A Noble Purpose

by Laurie Lucking

He shook his head. “I came to Telynn Castle to serve as a knight, not to marry a princess.”

“Northward, we go!” Sweeping my hand toward the Norden Mountains, I pressed my heel against Tassie’s side. Quick, girl. If you gallop off fast enough, perhaps we can avoid another lecture.

“I’m beginning to think I should’ve just believed you about that picnic.” He rubbed his forehead.

Our faces were mere inches apart, his breadth pressing me tightly against the stone cliff. This close, gold flecks appeared in his amber eyes. I’d always grudgingly acknowledged Breck was handsome, but I’d never before been so aware of him.

Thank the snows he wasn’t called upon to save my life often. Dryness coated my throat as the moment stretched on. Look away, Liesel. But somehow, I couldn’t.

I squeezed my eyes shut, my fingers clenching the coarse fabric of his tunic. Breck shifted one arm to curve around my back, keeping the other braced on the stone. “I won’t let anything hurt you.” “I know.” I felt the truth of the statement deep in my core. For all our bickering, Breck wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice himself if it meant keeping me safe. Please, Holy One, don’t let it come to that. I dipped my head until it rested on his shoulder.

Desperate to disperse my rising fears, I batted my lashes at him in mock flirtation. “Distinctive in a good way?” He snorted. “Distinctive in a dangerous way.”

The hive’s worth of bees that began buzzing around my midsection must’ve been from hunger. Or perhaps Klaus’s unfamiliar gait. Nothing to do with the idea that Breck might find me attractive, twigs and all.

“Please.” His whisper was in my ear again. “Don’t let your pride cause you to get hurt.”

Protect them, Holy One. And me. A whisper floated into my consciousness, as much a presence as a word. Always.

“Breck!” I didn’t even mind that my relieved cry made it sound like he was my favorite person in the world. At the moment, I had to admit he was.

“Your experiences today were far more than simply trying. If you’re feeling scared or worried, you have every right to show it. There’s no need to cover it with your quick wit and disarming grins.” His voice softened as he leaned closer. “At least, not with me.”

“I don’t want a different position.” A new warmth in his eyes both drew me in and made me want to back away. “Good.” My whisper barely made a sound, but he seemed to understand.

“I’m sure I’ll get irritated with you on occasion, as you will with me. But that will never change how much I care for you.”

Thank You, Holy One. For leading me to a man who can love me in spite of—maybe even because of—my wild schemes. For forcing me to look past his gruff exterior to his beautiful heart. For knowing everything I try to hide and still embracing me as Your daughter.