Chapter 4
“Is it really necessary that I wear this?” Jonathon stood with Rook in the castle’s guardhouse, staring down at the clothes that Rook insisted he wear.
They were the clothes of a castle guard.
The tunic depicted the Blake crest of a silvery-white eagle with wings and talons spread and ready for attack, emblazoned over an azure field.
He wore a pair of breeches that came down just below the knee with hose underneath.
His feet were clad in leather boots. Over his shoulders was a long cloak made of black silk.
At least he was able to wear his own weapon belt that included his sword and dagger that he’d constructed himself.
Still, it all felt too pretentious. He wasn’t really a castle guard.
He was naught but an armorer, and a mercenary at times.
“Aye, it’s necessary,” insisted Rook, handing him a metal helm.
“The helm too?” Jonathon shook his head, not wanting to put it on. “I’m not fighting the enemy here, I’m just guarding your sister. Is this really necessary?”
“All right, forget the helm.” Rook took it back and threw it down with a loud clank. “But you need to look the part of a respectable guard if my sister is going to treat you as anything but a mere commoner.”
“I see.” Jonathon fidgeted with his clothes, trying to make them fit better.
They felt too tight and were uncomfortable.
He was used to working in the forge wearing very little—sometimes even going bare-chested, if he knew he wouldn’t have customers that day.
This wasn’t him at all. It was much too constricting.
“So, do you really believe she is going to let me close to her?” he asked.
There was one other guard in the armory.
Rook waited until the man left before he answered.
He cleared his throat. “Actually, I discussed this with my father because I felt it would create a problem calling you her personal guard. I suggested we only tell her that you’re a new guard here and will be working as security for the tournament. She’ll accept that easier.”
“She’ll still wonder why I’m following her around.” Jonathon reached back, tugging at his tunic.
“I thought of that, too. I think I’ll tell Raven that she’s to show you around the castle so you can devise ways to make it safer during the tournament.”
“Why would she believe that? I’m not one of your father’s normal soldiers, and neither am I titled. Plus, I’m only temporary. It seems far-fetched for even me to believe.”
“Aye.” Rook nodded. “You’re right. Raven is smart. She’d never fall for it.” He let out a deep breath. “Well, I guess we’re back to plan one. We’re just going to have to tell her the truth.”
“The truth?” asked Jonathon, thinking that was the worst idea of all. “We’re going to tell her that I’m reporting all her doings back to you and Lord Corbett?”
“Nay, not that much truth.” Rook looked over his shoulder to make sure no one heard. “And keep your voice down. These walls have ears.”
“Well, what is the story?” asked Jonathon, already regretting he’d agreed to this lame task. Certainly with all these plans flying around he was going to somehow get tripped up.
“I’ve got it,” said Rook, snapping his fingers. “You’ve had inside information that there is a man planning on abducting my sister since he wants her for himself.”
“What? That’s absurd,” said Jonathon. “Besides, don’t you think Lady Raven could defend herself? I certainly do.”
“She’s going to get a personal guard, or should I say chaperone, whether she wants one or not,” said Rook with a frown. “We can’t have her acting so reckless. You need to make it seem like she needs you.”
“Me? How?” he asked, shaking his head.
“I don’t know.” Rook shrugged. “Just make it sound as if you’re keeping her from danger, even though you’re not.”
This didn’t sit well with Jonathon. “I assure you, I can protect her, my lord—that is not the problem.” Jonathon didn’t like the insinuation that he couldn’t protect a woman when he was more than capable.
“I know how to fight and I’m damned proud of it.
I assure you, I won’t let anyone harm her, even though there is no danger of that. ”
“Good, good, you’re starting to sound believable,” said Rook with a chuckle, looking over his shoulder again as two knights entered the armory.
“Now, let me introduce you to some of the knights of Blake Castle.” He was about to do just that when Jonathon stepped in front of him and greeted the knights himself.
“Sir Henry, Sir Robert, how are you today?” he asked with a bow.
“Jonathon? Is that you under those clothes?” asked Sir Henry with a smile.
“It is him,” said Sir Robert, taking a closer look. “Jonathon, I’ve been meaning to stop by your shop and tell you what a fine job you did on repairing my armor.”
“Thank you,” said Jonathon with a nod. “I am glad that you approve of my work.”
“While you’re here, mayhap you can fix the hilt on my dagger. It’s come loose,” said Sir Henry, handing it to him.
“Of course,” said Jonathon, taking it, turning it in his hands to inspect it.
“Nay. Not now,” said Rook, stepping in and taking the dagger from Jonathon, returning it to Sir Henry.
“Jonathon has been hired as an extra guard for the tournament,” said Rook.
“If you want him to fix anything, you’ll have to wait until nighttime.
He’s also our temporary blacksmith and will be living here for a while. ”
“If you’ve been hired for the tournament, why are you here so soon?” questioned Sir Henry.
“Aye. The tournament isn’t for another few weeks yet,” pointed out Sir Robert.
“I’m here because... because...” Jonathon looked over to Rook, not able to bring himself to tell the knights he was here to watch over a woman who obviously didn’t need his protection.
“Besides being the castle smith, Jonathon is also here as Lady Raven’s personal guard,” Rook blurted out, causing Jonathon to cringe. Just hearing him say it aloud sounded ridiculous. It didn’t sound true or even remotely believable.
The knights looked at each other and burst out laughing.
“Nay, really,” said Sir Henry. “Why are you here so early?”
“What’s so funny?” asked Rook.
Jonathon felt as if they were laughing at him.
“No disrespect, my lord,” said Sir Robert. “But everyone knows that Lady Raven doesn’t need a-a personal guard, and will probably kill him.” They both laughed again.
“Aye, it’s more likely that Jonathon will end up needing a personal guard to protect himself from her,” added Henry.
“Is this the way knights usually talk about their overlord’s daughter?” asked Jonathon, not liking the way the men were acting. Belittling him since he was a commoner was expected. Bad-mouthing a noblewoman was downright rude. Especially since she was the daughter of their overlord.
“Nay, it isn’t if they want to keep their positions and titles,” said Rook in a low warning voice to the men.
“We’re sorry, my lord.” Henry bowed and Robert followed suit.
“We didn’t mean anything by it. Please forgive us,” said Robert.
“You’re forgiven and dismissed,” said Rook with a wave of his hand, sending the men away.
When Jonathon realized that the knights weren’t going to be reprimanded or punished, that told him that Rook most likely jested about his sister with the knights in private on more than one occasion now. The whole thing disgusted Jonathon.
“Here,” said Rook, shoving a pouch of coins into Jonathon’s hand.
“What’s this?” asked Jonathon, feeling the weight of the pouch. “I thought I wouldn’t be paid in full until the end of my assignment.”
“Consider it a bonus.” Rook looked off in the opposite direction.
“For keeping my mouth shut about what I’ve just witnessed?” Jonathon probably shouldn’t have said that, but he still felt infuriated about the knights’ conduct and the fact Rook did nothing to reprimand them and stick up for his sister.
Rook’s head snapped around. “You have to understand that my sister isn’t always the easiest person to get along with, and she’s very rebellious.
It’s no secret. Everyone knows it,” he said in a low voice.
“She’s not like other ladies. It’s best that you keep your eyes open and your mouth shut if you want things to go smoothly while you’re here. ”
“I understand.” Jonathon tested the weight of the pouch in his hands, knowing it was at least a guard’s salary for a month.
“I’ll respect your wishes, my lord, but I won’t take money to keep quiet about anyone speaking ill of Lady Raven.
” He pushed the pouch back into Rook’s hand.
“No matter how different your sister is, she still deserves the respect of a lady. From everyone, not just the knights.” He was referring to Rook, but didn’t think it was wise to come out and say it aloud.
Instead, he turned and started to walk out the door.
He was certain he’d made his point clear and just hoped Rook wouldn’t have his head for saying it.
“Jonathon, you haven’t been dismissed yet,” said Rook, stopping Jonathon in his tracks.
“I’m sorry, my lord.” He turned to face Rook. “By your leave, then?”
“Aye. Of course,” said Rook with a nod. “But first, I want to say it’s a damned shame.”
“My lord?”
“You’re the first man I’ve ever heard defend my sister.
I’ll admit, it’s not always an easy thing to do.
I’m afraid I’ve been caught up in the gossip for so long that I’ve been pulled into the abyss along with them, without even realizing it.
Thank you for subtly pointing this out to me.
It is admirable that you defend her, if only with your words. ”
“It’s my job to protect her now. In every way,” said Jonathon.
“I want you to take this.” He tossed the pouch to Jonathon who caught it.
“Nay.” Jonathon’s eyes focused on the pouch of coins. It was enough to feed his family for months. Still, it felt rather like blood money. “I’d rather not, my lord.”