by Sherry Ewing
Husband! Her footing almost faltered with the realization she was really doing this. She was actually marrying her knight in shining armor from her dreams, and she’d be forever stuck in the past with no further contact with family and friends back in her own time. Dear God...was she perhaps making a mistake? She could run from here now, and everyone would surely understand her fears, wouldn’t they?
Another moment of doubt clouded her thinking, and yet any further thoughts of bolting from the crowded chapel were taken from her as Riorden reached out his hand, firmly clasping her own. The warmth of his fingers soothed her second of panic, and she sighed when his lips gently touched the inside of her wrist. Good grief...what had she been thinking?
They sat down on the bench, side by side. It was a signal for the priest to begin his sermon. His voice droned on and on in a hypnotic, deep tone as he began the morning mass in Latin. Latin! She didn’t comprehend one word of what he was saying and began to fidget, having nothing else to occupy her mind.
She gazed down at the gown Lynet had sewn together for her, which in itself was a creation of such beauty, she had been afraid to wear it. There was no doubt in her mind the girl was indeed talented. Katherine still couldn’t believe Lynet had been able to assemble such quality work in the amount of time she had been given, including the dark blue embroidery matching Riorden’s garments. It was quite detailed, for Lynet had stitched the blue flowery patterns on the hem, neckline, and at her wrists. Even the belt had been fashioned to match Riorden’s colors in every way. They looked quite striking as they sat there together.
“Katherine, you are shaking, my love,” Riorden whispered. “Be at ease and sit still.”
“I can’t,” she responded and glanced at him beneath lowered lashes. “It’s not helping that I haven’t a clue what he’s saying.”
“If you do not at least attempt to pay attention, ’twill only make matters worse. Dristan and Amiria’s priest is known to carry on ’til he is assured all have heard his message.”
As if on cue, the good father halted his sermon, looked at Katherine and Riorden from beneath his bushy eyebrows with a frown, and then continued on, as if speaking louder would help aid those needing forgiveness of their sins.
“Now look what we have done,” he muttered glumly. “He is sure to spout on for at least half the morn and delay when he finally pronounces us man and wife.”
“That’s just it, Riorden,” she said frantically. “How will I know when to respond, if I don’t even know what he’s sputtering?”
She heard him quietly chuckle as he patted her hand. “You shall know.”
She inwardly groaned at his short response. “Now, I know how Emily felt about my vague answers,” she mumbled.
The priest cleared his throat, and from the sound of it, Katherine would almost bet her life he began again from the beginning of where they interrupted him the last time. She must have been right as it was Riorden’s turn, doing the groaning next to her. They wisely held their silence and let the priest continue on…and on…and on…
After more time than Katherine thought could be possible, Riorden at last stood and took her elbow as he assisted her to rise.
Dristan came to stand beside them. “Scribe,” he called out, and a man came forward bearing a small table and stool, which he quickly set down. Parchment and quill miraculously appeared in the scribe’s hand, and he gave a short nod to Dristan.
“Proceed, Father Donovan.” Dristan encouraged the priest.
The priest’s attention focused on Riorden. “An accounting, if it pleases you, Lord de Deveraux, on what you bring to the marriage.”
Katherine was relieved when he began speaking in a language she could at least understand.
“Take this down,” Riorden ordered.
Katherine began to again panic while Riorden commenced listing off a number of properties in England and France. The list included acres of land, herds of cattle and sheep, ships docked in various ports, and enough coin to keep her and their children’s children secure for many years to come. Titles, which had been bestowed upon him by his king or inherited from his father, came easily to his lips, and she could only shudder in misery that she brought nothing to the marriage other than herself.
“And what will you provide as a dower house in the event of your death?” Father Donovan asked.
Katherine immediately clutched at Riorden’s hand. “Dear God, Riorden,” she whispered to him as he leaned down to hear her words, “I can’t imagine being here without you.”
He caressed her cheek. “Have no fear, Katherine. You will most likely tire of me as an old man afore I meet my end.”
She laughed slightly and saw the twinkle in his eyes. “Not likely, my lord.”
The priest cleared his throat again and gave them an impatient stare.” A dower house, Lord de Deveraux?”
Riorden thought before he finally answered. “Put in the contract a suitable property will be provided in which the Lady Katherine may choose from any of my holdings. The only exception to this is the estate of Warkworth, which will be given to the first born son we may sire.”
“Any holding?” the priest said in shock. “’Tis highly unusual to bequeath such an offering, my lord. Surely, you could name a property of lesser worth that will be sufficient for her needs.”
“Any holding of her choosing,” Riorden reaffirmed and nodded his approval for the scribe to continue. Silence filled the chapel, with the exception of the scribe, whose quill was scratching furiously across the paper as he took down Riorden’s commands.
“And what of the Lady Katherine?” the priest continued. “Who speaks on her behalf and of the dowry she brings to add to Lord de Deveraux’s coffers?”
Katherine stood there in mute agony and complete embarrassment, knowing she had nothing to offer. Riorden held up his hand, and yet before he could speak a word, Dristan came forward and tossed a leather pouch of considerable weight onto the scribe’s table. It landed with a solid thunk, and the numerous coins jiggled as they settled on the wood. A tear came to her eyes at such generosity until Aiden stepped forward and made the same gesture, followed closely by Fletcher. Speechless, she turned to gaze upon these men she barely even knew and realized, once again, that chivalry was clearly not dead.
Father Donovan nodded his approval as the scribe finished writing. At the priest’s direction, Riorden and Katherine came before him and knelt down as they received the blessing of their union.
Katherine held out her hand at Riorden’s gentle urging and a beautiful golden band studded with blue and green gems was placed on her finger. Father Donovan then took a silken cloth, tying it around both of their joined hands, and Katherine wondered at the tradition that surely must be Scottish, knowing they were so close to its border. Riorden only smiled at her as the priest spoke of how their souls would be bound together throughout all time as surely as this cloth bound their earthly bodies.
His words brought joy to her soul, and a peacefulness settled within her heart as she stared up into the blueness of her husband’s eyes. He leaned down and gently kissed her trembling lips to forever seal their fate while the priest declared them married.
A cheer rose up like none Katherine had ever heard before, at least in a church. She was quickly led to the chapel’s alter where their marriage contract was laid before them. She watched Riorden quickly sign his name, and she followed his lead on the place he pointed out for her. She was just happy she hadn’t ruined the document with her tears of happiness, which coursed down her cheeks.
Riorden was pulled from her side and, as if on cue, her sisters of her heart surrounded her with hugs and their own tears of congratulations.
“Well, sis, how does it feel?” Brianna asked happily.
Katherine turned to her, not sure why she asked such a silly question. She just got married for heaven’s sake. She was completely thrilled at the moment. “How does what feel, Brie?” she asked with curiosity.
Brie just laug
hed aloud then Juliana and Emily joined her, asking in unison, “How does it feel being a Countess?”
“What?” Katherine said baffled.
Juliana took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “I told you she hadn’t even considered she would acquire a title.”
“He’s an Earl, for goodness sake, Katie, or did you forget that little fact while the two of you were making out with each other all the time?” Emily smiled knowingly. “You’d think she’d never done any of her homework while she was writing her manuscripts about English nobility.”
“I’m a Countess,” Katherine whispered in awe, much to the delight of her friends.
She stood silently for a moment until a faint smile lit her face, and her gaze traveled to her husband. She had been so wrapped up in her feelings for Riorden that possessing a title never crossed her mind, not that it mattered. A Countess! She was almost afraid to imagine what would surprise her next. Given the miracles that had already surrounded them, she supposed anything was possible.
Chapter 31
Riorden was impatient. Sitting at the raised dais in Berwyck’s Great Hall, he sipped his wine whilst his gaze traveled to the entryway of the tower stairs, watching for his bride to return to his side. How long could it take a woman to change from her finery, he mulled over in his head for what must have been the hundredth time.
The wedding feast continued on as the revelers lingered to make merry. Voices were raised up in laugher and camaraderie. Tankards and chalices were continuously filled to overflowing of whatever beverage suited one’s fancy. The dancers swayed in tune to the minstrel’s music whilst the women’s dresses swirled around them, filling the hall with a stunning display of color.
Katherine finally appeared at the bottom of the stairs, comfortably dressed in hose, tunic, and boots. She made her way to her lady friends, who gathered around her. They laughed, they cried, they hugged one another until Riorden thought they would never see each other again for years to come. Mayhap, this was, at the very least, true for two of the now solemn ladies who watched Katherine as she left their group. Time was quickly running out for Juliana and Emily, for they would head to Bamburgh within two days hence.
Riorden glimpsed Katherine wipe the few remaining tears from her eyes, afore she turned a bright smile upon him. When she reached his side, he enveloped her in his embrace until she lifted her head.
“So, will you tell me where we’re headed, my lord?” she asked breathlessly, with a sense of excitement of the unknown.
He chuckled at her mischievous look. “’Tis a surprise, Kat. You must wait and see.”
“You’re not even going to give me a hint?” she asked him with a pout.
He kissed her lips until she smiled for him again. “Nay, although I hope you shall not be disappointed,” he declared. “I would have preferred several days with you alone, but one shall have to suffice.”
Riorden began ushering her from the hall but was stopped several times as well-wishers came to bid them adieu. At last, arriving outside in the inner bailey, he gave a nod of approval to the four men of Dristan’s guard who would accompany them.
“Why are they coming with us?” Katherine asked quietly.
Riorden looked momentarily startled at such a question of what was a normal occurrence to his everyday life. “’Tis born out of necessity, Katherine. Better to have men guarding my back than to be caught unawares.”
Afore he could hear her words of concern, Rolf led his horse forward and leapt into the saddle. “Too bad we must needs wait afore we can strip them down,” Rolf laughed.
“Aye! We have not been witness to a proper standing up in some time, Riorden,” Bertram called out from his horse, “especially since Dristan refused to allow us the privilege when he wed.”
Ulrick laughed at the look his friends received and added his own jest. “Aye, ’tis just what the night will call for to ensure Riorden does a proper job of bedding his bride.”
Drake began to chuckle, although he, at least, remained respectfully quiet.
Riorden watched as Katherine whirled on the men who made such crude remarks in front of her. He could almost feel the heat of her anger sparked by the blatant impertinence of their words.
“Sir Ulrick?” Katherine purred sweetly as she came to stand before the knight who had not as yet mounted his steed.
“Aye, my lady?’ he inquired, somewhat nervously, for ’twas obvious he had not meant to offend her.
“Are you married, Sir Knight?” she asked, fingering the hilt of the dagger Riorden had gifted her with.
“Nay, my lady.”
“I see,” she began quietly. “Engaged?”
“Nay,” he answered politely.
“And if you were about to be with your one true love on your wedding night, how do you think your bride would feel to be stripped down naked and ogled while you, as her husband, had your way with her in front of a bunch of witnesses?” she said bluntly. “Do you think this might not bother her? You wouldn’t mind others saw her beauty that only should be a gift for you to see?”
“My lady, I meant no disrespect. ’Twas in jest, I assure you.” Ulrick muttered.
Riorden watched, amused, as Katherine took her dirk and waved it menacingly in front of Ulrick’s face, and laughed inwardly, for he had promised her he would teach her the proper use of the small weapon so she might defend herself. Her stance and mannerisms almost made him believe she would not need much instruction.
“I will hear no more of stripping me. Do I make myself clear?” Katherine inquired, tight lipped.
Ulrick nodded and put his foot into the stirrup of his saddle. Katherine was apparently satisfied as she returned to Riorden’s side. “Must have been a man who invented such a stupid custom,” she grumbled under her breath.
Riorden’s mirth erupted at her words. He held his hand down for her to take and easily lifted her up into the saddle in front of him. “Ready, Kat?” he asked, taking the reins of Beast’s bridal.
“As long as this monster has a steady gait, I suppose, I am,” she said warily.
“I will ensure you are kept safe and will see to teaching you to ride, once we are settled at Warkworth.”
“I can hardly wait,” she uttered, although her tone held no joy at the prospect.
They rode north along the strand, much to his wife’s delight, if her laughter, which mingled with the sound of the wind as it rushed by, was any indication of her mood. They entered the forest and slowed their pace. Riorden wished he could more readily see Katherine’s expression. She had become quiet as they took in the beauty surrounding them once they at last halted their steeds.
Riorden had been here afore, and he looked over the glade where two knights awaited them. He swung his leg over Beast and lifted Katherine from the saddle.
“All is prepared?” he asked.
“Aye, my lord,” one of the men replied.
“My thanks for seeing to the arrangements,” Riorden said and watched as they took their leave. He turned to those whom he had trained and fought with for more years than he could remember. “Take turns to scout the perimeter. I do not have to warn you to keep your distance from the tent so Katherine and I may have our privacy.”
Riorden did not wait for their reply and took Katherine by the hand. He led her through the tall blades of grass gently swaying in the afternoon’s light breeze. They did not go far, and he heard his wife’s intake of breath at the sight meeting her eyes.
A waterfall cascaded down from the mountainside, falling into a large pool. Flowers of every imaginable color bloomed in vivid shades, rivaling a rainbow. A large tent had been erected off to the side for their comfort this night. Katherine skipped in happiness to the edge of the water and leaned down to put in her fingers. With a wave of her hand, she smiled when a ripple formed at the water’s edge.
“It’s warm,” she declared the obvious and ran back to his side, throwing her arms around his neck, “and it’s perfect, Riorden. I love it!�
�
“Do you now?” Riorden said with a deep chuckle rumbling in his chest. “Perchance there is something else you love besides the scenery?”
“Hmm. I’ll have to think about that before giving you an answer, I think,” she laughed.
Riorden leaned forward and kissed her deeply. His tongue swirled with hers and he brought her close against his body. He broke off their kiss abruptly and gazed into her heavily lidded eyes.
“Do you suppose ’twill be long afore I have your reply?” he asked, and began nibbling at her lower lip.
She gave a breathless sigh. “I love you, Riorden, and will do so with all of my heart, forever and always.”
He kissed her lips again. “Then, I am indeed most blessed to have such a devoted wife. I love you as well, my dearest Katherine.”
Riorden noticed how her eyes began to twinkle as she backed away from him.
“Will they keep their word and stay away?” she inquired as she took off one boot, followed quickly by the other.
“Aye, if they wish to live to see yet another day, they shall,” he said firmly. She gave him a beguiling smile and began removing her clothing, piece by piece, and letting them float to the grassy ground beneath her now bare feet. His mouth began to water in anticipation whilst his gaze devoured her perfect, naked body. She came back to him, as if stalking him like a lioness.
Katherine merely stood before him, not touching him, until Riorden thought he could bear it no longer. He watched as she bit her lip, and her stare went lower as a mischievous grin spread across her face. He stiffened and grew in size just from her heated gaze. She laughed, as if she came to the realization of the true power she had over him. Afore he knew her intent, she reached out her hand and caressed his manhood through his hose, causing a groan to escape his lips.
