His eyebrows came together in confusion. ‘What’s the matter?’
She did not have an answer. At least, not one she was prepared to share. ‘Nothing.’ She stepped forwards and took his hand, and he hoisted her up behind him. He pushed the horse into a trot.
‘Hold on,’ he said over his shoulder.
She did. But not like Hildred had held on to him.
They headed for the gate, emerging into the merchant borough. When they were clear of the village, Roul pushed the horse into a canter. Eda was thankful for the fast pace because it meant they could not talk.
They were almost at Wright House when Roul finally slowed the horse to a walk. It was mid-afternoon, and the temperature was already dropping. Eda pulled her cloak tighter around her as they turned off the main road.
‘I won’t come in,’ Roul said over his shoulder. ‘I should get back.’
‘Back to Hildred?’ The question spilled out of her impulsive mouth, and she was so furious at her lack of control.
He turned in the saddle to look at her. ‘Why would you ask that?’
She was conscious of how close his face was to hers as she grappled for a reply. ‘Because I cut your meeting with her short.’
‘Mymeeting?’ Amusement filled his eyes before he faced forwards once more. ‘Actually, I have to get back to the barracks.’
Whether that was true or not should not have mattered to her.
The moment Roul stopped the horse, Eda slid from its back, sucking in a breath when her feet hit the ground. She had forgotten about her knee.
Roul watched her from atop his horse. ‘I would’ve helped you down, you know.’
‘I don’t need your help.’ She sounded like a child. ‘I’ll see you in the morning.’ She said all this without looking at him.
‘Eda,’ he called to her back.
She kept walking.
‘Eda!’
She stopped, desperate not to turn, not to let him see the hurt and jealousy that would be so clear on her face. Why had she asked to go to the tavern? Everything had been fine until then. She turned, waiting.
He scrutinised her for the longest time. ‘What’s wrong with you?’
‘Nothing’s wrong with me.’
He continued to stare at her for what felt like an eternity. Then his gaze fell to her knee. ‘If it’s still sore tomorrow, don’t come. I’ll only send you home.’
‘I can’t not show up. Surely you of all people understand that.’ If she expected any form of empathy, she did not get it.
He stared hard at her as he turned his horse. ‘I mean it.’
She saluted in place of a reply, then headed for the house.
CHAPTER8
Of course Eda showed up the following morning. What else had he expected? She also made a point of jogging from the gate to where the group was gathering, tugging up the belt of her brown trousers as she came to a stop in the middle of the training yard.
‘Morning,’ she chirped, stopping beside Hadewaye. She looked at Roul and nodded. ‘Commander.’
At least she was in a good mood. She had barely been able to meet his eyes the day prior. There had been a brief moment where he had suspected her of being jealous, but then he reminded himself that this was Eda. If she was jealous, it was only because she did not like to come in second—ever. Everything was a competition with her.
‘Today we’re going over the wall,’ Roul announced.
