Not only did the knowledge of his loyalty and strength lend comfort to her, it seemed to encourage Broderick. In some manner she did not fully understand, Broderick now knew assistance in bearing his burden of protecting her, and she could see it offered a tiny respite to his mind. Monet’s pretty Crimson Knight still labored fierce. Yet it was often Broderick and Bronson would retire to the woods just behind the cottage and spar with swords or maces. Monet knew Bronson’s friendship and knighthood fed Broderick’s hunger to remain battle-ready—assured him that his strength and power had not been lost for having to live common and confined in their exile. Further, Monet was glad of Sarah’s knowledge of their secret, for it offered her friendship and strength as well. Sarah spoke to her as ever she had before—as if Monet truly were just the wife of Ballain’s horseman and not the princess of the kingdom. This gave Monet respite. As Broderick found strength in the company of a fellow knight, so Monet found strength in a true friend.
