Lista laughed softly. “Are you angry?” she said. “Please do not be. I find it quite fascinating that a knight should like to read. I’ve heard that many can’t or won’t.”
Julian shrugged. “It takes an intellect,” he said. “Some knights are simply trained to fight and that is what they are focused on. They have scribes to write their missives for them, because they never took the time to learn. Fighting was more important. But do not think poorly of them.”
“I don’t,” she said. “My father loved to read, too. He has an entire wall of shelves that contain books, some from places far to the east. They are quite rare.”
That had Julian’s interest. “Many books were brought back by the crusading armies who had gone to The Levant with KingRichard,” he said. “I have a few myself. I would like to see your father’s books, if I am permitted.”
“Of course,” Lista said. “I will be happy to show you.”
“Good.”
The conversation died, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Julian’s eyes glittered at her over the top of his wine cup and Lista smiled coyly, looking away. It was a sweet and flirtatious game. Julian took a drink of his wine and set the cup down.
“That same bird told me something, too,” he said.
Lista looked at him curiously before realizing what he meant. “The same bird that told me about you and your books?”
“Aye.”
“What did the bird say?”
“That you would be agreeable to letting me court you.”
Lista’s face immediately turned several shades of red and she leaned forward, elbows on the table as she covered her face with her hands.
“She didn’t,” she said, muffled.
Julian was enjoying her chagrin. “She did,” he said. “Do not be angry.”
“I am not angry.”
“Then why are you covering your face?”
“Because I am ashamed she told you that I was agreeable.”
“Why? You’re not agreeable?”
Lista looked at him through splayed fingers. “A woman is not supposed to say that first,” she said. “I am very sorry she told you. If you are not agreeable, we shall speak no more about it. I am content to remain your friend.”
“But I’m not content to remain yours.”
Her hands came away from her face and she suddenly looked quite serious. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’ve driven you away with my foolishness. I understand.”
He lifted his eyebrows. “You do?” he said. “I am not sure that I understand what you just said because you certainly have not driven me away. Lista, I… I would like nothing better than to court you. If you really are agreeable.”
Her serious expression faded into something of surprise and delight. “I am,” she said. “Are youreallyagreeable?”
“I am, really.”
“Even knowing… about my mother and my aunt?”
He smiled. Reaching out, he took one of her hands and lifted it to his lips for a gentle kiss. “That means nothing to me,” he said. “I was agreeable within the first five minutes of knowing you, or didn’t you realize that?”
Lista watched his lips as he kissed her hand again, shocked to the bone. But also thrilled beyond measure. “But I insulted you so,” she said. “Julian, I was terrible to you!”
He laughed softly, still holding her hand. “I’ve had worse,” he said. “You were strong and beautiful and you defended your mother and aunt. It was very admirable. In fact, had you not told that little bird that you were agreeable, I would have asked to court you myself at some point. After I’d worked up the courage. A woman like you is far too magnificent for a man like me.”
Lista found herself holding his hand, that enormous warm appendage that was so strong, yet so tender. “You are mad,” she said softly. “But… are yousureabout this?”
