Fragments of Grace (Prequel to the Dragonblade Trilogy) by Kathryn Le Veque Page A

averting his gaze because he was afraid to look at her any longer. “I
know it was not your doing. We will do our best to ensure your comfort and
protection.”
    Chloë’s heart sank as he averted
his eyes, unable to stomach the sight of her.  “You do not like me very much,
do you?”
    Keir’s head snapped up, his ice
blue eyes riveted to her with surprise. “I… I do not know what you mean, my
lady.”
    She smiled faintly, such a
beautiful and delicate gesture. “Aye, you do, but you are too much of a gentle
knight to say so,” she took a step towards him, her face uplifted to meet his.
“I was rude and belligerent when we first met and I realize that you must have
come to the conclusion that I am a petulant and terrible woman.  I did not mean
to offend you when you rescued my sister and I from our chamber, truly. I was
simply afraid and reacting in kind.  I thought I was defending myself. I hope
with time you can forgive me and at least tolerate the sight of me.  I should
not like to make you uncomfortable and unhappy with my presence within the
walls of your very own keep.”
    Keir stared at her as her words
sank in.  It began to occur to him how his behavior must be affecting her, the
coldness and the sense of self protection that he must be projecting.  He could
see that she was very concerned for his feelings and it touched him deeply,
softening him in a way he had never before been softened.  The poor woman had
just survived a siege only to be taken from her home and traipsed across miles
of bad weather and inhospitable land by a bitter and sullen knight.  
    Even though she frightened him
and he sincerely did not want her at Pendragon, it did not excuse his behavior
towards her.  Gazing into her deep brown eyes, he sighed faintly.
    “Nay, lady,” he said softly,
reaching out to take her hand. “It is I who should apologize. You have not, at
any time, offended me.  Please forgive me if I have offended you with my surly
behavior. It is not directed at you.”
    Chloë’s heart leapt as he held
her hand gently.  She grasped his hand and held it tightly.  “Are you sure you
are not angry with me for attempting to blind you?” she teased softly.
    He broke out in a crooked smile.
“Nay,” he answered. “I could never be angry with you.”
    “Not even when I am deliberately
wicked and stubborn?”
    He laughed softly. “I do not
believe you have those capabilities, my lady. You look like an angel incarnate
and I choose to believe that you are as beautiful on the inside as you are on
the outside.”
    She gave him a devilish
expression. “Foolish mortal,” she jested. “You shall come to regret that
statement.”
    He laughed again, a liberating
experience considering he hadn’t laughed like that in three years. Not since
Madeleine passed. There had been nothing to laugh at, not until this very
moment with this exquisite creature in front of him. He realized that it made
his heart light simply to look at her. His ice blue eyes twinkled.
    “I do not think so,” he told her.
“But just so you know, I am not beyond spanking she who needs to be spanked.”
    Chloë put her hands on her hips
in mock outrage. “Did my father give you permission to do that?”
    Keir winked at her. “I do not
need his permission. You are my ward and if you need to be punished, I will not
hesitate to do it.”
    “Is that so?”
    “It is.”
    She gave him a very doubtful, yet
very flirtatious, expression. “We shall see, Sir Keir.”
    Keir was swept off his feet by
her charm.  He should have fought it with all his might but he couldn’t seem to
manage it.  Grinning, he pointed up the stairs.
    “Perhaps,” was all he would say.
“Go inside now.  It is warm in there. I will join you shortly.”
    Chloë’s eyes were glittering,
like brilliant stars against the black expanse of night. “Promise?”
    He shouldn’t have responded to
the flirt. He should have remained professional and steadfast, letting his