The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest (A Medieval Fairy Tale #1)(7)

Jorgen kept his body between her and the unruly men, shielding her until they had passed. His brow furrowed as he looked into her eyes. “Are you all right?”

“I am well. Thank you for protecting me.” They were being pressed against each other by the people on either side of them as the music halted in the middle of the song. Some of the dancers loudly protested the shouting and pushing that was disrupting their dance.

Jorgen bent his head close to her ear. “Take my arm.”

She complied, and he started making his way around the revelers. She smelled the wine and strong drink on the bodies passing in front of them. They were headed toward the other side of the fountain where the wood had been piled in readiness for the bonfire. But it was too early. They never started the fire until the Burgomeister had made a speech and darkness had fallen.

Odette and Jorgen moved at a slow pace, often forced to wait for a group to pass, many of them shouting and laughing and pushing. A particularly unruly group almost wrenched Odette’s hand from Jorgen’s arm, causing her to gasp and stumble. Jorgen turned his body so as to block them from her. Then he put his arm around her shoulders and maneuvered her beside him instead of behind him.

He kept his gaze on the crowd and on making a way out of the crush of people, which allowed Odette to study him covertly through her lashes.

He had a solid chin, a muscular jaw, and sturdy cheekbones that contrasted with a gentle look about his mouth and eyes. He clenched his jaw, his arm tightening about her when someone pushed against them.

Was he aware that she was watching him?

Soon they were free of the boisterous people heading for the bonfire. He loosened his arm around her as Rutger, Anna, and Peter approached them.

“There you are,” Rutger said. “I was afraid you were caught in that crowd of ruffians.”

“We were, but Jorgen kept me safe.” She couldn’t help glancing up at him. The way he gazed down at her made her heart trip and miss a beat.

Her uncle turned his attention to Jorgen. “I am grateful to you for protecting Odette. But now that the more unruly ones have gone to see to the bonfire, I hear the music starting.”

“I believe it is my turn again.” Mathis walked up behind them. “Odette, would you favor me with another dance? Jorgen is a handsome enough fellow. He will find another maiden to dance with him.” Disdain dripped from his tone.

So Mathis and Jorgen knew each other?

Jorgen looked into her eyes, as though to see if that was what she wanted. Not wanting to slight either of them, she wasn’t sure what to say.

“I thank you for dancing with me.” Jorgen bowed to her. “Perhaps I will see you again.” He smiled before walking away.

She bit her lip as she watched him go.

But when she turned, Anna gave Odette a wide-eyed look and raised her eyebrows. Anna seemed to be asking her what she thought of Mathis and Jorgen. Odette was under no illusion that Anna would let her go home without telling Odette her thoughts, and in great detail.

The section of the cobblestone town square devoted to dancing became less crowded as some moved closer to the bonfire. Odette danced with Mathis but found herself glancing over at Jorgen, who was dancing with a pretty red-haired girl.

When the song ended, Mathis leaned down and said with a grin, “You dance as gracefully as a swan.”

“Thank you. You probably say that to every maiden who dances with you.”

“Indeed, I do not.” He feigned seriousness and leaned even closer. “You must come to my father’s house when he gives his next party. As the most graceful woman in Thornbeck, you must come to all the mayor’s gatherings.”

She simply smiled back at him.

“I believe I should dance with Jorgen now.” She turned away from Mathis before he could protest.

At seeing Jorgen talking with the red-haired maiden, Odette’s heart sank. Would he want to dance with her again?

He seemed to be bidding the girl farewell and turning away. She caught his eye. He just stood there, looking at her, so she walked toward him.

One side of his mouth quirked up. “Would you like to dance?”

“Ja.” She tried not to exhale too loudly the breath she had been holding as she took Jorgen’s hand. Never had she been so attracted to a man. Would her uncle deem him worthy? Not that Jorgen would ask her to marry him, but it was never too early to find out.

When the dance was over, Jorgen gave her hand a small squeeze and held on to it. “Are you thirsty?”

Odette nodded. “Let us go for water.” She looked around Jorgen’s shoulder at Anna and Peter. “We’re going to the fountain for water. Do you want to come?” She didn’t wait for their answer but turned and walked with Jorgen, her hand on his arm. She was too afraid to ask him his profession—afraid he would think she was using that to judge his acceptability—and afraid his profession would not be acceptable to Uncle Rutger. What could she ask him to make him talk about himself?

Peter and Anna caught up with them, and Peter said, “You may not remember me. I’m Peter Voreken. Do you live in town?”

“In Thornbeck Forest. The margrave has appointed me the new forester.”

The new forester? Odette’s heart sank into the pit of her stomach, then seeped all the way down to her toes. It was worse than she’d feared. Much worse.

This was the man who could send her to the margrave’s dungeon.