Binding Vows Read Online Free PDF Page B

for?” Fin inquired.
    “You’re looking at much of it. They are treated as fair royalty, complete with costumes, service, food and accommodations.”
    “Don’t forget the tournament,” his wife reminded him.
    “Oh yeah, the tournament.”
    “What happens then?” Duncan spoke up.
    “The knights fight for the right to take the arm of the chosen one.” The older man nodded toward the head table. “Since her hair is down and she’s posing as a marriageable virgin, Gwen will ask for a mock handfasting ceremony at the end. It’s all very entertaining. When was the last time we saw that, Marge?”
    “Goodness, John. I don’t really remember. It must be at least two years.” Marge waved a hand in front of her face, shooing away a fly.
    “Handfasting adds another layer to the games.
    She’ll be a beautiful prize for the winner,” John said between bites.
    “Who are the knights?” Fin asked while glancing around the room.
    “Anyone can join in the games, as long as they have a horse. But Gwen’s men always prevail. Not 29

    Catherine Bybee

    too many of these weekend players know a knight’s game.”
    Duncan and Fin exchanged a knowing look and a quick nod.

    ****
“I’d like to talk to my friend in private.” Tara told the Neanderthal.
    He didn’t budge.
    “If I am going to go along with all this, you need to give me some space.”
    He didn’t even smile.
    “Listen, as your queen, princess or whatever, I demand you leave.” She pointed to the entrance of the tent.
    Knowing she was losing Tara by the second, Cassy spoke out. “Hey Bruno?” She took his arm and tugged. “Have you ever heard of PMS?” That got him moving, but only outside the doorway.
    “There.” Cassy brushed her hands together.
    “You just need to know what to say.”
    “I thought he’d never leave.”
    “It’s not so bad.” Cassy picked up a brush and ran it through her hair.
    “For you , you can walk out of here without being chased. Bruno won’t leave me for a minute.” They came up with Bruno on their own. He never volunteered a name, and only spoke when he had too. And that wasn’t often.
    “You have to admit the room is awesome and the clothes are fantastic.”
    Tara regarded their spacious tent. The thing was so large, it could have held seven others. The beds were feather soft and draped in gold silk. She stared into a floor length mirror, and marveled at her reflection.
    “We have been transported to the middle ages as much as we can be.” Tara picked up her skirt and let it fall to the floor.
    30

    Binding Vows

    “Gwen has seen to our every need.” Cassy popped a grape in her mouth. “I wonder where she’s been.”
    “Sleeping, most likely. She’ll show up soon enough.” Not that Tara looked forward to seeing her again. Something about the woman made her uncomfortable. Which was stupid, she thought. The lady had only been nice to them.
    I really should try and get into the spirit of things.
    Cassy certainly had. In fact, Cassy hadn’t stopped singing the praises of Madame Gwen since they met the old bat.
    No matter how uncomfortable Tara was, this vacation would go down as one of Cassy’s better ideas in the end.
    They were busy taking pictures of the room when Madame Gwen finally showed up with two more generic Brunos at her side.
    Gwen dominated the space with her presence.
    Her robes were less like a Gypsy’s and more like a queen. Her arms were filled with bracelets. Every finger held a ring. In the light of day, the woman appeared even older. Her smile is puzzling and doesn’t suit her.
    “I see you’re settled in,” Gwen said to Cassy.
    “Yes, we are. Thank you so much for everything.
    These clothes are marvelous, and this tent is so much nicer than the one we were in before. I’m not sure why you picked us, but we’re glad you did.”
    “And you?” Gwen turned to Tara. “All of this suits you?”
    “The dresses feel like they were made for me,”
    Tara admitted. “The room is