Camelot's Blood Read Online Free PDF

highly prized, so besieged by lovers, as is Sir Agravain!”
    The whole court was in stitches now, with ladies laughing into their sleeves, knights and lords slapping each other on their backs, their guffaws ringing from the walls. Queen Guinevere did not, however, join in the general merriment. Her frown had not changed, but it was no longer directed at the seneschal. Instead, she turned her quiet, even displeasure towards the Lady Moire. Moire did not miss this and attempted to hold herself upright under the double weight of the queen’s glare and the court’s laughter rolling over her. King Arthur leaned close to murmur something into the queen’s ear. As Guinevere bowed her head to listen, Laurel was at last able to glimpse Sir Agravain.
    Sir Agravain watched Sir Kai, his eyes narrowed, and his whole body tensed and ready. But ready for what? Challenge? Flight? No, not flight. There was none of that about him. Sir Agravain was holding himself ready in case he must act, while at the same time judging how to act, acutely aware of where he was and who he was. She felt certain of this, as she was certain of the stone floor beneath her feet. Then, Gawain and the king shifted their positions to converse with each other, and Laurel could see nothing but that lean, brown hand, still on the tablecloth, still curled into its fist. Still waiting.
    Kai, evidently pleased by his success, had opened his mouth again.
    â€œEnough, Kai,” announced the king firmly, and he raised his cup to the musicians who waited attentively near the hearths. They struck up a merry tune at once, and now the servants did come forward to clear away cloths and tables to make room for the brightly clad dancers to assemble in the centre of the hall. King Arthur gave his hand to the queen to raise her to her feet while their thrones were moved forward a little so they could better view the entertainment. The great crowd of the court stood as well, shuffling, murmuring, reassembling themselves into new, smaller gatherings for enjoyment and conversation. Risa touched Laurel’s hand and gestured for her to come a few steps down the dais to where she could stand amid the other ladies.
    â€œMay I ask what your impression is?” Laurel did not need Risa’s nod to know she meant her impression of Sir Agravain.
    â€œI do not know,” murmured Laurel, but this was only partly the truth. “You have lived beside him. What manner of man is he?”
    Lady Risa hesitated a long moment.
For my sake or for the sakes of all these listening ears?
Women pressed close. They were surrounded by rustling skirts and light ladies’ whispers.
    â€œHe is an honourable man,” said Risa at last. “He will not give much demonstration when he is pleased, and that can make him seem hard.”
    Laurel frowned. This was very near what Gareth had said, and she could see that like Gareth, Risa held something back.
    She could see Sir Agravain easily now. He stood on the edge of the dais in stern conversation with Sir Kai, who still had his crooked smile on his face. Gawain was there too, saying something, but whatever his brother was telling him, it did not effect Sir Agravain’s wary and disapproving countenance.
    What is it? What about you has everyone so careful of their words?
    As this thought formed in her mind, Sir Agravain turned, and saw her watching him.
    A flush instantly burned Laurel’s cheeks, but she forced herself to hold steady. Sir Agravain’s brows drew together, slightly puzzled. Displeased? She could not tell. She inclined her head towards him, and he did the same to her.
    Risa touched Laurel’s arm, giving her a valid excuse to turn away. Two heavily carved wooden chairs with blue cushions had been set on the dais, two steps below the thrones. Sir Agravain caught her eye again, and somehow Laurel felt the slightest air of challenge from him as he walked down the dais steps to stand beside one. Head held