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An annoyed flush rose to his cheeks and he realized that more spectators had been drawn to the watch the altercation, and that even the attention of the king and queen had come to rest upon the or the dropping of a platter went unnoticed, breathed as close to silence as a crowded chaave a stiff bow and didn’t quite lad I aer, noting its unexceptional wooden handle, and returned it to the other man "Unhar into the other aze

As he spoke those words, the attention of the diners returned to their meals as if the entertainlance at Maris, atched him with an unfathomable expression, Dirick turned to make his way back to his place at the front of the hall

Somehow, amid the din that had started back up to accoasp He spun about in ti down upon him Dirick instinctively raised his arm and the blade, which had beenthe back of his shoulder With a howl of rage, he leaped at Bon, knocking hi over the stocky rappled with the other that held the dagger

"I did not ever," he grunted, "have the occasion to repay the hospitality which--" Dirick’s breath was cut off by a knee shoved into his ribs, but that effort cost Bon the battle for the knife "--The hospitality which you provided to Lady Maris"

The brief, close struggle ended with the point of the blade very near Bon’s throat, and a crowd ofin upon the scene Dirick pulled hihtly winded but enlivened froht, else I ell and truly repay your graciousness to the lady And know this--you need have no fear of turning your back to me, Bon de Savrille, for when I mean to strike you, there will be no need for stealth"

His face distorted with rage, Bon pulled hih the cluster of spectators Again, as the altercation dissipated, so did the viewers, returning to their interruptedacceptance of such scenes

"You’ll have a care in the dark hallways, anon," murmured a voice behind Dirick

He turned to Maris Her smirk had been replaced by a frown that creased her forehead "The man is a buffoon," he said carelessly She stood close to hiainst the heh he is, ’tis he alked away unscathed and you who have the wound" Concern lurked under her nonchalance as she rose on her toes to look at his shoulder Dirick beca da pain beneath it "Come, I’ll see to your ill, as you made the fool of yourself on my behalf"

Her brisk voice dampened any tenderness that ely annoyed "Nay, lady, I’ll not keep you fro up at hier left, as your talk of bloodshed sapped h to treat the queen, verily I can do you little har soiled!"

He muttered that she could indeed inflict harht on a cold floor to prove it, but in the end, he followed her froed their footsteps as Maris led the way toward the main hallway to the other side of Westminster

"I atch over your mistress, Raymond, you nored Dirick’s comment while Maris stopped short and turned a cool look on him "My men take orders from no one but me, Sir Dirick" Then she turned to Sir Rayht Rayh he has a wounded shoulder, I vow Dirick will allow no haran hesitantly, then tried again "But Lady Maris, you cannot take him to your chamber! ’Twould be but more fuel to the fire already started back there!"

Maris shook her head, "Agnes awaits ive him a poultice and send hio you"

They were silent for the re walk to her chamber When they reached the heavy oaken door, Dirick opened it and preceded her in

Maris stood in the entrance, watching as he scouted the roo fire to the trunks lined neatly along one short wall, to the narrow bed piled with pillows froumont

"Your maidservant is not here" He’d moved back to the door and stood half in and half out of the roo the thought with a wave of her hand "Co hi its leather straps and flinging its lid open As she rus, the heled in the contents of the trunk With athe four thick braids that were looped up at her crown Tossing the wimple aside, she delved once more into the depths of the trunk and at last retrieved a sed further, and withdrew a small square of folded cloth

When Maris pulled to her feet, she found Dirick poking at the fire, his back to her The dark red stain on his shoulder had seeped further, but not alarly so She reached to shift the cloth away from the wound, but he moved just as she touched him "You must remove your tunic and shirt," she told hiaze rested on her unveiled head, then dropped to her hands holding the leather pouch "Aye"