Gabriel’s gaze swept her. “Do you dare not sit side saddle?”
“You mean… like a man?”
Gabriel grinned. “It will give you more control.”
“Really?” she asked with excitement. Then, she shook her head. “No. I couldn’t.”
“I will help you learn. I’m an excellent horseman.” He smiled at her. “I daresay there is none better.”
She answered with a smile of her own.
His heart leapt at seeing her joy.
“I don’t know…”
“We can do it in private. Remember that pond where I met you? There is plenty of room to learn there.”
Eve considered for a moment. Then, she nodded. “I would like that.”
Gabriel was proud of her. “In the morn?”
She nodded.
Gabriel lounged near the large doors that led to the Great Hall. He had escorted Eve to dinner and then decided to greet his brother. It had been many years since he had seen Michael. Many years filled with anxiety that had slowly given way to rage. He wasn’t certain he was ready to see Michael. He wasn’t certain what he would say. But it was time. Michael was his brother, his only living family. It was well past time.
He heard Michael’s laughter echoing through the hallway long before he saw him. His laughter had not changed. It was still rich and rolling and deep. Gabe lifted his head.
Michael appeared, strolling down the corridor, surrounded by a group of young nobles who all hoped to gain favor with him.
As they started into the Great Hall, Gabe called, “Michael.”
The group halted as one, all turning their gazes to Gabriel.
Gabe pushed himself from the wall, rising to his full height.
Michael stepped forward from the cluster, his eyes narrowed for a moment until recognition washed over him. “Gabriel.”
Whispers erupted from the men behind Michael.
“I’m glad to see you remember me, brother,” Gabriel said with cynicism.
Michael’s lips thinned. “I didn’t think you’d come.” He turned toward the group of men. “Go. I will join you shortly.”
After a moment of hesitation, the group continued into the Great Hall.
Gabriel watched two of the younger men hesitate in the entrance, either to hear what Michael said or to help if Michael needed them. Gabe wanted to laugh. He had no intention of starting a fight with his brother. At least, not now.
“Why are you here?” Michael asked, stopping just before Gabe.
Gabe’s gaze swept him. He was older, taller than he remembered, yet still inches shorter than Gabe was. His hair was cut in the latest courtly fashion and his cortehardie was impeccable. He had turned into a noble. Their father would have been proud of him. “I wouldn’t miss your marriage.”
“You missed father’s burial.”
“I received your missive too late. I was in Salisbury. Do not cast judgement on me, brother.”
Michael leaned in. “Is that why you’ve come? To cast judgement on me.”
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve come for your marriage, as I’ve said. Any other reason is guilt on your conscious.”
