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

by Alexa Aston

  He wondered what her return to court at summer’s end would be like. Whether true or not, Kenric knew Sela’s rumors would follow Avelyn. Not all would believe them, considering the source, but enough might to make her a lonely outcast. More than anything, he wished she wouldn’t go back to London.

  Then he asked himself where she could go. Her mother’s marriage today would have Lady Mary and Sir Charles making their home at the manor house on Sandbourne land. Her only sister resided on the estate, as well. If not in London, Avelyn would be here—where he couldn’t speak to her because she wished it so.

  Kenric realized he had wounded her as much as Sela had—if not more. Mayhap, his penance would be to see her on a daily basis, so close, yet a woman he could never have.

  It would be best for her if her family married her off quickly before the untrue rumors spread. With Geoffrey de Montfort’s connections, not to mention Avelyn’s angelic beauty, it wouldn’t be difficult to find a suitor. Yet the thought of another man touching Avelyn’s satiny smooth skin, his hand on her bare breast, thrusting his manhood inside her, pleasuring her until she cried out—those thoughts would drive Kenric into madness.

  What did he have to look forward to? A miserable existence while the woman he loved married another. He could picture her future visits to Sandbourne, where she would proudly show off her children to her sister and mother. Kenric would see the happiness written across her face.

  And it would destroy him.

  His gut told him he should go elsewhere, move on and find a new liege lord to serve. If he left this area behind and headed far north, Avelyn Le Cler—and even his remaining family at Shadowfaire—would be buried as the past.

  Kenric decided to ask Lord Michael’s permission to accompany Lord Sewell and his men when they took Lady Sela to her father. Once the woman had been handed to her father and no longer posed a danger to his beloved, he’d return to Sandbourne and give his notice to Lord Michael. He could start over in a new life. It would be empty of love, but he couldn’t stay here and punish himself over and over by seeing Avelyn now or in the future.

  A servant arrived with a tray. Kenric unlocked the door and allowed her into the bedchamber, where he saw Lady Sela pacing as a caged animal. She stopped long enough to give him an unpleasant smile. It infuriated him that this woman had used him, kissing him to make Avelyn suffer.

  In that moment, an overwhelming urge to protect Avelyn swept over him. Kenric believed that he could protect her like no other—especially from the likes of vipers such as Lady Sela Runford. The strong feeling made him want to throw caution to the wind and do whatever it took to always watch out for Avelyn. But would he ever have a chance to do so? Not if he left Sandbourne behind. He found himself torn as never before, unsure where his future lay, much less with whom.

  The servant set the tray down and scurried out. Kenric locked the door again and placed the key in his pocket. His arms returned to his side as he pushed aside all thoughts and left his mind a void.

  Eventually, music drifted up the stairs, accompanied by the smell of food that made his mouth water. He supposed, by now, the wedding between Lady Mary and Sir Charles must be over and all gathered in the great hall for the celebration. Kenric was glad he’d offered to stand guard duty today instead of attending the nuptial mass. He didn’t want to hear words of love and promises the older couple would make to one another with Avelyn in the same place.

  He noticed Martin coming down the corridor and assumed the soldier came to relieve him.

  “You’ve been on your feet for hours,” his brother knight said. “Come, go join the celebration.”

  “I’d just as soon stay here. I’m in no mood for—”

  “Go.” Martin placed a hand on Kenric’s shoulder. “It’s obvious you have feelings for the lady and she could certainly use some comfort after yesterday’s events.”

  Kenric frowned. “If you think—”

  Martin squeezed his shoulder hard. “It’s not what I think. It’s important what you think. What you know.” The knight gave him an encouraging look. “Look inside your heart, Kenric Fairfax.” Martin dropped his hand.

  Wordlessly, he handed over the key to Lady Sela’s chamber and started down the hall, Martin’s words ringing in his ears.

  Could he truly have a future with this woman?

  It was time to find out.

  Kenric went to the great hall. Trestle tables laden with every imaginable food provided a feast for his eyes. His belly growled at the sight. He hadn’t eaten all day and decided he should before seeking Avelyn out. It wouldn’t do to try and romance the beauty only to be interrupted by a gurgling stomach. Joining a table of fellow knights, he ate only enough to satisfy him. His eyes searched the great hall as he chewed, but he didn’t spy her anywhere.

  Excusing himself, he wandered aimlessly and then followed the sound of the music. The nuptial celebration had spilled outside into the cool, early July night, with dozens dancing in the moonlight. Kenric saw Lord Geoffrey and Lady Merryn with their two youngest and Lady Elysande and Lord Michael with their infant son. Both couples radiated happiness.

  He wanted that for himself and Avelyn.

  Like a lightning bolt that struck him from the blue, it came to him that love was what mattered. He might not be able to provide a wealth of material goods for Avelyn Le Cler, but she had told him she loved him. In his heart, he knew she wasn’t a woman impressed by money or power. She had bared her deepest feelings to him and he had callously turned her away.

  Kenric hoped it wasn’t too late for them.

  He passed young Alys de Montfort dancing with a fleet-footed Lord Sewell, while Ancel de Montfort partnered a laughing Lady Orella. Sir Charles twirled his new wife about. Even in the older knight’s eyes, Kenric saw the love the man showered upon Lady Mary.

  But where was Avelyn? His curiosity turned to concern as he actively searched for her. He wondered if she could have returned to her bedchamber since he couldn’t locate her.

  In a flash, he realized where she would be.

  Kenric made his way to the Sandbourne stables, remembering her comment about the faithfulness and affection of dogs and horses. Something told him Avelyn would be with Starlight tonight, seeking comfort in the midst of the happy occasion.

  The bright moon made it easy for him to make his way to the stables. He opened the door and glimpsed inside. As he expected, he saw a faint light about halfway down the long row of stalls. As he drew closer, he heard her humming before he reached Starlight’s stall. Kenric paused and listened to it, and the melancholy in the tune tugged at his heart.

  No longer hesitating, he strode to the stall and looked inside.

  Avelyn had her back to him, a brush in her hand as she curried Starlight’s side. She hummed softly as she stroked the horse. Desire flooded Kenric at the sight of her. He stepped into the stall and slipped his arms around her waist.

  “Oh!” She dropped the brush she held and whipped her head around. Her lips parted as if she wished to speak, but no words came forth.

  He yanked her to him, wanting the feel of her body against his. His lips found her throat and nibbled on it. A contented sigh escaped from her and she reached a hand up to stroke his face. He reveled in the touch of her fingers.

  Kenric spun her around and caught her waist, spanning it with his hands. Her sky blue eyes went wide as she licked her lips nervously. He needed to taste her, now and always. He crushed her to him as his mouth came down on hers. Plundering, demanding, wanting everything she had to give. Her hands plunged into his hair, kneading his scalp, pulling him nearer as her tongue mated with his.

  His hands rode up her ribcage and came to rest just under her full breasts. His thumbs reached out, brushing across her nipples, teasing them through her layers of clothing. She began to moan, her fingers bunching his gypon tightly. He allowed his hands to encircle her breasts and then squeezed them lightly. The perfect globes were meant to fit in them. His mouth touched the top of one br
east and he lightly ran his tongue along it as his hand slipped under her skirts.

  His fingers found her core dripping, ready for him. Slipping two fingers inside, he stroked her as his other hand pulled away her cotehardie. He pushed down her kirtle and chemise until he had freed her breast. His mouth closed on it and suckled her as his fingers moved in and out. Avelyn writhed against him, her breathing fast and shallow. Her head fell back as he increased the speed of his fingers. He sensed the coiled tension building within her.

  Suddenly, her body trembled. She gasped, then whimpered, small cries of sweet pleasure sounding as she clutched his gypon, pulling and pushing on it repeatedly as she rode the wave of ecstasy. He grazed his teeth against her erect nipple, causing more shudders. She held on to him as her body began to still.

  Then she wept, her breath coming in hitches. Kenric brought his mouth to her cheeks and kissed at the tears.

  “Did I hurt you, my love?” he asked, afraid to hear her answer.

  “Nay,” she whispered. She bit her lip as her eyes searched his. Finally, she said, “that was . . . so beautiful. As if two halves of a whole had been united after many years apart.”

  Kenric smiled at her words, brushing away more tears with his callused thumbs. “If you think this was meant to be, wait till we join our bodies together, Avelyn, when God Almighty has blessed our union. When we will lie naked, our limbs entwined, and two truly do become one.”

  “But I thought—”

  He placed a finger against her lips. “You always knew. You always believed in the two of us together. I was the fool that thought you needed another man.” He kissed her forehead. “I realized that the love between us is rare and that I shouldn’t cast it aside.”

  Sweeping her up into his arms, he told her, “I may not have riches on this earth, but everything I have is yours.”

  Avelyn rewarded him with a slow smile. “So, you’re not merely wedded to being a knight? If I understand your words, you wish us to marry?”

  “Aye.” He gave her a lingering kiss so that she wouldn’t doubt him.

  “I do want to marry you, my love. I want you to bear our sons and daughters. I wish to partake in the joy that I see when I look at your sister and Lord Michael together. I want the same happiness that is obvious when your uncle and his wife exchange a tender look. And I would grow old and gray with you. Many years from now, we’ll look back on when we were young and our love was new and fragile. We’ll laugh, knowing we’ve weathered many storms in our years together and be fulfilled in a love that has grown stronger over our lifetime.”

  She cupped his face and gave him a slow, sweet kiss, one full of hope and promise.

  Then she drew back, a mischievous grin on her face. “And I’ll remind you of how stubborn you once were, pushing aside the love of your life out of pride or whatever manly reason you thought must keep us apart. Not often, mind you, but I’ll bring it up just enough to keep you in line.”

  Kenric laughed. “I will let you—only because I do love you so. It will make our children groan and run and hide when they see their parents turn affectionate with one another.”

  “We’ll laugh when they do so. And we’ll hope they’ll find the same lasting love for themselves one day.”

  “I love you, Avelyn Le Cler. I eagerly will do your bidding, now and forever.”

  He kissed her again, knowing he’d made the right decision by letting his guard down as pride and arrogance flew out the window. They would start afresh this night and love long and strong forevermore.

  “Oh!” Avelyn exclaimed.

  Kenric looked up to see Starlight butting her head against Avelyn. He put her back on the ground and gave the horse an affectionate pat.

  “You need to behave,” he chided the horse. “If you do, your mistress and I will brush you till your coat gleams.”

  He picked up a brush to lavish attention upon the horse and Avelyn did the same. True to his word, when they had finished, Starlight gleamed just as tonight’s moon. Kenric replaced the brushes and they left the stall. He wrapped his arms around the woman he loved, resting his chin against the top of her head. They stood that way in contentment for a long time.

  Finally, she asked, “So when will you ask Uncle Geoffrey for my hand?”

  He gazed down at her, seeing the glow of happiness on her face. “Tonight.”

  “I love you, Kenric Fairfax.”

  “I love you more, Avelyn Le Cler.” He paused. “But I must share something with you. If you change your mind regarding our plans, I’ll understand.”

  “What could possibly change my mind? I love you, Kenric, with all my heart.”

  “Have you ever wondered why I don’t wear my spurs?”

  She nodded. “I noticed. But I would never ask.”

  “I wish to tell you why.” He kept his arms about her, needing her warmth for encouragement. “I fostered far from home, at Lord Forwin’s estate. I spent my youth at Longshire, first as a page, then a squire. Finally, I took my vows and became a knight.”

  “Was your brother, Roland, there with you?” she asked.

  “For a while. But his temperament and health weren’t suited to such a harsh climate. He returned to Shadowfaire and grew up there.”

  “Were you lonely without him?”

  “Nay. I thrived under Lord Forwin’s tutelage. But my closest friend, Hudd, warned me to stay away from Lord Forwin’s daughter. Lady Jannet was a beautiful but spoiled child. The day I received my spurs and took my knightly vows, she declared that she loved me and wanted us to wed.”

  Avelyn looked thoughtful. “Did this take you by surprise?”

  “Aye. I had barely spoken to her in all my years at Longshire. I told her I had just become a knight and that my duty was to her father. I didn’t wish to marry.” He sighed. “She told her father of her desire to wed me. Lord Forwin had already made other plans for Jannet to wed a wealthy earl, not a penniless knight like myself.”

  “Lady Jannet did not take this announcement well, I suppose.”

  Kenric grew still. “Nay.” The word came out a whisper. “That night, while the celebration went on recognizing my achievement, all those gathered danced under the moonlight, much like tonight.”

  Avelyn placed a hand against his chest. The gesture comforted him. Kenric forced himself to continue.

  “She went up to the parapet. Everyone stopped and stared at her. She said if we couldn’t be together, then she wanted to be with no man.” His eyes met hers. “Jannet threw herself from that great height, Avelyn. She killed herself. Because of me.”

  “But it wasn’t your fault.”

  “My head told me so, but my heart spoke otherwise. I knew she was slightly unbalanced, but I felt responsible for her death. I’d only won my spurs and knighthood that morning, and they represented my badge of honor. I hacked them off, believing I’d disgraced myself. My honor had fled. My code of chivalry seemed broken since I had not protected Lady Jannet and the family I was sworn to die for.

  “I have kept my spurs as a reminder of my lost honor.”

  “I’m glad you told me of this, Kenric.” Her palm touched his face. “Yet, it doesn’t change the way I feel about you. In fact, I love you all the more. I hope you’ll reconsider and choose to wear your spurs once more. You have no blame in this matter. You didn’t lead Lady Jannet on or give her false expectations. You’re innocent of wrongdoing.” Avelyn smiled at him. “You are the most honorable man I know.”

  Kenric touched his lips to hers in a tender kiss. Just having told her of the events from long ago seemed to cleanse his soul. Mayhap Avelyn was right and he should, once again, wear his spurs.

  She broke the kiss and placed a hand against his chest. “Before you speak to my uncle, I also have something I need to tell you.” She worried her bottom lip and he saw she grew serious.

  Kenric released her. “Do you have a secret lover I must send away?” he teased, trying to change her mood. “Or, mayhap, two?”

  Ave
lyn took his hands. “Listen to me. I have something very important to share with you. I didn’t know how to before. I thought . . . well, never mind what I thought. You’re here now and you must know of this matter, as you told me of what you wanted me to know.”

  “What worries you so, dearest?”

  “Do you remember when we stopped at Shadowfaire on our way from London to Sandbourne?”

  “Aye. How could I forget my mother’s death?”

  She gripped his hands more tightly. “I fear how you will take this news.”

  A sense of dread filled him. “Tell me, Avelyn. I bared my deepest secret to you.”

  “You . . . are the Earl of Shadowfaire. Not your brother.”

  He dropped her hands and took a step back. “What? Are you mad?”

  “Roland was not the firstborn son, Kenric. You were.”

  He couldn’t comprehend her words. A fog seemed to surround him.

  Her words came out in a rush. “Gussalen told me. She was the only one present during your mother’s childbirth. She said you were the firstborn and that Roland came out after you. She lied because she hated your father—and you favored him strongly, while Roland looked like Lady Juliana. She denied you your birthright, Kenric, all because she thought you’d be just like your father.

  “And then she killed herself right in front of me. Your mother had died mere moments earlier. The truth then died with Gussalen.” Avelyn’s eyes swam with tears. “We didn’t know each other well then. I didn’t think you would believe me if I’d told you what I’d learned.”

  Kenric felt like he was drowning. He heard what Avelyn said, but it seemed a long way off. Rage filled him.

  “You use my mother’s passing and Gussalen’s death to speak such wicked lies? You selfishly want me to wrestle the title and Shadowfaire away from my twin brother and his unborn child, all because you desire that I possess them?”

  Avelyn reached out and placed her hand on his arm, but he shrugged it off.

  “I thought you’d be happy marrying me, even though I had nothing but my name to give. But I can see that’s not enough for you. That once you drew me into your web, you wanted more.”