She does not like it. If the knights rode too far aheadâif Sigurd rode too far aheadâwho would remain to protect her? What if one of Sandimaâs minions snuck past them and snatched her away? What if something happened to him and she was too far behind for her magic to reach?
Deirdre would much rather he let her sit right there behind him on his horse. She is far too afraid of what might happen should she ever let go of him.
Her lips purse and her brow furrows and crinkles. It is his duty as a knight. As her knight.
âYou must promise me you will be careful. All of you! If any harm comes to you, you must promise you will not ride so far ahead that you cannot rush back to my side so that I might heal you. If something were to happenâŚâ
Her heart aches to imagine any of them injured. Lord Sigurd, Lord Quan, any of the knights who pledged their service to her belovedâs cause are dear to her. She has friends now. She is no longer strictly shunned or feared for the curse of her blood. It is her duty to protect them just as much as it is theirs to protect her.
She does not look comforted. How his heart wavers! Yet, beyond the fact that even his beloved horse would struggle carrying two riders into battle, what kind of leader would he be if he hung back while his own soldiers took the greater risk? Itâs a conundrum with no easy response.
âDeirdre...â He takes her hands in his own. In the dense forests, it only makes sense to proceed together slowly, but in the open around the castle...what would be the best course?
âWhen we break free of the woods...perhaps it would be wise for us to remain close, as you say. There is no telling what tricks Sandima has up his sleeve. But if we guard you, fend off what troops no doubt await us as you silence him...I have no doubt that weâll be able to deal with him in one fell swoop.â
He bows his head. Again, how shameful it is to ask for aid from one heâs promised to protect! But she had offered, and if there is any way to ensure that despicable sorcerer is no danger to her again--then by all means, they must take it.
âDeirdre, I...I am sorry. To ask this of you--I offered you protection, and yet I ask you to fight with me! But like you...even if only for a moment, I do not think I could bear for us to be parted. I give you my word I will stay near you!â