Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Sample!  All excerpts here are rated PG-13 or milder.

I’m continuing with a sample from my medieval WIP, Time Enough to Love:  Book 1 ~ Betrothal. My editor is over half-way through and sounds positive, so I’m crossing fingers for a new round of edits this week!

Disclaimer:  This work is still going through the editing process, so please forgive any flaws.  

This series is set in England and France in 1348.  Part 1, Betrothal, takes place at the court of King Edward III.

This excerpt comes just after last Sunday’s 8 sentences (If you’d like to read them, they are here.)  Alyse was discussing her possible choices for the Round Table knights and ladies she and Geoffrey might play in the coming procession. Decision made, Princess Joanna elects to walk in the garden.  They open the door on a very surprised Geoffrey Longford.

Geoffrey had raised his hand to knock at the princess’s chamber door when it opened as if of its own accord, bringing him face-to-face with Princess Joanna and her retinue. He stepped back and bowed deeply to the princess.

“Sir Geoffrey.” Princess Joanna greeted him with an amused air. “You have been quite the topic of our conversation this morning.”

Geoffrey shot a glance at Alyse then smiled back at the princess. “Indeed, Your Highness, I beg pardon. To have had such a tiresome subject before you on a beautiful morning must have tried your soul.”

Joanna laughed, a trilling that sounded pleasantly in the ear. “Nay, Sir

Knights of the Round Table

Geoffrey, quite the opposite I assure you. You enlivened our morning nicely. We are now on our way to the gardens for some fresh air and to cool us down from our heated discussion of the Knights of the Round Table.

Lord, that did not bode well.

“Will you accompany us?”

Geoffrey bowed again, but shook his head. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Highness, but I must return to attend your father the king but shortly. I only came to beg a moment of Lady Alyse’s time, an it please you.”

She gave him an inquiring look but said, “Aye, Sir Geoffrey. You may speak with Lady Alyse privately, though for a few moments only. More is not seemly, even for those betrothed. My ladies and I will await her just outside.” The princess gave him another curious look as she passed by but Geoffrey bowed again and Alyse curtsied, and she continued down the corridor and passed into the courtyard.

Alyse turned to Geoffrey, her expectant smile making his stomach tighten. Suddenly he was tongue-tied.

I hope you enjoyed this latest sample from  Betrothal.   And be sure to click here to visit more Sweet Samples.