Amethyst by Lauren Royal Page B

You owe them a bedtime story, at least." She motioned to the children. "Come along, you all need to wash before eating."
    "But I promised to show them the wall walk," Colin protested.
    "Oh, very well, but quickly. You know how sulky Cook acts when her lovely meals grow cold."
    Beckoning, Colin led them all into the stairtower and down the winding steps to the archway. The children ran out along the top of the crenelated wall, shrieking with delight.
    "Not too far," he yelled after them, "and be careful!"
    "Dunderhead," Kendra chided. "When did you ever know a child to be careful?"
    "Never," he said with a sheepish smile.
    They both turned and faced outward. Resting their forearms on top of the ledge, they gazed out over the River Caine and the fields and nearby woods. Like most medieval castles, the tower at Cainewood was built on a tall motte—a huge mound of earth. Up on the wall walk they could see for miles in all directions.
    "You're wonderful with the children," Kendra said quietly.
    "I remembered playing in the keep—it was so much fun. I just wanted to bring it to life a bit for them."
    Kendra sighed wistfully. "I never got to play in the keep." The war had begun before she was born, and as well-known Royalists, the family had adjourned to less obvious lodgings. Sadly, even that had failed to stop Cromwell from bringing his wrath down upon their home.
    "I know, Kendra." Colin placed a hand over hers where it rested on top of the ancient wall. It was peaceful up here. The days of war were long over, thank God.
    "How is Amy?" Kendra asked suddenly.
    "Still sleeping. Sixteen hours."
    "She was exhausted." Kendra slanted him a glance. "I saw you shaking her when I walked by her chamber."
    "To no avail. She'd rouse for a few seconds at most, then drop back into sleep." He shrugged. "I thought she'd be wanting some dinner. She'd eaten but a few spoonfuls of broth, though her chocolate cup was empty."
    "And her hand?"
    "Blisters, but no telltale red streaks of infection. Thank the Lord for small favors. Coping with a grief-stricken guest is enough—I feel unequipped to deal with one who is fever-ridden, in addition." He stared out into the distance. "I changed the bandage, applied fresh honey. I believe it will mend without incidence."
    Kendra hesitated. "You like her, don't you?"
    "She's a talented girl," he answered cautiously, keeping his eyes trained on an outlying field.
    "I meant you really like her. You're attracted to her."
    "No, I'm not."
    Kendra gave an unladylike snort. "I remember that day in her shop. And I've seen the way you talk about her, look at her, take care of her. And you put her in the Gold Chamber." The beautiful room was usually reserved for honored guests. "Colin…"
    "I'm betrothed," he stated firmly.
    "But—"
    "No buts, Kendra. I—"
    "I hate it when you say that!"
    Colin glared at her. "As I was about to say, I know you dislike Priscilla, but I am marrying her. And dangling a penniless commoner in my face, no matter how attractive, isn't going to change that fact."
    "But why ? I've seen you with Priscilla—you don't love her, I can tell."
    "I don't want to love her; I've told you that. She's wealthy, she's pretty, she's—"
    "Cold."
    Colin ignored that. "—she's titled—"
    "As though we care about such things. We're titled, and what did it get us? Nothing! We were paupers on the Continent, dragged from Paris, to Cologne, to Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp—wherever King Charles wandered. We had no home, no one who really cared about us. People are what matters. Titles are worthless."
    "Ah, but that's where you're wrong. That title kept us fed, allowed us to tag along with the court, obligated them to take us in. It was all we had, the only thing of value our parents gave us. My children will have no less—and a lot more."
    "You're an earl, for God's sake. Without the war, the Restoration, I'd understand your mindset. As a second son, if you failed to marry wealth you'd have to live off Jason's