Eliza Knight - The Rules of Chivalry Read Online Free Page A

tent.
    The urge to run far away was overpowering, but instead she held her gaze steady, her feet planted squarely. Her husband stood, brows drawn together, lip curled in irritation. He walked over to her.
    “I shall see you at our place for the joust, soon.” He stressed his last word, letting her know he wouldn’t tolerate her tardiness as he exited the tent.
    God forbid she should embarrass him in front of his people by not obeying his orders. Her fingers dug into her palms, the gloves saving her skin from nails that would surely draw blood. She nodded stoically to him, relieved her limbs weren’t trembling. He turned from her without another word. How long would she be able to endure such a horrific match? She hadn’t had much choice in the marriage, actually none at all. She turned to her ladies, her face devoid of emotion.
    “Let us eat, before we join my lord husband.”
    After completing a quick repast, of which Elena tasted nothing—just as it was for her at all meals—the ladies took to the grounds to mull over the various merchant’s goods.
    “We still have time before we must meet with Lord Kent. Let us walk.” She smiled at her ladies eager nods. She’d been known in the past to purchase them each a little token, and today would prove to be the same. It was the least she could do for faithful companions. Without them , her life would be utter misery. A t least these women shed some light onto her dreary existence.
    “Beautiful ladies, won’t you come over? Let me show you these elegant fabrics,” a merchant called to them.
    Elena nodded and headed in his direction. The crowd separated like the Red Sea as Elena and her entourage passed. After being married to Kent for six years, she still wasn’t used to the amount of respect and worship she received from the people. Perhaps they were in awe of her survival of such a man. She certainly was, and included it in her daily and nightly prayers. On instinct, her hands rubbed against her bruised ribs. They were healing nicely since his last assault, and at least this time, he hadn’t marred her face. That was double the punishment. To ache in more places than she knew she had and be confined to her chamber for weeks while visible signs healed, almost made her go insane.
    Oh, how she wished she could return to Enniscorthy Castle, her family, her friends. And there was one in particular… The one she trusted above all others. Her eyes burned with threatening tears, and she blinked rapidly to keep them at bay.
    “ M’lady , may I be so bold as to say your gold brocade gown brings a sparkle to your green eyes?” the merchant said.
    Elena smiled. Even if the merchant was only trying to garner a few coins from her, the compliments were welcome. She shifted her gaze around to make sure no one but her ladies had heard. She co uldn’t risk Kent hearing of it and believing the merchant meant more than a simple compliment.
    “Thank you, kind merchant. Might you have a fabric of similar coloring, mayhap with some flowers embroidered within it?”
    “I believe we do, m’lady .” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “While I fetch it, would you care to peruse the scarves? Perhaps find one for a handsome knight?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her, and Elena and her ladies all feigned shock, gasping and covering their mouths.
    “Sir, you are too bold, now go and fetch my fabric.” She softened her rebuke by smiling at him genuinely. His soft laughter could be heard behind his trailing figure.
    If only she did have a handsome knight she could give a token to. All of her husband’s men were either overly eager for her affections, making it quite clear which affections they wanted, or they were just as horrid as her husband. Hurling vulgar offenses at Elena and her ladies was one of their favorite after dinner delights. She always insisted on leaving at that time, not wanting to see how far they would try to take their churlish behavior.
    *****
    Michael stopped