Ginny Hartman

by To Guard Her Heart

  Turning to the defenders who stood there awkwardly witnessing the scene before them, he said, “I command you to find Asher and throw him in the dungeon at once. He will be executed in the public square in Darth as soon as we can arrange for our return.” Both men nodded solemnly then raced from the room, eager to do the king's bidding.

  When it was just the two of them left standing in the room, her uncle turned to her and pulled her into his arms. “I'm sorry, my sweet lass; I'm sorry for not believing in you, for not believing in Terric, and I'm sorry for the part I unknowingly played in your parents’ deaths.”

  “Tis all been forgiven. Now let's go release Terric.”

  “Can I at least change into something decent before cavorting throughout the castle?”

  “Of course,” Rosalind laughed, feeling her heart lighten for the first time since Terric had been accused of treachery. “But make it quick. I'm most anxious to see a certain prisoner be freed.” A vast understatement if she ever spoke one.

  ***

  Rosalind danced impatiently at her uncle's side. He had refused to let her transport down to the dungeon, unwilling to let her out of his sight until he saw for himself that Asher was firmly locked up and unable to harm her, or anyone else ever again. Word had been sent to him that Asher had been captured, but until he saw for himself, he wasn't taking any chances.

  In her anxiousness, Rosalind grabbed his hand and began tugging him quickly down the stairs. “Be careful child, or I might trip and fall to my death.”

  “I can't help it,” she laughed, “I'm just so excited.” He smiled at her enthusiasm, finding it contagious. A crushing weight had been lifted from his shoulders as well when the truth had finally been made known. He couldn't wait to get back to Darth, the kingdom he loved so well.

  When they reached the corridor leading to the dungeon, Rosalind let go of his hand and sprinted forward. He watched as she ran excitedly down the hall then suddenly disappeared. He was worried at first, but only for a moment, before he realized she must have transported into Terric's cell. He would have to get used to her odd gift, for he was sure she was going to be showing of her skill as often as she got the chance. Poor Terric would have a hard time keeping track of the impetuous lass.

  He stopped to speak with the man guarding the dungeon. “Show me to Asher's cell.” The man led him down to the very end of the dark, putrid hall to the smallest, dirtiest cell in the dungeon. He pulled his ring of keys from his belt and began looking for the one that matched the lock on the door. He reached out and stopped him. “Nay, I do not wish to speak to him. I just wanted to see for myself that he was captured.”

  The man replaced the keys then indicated with his hand to the small slat in the middle of the door. King Cedric squatted down and peered inside. Asher had been stripped of all of his clothing except for his underthings. He lay prostrate on the floor, staring up at the ceiling above, a look of sheer evil on his face. King Cedric shuddered then quickly backed away from the door, content that justice would finally be served.

  ***

  Terric looked up in alarm when he heard a thump, just in time to see Rosalind magically appearing in a pile on the floor. She scrambled to her knees and threw herself at him, laughing as her arms went excitedly around his neck. He caught her waist in his shackled hands and forced her away from him so he could look at her face. She was glowing, her smile as wide as he had ever seen it.

  “What's the meaning of this?” he asked, not daring to hope that she brought with her good news.

  “You are free,” she squealed, not attempting to keep her voice down at all.

  He looked around his tight cell. “Tis funny that you would say that, because at the moment I don't exactly feel that way.”

  She laughed, “But you will be soon. My uncle will be here any moment to set you free. I explained everything to him. He knows you never betrayed him.”

  “And he believed you?” Terric asked in awe.

  “Aye, he did. And the true traitor is imprisoned even now, as we speak.”

  “I'm not sure I understand,” Terric confessed.

  “Asher. He was behind everything the entire time. He even tried to have you poisoned,” she said, indicating the neglected cup of water sitting in the corner of his cell.

  “You saved me,” he said reverently, his eyes soaking in her ethereal beauty.

  “And the entire Kingdom of Darth, if you must know. It was I who discovered Asher was behind everything,” she boasted.

  Terric laughed, and pulled her snugly into his lap. She nuzzled into his chest; the warmth of her palm on his bare skin caused him to shudder. Oh how he loved her. She tilted her head up to look at him, her radiant smile still in place, and he couldn't stop himself from kissing her. Her kiss was all at once new, yet familiar. His breathing was labored when he pulled away, resting his forehead against hers. “I quite literally owe you my life. You saved me,” he repeated, still in awe.

  “But only because you gave me the tools I needed to do so. If it weren't for your gift, I never could have done it. So I guess in a way, you saved yourself.”

  “Tis true, I suppose that your uncle owes me his thanks as well,” he teased her.

  “Aye, I do.” Both Terric and Rosalind looked up as King Cedric entered the cell. “And I owe you my humblest apologies as well. I was wrong,” he stated simply. “And though I admit I was in the wrong not to trust you and listen to you, I cannot offer you your position as lead defender back, or any position for that matter. You will no longer be a defender for Darth.”

  Terric was disappointed. “I've only ever wanted to be a defender,” he admitted painfully, unsure of what the future would hold if the king would not allow him to continue on in his profession.

  “And you always will be a defender,” King Cedric said with a twinkle in his eye. “A defender of truth, a defender of all that is good, and now your greatest commission is to defend my niece, to guard her heart and to love her until the end of time. You will make a great king.”

  Terric reeled back, his head was swimming. Had he heard King Cedric right? Rosalind interrupted his thoughts, “Well don't look so surprised, it makes me feel as if you don't wish to marry me.”

  He smiled at her, a wave of peace washing over him. “Tis the thing I want most in this world,” he confessed. Then he kissed her.

  Epilogue

  Rosalind knelt at the altar of the chapel at Herfordshire Castle, her knees aching as they pressed into the hard stone. Her first duty as Queen would be to commission someone to sew a pillow for people to kneel on in the future. She could feel the warmth radiating off of Terric's body as he knelt next to her. Her eyes remained fixated on the priest before her, but her thoughts strayed to the man at her side. As if he could discern her thoughts, he reached across the altar and clasped her hand in his, defying all rules of decorum. A pleased smile broke out across her face.

  As soon as the words of the ceremony were completed, pronouncing them man and wife, she turned to him eagerly. His hands went up to cup her face underneath the floor-length lace veil that hung from her head. She leaned into him and closed her eyes in anticipation. Their first kiss shared as husband and wife was tender, reverent, hinting at a barely concealed passion that they both shared for each other but left Rosalind wanting more.

  Looking deeply into Terric's eyes, she could tell when he pulled away from her that he wasn't satisfied with the brief kiss either. Ignoring the dozens of people watching from the pews behind them, she flung her arms around his neck and pulled him to her once more. His brows rose in surprise for the briefest moment before her lips pressed tightly to his. She kissed him as she had been longing to do, wildly, passionately, and with all the love her heart held for him—she never wanted to stop.

  And perhaps she wouldn't have if it hadn't been for her uncle clearing his throat loudly. She pulled away, heat suffusing her cheeks, but not regretting her actions for even a second. King Cedric was now standing at the head of the altar, the p
riest relegated to a place at his side. His voiced bellowed across the broad expanse of the chapel, “It is with mixed emotions that we are brought here this day. We are saddened by the loss of King Eustace and Queen Constance. God rest their souls, but I know that they would not want today to be a day of sorrow, but rather one of rejoicing. The Southwest territory will have a new queen.” He looked down at Rosalind with kindness and love shimmering in his eyes. Then, his head tilted towards Terric, “And a new king as well.”

  Rosalind's eyes filled with tears, for indeed it was a day brimming with so many emotions. She never imagined she'd be queen of the Southwest, and she certainly never imagined that she would be marrying a man she completely and absolutely adored and loved with her entire heart. The priest stepped forward holding a pillow in his hand, topped with an exquisite gold crown inlaid with rubies and diamonds. It had been her mother's crown.

  A lump formed in her throat as she bowed her head for her uncle to place the crown ceremoniously on top of her head. “Rosalind Fiona Mildred Alison Taran Violet Harcourt de Valles,” she thrilled at the sound of her new name, Terric's name. “Do you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Southwest Territory with honor and justice?”

  “I do.” She spoke the words loudly and truthfully so all in attendance could hear.

  Next, the priest brought forth a pillow holding her father's crown, a masculine version of the one that now sat atop her head. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Terric's dark head bow as her uncle put the crown in place. “Terric Richard de Valles, do you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Southwest Territory with honor and justice and to defend Queen Rosalind the remaining days of your life?” Rosalind smiled at the last line, knowing he added it specifically for Terric.

  “I do.”

  After the oaths were sworn, King Cedric indicated they stand. Rosalind and Terric turned to face the people who had gathered to witness the special event. Sitting in the front pew of the chapel was Millicent, Gwendolyn, and Colin. Her brother appeared unusually solemn. She knew that today was an especially hard day for him, being the first time he had been back to Herfordshire Castle since their parents’ deaths. It had felt odd for Rosalind to return as well, but she had Terric and her upcoming wedding and coronation to distract her from the sadness. She tried not to let her sorrow on her brother's behalf consume her. He would be traveling back to Brantonwall Castle in a few short days. Uncle Cedric had made the decision to raise him besides his own son, Edmund, and Rosalind trusted her uncle's decision, though she would miss him sorely. She silently promised herself, and him, that she would make it a point to visit him often.

  Rosalind resumed her scan of the crowd—so many familiar faces smiled up at her, Aunt Isabel and her children, Uncle Lawrence and Aunt Margaret along with their brood. The only person she didn't see sitting in the pews was Aeden, but she knew he wouldn't be there. She slowly turned her head back to her uncle. Standing just a few paces away was Aeden, resplendent in the uniform of lead defender. Her smile deepened, as did her joy. Her uncle had made an excellent decision in promoting him to the lofty position of lead defender once he had learned of his role in helping to save the kingdom.

  “May I present to you Queen Rosalind and King Terric, your new rulers.” A loud cheer went up, slicing through the sober reverence of the chapel. Rosalind chuckled at the uncustomary display in such a holy place, not offended in the least.

  Terric took her hand and placed it through his arm, leading her regally down the long aisle through the nave of the chapel, everyone following behind them. As soon as they were outside they were accosted by warm greetings and hearty congratulations.

  Gwendolyn flung her arms around Rosalind, “I'm so excited to finally have a sister.”

  “Aye, as am I. And a finer sister I could never have asked for.”

  Gwendolyn smiled proudly. Millicent stepped forth, embracing both her and Terric one at a time. “I couldn't be happier for you both. Tis a glorious day indeed.” Rosalind heartily agreed before Millicent grabbed Gwendolyn's arm and led her into the flow of traffic. The guests were making their way back to the great hall where a royal celebration was being held to celebrate the glorious day.

  Terric held Rosalind's arm firmly in place until everyone had retreated. As soon as they were alone, he put his arms around her waist and pulled her flush with his body. “You look beautiful,” he whispered, as he lowered his mouth to hers.

  She drank deeply of his kisses, her toes curling in response to the feel of his mouth on hers. He finally pulled himself away. “Let's skip the celebration,” Rosalind suggested, hoping desperately that he would agree.

  Terric laughed. “Tis wouldn't rouse suspicion in the least.”

  Rosalind harrumphed. “Being King has made you boring,” she complained in jest.

  “Never. I have something for you.”

  “Really?” she asked, excitement lacing her voice.

  “I was going to make you wait until after the festivities, but since you are so anxious to miss them...”

  “What is it?” she asked, truly anxious to know.

  “We'll have to go to the gardens so I can give it to you.” Grabbing his hand, she began tugging him forward. Part way there she broke out into a jog, her veil rippling in the wind behind her. Terric laughed but did nothing to stop her. All of a sudden her grip on his hand loosened and she disappeared, completely. Terric's heart skipped a beat, but only briefly before he realized what she had done. He shook his head in amusement; he would never get used to her doing that.

  By the time he made it to the gardens, Rosalind was already there, waiting for him. Her back was to him, and he took a moment to look at her. A few tendrils of hair floated on the breeze as her dress molded around her body alluringly. Suddenly he wished they could forgo the celebrations as well, that he could whisk her away to the tower and lock her inside and have her all to himself. He went to her and grabbed her hand, pulling her towards the far corner of the garden where a freshly planted cudworth bush sat, waiting for her to discover.

  He watched as her eyes settled on the bush covered generously with tiny purple berries. She gave him a questioning look. “Go ahead, see for yourself,” he urged.

  She bent and plucked a berry, ripping into its flesh to discover the bright magenta fruit contained therein. The colorful die stained her hands, but she didn't seem to care. She jumped into his arms, “Where did you find this?”

  “I can't tell you, it would ruin the mystery.”

  “You're infuriating.”

  “But you love me,” he pointed out matter-of-factly.

  “Aye, that I do.” She went up on tip toe and pulled his face to hers, letting the juicy berry fall from her hand, staining the skirt of her gown as it fell. But she didn't care; she had never cared about dirty gowns. She only cared about him.

  Acknowledgments

  So many people are involved in creating a book, and I wish to take a moment to thank them. First, my wonderful beta-readers Kim and Caroline, your opinion and observations are truly appreciated and helpful, as well as is your excitement and love for the characters I create and their stories. Your anticipation for each new story compels me to write as fast as my little fingers can type. Your help is invaluable.

  To my husband and children who put up with a dirty house, frozen pizza dinners, and a wife and mother with a single-track mind until a book is finished. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your patience and tolerance is a gift, as is your excitement and encouragement. I love you.

  To my wonderful mother and mother-in-law, I'm honored that you are willing and excited to read my books in their early stages and that you are so willing to recommend them to anyone and everyone who will listen.

  To Lindsay, for helping me go through the manuscript with a fine-toothed comb before publishing it as well as your encouragement and positive input. Kiss, Kiss.

  To Catherine, for your expertise in editing. Your thoroughness and professionalism are greatly appreciated. I
've been blessed to work with you.

  To Rachel, for sharing your knowledge on fencing and swordsmanship with me and bringing two plastic swords to demonstrate what you meant so I could have a visual idea of what you were talking about. Thank you for your help.

  To Nancy, for so graciously helping me out by lending your talent and professional skill on behalf of making my cover look even better.

  To my Heavenly Father, for blessing me with a talent and a desire to create. I would be nothing without You.

  And lastly, to my readers, for your support, enthusiasm, and for taking a chance on me. I love reading your reviews, hearing your thoughts, and talking with you about my characters as if they are real, for truly they are to us! Thank you, thank you, thank you. It is for you I write.

  Until next time,

  Ginny

  About The Author

  Ginny Hartman has always loved writing, and when her love for the regency era blossomed, she decided to combine the two, resulting in her first published novel, Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington, which became an Amazon Historical Romance bestseller. After completing her first Regency Romance Trilogy, she decided to venture into other eras of historical romance, enjoying the journey back in time.

  Ginny's favorite thing about writing is the escape it gives her and the people who read her stories. For a behind the scenes look at the creation of Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington, Misleading Lord Martineau, Betraying the Highwayman, and To Guard Her Heart, as well as a sneak peek at her upcoming projects, visit her website www.creatingromance.blogspot.com or visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorginnyhartman

  Besides writing, Ginny enjoys reading and spending time with her favorite people: her husband and three beautiful children. She also enjoys traveling the world with the love of her life and gaining inspiration for her books. She currently resides in Northern Idaho.