Candace C. Bowen - A Knight Series 01 Page 9

  Staring into her eyes, he could not stop himself from bending to kiss her. A surge of pure lust gripped him when she boldly met his questing tongue with her own.

  He groaned in utter frustration against her mouth as he cradled the side of her face with his hand. Pulling away, he stared into her passion filled eyes, managing a weak, “We are making camp for the night, my lady.”

  Nodding, she gently ran her fingertips along the stubble on his jaw. “I fear the long ride lulled me to sleep.”

  “You were well protected.” He bent to kiss her brow.

  “That I did not doubt, my lord.” Wrapping her arms tight about him, she sat up to take in the landscape.

  They were in an open, flat valley with a narrow stream cutting through it. The last of the sun’s rays reflecting off the water’s surface like stars twinkling in the darkening sky.

  Slowly riding into camp, Talan stepped forward to lift Reina down.

  Thanking him with a warm smile, Fulke noticed a blush spread across his young knight’s face. Shaking his head, he sighed. Even his most trusted knight seemed to be besotted with his lady.

  He glanced around at the lack of private accommodations as Reina walked to work the stiffness from her limbs. His relief tainted by a touch of frustration, he knew he would never attempt to seduce her with his men camped so close by.

  Stepping up to the fire to drop his gear, he made the mistake of seeking her out. With her hands splayed on her lower back, she threw her head back in a stretch that forced her kirtle to tighten invitingly across her breasts.

  Hearing the heavy thunk of a pewter tankard hitting the ground, Fulke swung around. Gervase stood alongside Guy, mouths agape, staring in open wonder at his wife.

  “What are you both gawking at?”

  Snapping his mouth shut, Gervase quipped, “Just happen to be admiring the view, my liege.” Bending to retrieve his tankard, he swore, “Zounds, Guy.” Rising, he rubbed the back of his head.

  “The setting sun is something to behold, is it not, my liege?” Guy interjected.

  “You were admiring the setting sun?” Fulke asked in disbelief.

  “Aye my liege. Never before have I seen one more beautiful.”

  Gervase opened his mouth, only to have Guy jerk him to silence. Dragging him off, he mumbled about tending to the horses.

  Dropping his saddle beside the fire, Albin shook his head. “You cannot blame them, Fulke.”

  Fulke quirked a brow. “Care to explain yourself, Albin?”

  “It goes without saying, the lady is a beauty.”

  “I am aware of that. What point are you trying to make?”

  Albin shrugged. “I admire your restraint.”

  “My restraint, you say?”

  “Aye. With a beautiful woman, on a cold night like this, tends to make a man’s mind wander to the many enjoyable ways there are to keep warm.” He nodded. “Your restraint.”

  With a muttered oath, Fulke abruptly stalked off.

  “Where are you going?” Albin called after him.

  “To cool down,” he snapped without bothering to turn around. He mumbled a curse when he heard Albin’s loud laugh behind him.

  Without regard for the lack of privacy, Fulke stripped naked. Tossing his clothing on the muddy bank, he plunged into the icy water. The cold stealing his breath, he broke the surface gasping for air.

  “Is all well with you, my liege?”

  Shivering, he crossed his arms. “Aye Talan,” he replied sarcastically. “It is such a fine eve. I thought I would go for a dip in the freezing stream.”

  Talan’s lip twitched as he figured things out for himself. “I shall fetch a blanket to leave on the bank for you, my liege.”

  Wading towards the bank, Fulke sank back into the water when Hylda approached with a bucket.

  Spotting his clothes, she searched the water until her gaze locked on him. “A bit brisk to be taking a bath, your lordship.”

  Fulke quirked a brow. “You think?”

  “No need to get snippy.” Treading lightly to the water’s edge, she filled the bucket. Hearing Fulke’s teeth chatter, she shook her head. “Men.” Clucking her tongue, she left him staring after her in amazement.

  Returning from the stream a short time later, dressed and half frozen, Fulke sank wearily down before the fire.

  Spotting the cart, he closed his eyes with an audible curse.

  He should have known Hylda would have found some way to give them privacy. In his brief absence, she had the cart set back from the fire. Blankets draped over the sides and wheels of the cart to sweep the ground. He had no doubt if he moved the blankets away he would find an agreeable, if not cramped pallet within.

  Searching out Reina, he observed her stiff movements as she assisted in the preparation of the evening meal. He could only hope it would give him the resolve he needed to keep his hands to himself once they bedded down for the night.

  * * * *

  They gathered around the fire to feast on flat bread, cheese and apples from the larder of Kenwick. After they supped, Fulke wrapped an arm around Reina as she followed the conversations around her. Resting her head on his shoulder, she realized she had never before known such a feeling of peace. Turning her head to meet Fulke’s gaze, she smiled.

  Caressing her cheek with his free hand, he bent to kiss her.

  After several tankards of ale, Gervase and Guy began arguing in hushed tones.

  Raising an eyebrow, Albin chuckled. “By the Saints, what are you two dolts fighting about now? I see no available women about.” Seeing Hylda glare his way, he mumbled into his tankard.

  “Tell us what the quarrel is about lads,” Fulke called.

  Scowling at Gervase, Guy reluctantly stood. “With your permission my liege, I have composed a sonnet for your lady.”

  “Pray, let us hear it,” Fulke replied with a grin.

  Holding Reina’s gaze, Guy began to recite.

  Mistress Reina of Kenwick

  A maiden so fair

  This poor lonely knight

  Willing to lay his heart bare

  No equal for her beauty

  Across the land

  On bended knee I would

  Seek her hand

  Without so much as a glance

  The mistress left me to sulk

  When she up and married

  My Lord and Liege, Fulke

  Dipping his head to Reina, he reseated himself beside Gervase.

  She caught Fulke’s eye. “Please extend my heartfelt gratitude, my lord.”

  Pulling her tight against him, he called, “Well done, Guy. Your lady thanks you.”

  Gervase leaned into him. “I told you she would approve. You must use your pretty words to woo the ladies, Guy. Not all of us can get by on our fine looks.”

  “That is true for now, Gervase,” he responded wryly. “Tell me. What will happen when your fair looks fade, and you have no pretty words to fall back on?”

  Gervase frowned, lost in thought.

  Seeing him struggle for a rejoinder, Talan called, “Have no fear, Gervase. I am sure your manly parts will fail you, long before your looks do.”

  Gervase brightened instantly. “As if that will ever happen.”

  Shaking his head, Talan rolled his eyes as the others laughed.

  It grew late when a circle of yawns started winding around the fire. Standing, Fulke reached down to assist Reina.

  She smiled at the men in parting, before linking her arm through Fulke’s.

  Reaching the cart, Fulke swept the blanket aside for her to enter first. She crawled under to curl up on the cushioning blankets. Amazed Hylda had once again made things cozy for them.

  Fulke climbed under, stretching out beside her in the tight space. Cuddling into his side, she reached up to find his lips. At the light touch, she felt a ripple of desire snake its way through her. Seeking more, she slid her hand along his chest, rising slightly above him.

  She sensed his reticence, knowing conce
rn for her gave him pause. A little discomfort would not keep her from finding the joy of the night before. Doubling her efforts, she wrapped a leg around his thighs. Running her hands down the front of his tunic, she began to caress the hard length of his shaft through his hose.

  Moving her hands towards the lacings, she felt the sudden intake of his breath. Finished untying his hose, she slipped her hand inside his braies.

  Stilling her hand, he rolled her beneath him to capture her lips.

  Hiking her gown up to her waist, he trailed hot kisses down her neck and throat, caressing his way down her writhing body. Nearing her woman’s center, her eyes widened in alarm. Pulling frantically at his shoulders, she attempted to pull him back up to her lips.

  Fulke captured her hands, holding them to her sides as he exposed her slick center to the chill night air. She gasped in surprise as he latched on to caress the hidden nub of her core. Tendrils of pleasure wound their way through her. Closing her eyes, she pressed herself against him, wanting more.

  She was unaware when he released her hands, until she found herself wrapping them in his hair to hold him close. Throwing her head back, she gasped in pleasure.

  When his fingers entered her, sliding in and out to the rhythm of his questing tongue, her release screamed through her as a loud gasp.

  Struggling for breath, she guided him to her waiting lips as he kissed his way back up to her. Tasting her essence on him, she met his questing tongue with a rhythm of her own.

  Reaching down between them, she hiked up his tunic. Shoving his hose and braies down with her feet, she felt his groan of desire against her mouth.

  She splayed her knees to open herself for him. Wrapping her fingers around the velvet steel of his shaft, she began to slide her hand up and down. Feeling a drop of moisture on its broad tip, she caressed it down the length of him as she felt his breathing spike. Stroking faster, he began to move against her hand, seeking more.

  Guiding him to her silken sheath, she lifted her hips, urging him to take her.

  Sensing his resistance, she gripped his hips, pulling him forward until with a vibrating groan, he seated himself to the hilt within her.

  Caressing the ridges of muscle on his abdomen, she ran her hands around him, pleading in silence for him to take her.

  With a fiery kiss, he gave in, driving his tongue into her welcoming mouth as he thrust into her.

  He muffled his release against her lips as he exploded within her, sweeping them both to the heights of ecstasy.

  * * * *

  Reina woke in the early light to find Fulke staring down at her, worry etching his smooth brow. “Did I hurt you last night, Reina?”

  She smiled at his concern. Lightly touching his shoulders where she had scored him with her nails. “No my lord, did I hurt you?”

  “Aye,” he grinned. “Yet, it was the best pain I have ever felt.” He bent to claim her lips in a searing kiss.

  Cupping his face, she gazed intently into his eyes. “I want to see what you do to me, my lord.” Her innocent request nearly drove him wild as he helped her undress.

  He briefly leaned away, struggling to remove his own clothing in the cramped quarters. Watching her eyes as he slid his hand along her bare thigh.

  Lightly teasing her slick woman’s center, she bowed her back, her lids heavy with desire. He worked his fingers on her, until he could wait no longer. Running his hands slowly up the length of her waist, he paused to tease her nipples.

  Rising above her, he cupped her face between his palms.

  Staring into her eyes, he slowly entered her, losing himself to the desire reflected in her eyes.

  Kissing her until they were both breathless, he withdrew to thrust into her warmth repeatedly.

  About to climax, she closed her eyes, when he abruptly pulled away from her.

  She grabbed his hips to pull him back as he remained unmoving, forcing her to look at him. “You are mine, Reina.” He kissed her possessively until he felt her moan. “Say it, say that you are mine,” he said urgently.

  With tears coursing down her cheeks, she answered him. “Aye Fulke, I am yours. I love you.”

  Once she mouthed the words he so desperately needed, he claimed her lips. Thrusting forward into her.

  Turning his face away from the love reflected in her eyes, he drove into her until she reached her shattering release, followed shortly thereafter by his own.

  SEVEN

  They lay content, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the light outside their haven grew brighter.

  Bending for a kiss, Fulke eased away when Reina attempted to wrap her arms around him. Caressing her cheek, he said softly, “The men are about my lady. I shall send Hylda to you.”

  Straightening, he cracked the back of his head on the underside of the wagon. Rubbing the smarting spot with his hand, he smiled at Reina’s concern. “It was well worth it, my lady.”

  Kissing her, he carefully backed out from under the wagon.

  After a quick visit to the stream, Fulke approached the fire. Talking amongst themselves, the men looked up to greet him.

  Staring at him with ill-concealed amused expressions, they began to behave oddly.

  With a lop-sided grin, Warin excused himself to summon Hylda.

  Osbert stood with a smirk. “I shall break camp, my liege.”

  Guy hid behind a mouthful of food. Choking it down when Gervase inquired what was so amusing. Standing, he tossed the core of his apple into the fire. “I need your assist with the horses, Gervase.”

  Walking away, Guy leaned close to Gervase to murmur in low-tones.

  Stopping mid-step, Gervase looked back to study Fulke. Guy yanked on his tunic before he could speak. Striding away, Fulke could see their shoulders shaking with ill-concealed mirth.

  Catching Albin’s gloating expression, he exhaled heavily. “Have it out, Albin. What is it you wish to say?”

  Standing, Albin brushed the dirt from the back of his tunic. “Remind me never to wager on you in a test of restraint, my liege.” Laughing, he walked off.

  Hanging his head, Fulke swore under his breath. He would have to speak to them before their teasing embarrassed Reina.

  Glancing up, he met Talan’s calm regard. “I take it I was overly vocal last night, Talan?”

  Talan cracked a smile. “We heard not a thing, my liege.”

  “Then why?”

  “You are wearing your hose inside out.” Standing, Talan turned away with a suspicious cough.

  Lifting the hem of his tunic, Fulke cursed.

  * * * *

  The day turned wet and cold as they slowly made their way home to Castell Maen. Shivering, Reina snuggled against Fulke for warmth as he tried to shield her from the worst of the rain.

  An hour’s ride from the castle, he instructed Osbert and Warin to ride ahead to announce their approach.

  By the time the castle came into view, the ominous clouds above spoke of worse things to come. The relentless drizzle changed into an icy torrential downpour, drenching the weary riders.

  Pulling Reina tightly against him, Fulke spurred his horse to a faster pace, leaving the cart to follow slowly behind.

  Riding through the deserted village, he could see little through the unrelenting downpour. Clattering across the drawbridge, serfs came running from the stables as they rode into the inner courtyard.

  Guy waited at the base of the steps to assist Reina. Before her feet touched the ground, Fulke was sweeping her back into his embrace.

  He rushed with her through two immense ironbound doors before entering a cavernous Great Hall.

  Without pause, he rushed past his startled castellan. “Introductions will have to wait for a later time, Rowan.”

  Carrying Reina up one flight of steps, he hurried to the end of a long passage lit by large iron candle stands, spaced at intervals along its length.

  Reaching the end door, he stepped into a large solar.

  Several young boys were finishing their task of fi
lling the wooden tub hidden behind a carved wood paneled screen in the corner.

  Carrying Reina directly to the fire, he set her down before its flickering warmth.

  Emptying the last of the buckets, a small boy returned Reina’s grateful smile on the way out. Dipping his head towards Fulke, he closed the door behind him.

  Before the door swung closed, Fulke had Reina’s cloak unclasped. He flung it aside as he stripped off the rest of her sodden garments.

  Sweeping her up in his arms, she smiled. “I assure you, I can walk, my lord.”

  “That would mean I could not carry you, my lady.”

  Gently easing her into the tub’s welcoming warmth, he stepped back to remove his cloak. “The water will warm you soon enough.”

  Savoring the warmth of the water, Reina glanced up at him. “Will you not join me to warm yourself, my lord?”

  Needing no further convincing, Fulke stripped off his remaining wet garments. Easing into the tub behind her. He propped his legs on either side of her, drawing her back against him.

  Wrapping her arms around his knees, he heard her sigh as he unwound the plait from her wet hair.

  Grabbing a bar of his sandalwood soap, he lathered her tresses as she leaned forward. Massaging her scalp, his hands slid down her shoulders to cup her full breasts.

  Raising her arms back to wrap around his neck, Reina turned her face up for his kiss.

  Lightly claiming her lips, Fulke immediately pulled back, squinting as soap stung his eyes. Splashing water to rinse them, he bent to kiss her nose. “You are in need of a rinse, my lady.”

  Reaching over the side of the tub, he grabbed a bucket of warm water to rinse the shining tresses, before easing her back against him once more.

  He closed his eyes, resting his chin on the top of her head as he enjoyed the peace of the moment.

  By the time Fulke stepped from the tub to wrap a linen towel around his waist, the water had cooled.

  Holding a linen cloth up for Reina, he assisted her over the lip of the tub. Wrapping her in its warmth, he drew her close.

  She leaned into him, reaching up for his kiss.

  He knew he would never be able to leave if he answered her unspoken invitation. Caressing her lips with a finger, he kissed her brow. “Later, my lady. A warm bed awaits us and I fully intend to explore you at my leisure.”