by Rachel James
Ryce laughed and moved the loose tendril from her cheek. “It’s all in hand.”
She gazed at his handsome face. It would be nice to wake up to it every morrow.
“So, shall we?”
“Aye.”
Ryce sat next to his wife at their wedding feast in the new hall. Cinnia had done them proud with the decorations, and the place looked enchanting. He gazed across at Teagen, her blue eyes sparkling with happiness. God had been good to them. They’d both been on an adventure to get here, and now they would be going on a new one with each other. He suspected he’d have a colourful marriage union though... his bride’s feistiness would certainly keep him from complacency.
“What does this make you, Husband? A prince? A lord?”
“I confess, I know not. That’s a question for your brother.”
Niall glanced up. “Well, it’s up to you. I can’t say I’ve heard of a princess marrying a warrior before. I guess we’re in new territory.”
“I don’t suit a prince. Or a lord. Do I need to possess a title?”
“How about ‘Sir’?” said Teagen.
Niall leaned on his hands. “I did strike you a deal, upon your arrival, to make you one of my knights.”
Ryce cleared his throat. “You don’t have any knights.”
“You’ll be my first.”
Ryce turned to Teagen. “You’d be happy with that?”
“Aye. I want you to have a title you’ve earned, and not married into. You already serve the king in the way a knight does.”
Ryce glanced at Niall. “I’d be honoured to accept a knighthood.”
“Grand. Now is as opportune a time as any.” Niall banged the table with the blunt end of his sword to gain the room’s attention. “Good men and women. Nine months ago, Ryce rescued Princess Teagen from being mugged, a death sentence, a wolf attack and a kidnapping...”
The people in the room laughed, and Ryce’s face grew hot.
“Not to mention that he has trained our men, served me faithfully, and sacrificed his own life for his king. I would count this man as one of my closest friends, and I am proud to call him my brother-in-law.”
The crowd cheered and raised their glasses.
“I have, for some time, been nurturing a few men to appoint as my knights. Ryce will be the first one. Ryce, please come forward.”
Ryce rose and knelt before the king. Niall took his sword and tapped each of his shoulders. “Arise, Sir Ryce, Knight of Angularem.”
Teagen had a tear in her eye.
Finally, he truly belonged.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Niall strolled atop the battlements, the salty sea air whipping his face. He inhaled deeply and gazed out across the ocean. God had been faithful to them. He had given them this island, Angularem, and it had indeed proved to be a cornerstone for his people.
“Sire, may I have a word?”
He turned. “Sherwin, of course. What can I do for you?”
Sherwin walked beside him and waited until they’d passed the other guards before speaking. “It’s your wife.”
He tensed. “Is she sick?”
“Not quite. I believe congratulations are in order, for the queen is expecting.”
Excitement and dread filled him simultaneously. “This has happened before.”
“Aye, I’m aware of her past ailments, I’ve ordered her complete bed rest, at least for the first three months.”
“How is she?”
“She’s anxious, as you can understand. She’ll need your complete support, sire. We don’t want her getting too vexed. If we can create a calm, positive atmosphere, I see no reason why she shouldn’t carry the baby to the end.”
“Truly? You think we have a chance?”
Sherwin placed his hand on his shoulder. “We’ll do everything in our power, but most of all we’ll keep praying, whatever happens. Your wife knows the risks, and is prepared for either outcome.”
Niall leaned over the stone wall and looked out into the courtyard. “How things change... I hardly recognize the place now.”
“Indeed.”
“You and Ryce are a real blessing to us. I’m glad you decided to stay.”
“Aye, I won’t get used to calling Ryce ‘sir,’ mind you. What will you have him do now the Dyrahns are defeated?”
“Oh, he’ll be busy. Word of Angularem’s existence is sure to spread, which will lead to further invaders before too long. I’m afraid it’s the way of the world. We need to be ready to defend ourselves.”
“Have you chosen your other knights?”
“I’ve a few in mind, but I’ll wait for Ryce’s return before appointing anyone else. If he is to lead them, he’ll need a say in the matter.”
“Princess of Angularem, please step into the boat.”
Teagen lifted her skirt and jumped in. The vessel wobbled a little but Ryce had it under control.
“So, tell me, Sir Ryce, did you always intend for us to be going on a river ride, knowing this would be our first morrow since being wed?”
“It’s your birthday. We have to do something special.”
“Aye, I agree, but quite so early in the day?”
“You’d not grumble if you knew what I’d got planned.”
She watched him step into the opposite end and take the oars. They’d spent the night in the watchtower. Cinnia had arranged for rooms to be made up especially. Now when she thought she might get a well-deserved lie-in, she was pushing a boat from the river bank and sailing the stream.
“Is this not worth it? You wouldn’t see a view like this from the tower.”
“You might if you stood at the top.” She grinned at him. Sitting back, she made herself comfortable. She’d let him row. It was her birthday after all.
“That’s it. Let me do the work.”
“Isn’t that what princesses do?”
“What? Take advantage of their knights in shining armour?”
She laughed and kicked him in the side. “Hogwash! I’m being kind, don’t you see? Giving you something useful to do so that you feel valued.”
“Oh, is that what it is?” He let the oars rest and leaned forward.
She smiled as he neared. Married life was going to be fun.
About the Author
Rachel has an MA in Creative Writing from Teesside University and loves to write fiction that uplifts, inspires, and encourages others. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three adorable girls, and when not writing she enjoys idling time away in a vintage teashop or visiting a historic landmark in pursuit of a new story!
Discover more about Rachel at: www.rachelajames.com
Also by Rachel A. James
The Forgotten Kingdoms
Elmetia
Meigen
Rivalyn
A Beauwater Christmas (Novella)
