Paladin's Prize (Age of Heroes, Book 1) by Gaelen Foley

Urmugoths were in sight, but it would be dark soon.
    “What did you find out?” Wrynne murmured.
    He shrugged, at a loss. “Not a whole lot.”
    She turned to him, her gray eyes troubled. “Thaydor? If I’m right about the king, what will you do?”
    He shook his head wearily. “I don’t know yet. I’m sure I’ll think of something.”
    She took his hand. “Come. At least you’ll be safe at my place tonight.”
    He glanced hungrily at her, pondering the night ahead. But will you be safe with me?

 

    Chapter 5
    Glow
     
     
    A valanche carried them up the mountain path to Wrynne’s bower, with two hours of daylight left before dusk.
    When they arrived, she could already hear the fairies bickering in the rafters, and wondered aloud what to make for supper as Thaydor reined in.
    “It will be nice to have a guest for once.”
    “Don’t go to any trouble on my account,” he said as he dismounted.
    “Nonsense, we’ve got to eat! You must be starved. It’s a late meal as it is.”
    “Can I help?” he offered as he helped her down and set her on her feet. “I could make the fire for you.”
    “If you like—or catch a couple of fish. They’re already confined with nets in a section of the brook. But really, you should just relax.”
    “I’m happy to do whatever’s helpful. Just give me my orders,” he said with a winning smile.
    “No, it’s all right. I’m picky about my cooking. The fire can’t be too high. Trout roasts best on a low flame.”
    “Well, if you think of anything that I can do, just tell me. My lady?” he added as she turned around and headed for the pavilion.
    “Yes?” At once, she paused, glanced back, and found him gazing at her with a wistful frown. “What is it?”
    “I’ll be leaving in the morning.”
    She tried to hide her disappointment. “Are you sure you feel well enough? I really think you need more rest.”
    “I’m all right. I think a good night’s sleep tonight will have me back to my old self by tomorrow.”
    “You can take the bed. I’ll sleep in my hanging chair.”
    “Certainly not. I’ll sleep on the floor.”
    “It’s fine! I take naps there all the time. I’ll be very comfortable. Please, I insist.”
    “I’ve already imposed on you so much. As if it wasn’t enough you saved my life.”
    “It’s not a problem.” She chuckled and took a step closer. “It’s been nice having you here. You’re welcome to stay.”
    “No… I think I’d better be moving on. As long as your neighbors hand over my other horse, I’ll have her hitched and be on my way by midmorning.”
    Wrynne smoothed the wrinkles out of her skirts after the long horseback ride and struggled not to argue. “Where will you go?” she asked in a measured tone.
    “South to the capital. I think it’s time I go and have a talk with King Baynard.”
    She jerked her head up to meet his gaze. “What?”
    “I’m not going to run and hide. I’ve been thinking about it the whole way here, and I’ve concluded that the best course is simply for me to go and meet him face-to-face. I’m sure we can sort this out like reasonable men.”
    “You can’t be serious,” she said. “Thaydor! He’s trying to have you killed!”
    “We don’t know that for certain. Things looked a bit suspicious at the gates, I grant you, but we have no proof that His Majesty is the one behind it. In fact, he may need my protection. He’s still our king, even if he’s gone off course.”
    She stared at him. “Your protection?”
    “Between the Silver Sage breathing down his neck and his new mistress keeping him intoxicated round the clock, he may not even know what’s been happening. I might be the only one now who can help him. Free him from their foul influences.”
    “But Thaydor—”
    “Don’t worry, my lady. At the moment, the only person we can tie to any of this is Reynulf, and if I see him, I’ll know to be on my guard, thanks to you.”
    She gazed at him for a long moment. “So