A Knight With Grace: Book 1 of the Assassin Knights Series by Laurel O'Donnell

cast her a wry look as he pulled his tunic back into place. “Ever the same, I see.”
    Emily chuckled and threw herself onto the bed. “Who is she? She is absolutely lovely.”
    William had to agree. Grace was beautiful. But he would never admit that to Emily. She had a way of interfering. He walked to the bed where his bags and belt lay. “I introduced you.”
    Emily peered at him through squinted eyes. “What aren’t you telling me?”
    William sighed. He knew she would find out eventually. She would simply ask him and Grace repeatedly until one of them couldn’t stand it a moment longer and told her. He would never subject Grace to Emily’s annoying persistence. He loved Emily, but she could be like a gnat infesting a wound. He turned to look at her. She lay across the bed, resting her chin on the palms of her hands, gazing at him with a smirk. Her brown eyes twinkled. “You already know, don’t you?” he asked.
    She teetered a small laugh. “Of course! You can’t let her get away.” She rolled onto her back, her arms outstretched, staring at the ceiling. “Oh, William! A chance at a normal life for you. Children!”
    William took a deep breath and sat beside her. A normal life. He could never have a normal life. Not him. “She doesn’t want to marry me.”
    Emily gasped and sat up. “She must not know you! Any woman would be lucky to have you as a husband.”
    “Not every woman sees it that way,” he said quietly.
    Emily took his hand into her own. “God has forgiven you. You must forgive yourself. Perhaps this is a new start --”
    William pulled his hand free of her hold. “There is no forgiveness for me.”
    “You mustn’t talk like that, William,” Emily said softly. “There is forgiveness for everyone.”
    “Everyone doesn’t murder the archbishop.”
    Emily sighed softly. “It wasn’t your idea.” She caught his hand again and clasped it tightly. “These are not the hands of a murderer.”
    “I didn’t finish him, but I was a part of it. Don’t make light of it, Em. I’m as guilty as the rest.”
    “Maybe Lady Grace was sent to you as a sign of forgiveness.”
    William shrugged. “Regardless. I won’t force her to marry me. I’ve given my word to help her escape the betrothal.”
    Emily cocked her head to the side and her eyes twinkled in that familiar way. She was up to something. “We’ll just see about that.”
    “Emily,” William growled in a warning tone. “I don’t want you to get involved in this. This is between me and Grace.”
    “Of course!” Emily protested and stood. “When have I ever become involved in one of your affairs?”
    “When haven’t you?” He could count at least five times without thinking about it.
    “That was when I was younger. I haven’t seen you in years! Don’t you think I’ve grown up a little bit?”
    “You have. In beauty as in years. But that won’t stop you from poking around where you don’t belong.”
    Emily leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “You are such a charmer! What woman could resist you if you put your mind to it?” She walked to the door. “I shall see you at the evening meal, cousin. Do dress your best.”
    William watched as she departed the room. He sighed softly, knowing she would try to get Grace to marry him. She would make matters worse and he would have to clean it up. Just like he did when they were children. He would have to warn Grace about how much Emily loved to meddle in his affairs. But he had to admit, he had missed Emily and it was good to see a family member who still loved him.

    Grace sat in a chair as a servant girl braided her hair. She had taken a most welcome bath and had been given a fresh dress to wear. She was grateful for that. She was beginning to think the repugnant odor she was smelling was coming from her. As the servant girl, Anna, combed out her long hair and began to divide it into sections, Grace’s mind wandered. To William. To the way he held her when they were coming