Courtly Love Read Online Free Page A

laughed in agreement as Gyles's preference in women was well known among his men, but one by one the laughter died in their throats.
    Serena waited at the bottom of the stairs, her head held high upon the delicate column of her throat as she fixed the source of the jest with an unwavering stare. Her pale blue gown clung to the unmistakable curves of her body and accented the creamy texture of her skin. Serena's blue eyes shot sparks at the man as she advanced to the table.
    "Pray go on with your story, sir knight, I am sure you had not reached the most interesting part." Although the words were sweetly spoken there was a challenge in Serena's tone and the man reddened and dropped his eyes to the table. A teasing grin played at the comers of Serena's mouth. "Ah, my good knight, did your mother never warn you that a tiny dog will leave the largest bite? But rest assured, if you are as brave with your sword as with your words, I shall never fear for my protection here at Camden."
    The circle of men guffawed loudly and the abashed knight—Serena learned later his name was Edward— loudest of all; at that moment pledging silently to protect the tiny mistress from any harm.
    " Tis your plan to win the loyalty of my knights with your womanly charms, Serena?" Gyles's eyes had turned cloudy in his anger and Serena shrank inwardly. "Beware then, for not all men are easy victims to a pair of swaying hips and rounded breasts."
    Serena's eyes widened in astonishment. "M'lord, you do me a great injustice! I seek no one's loyalty or love, for that must be freely given or it means naught. 'Twas not my wish to marry you, for that was taken out of my hands, but I wish only to make the best of the arrangement. So you beware, m'lord, for not all women fall at the feet of an arrogant, strutting stallion!" Serena whirled from him to cross the hall and stand between Bryan and Richard, her color high and her temper flaring.
    She had left his side so quickly that Gyles had no time to give voice to the sarcastic reply that was on his tongue. Serena was not the insipid creature Beda had led him to believe; she had pride, a temper, and a cutting edge to her tongue. Somewhere in the back of Gyles's mind a warning rang out that his wife would not allow herself to be used as a mindless pawn. Even now her back was presented to him, and Gyles watched as she tossed off a goblet of wine without a pause. Gyles smiled inwardly; Beda had planned to retain control of the household after his marriage, but he had the feeling little Serena would change that if she had a mind to.
    "Serena, what happened? Gyles looks like he's ready to run someone through." Richard studied her angry face. "Did he insult you?" Richard's hand dropped to his sword.
    "Oh, for God's sake, Richard, don't be stupid! What are you planning to do, challenge him? He'd cut you down in a trice and then sit down to his meal. Ah, this whole situation is impossible!" Serena's knuckles whitened around the goblet.
    "Serena," Richard murmured as he drew her free hand to his lips. "Let me—"
    "Stop it, Lord Gyles is coming." Bryan deftly removed Serena's hand from Richard's. "I've no desire to see my sister made a widow before she's a wife, nor to lose my best friend. Serena, behave yourself," Bryan warned and then both he and Richard were gone.
    Serena's eyes narrowed wickedly, but she kept her back defiantly turned to Gyles's approach. She sensed his presence behind her and knew her defiance served only to anger him further, but she needed time to compose herself. If he hoped to make a fool of her before his household and guests, he would be mistaken. Serena drew a deep breath; her temper was now under control and she would show Gyles just how sweet and charming she could be if it killed her! What Serena didn't see was the possessive look in Gyles's green eyes as he watched the retreating back of her one-time suitor.
    "If you are ready, Serena, it has been a long day for my men and their hunger is