As usual, none of them paid her any attention. It wasn’t until a man knew her titles and status that their heads turned.
Except for Simon.
He cared for her person, not her birthright.
She found him by his horse, checking its shoes and rigging.
He straightened as soon as her shadow fell over him. His eyes widened in surprise.
“Kenna. I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
“I know.” She handed him the small package in her hands. “But I wanted to bring you this.”
He opened it to find the red ribbon she always wore in her hair. The one her father had given her as a present just days before he’d died.
Today was the first day in years she’d been completely without it.
“Since you lost the last one, I want you to wear my favor, my lord.”
He smiled at her. “Always.”
He kissed her lips lightly, then held his arm out so that she could tie her token around his mail-covered biceps. Her heart was weak and pain-filled at the thought of losing him today.
Silently, she wished him God’s strength and mercy.
As soon as she was finished, she took a