“You’re quite welcome, milady,” Finn said, and then bowed to her.
Lilly threaded her arm through Mia’s and nodded to the two knights. “Gentlemen.”
“Ladies,” the men spoke in unison, and each bowed.
Lanterns flickered along the paths between tents as the women walked away.
From their silence, the men were likely watching them go.
Mia and Lilly didn’t look back to see what they were doing.
“I’m hungry,” Lilly said. “Are you?”
“Not really,” Mia said. Her appetite had fled with the feeling of a gathering fight.
Lilly glanced over her shoulder, then said, “It was getting tense back there.”
“Yes,” Mia agreed and took a breath, to exhale tension and to relax again.
“Perhaps it’s how good the food smells, making me hungry,” Lilly said.
“Perhaps.” Mia smelled the food too, but it wasn’t having the same effect upon her.
She tried to put the knights out of her mind to focus on enjoying the faire sights.
As they walked, they came upon a shallow fountain made of stone and trickling water.
“Look, that’s where those women dressed as fairies acted out stories earlier,” Mia said.
They’d passed them earlier in the day but had no time to stay and watch.
Many activities went on at the same time during the faire. Something for everyone.
“This is a lovely spot,” Mia said. “I think I’ll just wait by this fountain for you.”
“Okay. It is a good spot.” Lilly said. “Enjoy.” She headed off to find food.
Mia walked closer to the fountain.
The sound comforted her, and she daydreamed.
A voice like honey spoke behind her. “Ah, the faire lady of flame by the magic fountain.”
Mia turned to look.
Sir Cedric leaned against a tree, arms crossed, looking far too at ease in full armor.
Had he followed us?
“Lady of flame?” she asked, one brow arching.
He stood to his full height and stepped closer.
Oh my. He seems even taller now.
“Your hair,” he said. “Like coals just before they spark. Or a sunset that refuses to end.”
She laughed. “That’s a bit much, isn’t it?”
