Chapter 4
*Rowan Cousland*
"Good night, Ser Gilmore. " Rowan hugged the knight and kissed his cheek. It wasn't entirely proper, she knew that, but she liked to tease the poor man. She had known Ser Gilmore since she was 3. He had been her first crush, her first kiss, perhaps her first love. They had hid their young romance years ago, until Gilmore decided he could no longer continue the relationship. You are nobility my lady, you are destined for much greater than a mere soldier in your father's army, he had told her on their last night together. She had avoided him for months afterwards, but still she cared for him and she forgave him. She understood the pressure he had felt. Now they were simply the best of friends. He was family to her.
"G'night, My Lady," Gilmore stammered as his face flushed red. He took his leave from the courtyard quicker than usual, forgetting to put away his shield and sword that he had laid aside.
Rowan giggled. She knelt down to gather his belongings off the floor and as she stood, something caught her eye in an upstairs window. Was someone watching her? Those were the guest quarters windows. Howe… she grumbled to herself. The thought of Howe witnessing her exchange with Ser Gilmore made her shudder. The man was already a pig, she didn't dare think of what ideas that exchange might have put in his mind. She suddenly felt like she needed a bath. Badly. And it had nothing to do with the hour of sparring she had just gone through. She quickly headed to the armory to replace Ser Gilmore's equipment.
