Read Online The Singer's Crown by Elaine Isaak - Free Book Online Page B

expression. “I have tried to serve him well, Your Highness, but I fear my service, even to his realm, is at an end. His brother, the new baron, has many good men already. And the keep would hold too many memories for me.”
    On behalf of all the baron’s servants, especially Thomas, Kattanan’s heart soared, but his hopes were quickly crushed as the princess responded, “I am sure my brother would be glad to have you join our household, Montgomery. We are ever in need of brave and true men.”
    Sir smiled widely, looking not at the princess, but at Kattanan. “If you would put in a word for me, Princess, no doubt he would be favorable.”
    The singer shrank back against the wall, tucking his hands against his sides.
    â€œKattanan.” Melisande narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you quite well? Good. Would you take a message to my brother regarding this good squire?”
    He nodded numbly. “What would you have me say, Highness?”
    â€œTell him his friend the baron would have wished the best for all of us, and especially his loyal man, so I think we should bring him into our service.”
    Kattanan nodded again, and walked behind the chairs to approach the prince. Wolfram listened, looking down the table to his sister and Sir, who gravely acknowledged his glance.
    â€œThe baron has spoken of this Montgomery,” the prince whispered, doubt playing across his features as he looked into Kattanan’s face. “You knew them both, what do you think? Would he have the man brought to our household, or prefer him to remain there?”
    Kattanan was taken off guard. From the way Sir was eyeing the princess, he had some other plan than service. “The baron trusted this squire above all others, it is true, Your Highness. While I am sure he would wish you the finest of men, I think he would wanted a firm hand to govern his household.” His heart raced within his chest.
    The prince pursed his lips, searching Kattanan’s face. “You don’t speak all your mind, but say well what you do. I would talk more with you, but not here. Tell my sister that I will think on it and ask that she send you to me after the meal, when she has retired to the garden.”
    â€œAs you wish, Highness.” He bowed slightly as he backed away and returned to his place. Sir’s gaze followed him the whole way, beating at him like the sun on the desert.
    When the princess had relayed his message, a shadow passed over the squire’s face. “I appreciate your intervention, Princess, more than you know. Even more fervently do I desire to serve such an honorable House as yours.”
    Melisande giggled. “Well, it is all in my brother’s hands, now, but I wouldn’t mind your reassignment if you always give out such compliments.”
    The conversation now turned to other things, but Kattanan frequently felt Sir’s blazing scrutiny. At last the meal was done, and Melisande gave him leave to go to the prince, after Sir had gently kissed her hand in farewell. Kattanan wanted to cry out in warning but only bowed and stayed behind. He took several wrong turns before he found the prince’s chambers at last.
    The prince greeted him from a deep window bay that looked out on the garden and dismissed his squire with a negligent wave. “Join me, Singer.”
    Kattanan bowed to him and approached hesitantly. “I am not sure it is fitting, Highness. I am somewhat less than a servant and unused to conversing with princes.”
    Wolfram laughed. “Yet you must have spoken with as many as I, in all your travels. Eadmund told me somewhat of your history, what he knew, which was not much. He had a good deal of confidence in you.”
    Kattanan had no answer to this unexpected turn.
    â€œPlease, sit.” The prince waved him to the window seat opposite himself. “There is much I would ask you, but we should deal with the business at hand. Eadmund spoke to