Knights of Honor Books 1-10: A Medieval Romance Series Bundle

by Alexa Aston

  Still, determination filled him to find her once he returned to live at Sandbourne. His mother had been such a kind, gentle woman. He knew she would approve of Elysande. He could picture the two women, hovering over a small babe, cooing away. The thought brought a smile to his lips.

  “Michael?”

  He turned and saw Lord Geoffrey held a bit of parchment in his hand.

  “My lord?”

  “You’ve received a missive. From Sandbourne.”

  Their eyes met. Michael’s stomach dropped past his knees. His heart quickened. He reached for the delivered message.

  As Geoffrey handed it to him, he said, “Go. Read it in private. And let me know what action you’ll take.”

  Michael nodded, clutching the parchment tightly in his hand. He excused himself and left the great hall, the music that played fading away. He exited the keep and went to sit at the top of the stone steps that led up to its doorway. No activity occurred in the bailey below. Sunset would occur within the hour.

  He sat frozen, the missive resting in his lap for several minutes, wondering how his life would change with the words he was about to read.

  Breaking open the seal, he unrolled the paper. The summer light was still strong enough to read the message easily.

  Sir Michael –

  ’Tis time for you to make your way home. Your father is near death. He’s asked for your return since he has advice to dispense to you regarding Sandbourne and your future.

  Please hurry. The healer doesn’t know how long he may have.

  Houdart

  Houdart. So he still served as the earl’s steward. Michael wondered how old the man truly was. He’d seemed ancient when Michael was a boy, but one’s memory could play tricks. Houdart’s hair had been gray at the time, his face lined with wrinkles. But now as an adult, Michael realized certain men aged more quickly than others. Houdart’s step had always been quick, as fast as his wit. Michael hoped the steward would agree to stay on because it would make the transition of power go more easily when the time came.

  Michael stood. He would make for Sandbourne at first light tomorrow.

  “Michael?”

  He turned and saw Elysande coming toward him. He rose, his fingers curling around the missive.

  “I saw you leave. Is everything all right?”

  Holding up the parchment, he revealed, “I just received word from Sandbourne’s steward. He says the present earl is quite ill. I need to return at once.”

  Disappointment crossed her face, only to be replaced by a hopeful look. “So you’ll soon be free to make your own choices when you become the earl,” she noted.

  “Aye.” He dropped the paper and yanked her to him. “I want to marry you, Elysande Le Cler, and make you my countess. I want you by my side always, bearing my children.” He paused. “But I know ’tis wise to wait for word from the king before we officially commit to one another.”

  Her palms rested against his chest. “I believe we’ve already committed to one another,” she said softly. “I love you, Michael.”

  Happiness burst inside him. “I love you, my dearest Elysande. More than words could ever say.”

  Michael kissed her with great tenderness. As he pulled away, he saw the spark of mischief in her eye, which made him a bit wary.

  “You look as Hal might, just before he’s caught in some new devilry.”

  “So you wish to marry me?” she asked.

  A lump formed in his throat. He nodded, not trusting that words would come.

  “And we’re meant to be together, now and forever?”

  Michael nodded again.

  “You might be gone for some time with this business.”

  “I might.”

  Her lips pursed in amusement. “And I might miss you something awful.” Her brows arched. “Especially your kisses,” she teased.

  He drew her closer to him. “You might.”

  A smile lit her face. “Then mayhap we should give each other something to remember on our last night together.”

  Elysande took his hand and began racing down the steps. He followed her lead, her hand warm in his as she hurried across the inner bailey.

  After some minutes, she halted in front of the stables.

  “You want us to check on Hera and Miracle?”

  “Nay, my love.” She squeezed his hand. “I want us to find some privacy.”

  “Ah.”

  This time he took the lead and led her through the stables, past horses munching on hay and oats. He found an empty stall near the rear and stepped inside. As he turned, Elysande threw herself into his arms. Her hands locked around his neck as her breasts brushed against his chest, causing his manhood to stir.

  She kissed him hungrily, greedily, as if they would never see each other again. He responded to her kiss with a like passion, knowing the time spent away from her would seem an eternity. Her hands began to roam his body boldly, causing his pulse to quicken. They moved lower and his member sprang to life at her touch.

  She broke away a moment, a surprised look on her face, and glanced down. When their eyes met, she suddenly seemed unsure of herself.

  Michael pressed his lips to her forehead. “Your caress has spurred me to want to take action.” He cupped her face in his hands and sweetly brushed her lips with his briefly. “But we must stop with our goodbyes.”

  “Why?” she asked, a longing shadowing her face.

  “Because we should be husband and wife before we take our love play further.”

  “Do you love me, Michael?”

  Her question startled him. “Of course, sweetling. You know I do. And when we’re wed, I’ll tell you that seven times a day. Nay, seven times seventy—or more!”

  “Love me,” she said simply. “Love me now. I am already wed to you in my heart. ’Tis only a few words we’ll repeat after some priest. I want you. Now.”

  He saw she spoke the truth. Her truth.

  Their truth.

  Michael thought to their upcoming separation. He didn’t know what condition he’d find his father in. Michael might be gone a week or two. Mayhap longer. Looking into Elysande’s eyes, he realized he needed to brand her as his.

  “Are you certain?” he asked, his voice shaking with emotion.

  Her response was to kiss him with a possessiveness that shook him to his very soul. She branded him. With her touch. With her generosity. With her passion.

  Michael swept Elysande up into his arms and carried her to the corner of the stall. He placed her gently on a pile of hay and then covered her body with his, his mouth seeking hers once more. As they kissed, his body seemed engulfed in flames. Desire rippled through him as never before. In his arms, he held the one woman he would pledge himself to from now till eternity.

  His hand slid up her slender calf, its sweet curve calling to him. Swiftly, he pushed her skirts away. His mouth fastened on the silky skin of her calf, trailing a line of kisses up to her knee, then her thigh. He continued working his way up to her core and plunged his tongue into it. Her gasp of surprise caused him to smile. He tasted her very essence, moving skillfully, wanting to pleasure her till she went mad. She began to pant, then moan, little cries of happiness that brought him satisfaction. He cupped her rounded buttocks and delved deeper, her fingers now threaded in his hair, holding tightly.

  Elysande writhed beneath him as he held her firm. She cried out again loudly and began bucking against him. He felt her tremors and let her ride the wave of passion till she stilled. Quickly, he loosened his pants and plunged into her, his mouth covering hers to capture any noise. She dug her nails into his back.

  Michael kissed her deeply, holding himself still, waiting until she became caught up again in their love play. He sensed her body relaxing beneath him. Slowly, he withdrew and slipped into her again. He began leisurely, helping her to figure out how to match his rhythm. She quickly understood what to do. Minutes later, they danced to a melody all their own, increasing their speed. She began whimpering ag
ain, moaning, tightening both her arms and legs about him. They rocked together as one.

  And then he came as never before. His seed spilled into her and as it did, waves of love poured from him. Their kiss was the greatest one of his life. They’d been created for this moment, together, born as one in love.

  Spent, he collapsed against her. Then he feared he might crush her. Michael rolled quickly, bringing Elysande with him till she rested on top of him. He gazed upon her flushed face, those amethyst eyes burning large and bright.

  Then, with a satisfied smile, she said, “I think I’ll enjoy being married to you, Michael Devereux. As long as we can do this every night, that is.”

  Chapter 15

  Michael stuffed the final piece of clothing into the sack, ready to go inform Lord Geoffrey of his departure. He glanced around the barracks where he had spent the last year of his life in service to Geoffrey de Montfort. He gave a prayer of thanksgiving to the Almighty that he’d heard of Geoffrey’s return to Kinwick after a mysterious disappearance of many years, for that had spurred Michael to leave Sir Lovel and commit to the man he’d idolized since childhood.

  If Michael hadn’t come to Kinwick, then he never would have accompanied the de Montfort family to the planned wedding at Hopeston.

  And he’d never have met Elysande.

  It seemed impossible that they’d only known each other such a short time. Yet, he couldn’t imagine his life without her. The intimate experience of witnessing the miracles of two different foals’ birth had bonded them in a unique way.

  Or maybe Fate had ordained that they should meet. Whatever the reason they’d come together, Michael only knew being with Elysande completed him. More than anything, he looked forward to their wedded life at Sandbourne and the children they would raise. It struck him how, a month ago, he hadn’t envisioned life as a married man, yet now he believed it was his road to happiness. That was the difference now. Because he’d found love, nothing would ever be the same again.

  He lifted the sack as Hammond came in. He would miss this loyal friend of his. They’d become as close as brothers since his arrival at Kinwick. Mayhap Hammond might consider coming to Sandbourne—but only if Michael spoke to Geoffrey about it first. He would never go behind his liege lord’s back and rob Geoffrey of one of his best soldiers.

  “Lord Geoffrey asked that you come and meet with him before you leave,” Hammond informed him. “He’s waiting for you in the solar.”

  Michael offered his hand. “Thank you for your friendship, Hammond.”

  The knight looked puzzled as they shook. “You act as if this is a final farewell between us, Michael. You only mentioned that your father was ill. Aren’t you returning to Kinwick?”

  Michael didn’t want to go into his family history now. “Things are complicated, my friend. Only know that I’ve appreciated your every kindness to me since I came to Kinwick, and that one day I hope we’ll work together again.”

  Hammond slapped him on the back. “I can think of no other man I’d rather have by my side in case we had to ride into battle.” He reached for Michael’s sack. “I’ll ready Tempest for your departure and attach this to his saddle while you visit with Lord Geoffrey.”

  “In return, I’ll ask one thing of you before I go.”

  “What? Anything, Michael. You know that.”

  “Look after Lady Elysande. Keep her safe.”

  Hammond nodded. “Of course.”

  The two men left the barracks, parting as Hammond ventured to the stables and Michael turned toward the keep.

  Arriving at the solar, he found Geoffrey scribbling away as he sat at the table.

  “My lord?”

  “Ah, come in, Michael.” Geoffrey indicated for him to take a seat.

  “Are you leaving today for Sandbourne?”

  “Aye, my lord. The earl is very ill. The healer says he doesn’t have much time left.”

  “I know you’ve been estranged from him, Michael, but it’s fortunate you’ve received this final gift of time to be with him as he comes to the end of his life.”

  Michael frowned. “How so, my lord?”

  “People can change. Mayhap, your father has. If so, he may ask for your forgiveness—and you should give it to him. Don’t let any ill will stand between you as he goes to meet his Maker.”

  Michael didn’t know if he could ever forgive the many transgressions of the Earl of Sandbourne, but he nodded sagely as if he would consider it.

  “I don’t want you to worry about Elysande while you’re gone,” Geoffrey continued. “I’ll see that she always has a guard with her if she leaves the castle grounds. In these last few weeks, Lord Ingram has made no further attempts to spirit her away. I’m certain he’s given up on such a foolish scheme and returned to his lands in the north.”

  “I won’t worry about her safety, my lord. I know you love your niece dearly and would protect her from any harm.” He shrugged. “I only fear I may go mad being parted from her for an unknown amount of time.”

  Geoffrey chuckled. “When I hear from the king, I’ll send the news along to you. I am confident it will be as we expect. Though it sounds as if you’ll likely bury your father soon, your burden should be eased by your upcoming wedding.”

  Michael broke out in a huge grin. “I hope so, my lord.”

  Geoffrey accompanied him to the inner bailey, where Hammond had Tempest saddled and ready for Michael to ride.

  Merryn descended the steps and handed Michael a heavy sack. “I have food from Cook. Geoffrey said you’ll most likely reach Sandbourne by the noon meal tomorrow, but I wanted you to have something for the road.”

  Alys skipped up and threw her arms about his waist. Hal trailed behind her, babbling nonsense as he held his arms out. Michael scooped up Hal in one arm and gathered Alys in his other.

  “I’ll miss both of you more than I should admit,” he told them. He kissed the tip of Alys’ nose and the soft fuzz of Hal’s head before he put them back on the ground. As he did, Michael saw Elysande had come down the stairs with Geoffrey’s mother. Both women had joined Merryn.

  Michael stepped over to the trio. He took Lady Elia’s hand and kissed it. “I thank you for your hospitality, my lady. And for letting me enjoy playing with your grandchildren.”

  The old woman blushed. “I thank you for your courtly ways, Sir Michael. You’ll be missed at Kinwick.”

  He then turned to Elysande and took her hand in his. He bent and pressed his lips to her knuckles far longer than he should have.

  “I will miss your delightful company, my lady,” he told her.

  “And I will miss yours, Sir Michael,” she said sincerely, though her eyes twinkled merrily.

  Geoffrey spoke up. “You have much to learn about women, Michael.”

  “My lord?”

  Geoffrey shook his head. “If I were leaving Kinwick, do you think Merryn would be happy with a kiss to her hand or a peck on the cheek? Nay, she’s a greedy little thing and would want much, much more.”

  His hand snaked out and latched on to his wife’s arm. Geoffrey pulled her to him in a tight embrace.

  Glancing at Michael, he said, “This is what a woman wants.” He proceeded to give Merryn a lingering kiss.

  “Not again,” Alys muttered. She looked up at Michael. “You might as well do as Father says or poor Cousin Elysande will feel left out.”

  Michael looked at the couple and laughed as their kiss continued. He shrugged and moved to Elysande, capturing her waist in his hands.

  “I can’t ignore my liege lord’s advice,” he told her before his lips met hers in a searing kiss.

  Finally, Michael broke the kiss. “I love you,” he whispered before turning and mounting Tempest. He nudged the horse and took off with a wave of his hand.

  As he reached the gates, Michael thought about the next time he returned to Kinwick. He would ride through its gates as the Earl of Sandbourne.

  And come to claim his bride.

  *


  Elysande continued to crush the gray-green leaves before her as Alys had instructed. Her nose wrinkled in disgust, thanks to the strong smell that wafted up from the table.

  “And what is mugwort used for again?” she asked her young cousin.

  Alys gave her a patient look. “I often use it in foot ointments.”

  “I can’t imagine that,” Elysande admitted. “Sweating feet smell bad enough as it is. Adding mugwort to them would only seem to add to the problem to me.”

  Merryn laughed. “Let me finish with the mugwort. Here, come spend time with the rosemary. Rinse your hands in that bowl and dry them carefully before you touch the new herb.”

  Elysande did as she was told, happy to trade places with Merryn. She bent and smelled the savory rosemary. “Now this is much more to my liking.”

  “I like a bit of rosemary floating in a cup of hot water. It soothes my stomach,” Merryn shared.

  She looked at her aunt, whose small bump seemed more visible today. “Are you feeling better?”

  “I am. I haven’t been ill in two days now. Hopefully, the worst is behind me.”

  “I remember how large you got with Hal,” Alys said. “Every day for months I would ask you when the new babe would come out.”

  Merryn laughed. “’Twas nothing compared to my girth when I carried you and Ancel. Two of you inside me seemed to swallow me up.”

  Alys frowned. “I don’t know if I want any babes. Although I love Hal, he’s so much trouble.”

  “When you find a man you love, you’ll want to bear his babes,” Elysande assured her.

  “Are you and Michael going to have many children?”

  She felt herself pinken immediately and didn’t know how to answer.

  “Alys! It’s not your place to ask such a personal thing,” her mother scolded. “Only God knows what He has planned for a couple.”

  The girl shrugged. “I was only curious, Mother.”