One True Knight (The Knights of Honor Trilogy)

One True Knight (The Knights of Honor Trilogy) Read Free Page A

Book: One True Knight (The Knights of Honor Trilogy) Read Free
Author: Dana D'Angelo
Tags: historical romance medieval England
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man.”
    “‘Tis not only your safety that I fear,” Ava said, twisting her white apron. “If your father discovers that I have helped you leave the castle without his consent, he will be furious. I have tried his patience one too many times.”
    “Then do not tell my father anything,” Rowena said sharply. “If he does not know that you have helped me, you can claim innocence and be spared his anger.”
    Ava shook her head as if the suggestion was just too ridiculous to even consider. “‘Tis not as easy as you say,” she said. “I have protected you many times in your young life, too many times to count. But your father has always seen through my lies. He is a very perceptive man.”
    Letting out a sigh of frustration, Rowena sat heavily at the edge of her bed. They both knew Ava was right. Rowena did many rash things during her youth. And while Ava tied to protect her with lies, to spare her from her father’s wrath, her father always uncovered the truth and her nursemaid unfortunately ended up feeling the full brunt of his anger.
    Rowena stared at her lap. Her plan seemed so simple a moment ago. She smoothed the rough fabric over her legs as if she was trying to brush away the truth of what Ava said.
    She sensed her nursemaid watching her carefully, and when she heard Ava take a deep breath, she glanced up.
    “If you decide to leave the castle, take me with you,” Ava said, her tone full of resignation. “‘Tis best that we leave in the morning. Or better yet, we should leave during mid-day, when the sun is high.”
    Rowena raised an eyebrow at her, and watched as Ava flushed a deep crimson. She clasped her hands as if she was praying for God’s forgiveness and unsure she would get it after what she said next:
    “Tis May Day, as you know, and there will be many who will be going into town,” she said in a rush. “With so much activity during mid-day, with people coming and going about their business, we will have a much better chance of getting into town without being questioned.”
    Rowena stood up to her full height, and narrowed her eyes at Ava. “And so now you are helping me and you approve of me going into town without my father’s consent?”
    Ava shook her head vigorously. “Nay, you know better than I that I cannot force you to stay, nor do I approve of you going into town alone. All I am saying is that if you go now you will make your disappearance that much more obvious.” She unclasped her hands, and began twisting the folds of her apron again. “If your father realizes that you are gone, you will only invoke his ire, and I know how deeply his anger affects you.”
    Rowena turned her head away from Ava. She had no choice but to leave Ravenhearth. Her future and her happiness depended on it.
    “Father will discover that ‘tis a boon to be rid of me,” she said, her voice turning as cool as the evening air. “However you are right, ‘twould be best to leave at mid-day. I thank you for your words of advice.”
    Ava gave her a tight smile. “Sir Philip will not be thanking me. For that I am certain.”

CHAPTER 2
    Sir Jonathan d’Abelard led his horse into the bailey, seven of his men following close behind. They had ridden for many hours, stopping only for food and rest.
    There was no talking among his men as they rode silently behind him, putting on the same cloak of watchfulness that their leader bore.
    The clatter of the horses’ hooves hitting the cobblestones in the inner courtyard drew the attention of dozens of curious servants who were going about their duties. He was used to people whispering his name after recognizing his standard, a fierce hawk with its beak wide open, its talons drawn and poised for attack.
    The reputation of the Iron Hawk preceded him wherever he went, invoking fear in the hearts of his enemies. But there was one enemy that didn’t fear him enough. And the fact that this enemy was out there, taunting him, made him grit his teeth in frustration. And

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