by Eagle Lady
Half a heart beat later the girl found herself raised up off the floor, her legs dangling in the air, as the Earl held her at arm’s length her small face level with his eyes. “That much is obvious, young lady. Now answer my question. Why are you running around the castle at this hour and barefoot no less, when you should have been in bed long ago?” Roydon gave his daughter a little shake. “Haven’t I told you before that it is dangerous to wander the halls at night?” The Earl shook his head in exasperation as he drew the child to him and held her with one arm as he rubbed her cold feet with his other hand. “Why are you so disobedient, Jaydene?”
The girl hung her head at the displeasure she heard in her father’s voice. “I am sorry, Father.” Jaydene peeked up at the Earl, her brilliant green eyes awash in tears. “I won’t do it again, I promise.”
And the problem was that the Earl knew that the girl was sincere in her apology and her promise, until the next time. The child was an unstoppable bundle of energy, her maids and ladies forever running in her wake or searching her out. He relaxed his stern expression but did not relent from his questioning. “Why are you here, Jaydene?”
“I just wanted to…” Jaydene lifted a hand and for the first time Roydon noticed the wooden doll that his daughter held in her grasp. The girl glanced shyly at her brother and then quickly away as if too embarrassed to continue.
Aguilus came immediately to her rescue. “What is it little sister? You came to see me. Tell me why, please?” The squire nudged her face up drawing her long golden tresses back from her elfin face and smiled into her eyes.
“Marie, my maid, said that you would not sleep tonight, that you had to stay awake all night in the chapel by yourself.” Jaydene paused and waited for confirmation. After receiving a nod from her brother, she continued. “I thought that you would be lonely so I brought you Millie to keep you company.” The toy doll was thrust into Aguilus’ face. “The night is very long,” she clarified with a knowing nod. “Millie can’t speak but she will listen to all your secrets and never tell,” the little girl confided.
Aguilus stared at his sibling, speechless. He didn’t know if he felt like laughing or crying at his sister’s offer, emotion clogged his throat. In the end his father came to his aid.
“Aguilus is overcome with your offer, child.” The Earl hugged his daughter to him, “It is very thoughtful of you.”
“Thank you, Jaydene.” Aguilus took the proffered toy; it was patently obvious that the doll’s clothing had been stitched by his sister. The girl beamed at him happily. He would rather jump from the castle battlements than hurt or disappoint her. Aguilus stuffed the doll inside his tunic and looked apologetically at his father. He was probably the first aspiring knight that went to his vigil accompanied by a toy doll.
But the Earl nodded his approval at his son, his black eyes glittering with more than the reflected light of the candles. Without another word Roydon led the way from the tower chamber carrying his daughter in his arms and followed by his son.
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Eagle Lady is Rose Victory’s first book. She has always wanted to write, to share her stories, but never seemed to find the opportunity. Having retired after 34 years in the Civil Service, she can now dedicate her time to her love of reading and now hopefully also to creating stories. Stories that will take you, the reader, away on the wings of her imagination to wondrous places. At least for a little while…
If you liked EAGLE LADY do not despair because, aside from EAGLE KNIGHT, there are two more books on the back burner.
THE KING’S HONOUR will be coming out in December 2013. It is an exciting story of adventure, loyalty, friendship and betrayal set in the fictional country of Salmonia in the late 16th century. It will capture you hearts and your imagination.
Historical fiction is a genre that she loves above all others and her books are suitable for all age groups to enjoy. Check out her author page on Amazon for information on further publications.
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EAGLE LADY… http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0071924GQ