Page 61 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“I was here,” said Raven.

“Doing what?” asked her brother, sounding suspicious.

“Jonathon told me yesterday he had a bone for the dogs. Brindy was acting anxious and I thought it would calm him.”

“Really.” Corbett looked down to the dogs. “If you’re trying to calm Brindy, why is Copper chewing on it and Brindy is yawning?”

“Brindy already had his time with the bone, my lord,” said Jonathon, coming to her rescue.

“I see,” said Corbett, still looking at them oddly. “Armstrong, why is the forge going this early?”

“He was catching up on orders,” said Raven.

“Well, I said you are to stay with my daughter during the day, and only work in the forge at night.”

“Aye, my lord. I’m sorry,” said Jonathon.

“Carry on,” said Corbett, leaving with Rook.

“Whew, that was close,” remarked Lark.

“Shhh,” said Raven, looking around. “Mother?” she called out.

“I’m here, Raven.” Her mother walked out of Jonathon’s bedroom, and came up to her and handed her something.

Raven looked down to see it was her night rail. “Oh. So, you know.”

“What I know is that you will not be able to fool your father for much longer. I suggest you tell him soon that you’ve fallen for a man who isn’t a noble.” She glanced over to Jonathon, but he couldn’t meet her gaze.

“Will you tell Father for me?” asked Raven.

“It’s not my story to tell. I suggest you figure out what you’re going to do before you’re married off to a man you don’t love or want.”

“Father is so adamant about me marrying a noble,” said Raven. “I don’t want a noble. I want Jonathon.” She looked over to him but he kept busy stoking the flames of the forge.

“Your father is a proud man, Raven. He has worked hard to bring honor back to the family name. He won’t take this news easily.”

“He must understand what it’s like to fall in love with someone beneath one’s status,” said Raven. “After all, he fell in love with you when he thought you were only a servant.”

“Raven, I won’t tell you what to do because, for one, I believe in true love over status. But just remember that whatever decision you make, you will have to live with the consequences for the rest of your life. Whatever that might be.” With that, her mother left the forge, leaving the room in silence.

“I think I’ll leave now, too,” said Lark, hurrying out the door with the dogs following right behind her.

Raven glanced over at Jonathon, but he was still not looking at her. He purposely kept busy dousing the fire now that her father told him to do so.

“Jonathon? Say something to me. Please,” she begged.

He put down a poker and turned to face her. “I never wanted to be deceptive. I don’t like lying.”

“It’s not lying. We are just... keeping some things quiet. For now.”

“Don’t deny it, Raven. All you do is lie. And what happens when your mother reveals to your father just what went on between us? What position will that put us in?”

“She said she wouldn’t,” said Raven. “I believe her.”

“Well, what happens when in a few weeks you are forced to marry whichever noble wins the tournament?” he asked. “What will you do then?”

“I-I won’t let that happen.”