The Knight and the Dove by Lori Wick Page A

his expressionless countenance, knowing full well that he had heard her. “I’m going into the fields to pick herbs.”
    Arik didn’t blink, nod his head, or acknowledge her in any way, but after Megan held his eyes for just a moment, she turned away, the basket now swinging from her hand, her bright head shining in the sun.
    She wasn’t 15 steps outside the castle gate when she sensed with certainty that Arik had followed her. She didn’t mind. His presence made her feel secure. Megan found the field she sought and happily sank down into the grasses, the morning sun warm on her back. Withinminutes she’d forgotten everything around her. Intent on her task, she neither heard nor saw Bracken’s brother approaching.

     
    Returning from a hunting party in the woods, Brice had just sent his game ahead to the castle when he spotted Megan in the field. Her hair was a halo of red, a delight to any eye, but Brice frowned. Just days ago the entire castle had searched for her, and now here she sat alone outside the walls. Brice had covered half the distance when he spotted Arik.
    He drew up short and felt shamed for his angry thoughts. He knew he was too hard on the girl. They were of the same age and would probably get along well, but Brice loved his brother and Megan’s lack of effort in the relationship infuriated him.
    He walked on again, but slower, all anger draining from him. He and Stephen would be going home in a few days, and his mother would wish to know how he and Megan got along. Brice was prideful enough to want to report to his mother that he’d done everything within his power to befriend her, not that he believed it would do much good.
    “Good morning, Megan,” Brice spoke when he was just five yards away.
    “Oh,” Megan’s hand came up. “I didn’t hear you, Brice.”
    He was in front of her now and sank to his knees some six feet away. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
    Megan shook her head and smiled slightly, her eyes on Brice for just an instant before she turned them back to her hands. She was most aware of his feelings toward her.
    “’Twas not your fault,” she said graciously. “I was so focused on my work, I didn’t hear a thing.”
    Brice watched her work a moment. “What is that?”
    “Sorrel. It’s wonderful in soup.”
    Brice watched her a moment more.
    “Did you not care to send one of the kitchen maids for this work?” It was meant to be a dig, but Megan didn’t take it as such. Brice watched her look off into the distance and smile.
    “This isn’t work, Brice. I love it out here. I love the way the air is perfumed with the aroma of pine and wildflowers, and I love the waythe wind moves the trees.” Megan let her gaze roam until it landed back on Brice. His look embarrassed her though, and she swiftly dropped her eyes.
    “I don’t know why I prattle on so, Brice. I’m sorry.”
    Brice was overcome with shame. She had openly shared with him and he had made her feel a fool. His mind raced for a safe subject.
    “My mother uses herbs for healing.” Brice blurted the words, but Megan did not seem to notice.
    “Oh, how I would love to speak with her. I know of only a few. Most of these are for the kitchen.”
    “She’ll be here for the wedding.”
    Stark fear covered Megan’s face for just an instant, but she quickly schooled her features.
    “Yes, the wedding. I look forward to meeting her.” Megan’s voice told Brice that he had shaken her. Why? What could she possibly fear? Brice was actually on the verge of asking her when he spotted Bracken approaching.
    “Bracken comes,” Brice casually announced, and then watched in amazement at the change that came over Megan.
    “Oh, I’m a mess,” she mumbled as she swiftly dusted her hands and came so awkwardly to her feet that she stumbled and fell back down. Brice was reaching to help her, but she regained her balance on her own and managed to put her chin in the air just before Bracken stopped in front of