Candace C. Bowen - A Knight Series 02 Read Free Page B

the door beyond it. Turning the latch, she stepped into the small chamber to wake her siblings.
    The seven-year-old twins, Osana and Sabina shared a small bed opposite five-year-old Clayton.
    A fond smile lifted the corners of her lips as she gazed down at her sisters. Favoring their father in looks, they boasted flaxen curls reaching past their waists. So identical in appearance, it was only when one became acquainted with them were their differences apparent. Where Osana was bold and brave, Sabina was shy and reserved. The only similarity the three sisters shared were the striking golden-brown eyes of their mother.      
    Bending, Lecie gently shook Sabina’s shoulder. 
    Her eyes fluttered open with a smile. “Is it morn so soon, Lecie?”
    Lecie smoothed a wayward curl from Sabina’s brow. “It is, little one, time to wake and face the day.”
    Knowing Sabina would wake her twin, she stepped over to Clayton’s pallet. Blond like the twins, he boasted their father’s blue eyes. 
    Kneeling, she leaned to kiss his rosy cheek. “It is morn and time to wake, little man.”
    Without opening his eyes, Clayton groaned and rolled away from her. A morning person he most certainly was not. 
    Reaching over the bed, Lecie threw open the shutter, allowing the early dawn light to penetrate the cramped chamber. Larger chambers were for paying customers. 
    “I shall see he wakes, Lecie.”
    “Thank you, Sabina.” She glanced back with a smile. “I fear I shall need your assist in the kitchen this morn before your work in the garden.” 
    “Do not worry so,” Sabina assured her. “We shall do what needs to be done.”
    “How swift you have been forced to grow, Sabina.”  Lecie turned away to conceal her sudden tears. “I shall await you in the kitchen.”
    Rushing down the steps, she smelled the enticing aroma of simmering food as soon as she entered the common room. Puzzled, she made her way to the empty kitchen only to glance around in amazement.
    The worktable held over a score of coarse rye and barley trenchers, ready for the aromatic pottage simmering in the large pot above the fire.
    Wondering if Betta had seen to the meal, she froze when she heard the deep resonant tone of Sir Albin behind her.
    “Hello, lass.”
    Suddenly breathless, Lecie turned to face the man that had so often entered her dreams.
    “Sir Albin.” Her hand anxiously going to her unbound and uncombed hair, she nervously pulled the thick mass over her shoulder. 
    “You look a tad on the weary side, yet as lovely as ever, Lecie.”
    Blushing at his praise, she returned his steady gaze. Never before had she seen a man so handsome.  
    Tall and broad-shouldered, Albin’s wavy dark hair reached the collar of his black tunic. In the old fashion, he and the Erlegh men wore cloaks, short outer tunics, and chainses with tight-fitting sleeves, breeches and high-leather boots, instead of the ankle length tunics, belled chainses and striped hose currently in favor by the nobility. 
    His warm brown eyes held her as she took in his strong jaw, close-cropped beard and wide, firm lips. She knew if he were to smile or laugh, he would reveal a set of even white teeth, for his smile often left her weak at the knees when directed at her.
    “You have had your hair trimmed since last we met, Sir Albin,” she blurted. “It suites you well.”
    “Her ladyship Reina does a better job of it than I.” He grinned. “I fear I am not steady with a blade when it comes close to my own throat.”
    “Is her ladyship doing well? Last news I heard, she was soon to be expecting a babe.”
    “She and the wee lass are both doing very well.”
    “I am very pleased to hear it. His lordship seemed quite content with life the last we met.”
    “My liege is a truly blessed man.” Albin’s eyes moved to Lecie’s hands where she fidgeted nervously with her brown kirtle. “He has found a happiness most men search the whole of their lives for.”
    “Shall I be