Candace C. Bowen - A Knight Series 01 Page 7

  The men cast worried glances her way as they began to settle themselves. Stretching out, they wrapped up in their cloaks, before closing their eyes.

  Curled up on his side, Warin pillowed his cheek with his hands the way he did as a child making the dream seem so real she felt the wetness of tears slide down her face.

  She smiled as Fulke settled down across the fire from her. Fighting to hold onto the illusion, she found herself drowning in the fathomless blue depths of his eyes, content to stay in the dream forever.

  * * * *

  Guided by the moon, Fulke rode his men hard towards Rotheram. Their horses’ hooves digging up large clumps of the sodden earth as they galloped forward. Digging his heels in, he fully intended to catch Reina before dawn.

  His eyes scanning the distance, he grinned as he thought of Osbert following behind in the cart. Certain Hylda’s nervous disposition would have driven him to distraction by now.

  The flickering light of a small fire appeared on a distant rise. Spurring his horse, the animal surged forward, the men following hard on his heels.

  Dismounting at the edge of the camp, he scanned the sleeping figures, before locking on the one he sought.

  Reina was lying on her side staring at him, yet not seeing him. He felt a moment of fear as he took in the dark circles beneath her sorrowful eyes. He had seen it many times on the battlefield. The emotional stress she had been under had pushed her beyond the point of exhaustion. She was sleeping with her eyes open.

  He turned to block Warin’s approach. “I am afraid your meeting will have to wait, lad.”

  Warin stared at Reina, concern clouding his eyes. “Is she ill, my liege?”

  Fulke gripped his shoulder. “She just needs rest. I am sure she will be fine come the morn. Rest yourself after seeing to the horses.”

  “Aye, my liege.” With another worried glance at Reina, he stepped into the darkness.

  Bending down, Fulke gently shook Father Godfrey to wake him.

  Surprise entered the priest’s gaze as he blinked tiredly up at him. “Baron Erlegh?”

  Fulke held up a hand to keep him from rising. “Rest at ease, Father. All is well. Plans for the mistress have changed. I intend to marry her on the morrow, if she will have me.”

  Father Godfrey beamed. “It appears the Lord continues to work in mysterious ways, your lordship. What is meant to be shall be.”

  “Thank you, Father. Upon rising, please inform Sir Everard’s men the mistress no longer requires their escort.”

  Glancing at the hulking knights settling themselves around the fire, his eyes widened. “Consider it done, your lordship.” With a smile, he rolled back over.

  Fulke kept his gaze on Reina as he set his saddle across from her. Sinking down on the hard earth, he gathered his cloak about him.

  Every so often her eyes would drift closed, only to snap open.

  “Rest now, Reina,” he mouthed to her.

  Seeing her ease into sleep, he continued his vigil for the remainder of the night.

  * * * *

  Just as dawn was breaking, Reina rolled over. Staring into the fading night sky, she shrugged off the blanket to sit up.

  Climbing from the wagon, she raised her arms above her head to stretch the soreness from her limbs.

  Swallowing hard, Fulke stared at the outline of her full breasts straining against her kirtle

  Lowering her arms, she spotted him and froze.

  She stared at him in confusion, before searching the faces of the sleeping men around the fire. Stopping on Warin, her mouth fell open.

  Bewildered, she returned her gaze to Fulke.

  Crossing to her, he gently touched the wound on her cheek with his fingertips. Holding out his hand, he asked, “Will you take a walk with me, Mistress Reina?”

  She slipped her cold hand into the warmth of his as he led her across the misty glade.

  A short way from the camp, he entered the woods. Leading her to the stump of a fallen tree, he unclasped his cloak to spread across its length, before gesturing for her to sit.

  Amidst the splendor of the dawning sun, he knelt on the damp earth before her. Taking her trembling hands within his, he said, “Reina, nothing happened betwixt Sibilla and me.”

  She lowered her eyes, before answering, “You do not have to explain yourself to me, my lord. Sibilla is to be your wife.”

  He gently tipped her chin up so she would look at him. “I did not ask your father for Sibilla’s hand, I petitioned him for yours.”

  Her eyes widened in disbelief as he continued, “I have been a knight far longer than a noble. Thus far, I have spent my life living from battle to battle. I know nothing of love or affection, and I do not vow it. Knowing this of me, I pledge to you this, if you become my wife, everything I have will be yours and you will have my protection from this day forth.”

  Glancing at their lightly clasped hands, she slowly pulled her trembling hands from his to cup his face. “It would be my honor to become your wife, my lord.”

  With a gust of breath, he drew her into his embrace. Her hands slid through his hair to twine around his neck as he lightly touched her lips with his own. Searing heat raced through him as he wrapped his arms around her to pull her closer.

  Trailing hot kisses down her face and throat, he returned to capture her lips to start again. He was sliding his hands up her waist when he heard a loud throat clearing behind him. The sound hitting him like a bucket of ice water.

  Releasing Reina, he struggled to gain control of his raging desire. Seeing the question in her eyes, he slanted his gaze behind him. She flushed with color as he scowled over his shoulder at a smirking Albin.

  With a grin, Albin bowed low. “I take it that you are betrothed, my liege?”

  “Is there a reason behind your intrusion or is it solely your wish to irritate me so early this morn?”

  Holding his hands up, Albin laughed. “Spare the messenger, Fulke. The young lad is anxious to see how his sister fares. I thought it best if I were the one to fetch you.”

  “One day you will find that I give as good as I get, my friend.” Rising, he bent to assist Reina.

  Albin chuckled. “I shall live in fear until that day comes.”

  Relieved the length of his tunic concealed his obvious arousal, he turned his back on Albin. Lightly running a fingertip down the length of Reina’s flushed cheek, he asked, “Do you need a moment to yourself, mistress?”

  Reina shyly returned his smile. “No, my lord.”

  Holding out his arm, he resisted the temptation to steal another kiss. “Then allow me to escort you back to camp.”

  Leading her back, Fulke ignored Albin striding boldly beside him. With his hands clasped behind his back, he whistled a spirited tune.

  As they came into view of Warin, Reina looked up at him. “Would you please excuse me, my lord?”

  He ran a finger lightly down her nose. “You have no need to ask, Reina.”

  Grasping a handful of her kirtle, she took off at a run.

  The sibling’s embrace made the smile on Fulke’s face slowly wither and die. He closed his eyes against the pain as images from his past assailed him. Turning away from the joyful reunion, he caught Albin's worried look. “Mind your own affairs,” he growled, stalking off to join the men.

  Fulke discussed the details of the coming days, paying no heed to Albin’s searching gaze.

  Knowing Reina would wish to have Hylda present, he arranged for Father Godfrey to perform the ceremony as soon as she arrived with Osbert. Camping another night, they would begin the two day journey for Castell Maen at first light. Once Reina was settled, he would manage the affairs of the castle with his castellan, before returning to Rochester. After conferring with the master builder, he would depart for London. Henry was bound to be pleased with his latest report.

  He was in the midst of instructing Gervase to locate Osbert when he glanced up to find Reina staring at him. His abrupt pause caught the attention of the men as t
hey followed his gaze to the source of the distraction.

  In better spirits, Albin grinned. “I wager we will be camping apart from our liege and lady this night, lads.”

  Gervase snickered with Guy as Fulke raised a chiseled brow. “I believe my lady deserves more on her wedding eve than a tussle on the hard soil.”

  Albin patted him on the back. “So long as something is hard, I do not find the soil being much of a hindrance, Fulke.”

  Clenching his fists, Talan lunged forward. “You should be throttled for your impertinence, Albin.”

  Fulke held up a hand to stop Talan as Albin took offense. “Ease up lad. Once again, you mistake jesting for insult. Apart from our liege here, there is no man more content this day, than I.”

  Talan glowered, refusing to back down.

  Fulke blew out a breath in frustration. “Gervase, seek out Osbert.”

  “Guy, I fear we shall have a meager wedding feast. See what you can do with your crossbow.”

  He gripped Talan’s shoulder. “Your loyalty as always is well recognized lad. The lady is indeed fortunate to be gaining such a defender.”

  Marching off, Fulke called over his shoulder, “Albin, a word.”

  As soon as they were out of earshot of the others, he turned around. “Given her few choices, I know I am the best alternative. Yet, I believe she is worthy of so much more.” He raked a hand through his hair. “She deserves to be loved, Albin. The one thing I cannot offer her.”

  Expecting a set down, Albin sobered instantly. “Fulke, you are the most honorable man I know. Did you ever think that perhaps God put the mistress in your path for a reason? Both of you have been hurt by what fate has given you. Who is to say she is not the woman to help you lay the past to rest? Give her the chance you both deserve. Let her try.”

  * * * *

  After Warin enlightened her to the previous day’s events, Reina sat in stunned disbelief. It was unheard of for a noble to settle for so small a dowry. The only thing Fulke asked was to make a free-woman of her dear Hylda. The only mother figure she had ever known.

  Seeking out her future husband, she found him standing across the clearing, speaking with Albin.

  In truth, she knew very little about him, yet had been attracted to him from the start. Quick to laugh or smile, it never seemed to reach past the pain she found in his eyes. His pledge omitted all thought of love and affection. Yet, he solemnly promised that she would be safe with him, and she believed him.

  Feeling her heart race just looking at him, she hoped his pledge included her heart, because she feared she had already lost it to him.

  Distressed by the in-depth conversation he seemed to be having, she focused on him, attempting to find out the reason. Her concentration was broken when Warin stepped in front of her, holding a small cask.

  With a sad smile, he held it out to her. “Father spoke to me before we parted. He wanted you to have this. It was all he had left of your mother.”

  Stunned by her father’s thoughtfulness, all other thought fled her mind as she accepted the box. Staring down at the small memento, tears blurred her vision.

  Seeing her struggle with her emotions, Warin placed a hand over hers.

  Nodding her thanks, she lifted the lid. The red velvet lined box held several pairs of gold hair tags, her mother’s delicate gold-link waist belt and hammered gold wedding band. With trembling hands, she reverently removed each cherished piece for a better look.

  She glanced up when Warin touched her sleeve. Holding out a small wrapped bundle, he grinned. “You shall need this back as well, your ladyship.”

  Accepting her mother’s knife, she looked up at him with concern. “I fear the parting with your mother turned out to be unpleasant, Warin.”

  Sighing, he seated himself beside her. “You are not to think of such things, Reina. Kenwick is now in our past. Our father will no more forget your mother, than mine will ever forgive him for it.” He looked down. “Mayhap it would have been for the best had they never married."

  Reina reached for his hand to regain his attention. “Do not say such things, Warin. God blessed me the day you were born. I am grateful to my father for marrying your mother.”

  “Aye. God has blessed us both.” He gestured to Fulke with a smile. “Our future is together and lies yonder.”

  FIVE

  It was late morning by the time Gervase came into view. Followed shortly thereafter by the cart bearing a fidgeting Hylda and a sullen Osbert. Hylda was chattering away as Osbert stared straight ahead, doing his best to ignore her.

  Reina cringed in sympathy for the young squire from her place between Warin and Fulke.

  Fulke leaned down to get her attention. “Shall I unfetter the lad, mistress?”

  Her heart racing at his nearness, she smiled. “I am sure he would be most grateful, my lord. Hylda tends to prattle when she is anxious.”

  With a loud sigh of relief, Osbert drew the cart to a halt beside the horses.

  Hylda bounded from the cart as Fulke reached up to assist her down.

  Grinning, he followed her flight towards Reina as Osbert stepped down.

  “My liege? he questioned softly.

  Turning back, he took in Osbert’s haggard appearance. “What is it, lad?”

  “Have I done something to vex you?”

  “No. Why would you think such a thing?”

  Osbert glanced towards Hylda.

  “Oh, I see." He nodded. “Get yourself something to eat, lad.” He made his way back to the group, smirking.

  Hylda flung her arms around Reina. She talked so fast upon releasing her, Reina missed half of what she said.

  Discovering that Father Godfrey was prepared to perform the wedding ceremony, she flew into action.

  “Search the woods for as many late-blooming flowers as you can find, Master Warin.”

  Spotting Albin lounging beside the fire, she snapped, “Sir Albin. We are in need of water for Mistress Reina’s bath.” Ignoring his surprised look, she planted her hands on her hips, waiting.

  Grumbling under his breath, Albin reluctantly scrambled to his feet to snatch up a pail.

  Assessing Fulke as he lounged in the shade of a towering oak tree with his arms crossed before his chest, she bobbed her head. “Your lordship, I cannot prepare your lady with you present. You must depart.”

  Fulke executed a bow. “I exist to please you, Hylda.”

  Pursing her lips at his mocking tone, she dashed off in Father’s Godfrey’s direction.

  Still laughing at Fulke’s quip, Reina looked over at the unsuspecting Osbert.

  Fulke lightly touched her sleeve, drawing her attention. “Watch this,” he winked. “Osbert, come have a stretch of the legs with me.”

  Tearing off a large chunk of stale bread, Osbert ran over to join them.

  “Thank you, my lord.”

  “I shall see you soon, mistress.”

  Seeing them enter the woods on the opposite side of the glade, Reina startled when Hylda clutched her arm. Her arms full of bundles, she said, “Come Reina, there is no time to tarry.”

  Resigned, she followed Hylda into the nearby wood.

  Squinting through the trees, Hylda paced anxiously. Waiting for Albin to bring the water.

  Reina placed a hand on her sleeve, stopping her mid-stride. “Who will care for the villagers, Hylda?”

  “Ansfride will see to the village,” she absently reassured her.

  Reina allowed herself to relax. Ansfride would take proper care of her beloved villagers. Closing her eyes, she savored the moment of being a bride as Hylda took a comb to her hair.

  * * * *

  The sun was setting by the time Hylda was satisfied with the wedding preparations.

  Father Godfrey happily awaited the bride garbed in a black frock.

  Framed by the beauty of the setting sun, Fulke, wearing a knee length black tunic bearing the Erlegh coat of arms, gray hose and black boots, stood quietly beside him. Clasping his hands behind
his back, he shifted from side to side, impatient for the ceremony to begin.

  The men stood unmoving off to the side where Hylda had positioned them, keeping a wary eye on her as she stood by Father Godfrey, scanning the tree line.

  Turning the spit of the deer slowly roasting over the open fire, Osbert sat with an elbow propped on a knee, watching the group from afar.

  Warin stepped from the shadow of the forest with Reina on his arm, forcing Fulke to catch his breath. Never before had he seen a woman so beautiful.

  His knights were unusually silent at her slow approach. Unwilling to take his eyes from her, he knew their silence had nothing to do with the hovering threat of Hylda.

  Reina’s long flowing hair, wavy from her braid, caught the last of the sun’s rays. The white under gown embroidered with garnet thread on the flowing sleeves, emphasized the deep blue of her kirtle.

  Her brilliant blue eyes sparkled under a crown of woven white achillea, blue gentian and yellow taraxacum wild flowers. A natural blush graced her high-sculpted cheeks, enhancing the beauty of her smile.

  Her eyes focused on him, she approached with a sure step.

  Reaching Fulke’s side, Warin kissed each of Reina’s cheeks. Placing her hand in Fulke’s, he stepped back to join the knights.

  Reina gazed up at Fulke with tears sparkling in her eyes.

  “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

  “And you, the most handsome man I have ever seen.”

  Clasping hands, they turned to face a delighted, Father Godfrey.

  After solemnly repeating the vows that would bind him to Reina for the rest of his life, Fulke lost himself in her gaze feeling his chest tighten.

  Reina’s hand trembled in his as she repeated her vows. Watching the words flow smoothly from her lips, Fulke did not have to hear them to know that she meant them.

  Taking the ring from the priest with a sure hand, Fulke slipped her mother’s band on Reina’s finger. Seeing the tears overflow to slip free from her radiant eyes, a lump formed in his throat. He reached up to gently smooth the wetness from her cheeks as Father Godfrey pronounced them bound.