At the remark about the fever gripping men, Claire replied, “That is true. Something must have triggered this, or perhaps Leo is the exception that makes the rule?” She shrugged, as if it was anyone’s guess, though she knew full well what had triggered this.
She watched him try to decide what to do, both sides of his mind warring in his aura. The instant he came to his decision was plain in the way the colors settled and his shoulders relaxed slightly.
The brief moment of his closeness brought to mind other encounters and, for a moment, she was overwhelmed by the scents of leather and horse and the warmth emanating from him. She didn’t try to dispute the casual way he entered her home but she did hope the guards didn’t make too much of it. She followed after him.
“I will set up a cot for him in front of the fireplace.” Claire fetched the item from a corner and set it up near the hearth. “It’s very generous of you to remain, my lord. I apologize that I don’t have all the comforts you’re accustomed to.”
♘—The two guards filed in behind him and the one holding Leo moved to follow closely after Claire, setting the boy down when the cot was ready. Only then did he stand next to the other guard, while Bayard helped himself to a seat close to the boy.
"I care not. Good company and something other than boar would make up entirely for that,“ Bayard said with a wink.
"My Lord, do you require our services?” The guard who held Leo asked.
"Return the wagon and ride back tomorrow morning.“
"Yes, My Lord,” they both said in the same breath, then filed out and closed the door behind them.
