One True Knight (The Knights of Honor Trilogy) by Dana D'Angelo Page B

gaze, it was as if he could see into her very soul. Then he leaned forward and saw her eyes staring at his mouth. His pulse quickened.
    His lips curled into a smile. “Come,” he said, pulling her toward the area where people congregated, getting ready to dance. “We shall wipe the gloom from your face.”
    Then as if a spell was broken, her dark mood seemed to shift. She looked around as if suddenly conscious of the lively music that the minstrels played. A colorfully dressed man from the minstrel troop took out his lute and then another began singing the familiar verses of a bawdy song. With reluctance, she allowed Jonathan to drag her over to the dancers. They immediately made room for them, and when they joined hands, the circle of dancers closed.
    Soon, they became immersed in the pure energy. Rowena threw her head back, laughing as if the music had taken a hold of her and chased away the last of her dark thoughts, lifting her spirits to a different plane.
    Round and round they went to the sounds of the vigorous tune. Those that watched the dancers clapped in time to the lute, laughing and stomping, almost drowning out the instrument and voice.
    When the song ended, Rowena tossed an enchanting smile of gratitude at Jonathan, a smile that nearly took his breath away. All he could do was grin back at her like a fool. She was magnificent. How did he ever convince himself that she was a poor servant that had run away from the castle?
    He felt a tap on his shoulder and as he turned, he found Derrik standing behind him.
    “Do you mind if I take your place for this next song, sire?” he asked, looking expectantly at Jonathan.
    Jonathan fought down his irritation. Curious eyes looked their way and he was forced to bow and allow the boy to take his place.
    He made his way to where the spectators stood and continued to watch Rowena. She moved like a wood nymph, lithe and beautiful, leaping and twirling, easily outshining all the other maidens that danced around her.
    When Rowena looked his way, he smiled at her. He felt content just watching her, content that the sad cloud that hung over her head had disappeared.
    “She is beautiful is she not?” a voice said at his side.
    Jonathan glanced down, and was surprised to find Rowena’s nursemaid standing beside him. “Aye,” he agreed. The town folk spoke about Rowena at length, always in a tone of reverence. And now he knew why. Anyone would be captivated by her angelic beauty and innocent charm. “But why is she not wed?” he asked curiously.
    “She has yet to find the man that she wishes to wed,” the nursemaid replied.
    Jonathan gave the older woman a considering look. “That young pup seems in love with her enough,” he said, nodding his head at Derrik.
    “Sir Derrik?” Ava laughed and said, “I would not worry about him, if I were you.” The young knight’s eyes never left Rowena’s face, attentive, almost adoring, although the lady in question didn’t seem to notice. “Aye, he is in love with her all right,” she continued, the corners of her eyes still crinkled in amusement. “But my Rowena will not have him. They have known each other all their lives, and she loves him only as a brother, as their constant squabbling would indicate.”
    “He has warned me that few men would interest the lady.”
    “He would know,” she said, her deep laughter ringing out once again. “She sent several of them away, much to her father’s displeasure.” She gave him a sly look. “You, on the other hand, would make her a fine husband. Sir Philip and Lady Lorena speak very highly of you.”
    “I have no plans to wed,” he said, avoiding her gaze.
    Her eyebrows shot up in confusion. “I have seen you speaking with my lady. Are you not wooing her hand in marriage? I am told that you are on the list of men that Sir Philip has approved of,” she said.
    “Sir Philip has approved of me,” he admitted, “although I have no interest in marrying Lady Rowena, or anyone