The Lady's Choice by Bernadette Rowley Page A

under his wing and the lad clearly missed the enigmatic captain. Ramón vowed to look after the boy. After all, it was not easy to be torn from your mother’s side and expected to work when you were only thirteen.
    â€˜Now you keep out of trouble while I’m gone, Billy,’ Ramón said, placing his hand on the boy’s shoulder. ‘If there are good reports when I return, I shall commence weapons training with you. But only if you have a clean slate.’
    Billy’s eyes widened and his plain face was lit by a huge grin. ‘Right you are, squire. I’ll make a good warrior, you’ll see.’
    Ramón smiled. Billy reminded him of himself at that age: full of big ideas and mischief. However, Ramón’s domain had been the king’s castle at Wildecoast, where he had been sent at the age of twelve to begin his training as a squire. He could remember getting into trouble, too, playing pranks on the senior squires to embarrass them during visits by dignitaries. He had missed his family just as Billy did. His heart lifted at the thought that he would visit his parents on their estate while he was at Wildecoast. His younger sister, Alique, had joined the queen’s ladies-in-waiting at the time Ramón had left for Brightcastle. He looked forward to discovering how her new role had changed her.
    There was a commotion at the castle entrance and Benae and Prince Zialni appeared. The lady was dressed in a sombre green travelling dress with divided skirts, her dark hair pulled back from her face into a bun. She was pale with dark circles under her eyes and she avoided his gaze completely as she approached with her betrothed.
    â€˜Ah, Squire Ramón, I see all is in readiness,’ Prince Zialni said.
    Ramón bowed low to hide the sudden flush he knew had crept over his face at Benae’s appearance. Had the events of last evening been a dream? He pushed the memories from his head for they would not help to dispel the creeping redness. He rose and met the sharp blue gaze of Prince Zialni. Was the man having second thoughts about sending his betrothed off with another man?
    â€˜I am relying on you to convey Lady Benae safely to Wildecoast and back, squire.’ The prince’s voice was cold, almost threatening. ‘Do not let me down.’
    â€˜I will defend the lady with my life, Your Highness.’
    â€˜I trust that will not be necessary. You have an escort and I cannot foresee any danger great enough to threaten you, with eight soldiers in your party. All will be well.’
    â€˜I am sure you are right, Your Highness. When we reach Wildecoast, I will send word via pigeon.’
    â€˜I will not be here to receive it, but send it anyway. Give my best to my brother, the king, and tell him I will expect him at my wedding.’
    â€˜Most certainly I will, Your Highness. May you have a safe journey.’
    Ramón bowed and stepped back to give the prince and Benae some privacy. They turned to each other and Prince Zialni kissed Benae on both cheeks. She gripped his hands tightly.
    â€˜Are you sure this is for the best, beloved?’ she asked.
    â€˜I know it is, lady. All will be well. We will be wed upon your return and we shall be as one.’
    Tears welled in Benae’s eyes. ‘I wish . . .’
    â€˜What is it, lady?’ Prince Zialni said.
    The distraught note in Benae’s voice forced Ramón to look at her. There was fear in her glorious eyes but who was she scared for? What did she wish?
    She swallowed hard, chewing on her bottom lip. ‘Never mind. It is best not to speak of our fears. May the Goddess protect you, Jiseve. I look forward to our union, more than you can ever know.’
    Ramón spun away, making one last circuit of the carriage to check the wheels. Benae’s words struck a sharp spike of jealousy into his heart that he had no right to feel. Last night she had offered herself to him, Ramón, and now