Etan
They'd been sitting on the bench for several minutes and Etan could barely wait for the next word to cross her lips. She was fascinating. And not because of her beauty. He couldn't see much of her face—she wore a demi-mask that left her mouth and jaw free—but what he could see revealed creamy skin, a hint of freckles and a chin just shy of sharp.
He was certain she was stunning. Not that it would have mattered. Sothing within him burned for her in a way he'd never experienced. It was that feeling that had drawn him to her. As if she'd taken a grip on his soul.
Watching her so quickly and efficiently overco that bastard Lord who had pawed at her had been nothing short of arousing. She was defiant, strong, certain of herself. Though he'd been disappointed not to have the opportunity to save her, watching her care for herself had only made the knot in his chest tighten further. He'd wanted to applaud and cheer like a Barrelman at a Jousting match. She'd had her foot on his throat, like a fierce Queen in battle, ready to execute her enemy. Then, when he'd spoken, she looked up and…
She'd run to him. With joy on every feature. And sohow, impossibly, he knew she'd forced herself to stop short of touching him. He was determined to make sure she never felt the need to restrain herself again. But most especially if she were fleeing the clutch of a scum like this Lord Vitren.
Etan muttered a curse under his breath. He'd made a ntal note of the man's na and would do everything in his power to ensure the man was never left alone with an unwilling woman again.
But where had this beautiful creature learned to fight like that? True, it was against an unsuspecting opponent, and a very drunk one. But still. He'd seen won ten years her elder fall completely to pieces when cornered by a man. Especially one as large as that troll.
"Where did you learn to fight?" he asked when a short, comfortable pause rested between them.
She grinned adorably. "You must promise not to tell anyone. My Knight Defender tells surprise wins half the battle. And n are generally surprised by a woman who is… capable."
"Your Knight Defender sounds like a wise man," Etan said with a chuckle. "Did he teach you?"
"Only after he caught hiding in the training gym and watching the n learn."
Etan wanted to laugh with delight. But she wasn't finished.
She grimaced. "As punishnt, he made show him what I had learned. Apparently, my form was terrible. So, I insisted he teach to correct it. And once he had, I told him if he didn't keep teaching , I would tell my father that he'd touched with no chaperone present."
"Dear Lord! The poor man!"
She made a face and fluffed her skirts, pleased with herself. "Truly, he wanted to teach , but felt that he shouldn't. I was just giving him the right motivation to do what he would have chosen anyway."
"I'm certain you're right," Etan said, beaming like a fool. "And that was… how long ago?" Her face went serious then and she dropped her chin. He took her hand without thought and she watched him twine their fingers, her mouth slightly open. "What is it?" he asked, hushed. "What's wrong?"
She tipped her head then looked up at him. "I am not unhappy in my life. I want you to know that." Etan nodded, glad to hear it. "But when I was in my thirteenth sumr a group of n attempted to… take from my parents. It was quite frightening and although my Knight Defender was able to stop them, it left feeling… helpless." A twist of fear appeared in Etan's chest, but he ignored it. Her pretty throat bobbed as she frowned and went on. "It is not a happy feeling, helplessness," she said quietly.
"No."
"And so, as I said, I do believe my Knight Defender was actually quite eager to teach . He beca aware of my difficulty sleeping in the weeks after they appeared in my quarters."
Light, help us, Etan thought. There was no question then. She had to be—
"Do not pity , Sir!" she said suddenly and fiercely, her jaw hard. "I do not live in fear anymore."
"I'm sure you don't," he replied breathlessly. "I've always considered it offensive that so cultures treat won as if they are… incapable."
She blinked and her smile returned. "I feel the sa way!"
"One of the best riders in our Cavalry is a woman—yet she is forced to hide her identity, to dress and act like a man when she is in ranks. I have never understood it. The male armor only weighs her down and makes her less effective. She should be able to ride and fight to the best of her ability."
"I agree! I love to ride, yet my mother insists I use the side-saddle, which only puts my poor animal off-balance, and leads into greater danger."
"You ride?" Etan breathed.
"Every day," she whispered back.
He couldn't believe it. She was perfect.
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