Tuesday Tales: 2021-3-16 Photo Goldfinch

Welcome to Tuesday Tales, where you’ll find entertaining excerpts from a group of hard-working writers. Writing is our passion. You can enjoy stories and see works in progress unfold. I continue here with an adventurous medieval romance featuring a knight. This week’s picture prompt is goldfinch. These musical little birds warbled in medieval forests just as they do now. Make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.

Nicholas swallowed a groan as Sabina shifted her position once again. Having her astride Champion with him allowed assurance of her warmth and a measure of comfort. The arrangement did little for his comfort, however. His body became more intimately aware of hers with each furlong they traveled. Lord knows what he might do if she didn’t cease her infernal squirming. Allow his fingers to flutter across her midriff? Ease aside her protective hood and nuzzle the soft, lovely throat he remembered? Dip her mouth beneath his and kiss the life out of her?

He would do none of those lest she bolt right off the horse. Still, he couldn’t blot out the reckless impulses. The memory of their shared kiss all those years ago filled his mind, despite his efforts to forget. She hadn’t bolted then. Her fever had matched his.

It was only later that she ran, her pain-filled eyes mirroring his betrayal. A wave of sadness swept over him.  He wondered at other kisses she might have experienced over the years.

The road stretched out before them, fragrant evergreens flourishing on either side. As Sabina relaxed against him, he realized she dozed at last. In slumber her body nestled trustingly against his, seeming to seek solace and security. She had been overwrought and well needed sleep. With his tension easing, he steadied his arm, cradling her form, protecting her rest. They rode on for a time, peaceful and serene. A strange glow of contentment began to grow and expand within him.

At last she yawned and stretched, and her voice came low and drowsy. “I slept. The sun is mid heaven.”

“You needed your rest.”

She moved slightly away. “I’m sorry if I was a burden. You must think me an awfully pampered creature, being susceptible to the weather and then sleeping like some winter bear.”

“Not at all. Ada mentioned how you tossed and turned during the night just passed. The body will take what it needs.” He flinched inwardly at the double meaning looming in the words, but she appeared not to notice.

When a stalwart bird twittered merrily from nearby trees, she craned her head to follow the sound. “Do you remember the golden birds in my mother’s garden? The ones that sang so sweetly?”

“You loved those wee goldfinches.”

I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the picture prompt goldfinch. Thanks for stopping by. Read the other remarkable excerpts at Tuesday Tales.

All rights reserved, copyright @ 2021 Flossie Benton Rogers