“We were robbed of our belongings except for the ring. We require a horse, a room, and food and drink.”
The man held the ring up close to the fire to get a better look. He touched the gold to his tongue and bit down on the ring.
“You were set upon by thieves? There have been many reports the past fortnight.” He called to one of the serving wenches, “Bring food and ale. The ring will pay for your needs. The horse has seen better days, but he’ll see you where you need to be.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t quick enough to hide the rest of my jewelry,” Ashley said.
“You did well, mistress.” It chafed Christian to allow a woman to pay for his keep. He was a knight. He provided for those in need.
The serving wench brought a pitcher of ale, and Ashley was on her third cup before the food was served.
“You should not drink so much when you have not eaten since yesterday.”
She hiccupped. “I’m thirsty, I’m starving, and the ale cools me off. It’s hotter than hell in the summertime in here.”
For a moment her speech was different. ’Twas like Charlotte and her sisters.
The food smelled better than it tasted. The bread had small rocks in it but was hot, and the stew was a bit greasy, but it filled his belly.
Ashley wrinkled her nose. “I don’t even want to know what kind of meat this is.” Before he could tell her, she held up a hand. “No, I really don’t want to know.” She hiccupped again, humming under her breath. ’Twas a catchy tune that made him tap his foot.
The innkeeper approached, looking downcast and wringing his hands. “A noble has arrived and demanded your room. ’Twas the last one. You will have to sleep in the stables.”
“Leave it to me,” she whispered, before reaching up to let her hair down, the golden waves tumbling about her shoulders.
Christian couldn’t have opened his mouth to protest if he wanted to. Ashley nudged him under the table. The flames cast shadows on her face, changing her, from his Ashley to a courtier who knew how to send men to their knees. She blinked up at the innkeeper.
“Certainly you must have one room hidden away for special guests? What if the king arrived?”
As the man hesitated, hemming and hawing, she reached out and touched the man’s sleeve, tilting her head as Christian, the innkeeper, and his wife gaped at her.
“I will sing for your guests. Will that pay for the room?”
“Do you know how to sing?” Christian said.
“Be quiet.”
The man’s wife snorted. “Are you married, then? Otherwise itwould not be fitting for you to be taking this lovely lass to your bed.”
“Aye, we’re married, nigh on a year,” Christian said.
Ashley blinked at him but said naught, for she wanted to sleep in a proper bed this night.
“Well, then.” The innkeeper and his wife beamed at her. “Aye, you shall sing and have your room.”
“As soon as I finish my meal, I will entertain your guests.”
Ashley was thinking,desperately trying to remember lyrics to songs, and Christian kept trying to talk to her. Finally she’d had enough.
“If you don’t quit talking to me, I’m going to throw my cup at you. Please, let me think.”
“Do you truly not know any songs? We will find another way. You do not need to do this.”
She hiccupped again and tilted the cup of ale, draining the cup and setting it down with a bang. It was so hot and crowded. The ceramic cup felt cool against her skin as she pressed it to her cheeks and neck.
“I’m sleeping in a bed tonight. I refuse to sleep outside again or with the smelly horses.” With that, she stood and cleared her throat. “I shall sing for you all.”
But no one paid any attention. They were all talking and drinking.
