“My lady, you’ve gone pale. Are you certain you’re all right?”
Cristiana closed her eyes, her hands still on the boy’s chest. Already she could feel his body cooling as the fever left. That helped to steady her as she sank to the ground. Exhaustion took hold and she fought to open her eyes. She had no desire to cause a scene by fainting.
“Is all well, Cristiana?” William’s deep voice whispered in her ear, reverberating through her weariness.
He knelt beside her and pulled her into his arms, steadying her and lending her his strength. She opened her eyes and gazed into his. The green ring in the brown depths was familiar and so welcome. How could it be that his presence gave her such comfort and strength?
“Indeed it is,” she answered weakly, attempting a smile through the lingering pain. A glance at the boy showed him stirring, his lashes fluttering.
“Aldwin?” his mother asked, hope lighting her expression.
“What—what happened?” the boy asked. He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands then sat up.
“You’ve been so sick,” his mother answered as she gathered him into her arms.
“I feel better now,” he said. His gaze caught on Cristiana and William. “Who are you?”
“We were passing by and stopped to help your father fix the cart,” William said.
“Did it break?” He glanced around and spotted the cart. “I don’t remember it breaking.”
Cristiana said nothing, waiting to see what he remembered. Sometimes the person she assisted thought nothing of their recovery, especially small children.
“Did you help me feel better?” he asked Cristiana.
“Aye, she did,” his mother said. “Can you thank her for it?”
“I was feeling poorly. Thank you ever so much.” He rose and stretched, still pale but obviously well on his way to a full recovery. “I’m hungry, Mama.”
“We’ll get you something to eat soon.”
“We’ve some dried meat we’d be pleased to share,” William said.
“You’ve already aided us more than we could have hoped,” the woman said. “We can’t take anything more from you.”
“I insist.” He called to the man-at-arms to bring some from his saddle bag.
The boy’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the food. Cristiana couldn’t help but admire William’s generosity. Time and again, he’d acted with honor. How was she to resist caring for a man such as he?
The woman gave some of the meat to the boy and thanked William again as she rose to put the rest in a bag. The boy chewed eagerly as he walked to his father’s side to investigate the progress on the cart.
“Aldwin!” The father hugged his young son, obviously thrilled with his recovery. “Are you feeling better?”
The moment was sweet to witness, once again making Cristiana grateful for the gift she’d been given.
“I don’t understand. He was so sick,” the mother said when she returned to sit beside them. She turned to look at Cristiana. “What did you do?”
Cristiana felt William tense beside her and wondered for what he prepared. Did he think the woman would attack her? Accuse her of being a witch? Or hug her in gratitude? She’d experienced all three and the shades in between. She wasn’t about to tell her the truth and soon the how of it wouldn’t matter.
“As I mentioned,” Cristiana said, “sometimes pressing gently on different points on the body can release the illness.”
The dusty-faced woman’s eyes narrowed. Cristiana waited, wondering what reaction she’d face this time.
“Can you teach me in case it happens again?”
Cristiana felt William relax and heard his quiet sigh of relief. “Unfortunately, we must be on our way,” he told the woman. “We have repaired the axle temporarily. It should get you to Longsbury at least.”
William assisted her to her horse and helped her mount. Tired but pleased with the boy’s recovery, Cristiana let William bid them goodbye while she waited on her horse.
Aldwin ran over to her, his hand behind his back. “I’ve got something to thank you for making me feel better.”
Cristiana smiled as he presented her with a perfectly formed red maple leaf. “It’s beautiful, Aldwin. Thank you. I will treasure it.”
His large brown eyes studied her for a long moment. “I thought I might die but I didn’t want to tell my mama. It would’ve worried her too much. She has enough to worry about. Thank you for saving me.”
His words brought tears to her eyes. She didn’t bother to brush away his comment, for as deep as the illness had held him, he might very well be right. “You are very welcome, Aldwin. I’m happy you’re feeling better.”
“Maybe someday I can help you. Good day, my lady!” Before she could respond, he hurried back to his mother and father, leaving the memory of his bright smile with Cristiana as they continued their trek.
She gently rubbed the colorful leaf in her hand, realizing she’d gathered another precious memory.
***
William went through the motions of seeing their small camp settled. He could hear Henry speaking to Sister Mawde, explaining why they weren’t staying at an inn again. A small niggle of guilt tugged at William, but he quickly shoved it away.
They probably could’ve sought shelter for the night, but it made things more difficult in many ways. Plus Cristiana was so tired, he was surprised she’d made it this far. The inn was a good distance away from here. That eased his guilt considerably. Never mind that he looked forward to sleeping beside her one last night. On the morrow, they’d arrive at Longsbury.
Darkness fell quickly but Henry built a fire which chased away the shadows. He could only hope the man-at-arms who was so adept at hunting came back with something substantial for supper. Cristiana could use a good meal after healing the boy, plus it would calm the grumblings from Sister Mawde.
Cristiana was already settled inside their tent near the fire, resting. Though he wanted nothing more than to sit beside her, he continued his duties, seeing to the other tents, feeding the horses and rubbing them down, gathering more wood for the fire. The duties along the road were endless.
Henry retrieved carrots and onions from the bag on his saddle that the sisters at the convent had given them. He visited with Cristiana as he put them in coals of the fire to roast.
“Success!”
William turned to see the man-at-arms hold his quarry high. “Well done.”
“Rabbits!” Henry declared. “We will dine well again this night.”
In anticipation of the guard’s success, Henry had found sticks to roast the meat over the fire, so before long an appetizing aroma drifted through the camp.
William woke Cristiana when the meal was ready. Though groggy, she ate, saying little before she declared herself full and returned to bed.
The rest of the camp settled in for the night as well. All seemed weary from their days on the road.
Disappointed that Cristiana wasn’t feeling better on their last night together, William stared at the fire, not quite ready to seek his bed. He had the feeling it was going to be a long night.
“Lose a friend?” Henry asked as he sat beside him.
William shook his head. “My friend sits beside me.”
“Perhaps, but your thoughts are in that tent over there.” He nodded toward where Cristiana lay.
William didn’t bother to deny it. “Did you see how she healed that boy this morn?”
“Aye, though I had my hands full trying to keep the father and the daughter from realizing what was happening.”
“Cristiana has a gift but one that is difficult to understand.”
“Even if you’re on the receiving end of it,” Henry added with a smile.
“Indeed. Things we don’t understand frighten us.”
“And fear brings out the worst in people.”
“That is what has me worried,” William said. “Cristiana needs protection whether she believes it or not.”
&
nbsp; “You still think the bishop is the best choice for that?”
William met Henry’s gaze. “Do you have someone else in mind?”
“Nay. If she has no family, then she either needs to take the bishop’s offer or marry,” Henry said with a shrug.
“Perhaps she can take the bishop’s offer until she marries,” William said. He swallowed hard at the pain the idea of her taking a husband brought him. She deserved someone who would treat her like a queen, who understood her gift and cherished her for it. “I hope all goes well for her.”
He couldn’t push aside his doubt. With her gift of healing, life would never be easy for her. In many ways, she reminded him of his brother, Nicholas. He couldn’t not use his gift yet when he did, others treated him with distrust. Luckily for Nicholas, he had found a woman who accepted him for who he was, who loved him and supported him in all ways. Watching the two of them together while he had recovered from his injuries made him wish that he could one day find that kind of love.
Now he worried that he was walking away from it.
“We might remain in Longsbury for awhile yet if we continue working for the bishop. Mayhap we’ll be able to keep an eye on her,” Henry said.
William looked at him in surprise. “You’re worried about her?” he asked.
“Who could be around her for any length of time and not be? She’s kind, intelligent, and pleasant to look upon,” Henry said.
William held his tongue, knowing his friend was waiting for a reaction.
“Her brown eyes are endless pools of delight,” Henry continued. “And that lush body—”
“Stop,” William protested at last as he shoved Henry’s arm. The big knight laughed, not budging from the log on which they sat. “All that is true. I’d have to be dead not to notice. Is that what you want me to admit?”
“Well, you were nearly dead for over a fortnight. I wanted to make certain you had fully recovered in every aspect, including noticing fine women.”
William shook his head. “You’re impossible. I’m going to bed. You can take the first watch.”
Henry laughed. “You only want to lie down beside her.”
Rather than saying anything that might encourage his friend, William ignored him. He well knew that if he denied what Henry had said, he’d be lying. He did indeed look forward to spending the night next to her one last time.
***
William woke, lying still for a moment as he listened for what had disturbed his sleep. The fire outside still burned, casting a golden glow inside their tent.
A soft moan sounded from the lady beside him and he turned to see what was amiss.
Cristiana’s eyes remained closed as her head turned back and forth as though in denial. Her legs shifted beneath the fur covering her. She must be having a bad dream.
He rose up on his elbow and put his hand on her arm, hoping a gentle touch would calm her. It seemed to work for a moment, but then she stirred again. He had no choice but to wake her.
“Cristiana,” he whispered, pushing the hair back from her face. “Cristiana, it’s all right. ’Tis nothing more than a bad dream.”
She woke with a gasp, bolting upright. “Nay!”
“Cristiana,” he said again, keeping his voice calm and quiet as he sat up to try to comfort her.
She took one look at him and melted into his arms. Her shoulders shook, her hands trembled as she held him tight. He was glad he’d decided to remove his surcoat and mail before he slept. Only his linen tunic and her kirtle separated them.
A rush of emotions cascaded through him at her touch. He shifted to better hold her, pulling her onto his lap. “Shh,” he said. “All is well.”
She calmed but continued to hold him tight, her face buried in his neck. Her tears dampened his collarbone. Her soft curves pressed into his chest, the heat of her body stirring him in ways that he could not control.
He drew back to see if she was all right, but she refused to lift her head. She kept her face tucked in his neck. He ran his fingers along her back, at first hoping to offer her comfort. But despite his efforts to stop, his touch turned into a caress.
“Cristiana,” he tried again, hoping to put some space between them before he did something they’d both regret.
Her arms loosened, but instead of drawing away, her hands roamed over his back, causing his desire for her to sharpen further. She pressed tiny kisses along his neck, and his desire turned into a raging storm.
He swallowed hard, attempting to clamp down on his control. “Cristiana, are you awake?”
“Does it seem like I’m sleeping?” her husky voice asked.
His head fell back of its own accord, giving her better access as his breath came faster and his body hardened. “I’m certain you don’t know what you’re about.”
“And here I thought I was doing a good job of this,” she murmured. “Is this better?” Her tongue swirled in his ear and all rational thought stopped.
He took her mouth, the idea of offering her comfort long gone. He invaded, ravaged, demanding more. She answered, making demands of her own. His passion was a burning fire and she was tinder.
Her kirtle felt rough against his skin. He wanted nothing more than to feel her bare flesh against his. With one last kiss, he released her mouth to seek her neck, intent on torturing her the same way she’d tortured him. Her soft moans set his hand on a path to find the bottom of her kirtle, seeking the soft skin beneath.
Her gasp had him pausing in his quest, wondering if he should stop, but the kiss she bestowed on him gave him all the permission he needed. He trailed his fingers along her ankle, up her calf, and dallying at the sensitive skin behind her knee.
His journey suspended for a long moment as her tongue danced with his and stole all of his attention. Tension built within him as she shifted in his lap, her bottom making him give a gasp of his own. Again he sought for control but found his purchase much more slippery this time.
“Cristiana?” he whispered between kisses as he thoroughly explored her soft thigh.
“Aye?” she whispered back as she kissed the tender skin along his neck, her hand rubbing his bare chest under his tunic in a slow circular fashion that set his flesh afire.
“Are you certain you’re awake?”
Again she shifted, reaching her arms around his neck and kissing him as though their lives might end at any moment. At long last, she lifted her head. “Does that answer your question?”
He drew a deep breath but it did nothing to lessen his need for her. Her braid had fallen over her shoulder and teased the sensitive skin on his chest. What was he to do with her? How could he possibly make her his then turn her over to Bishop Duval on the morrow without a second thought?
On the other hand, he had a willing woman in his arms. A beautiful one with curves in all the right places. One for whom he had come to care deeply. Why was he stopping to think about anything?
He was a man of honor, and making Cristiana his, no matter how much he wanted her, would not be right.
Would it?
He knew the answer. Now he just had to convince his body and Cristiana of it.
Yet before he set her aside, he would enjoy a few moments more with his control firmly in hand. He ran his hand along her firm thigh, trying not to think about what magical places it led to. Then he pulled her kirtle down to cover her bare legs, and cupped his hand along her jaw, kissing her thoroughly, savoring the flavor of her sweet passion.
At last he slowed the kiss, pressing his lips to her cheek, holding her tight. Rather than argue with her, he decided distraction was his best chance to get her to set aside her desire and mayhap his as well.
“What were you dreaming of?”
She stilled at once, shook her head and kissed him again. He realized this would be harder than he had expected.
“Was it a bad dream?”
With a sigh, she drew back to look at him. “I would prefer you help me forget it than speak of it.”
“
But then it might return again later. Speaking of bad dreams gives them less power over you.”
“Do you know that from experience?” she asked, a frown marring her brow.
He nodded, hoping she wouldn’t question him too much. While he’d been ill, he’d relived contorted versions of his injury, of his time in the dungeon, and most of all, the fear of dying with no one the wiser. Those same nightmares came back from time to time.
“I dream of the night my mother was murdered. I see myself there, unable to help her, unable to look away. I see the fear in her eyes, the horror as she realizes what’s about to occur.” She closed her eyes for a brief moment. “I can’t remember what she looked like when she smiled. I only see her screaming.”
William had no words to give her comfort. Instead, he held her close until at last she relaxed against him. He eased them both down to the ground, still holding her, hoping she might be able to sleep.
“Do you understand why I need to find out who killed her?” she whispered.
He paused, but could only answer with the truth. “Indeed, I do. I fear I would have to do the same.”
“I know that until then, I won’t be able to remember her smile.”
“What will you do when you find that person?” William asked. He’d known a few people set on vengeance, his brother as well as his father. Neither had thought beyond the moment when they had caught the culprit.
“I will cut out his heart with a knife.” She whispered the words so calmly and sincerely that he paused for a moment to wonder if she had said what he thought she had. “I would hear him scream as my mother did, to beg for mercy. But I will not give it to him.”
“Cristiana—” William started, appalled at the danger she would be in, at what committing such an act would do to her when she’d been born with the gift of healing.
“Shh.” She looked up into his face, but her eyes were darkened by shadows. “I don’t want to speak of it anymore. I want to sleep with your arms around me, knowing that for one more night at least, I am safe.”
She leaned up and kissed him, this time soft and gentle. Then she pulled the fur over the top of both of them and snuggled against him.
Vengeance 03 - Believe In Me Page 10
