Page 19 of Lord of Misrule

“I’m glad you approve because my sister had a hand in making the kissing boughs.”

Tolin turned to see Kit standing there holding a tray of small loaves of bread. The aroma wafted up into the air, making Tolin salivate. There was nothing like the scent of freshly baked bread.

“Your sister did this?” He glanced upward.

“Yes. And her name is Brenna. She might not be that much help in the kitchen being so pregnant, but I sent her out to assist the servants with the decorations. I hope it is to your approval.”

“You sent her out to help? Not Emeric?”

“Yes, it was me. I take full responsibility.”

He was about to reprimand Kit for giving orders that weren’t approved by him when his dog ran into the great hall being chased by the boy.

“King,” Tolin called to the dog, always being greeted by the hound jumping on him and licking his face. King heard him and ran in his direction. Unfortunately, the dog knocked into Kit and she lost her balance. The tray of bread fell to the floor and Kit somehow ended up in Tolin’s arms.

“Ooomph,” she said with a breath of air escaping her lips. She clung to Tolin, looking up at him through tangled strands of hair.

“You’re under the kissing bough, my lord,” his squire pointed out.

“Tolin’s already making use of the kissing boughs? Why am I not surprised?” His brother, Daegel entered the great hall with Rook and Raven following.

“I’m sorry, my lord,” Kit said in a whisper. Tolin held her securely, not wanting the beautiful woman to fall.

“It wasn’t your fault,” he told her. Her eyes held innocence but at the same time he saw passion and determination. Once again she had flour spewed across her cheek and he had to stop himself from reaching out to brush it away. Long dark lashes curled upward as she blinked several times in succession. He swore he saw her gaze settle on his mouth. When it did, it made his attention go to the girl’s full lips that looked like they needed...or wanted kissing. It would be so easy to kiss her right now and no one could question it as they were under the kissing bough. He wanted to taste those lips desperately, but he wasn’t sure the wench wouldn’t slap him if he did. Thinking it best not to act on this right now, he gently righted her position and released her. “I’m sorry my hound is so forceful.”

She bent down to collect the small palm-sized loaves of bread. Without thinking it through, he hunkered down and helped her to put them back on the tray.

“I’m sorry about the bread. I will clean it off. I should have left it in the kitchen to cool.”

“No harm done.” He put his arm under her elbow and helped her to her feet.

“I wanted to ask you why the list specifically called for such small loaves? Was that a mistake?” She looked down at the dirty bread and then back up at him.

He smiled, wanting to break the tension. He didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable here at the castle.

“The loaves are perfect, Kit.” He picked one up and tossed it to his dog.

Kit watched in confusion as Tolin gave the loaf of bread to his dog to eat. “My lord, I thought those were for the meal. And did you not say they were perfect?”

“They are,” he said, taking the tray from her and handing it to his squire. “These are Christmas treats for the hounds. Jarvis, take these loaves to the kennels and tell the kennel groom that every hound gets one. If he needs more, let me know.”

“But those are white bread,” protested Kit, not able to believe something that was reserved for nobles was being given to the animals instead of the servants. He was revering the hounds and wouldn’t even let the servants worship in church. What kind of a place was this?

“That’s right, these are white bread,” said Tolin, laughing and petting King’s head with two hands as the dog devoured the loaf of bread in three bites. “Only the best for the castle hounds.”

“Make sure Copper and Brindy get some too,” Raven called after the squire.

“Yes, my lady,” said Jarvis.

“Who?” asked Kit.

“My mastiffs,” said Raven with a kind smile. “Of course, they’ll want several loaves since they are large and tend to eat a lot.” She called after the squire once more. “Make sure their pups get some too. They’re getting big now and can’t seem to stop eating.”

“Yes, my lady,” Jarvis’ voice got softer as he headed out to the courtyard.

“Just kiss her already,” growled Daegel. “And then let’s get to the practice yard for the joust.”

“Kiss?” Alarm ran through Kit when she realized both she and Tolin were still standing under the kissing bough. “Oh, no. I couldn’t.”