Welcome to Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog featuring diverse authors posting excerpts from their works in progress based on word and picture prompts. I’m pleased you stopped by today. This week’s picture prompt is the above snow. My snippet is from a medieval romance featuring a knight and his lady. I’m excited to work in my favorite reading genre. Enjoy the other authors at Tuesday Tales.
Once the hearty stew had alleviated his hollow belly, Reese pushed the bread trencher aside and took up the wine goblet. If this household followed the usual custom, the trenchers would be passed on to the villagers after vespers at the end of the day.
Lady Alis addressed him between bites, not looking at him directly but using a low and pleasant tone. “Another course will follow, my lord. I hope you have a sweet tooth, though as routine it won’t be the splendid creamy Snow of a Yuletide table.”
He was gratified to see she was not one of those ladies of a courtly mien that nibbled and feigned not to eat. Her progress with the stew was not far behind his. “Whatever subtlety is offered will be most welcome, my lady.” Servants bustled in preparation. Meanwhile, he savored the wine. It wasn’t as fine as his father was wont to serve but, like the stew, better than he had expected. Pushing down any family memories that might evoke emotion, he focused on the here and now. He’d learned mindfulness and readiness to act was key to survival. A coarse guffaw brought his attention to the head of the table, though he refrained from turning his head. How did Alis’ uncle maintain quality larders in the current unsettled climate? Harbottle was not known for a diplomatic tongue. There must be something to the gossip he had overheard. He had to keep a low profile and find out as much as he could. That was his focus now. And keep a watchful eye on the lady of course. That went without saying.
Even when she was quiet and avoiding his gaze, the warmth and sweet scent of Lady Alis never left his awareness. Due to the tight quarters at this end of the table, her hip was pressed against his. The warmth radiated from her body to his and settled over him with a softness heretofore unknown. She had a mesmerizing effect on him. He had never forgotten her all the years they were apart. He was not likely to do so now.
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the picture prompt snow. Thanks for stopping by. Return to Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
I love your unique ways of using the prompts!
This one WAS a little different– thanks, Cathy!
Wonderful snippet as always!
Thank you!
Wonderful characterizations on both of them. And, as always, you describe and set the scene so well!
Kind words much appreciated, Mae. I love medieval knight romances.
How lovely! I enjoyed so much the way he feels about her. Great story.
Jean, I’m glad his feeling toward her came across– thank you!
You are always so good at conveying the scenes from the past. I feel like I’ve stepped back in time and am standing there watching the scene from the sidelines. Excellent!
That is high praise coming from someone who does the past so beautifully, Trisha. Thank you!
Loved his observation of her and his feelings for her. I can’t wait to read more!
Thanks for your feedback on how his feelings came across, Tricia.