he thought of Elara’s instruction the day she spoke of deceit and the necessities of it during battle or war. Was it ever justified? He hoped so, having just lied to his friends, even if only by omitting the truth. He trusted those men with his life and wanted to tell them.

“Master Alden, is it not?”

He stopped, just before turning the corner that would have led him toward the secret entrance to Elara’s chambers.

“Lord Stirling,” he said, with a slight bow as befitting his station. Alden looked back toward the hall. “You were just . . .” He realized his instructor had followed him.

“I wished to speak with you earlier, after lessons, but did not see you about.”

Alden was unsure how the instructor had missed him as he had been present for the entirety of the lesson.

“How can I be of assistance, my lord?”

The man’s one good eye squinted. “Eamon spoke of you last eve. The man thinks highly of you.”

“I am grateful,” he said cautiously, wondering if Lord Stirling knew of his involvement with Elara somehow. Were his questions related in some way to that involvement? It seemed highly unusual for the lord to have left his meal to speak to him.