To Capture Her Heart (3 page)

“Yes you did,” she cut him off. “Don't make the damage worse by layering a lie on top of it. Your duty is complete. I will return to my family.”

Holding her head high, she shouldered past him, and he couldn't resist reaching for her. “I'm sorry,” he mumbled.

She shrugged his hand off of her, “Don't apologize for doing your duty.”

“Insulting you was not my duty.”

“Just your intent?” she asked pointedly, and her question cut to his core. If truth be told, mayhap it had been his intent. Ever since his own heart had been betrayed by the fairer sex, his had been a mission of revenge. He felt propelled by a constant, insatiable desire to hurt others the way he had been hurt, hoping that somehow he might someday feel avenged. But knowing he hurt Gwendolyn didn't give him any sense of victory or satisfaction, it only made him feel like the worst sort of cad, a feeling he didn't like one bit.

“Look,” he said, unsure of how to make it up to her, so deciding to ignore his error completely. “My assignment is to see you safely back to your family, and that's what I intend to do. Let's be on our way.” He brushed past her swiftly, anxious and eager to part ways with her and the unsettling feeling of guilt she produced within him.

***

Gwendolyn purposely picked up her pace so that she walked a few feet ahead of the man who had offended and insulted her more times in a single day than she had been in the past month, possibly longer. She tried to ignore his presence, instead turning her anger from him and directing it at her brother. She knew that Terric was overprotective and that he would be keeping a close hold on her during the day’s festivities, but she never imagined that he'd actually assign someone the task of seeking her out and bringing her back, as if she were some wayward child that needed to be supervised.

She had only seen him a handful of days out of the year since he left home to become a defender. Why all of a sudden did he feel the need to keep her under his thumb? She purposely picked out each of his flaws, going way back to their childhood when she ran out of things to stew about. Truth was, she adored Terric, and it was hard for her to stay mad at him, but it was better than thinking about the man who was walking behind her.

In no time at all they reached the square. It didn't take them long to spot Terric and Rosalind. They were rooted in much the same spot they had been when Gwendolyn had left them earlier. Only this time they were surrounded by much merry making as people were pressing close in an attempt to celebrate with them. Gwendolyn ignored a group of drunken men who were singing loudly and terribly off tune, as she pushed her way towards her brother.

Terric's eyes lit up when he saw her, but she didn't return his excitement. “My captor has delivered me just like you instructed.” Her body dipped into a graceful, if mocking, bow.

Ignoring her bitterness, he looked over her shoulder and said, “Thank you, Gavin.” When only silence followed, Gwendolyn was tempted to look at the man her brother called Gavin and see how he had taken her brother's gratitude, but she willed herself not to.

Terric, seemingly oblivious to the tension around him, grabbed Rosalind's arm and linked it through his, laying one hand on top of her own. “We will be going back to the castle where a feast has been prepared. I think it best that Rosalind get away from the crowd for a bit and rest before the festivities begin anew.”

Behind her, she heard Gavin's deep voice respond, “Very well, I will be on my way.” She turned then to watch as he put his back to the group and began walking away.

The surly man had barely disappeared into the crowd when Terric began gently scolding her. “Gwen, you know that neither I nor mother wanted you out of our sight this of all days. There are too many drunken people celebrating like fools for us to feel safe with your absence.”

“You knew I wanted to get a better look at the stage,” she defended herself weakly.

“Aye, 'tis true, but I was still able to keep my eye on you during the execution. It wasn't until you ran off towards the castle that I became concerned.”

“If you were truly so concerned for my welfare, why didn't you have Rosalind come find me? She could have transported to where I was and asked me to come back much quicker and much more pleasantly than that churl you sent.”

Rosalind giggled, “That man you speak of is not a churl. He's one of Herfordshire's defenders.”

“Well whomever he is, I find him highly disagreeable and hope that you love me enough that you won't require me to be in his presence again.”

Gwendolyn didn't miss the look that Rosalind and Terric shared, and much to her chagrin, it wasn't a look of concern but rather a look of amusement, as if they found her speech unwarranted yet highly entertaining.

“Gwen, there's no need for you to be over-dramatic. I didn't send Rosalind after you because I didn't wish her to be out of my sight either. It's not safe for the future Queen of the Southwest to be about by herself, unattended amongst almost the entire Kingdom, especially today. I thought you would understand that her safety is my highest concern at the moment.”

Feeling foolish for being so selfish, she turned compassionate eyes on Rosalind. “Oh Rosalind, do forgive me. Terric is right, you must be protected today and always. I didn't mean to cause any concern for either of you. I just felt the need to have some time alone.”

“I understand,” Rosalind said kindly. “If it were up to me, I too would choose to be alone right now.”

Terric looked down on Rosalind with a mock frown, appearing wounded as he held his hands over his heart. “Truly?”

“Oh don't be silly, I didn't mean alone, alone. Of course I wish to be with you always, just not with the rest of Darth.”

“Well let's be rid of this madness then,” Gwendolyn suggested hopefully. “Let's go to the pond behind the maze and see who can throw rocks the farthest across it.”

“If only we could. But you've forgotten already, the feast. Remember?” Terric gently urged her to remember. He had always had an inordinate amount of patience for her antics.

“Oh do we have to go?”

“Aye, we do. Rosalind and her brother Colin are the guests of honor. Now let's get on with it before we are late.”

Taking a step back from Terric, Gwendolyn said, “How about I meet you both there? I would just like to—“

But before she could finish, Terric had grabbed her arm and linked it through the arm Rosalind was not holding onto and said, “Nay little sister, this time you will not be let out of my sight.”

Gwendolyn had no choice but to follow him as she was forced to half run to keep up with his long strides as they made their way to the feast.

Chapter 4

A Most Glorious Occasion

Gwendolyn could not stop smiling as she and her mother Millicent made their way out of the chapel located close to Herfordshire Castle. She had just witnessed both the wedding and the coronation of her brother Terric and her dear friend, Rosalind. She finally had a sister! And though she was worn out from the hasty journey back from Brantonwall Castle where the execution and subsequent festivities had been held, the excitement she felt overrode any of her weariness.

The sun shone down, almost like an omen of good luck upon the blessed couple as the guests followed them outside. She briefly wondered if the late king and queen, Rosalind's parents, had anything to do with the uncommon appearance of the sun above.

As soon as they were free from the chapel, Gwendolyn rushed towards the couple and flung her arms around Rosalind. “I'm so excited to finally have a sister.”

“Aye, as am I. And a finer sister I could never have asked for.”

Gwendolyn smiled proudly. Millicent stepped forth, embracing both Rosalind and Terric one at a time. “I couldn't be happier for you both. 'Tis a glorious day indeed.” Rosalind heartily agreed before Millicent grabbed Gwendolyn's arm and led her into the flow of traffic. The guests were making their way back to the Great Hall where a royal celebration was being held to celebrate the glorious occasion.

Millicent had to remind Gwendolyn to slow down several times as they made their way to the castle. In her excitement, she couldn't help but walk faster than necessary, faster than her mother preferred. She was in such high spirits, she was sure nothing could tamper her good mood.

Apparently that theory was to be tested as they approached the main entrance of the keep, where all the guests were being led. Standing stoically at the door was none other than the insolent and offensive Gavin. She had tried especially hard, and generally succeeded in avoiding him the past several days as their party traveled back to Herfordshire Castle. Though she had spotted him a handful of times, this was the first time she had the misfortune of seeing him up close. A scowl threatened to mar her face before she realized that not even he could discourage her merry mood that day.

Plastering on a bright smile, she followed her mother up the steps leading inside. She, unfortunately was on her mother's left side, the side closest to Gavin, and found there would be no way for her to avoid him. As she neared him, she straightened her shoulders and pretended like his appearance didn't bother her. He was dressed in the black tunic of a defender, his chainmail protruding from the wrists of the tunic, hanging slightly over his corded hands, hands that were wrapped tightly around the hilt of his sword as he stood at the ready. His helmet was sitting on the ground next to him, otherwise she may not have recognized him at all. His long, thick mane made him identifiable even from a distance.

Gwendolyn couldn't take her eyes off of his impressive figure, though it galled her that he seemed oblivious to her presence. His brown eyes focused straight ahead, unwilling to acknowledge her in any way. Why that bothered her, she had no idea. She should have been glad for the opportunity to slip past him unnoticed, but oddly she wasn't. She came to an abrupt halt in front of him, causing her mother to come to a quick stop herself. The other guests eyed her curiously before turning their focus back to the wedding feast and pushing quickly past her.

When his eyes still refused to acknowledge her, standing less than a foot in front of him, she decided to speak. “Aren't you coming to the wedding feast? The entire keep is invited.”

“Nay,” he answered her with nary a glance. “Somebody has to stay behind and guard the entrance.”

“I suppose,” she huffed. “But why you?”

“Why not?” he asked, his voice laced with a hint of bitterness, as if he defied her to ask him anything further.

Not liking his cold manner, she intentionally leaned in to goad him. “I will admit my great pleasure at the knowledge that you will not be present. That should make the celebration infinitely more enjoyable for me.”

Gwendolyn gasped slightly as he unexpectedly turned and settled his gaze upon her. Liquid brown eyes bore into her own, but she couldn't decipher the emotion they held. “I didn't realize I affected you so completely.”

Before she could form a response, she felt her mother's hand clasp around her arm. “Gwendolyn, let's be on our way.”

She nodded her head, never once taking her gaze from Gavin's. Unwilling to part without the last word, she hissed lowly, “Anyone who treats me with such rudeness most certainly has an affect on me,” then took a hurried step to follow her mother's lead.

She stiffened when she heard him reply in a low voice, barely loud enough for her to hear, “Are you sure the only affect I have on you is a negative one?”

How dare he? She thought to herself as she was led almost forcefully by her mother towards the Great Hall. She was so perturbed by his comment and the fact that she didn't have a chance to defend herself against his preposterous assumptions that she failed to notice the elaborate manner with which the castle had been decorated.

In fact, she didn't snap out of her own musings until they entered the Great Hall and were accosted by the melodic sounds of an expert harpist. Suddenly her interest was piqued as her thoughts were diverted from the unpleasant encounter with Gavin. She looked past the long tables that were covered in ivory linens to where the harpist sat strumming the most beautiful harp she had ever seen.

“May I get a closer look?” she asked her mother excitedly.

Millicent laughed, “But of course. I thought that might interest you.”

Letting go of her mother's arm, she walked anxiously towards the musician. She herself had played the harp for years and had long been entranced by the beauty of the music it could produce, but never had she heard anyone play as beautifully as the lady who sat before her. She was lost in the music and before she realized it, the melody came to an end.

“Bravo,” she clapped enthusiastically as the lady bowed her head in acknowledgment of the praise. “Have you been playing long?” she asked, moving closer to the woman.

“Coming on two years,” the lady replied modestly.

“Two years!” Gwendolyn exclaimed, “I have been playing almost five times as long and my talent cannot even compare to yours.”

The woman laughed a tinkling laugh, “Aye, 'tis a gift I've been given I suppose.”

The mention of a gift made Gwendolyn's face fall. Truly? It honestly seemed as if everyone she encountered as of late was in possession of a dratted gift but her. It was no secret that she was wildly envious of Rosalind's ability to transport. And honestly, she was still somewhat upset at Terric for giving his gift away to his beloved instead of to his own sister, but in the excitement and hustle of the last several weeks’ events, she had tried and successfully pushed the desire for a gift of her own out of her mind. Until now.

She forced herself to smile and bid good day to the woman before turning and rolling her eyes. First she had to encounter Gavin, then be reminded yet again of her lack of a gift. What more could attempt to ruin her high spirits? She paid a quick visit to the guarderobe in an attempt to compose herself, determined not to let the irksome events ruin anymore of her day.

By the time she returned to the Great Hall, Rosalind and Terric had joined the party and people were beginning to make their way to their seats. Her mother grabbed her arm and led her to the head table where they were to be seated with Rosalind, Terric, Rosalind's younger brother, Colin, and King Lawrence and his wife. She sat down and eyed the trays of brightly colored and exotic fruits on the table, anxious to sink her teeth into a juicy plum.