by Aston, Alexa
“Of course.” Michael handed Hal to Geoffrey and looked at their circle. “If you would excuse us?”
“I want to go,” Alys chimed in. “I love horses.”
Elysande bit her lip. Oh, this wouldn’t do at all. She wanted a few moments alone with Michael.
Merryn caught her eye. Her brows raised slightly, as if she asked an unspoken question. Elysande gave her a tiny nod, hoping her new aunt might understand.
“I think you’ve had a very long day, Alys. Find Ancel. I would see all of my children put to bed so that you get a good night’s sleep.”
“But Mother—”
“No buts, my sweet.” Merryn looked toward Elysande. “Mayhap you would take the children to the stables sometime tomorrow and introduce them to your newly-named foal.”
Elysande relaxed. “I would enjoy doing so, Lady Aunt.”
“You must promise,” Alys said solemnly.
Elysande fought back a smile and looked as serious as she could. “I will, indeed. The foal might be a bit shy and Morningstar a tad possessive, but I’ll be happy to show both of them off to my new cousins in the morning.”
Alys smiled and skipped off in search of her brother. Hal wiggled in Geoffrey’s arms.
“Do not even think of letting him loose,” Merryn warned her husband. “Let’s take the children upstairs. We’ll see all of you on the morrow at mass. Good night.” She and Geoffrey left those gathered.
Michael held an arm out to her. “My lady?”
Elysande placed her hand atop it. She stiffened her legs with resolve, determined not to collapse and embarrass herself. She wished her mother, Avelyn, and the silent Lord Holger a good evening and allowed Michael to lead her from the noise in the great hall.
At the door, he lit a lantern to light their way. They didn’t speak as they exited the keep and went toward the stable. A cool wind stirred the night air about them. Elysande shivered.
“Are you cold, my lady? We can return to the keep for a cloak.”
“Nay. We’re too close to our destination. Besides, I am eager to see my little loves.”
“Then we’ll hurry.”
They reached the stables. Her fingers tightened slightly on his arm. They had arrived. She should let go. But the warmth emanating below her fingers made her reluctant to do so. Elysande decided to allow her hand to remain on his arm a few moments longer until they reached the stall.
Michael greeted a few of the horses by name as they passed. He stopped a moment and looked down at her.
“My lady, since you are one who enjoys horses, I would like to introduce you to Tempest. We’ve been close companions since I was a young boy.”
The horse, whose mane proved even darker than his master’s hair, leaned his head over the stall door. She moved forward and stroked the silky, midnight coat.
“He’s a beauty, Michael.” She realized for propriety’s sake that she should have called him Sir Michael, but it seemed so right addressing him in a more intimate manner.
Michael pulled a carrot from his pocket. Immediately, Tempest perked up and leaned around his new acquaintance, straining to reach his master and the treat.
“Ah, there’s my greedy boy.” He fed the carrot to the horse, who nibbled it daintily. He gave Tempest an affectionate pat. “Shall we continue?”
He offered his arm again. Elysande didn’t hesitate to take it. They walked to the far end of the stable and glanced inside. She saw the foal nursing. She stepped inside the enlarged stall with Michael following closely behind her. He placed the lantern on the ground. Elysande pulled an apple from her pocket and offered it to Morningstar. She gobbled it in an instant.
“Poor thing. She’s been through a long day with the labor. I’ll fetch her some more oats.” Michael left and soon returned with a full bucket.
By then, the foal had come to rest upon the hay. His eyes were closed, a contented look upon his face.
“He looks happy,” Michael noted.
“He does,” she replied softly. She thought a moment. “I think I’ll call him Happy, for I hope all of his future days will be so.”
It pained her to think that the foal’s future—and hers—rested in the north. Soon she would be wed to a stranger and travel far from her loved ones.
Without warning, a sob escaped her lips. Elysande turned away and stepped into the shadows by the wall. She hadn’t meant to show her feelings of despair, much less voice them through tears.
Michael came to her. He grasped her firmly by the elbows and stared into her eyes. His own, the blue so dark they looked almost black in the dim light, searched her face.
His touch had sent a shock through her. A low humming seemed to vibrate between them.
“I know you feel what’s between us,” he said, his voice low, the yearning unmistakable.
“Aye,” she replied, her breath shallow and rapid.
He gave her a crooked smile. “We are but strangers, yet I feel I’ve known you for a lifetime.”
Elysande nodded. “I feel the same way.”
“I never thought to utter these words, but I’m already more than a little in love with you,” he admitted. A sad look crossed his face. “Yet, I now understand from your lady mother that you are the woman who will wed in but a few days’ time. Not Lady Avelyn.”
“Aye.” Her eyes welled with tears. “We have no future, Michael, and, for that, my heart breaks.” A tremble ran through her. “I fear what I’ll become, having never known your touch.”
His hands tightened on her elbows. “And I don’t know how I’ll live through each day to come not having you by my side.” His hands slid up her arms to her shoulders. His fingers caressed her neck.
Elysande boldly told him, “I’ve never been kissed, Michael. ’Twould be my fondest wish for you to be the first man to do so. I would like to hold that memory in my heart for all time.”
He hesitated. She knew if he were a knight of her uncle’s that he must be the most honorable of men. He wouldn’t act in an unchivalrous manner.
But she wanted him. Here. Now. Elysande knew if she did not have his kiss that she might wither and die.
So she took charge like a knight riding into battle.
Her hands came to rest upon his chest. She felt his heartbeat racing rapidly against her palm. She cupped his cheek, the one with the tiny scar on it. Her other hand crept to his mouth. Her fingertips brushed his lips. Then she took both hands and fisted them in his hair, pulling his face down to hers.
Their lips met. Hot desire, something she’d never known, raced through her limbs, dissolving her bones. Michael’s arms enfolded her, drawing her near. His tongue slid along the seam of her lips, teasing her, opening them for an adventure she had yet to experience. Then his tongue thrust into her mouth, dancing with hers, dueling, possessing her with a heat that spread throughout her body. Every sense came alive.
Elysande’s fingers pushed deeper into his hair as his hands roamed her back and slipped to her buttocks. He squeezed them, pulling her against him. She felt his manhood, hard against her, frightening her and yet bringing a sense of wonderment. She aroused these feelings in him. He caused her to burn with want of him.
Again and again his kisses branded her. His lips moved to her throat, burning a hot trail to the swell of her breast. His stubble scraped the tender flesh as his hand cupped her breast. It swelled, filling his palm. Elysande thought she might go up in flames and burn the stables to the ground, so great was the heat generated between them.
Suddenly, it ended. Michael’s mouth was gone. His hands fell to his side. A winter’s cold seemed to embrace her now that his warmth had fled.
“Michael?” she asked, not knowing how to form any word beyond his name.
He cradled her face, stroking his thumbs against her cheeks.
“You’re perfection, my love. My one true love. My sweet Elysande.” His last words were but a whisper.
She heard the strong emotion in them, causing his voice to go low and thic
k.
He kissed her once again, hard and swift, then pulled away.
“God forgive me,” he muttered and stormed from the stall.
Chapter Six
Merryn watched as Avelyn escorted the children from the great hall. They had just broken their fast, and now Avelyn took them to explore the keep. Mary’s younger daughter had taken to her de Montfort cousins as if she’d known them from birth. Merryn knew the girl would make an excellent mother to her own babes one day. Merryn had promised her children that, after their cousin gave them a tour of Hopeston Castle, they could go and meet the new foal in the stables.
For now, she had other concerns. Merryn sensed something was wrong with Elysande as she watched her pick at the bread in front of her. Her new niece-by-marriage had impressed Merryn with her kindness and intelligence. She was glad Geoffrey had accepted the invitation to visit Hopeston. Merryn had looked forward to becoming acquainted with his sister and her two daughters, especially since they were only two days’ ride from Kinwick. She hoped to host these relatives and allow Mary to revisit her childhood home. She had no memory of Mary even though she must have been present when Merryn visited Kinwick in her younger days. Being three years younger than Geoffrey, though, she couldn’t recall anything from her childhood about his two older sisters. They would have left Kinwick before Merryn turned five. She already felt she had a sister in Mary and had decided to firm up plans for them to visit the de Montfort estate. Mayhap at Christmas. ’Twould be lovely to bring some of the family together.
Merryn glanced over at Mary’s second husband. Lord Holger was another matter. She was glad Geoffrey engaged the man now in lengthy conversation as they broke their fast. The nobleman hadn’t warmed to his wife’s relatives. Merryn had overheard Holger bitterly complaining about the cost of Elysande’s wedding and how many guests had been invited. His already reddened face turned a brighter scarlet as he got worked up over the situation.
Geoffrey took her hand, bringing Merryn from her reverie.
“Lord Holger and I are going to ride about his estate. Would you care to join us?”
Her husband gave her a lazy smile and squeezed her hand. Merryn could tell he held back laughter. She had already revealed her feelings about their host last night after they saw the children to bed and lay entangled in each other’s arms.
She smiled brightly. “I’ll leave riding to you gentlemen. I’d prefer to keep company with Lady Mary and hear more about the wedding.”
Holger belched loudly. “Come along then, de Montfort. We can leave the womenfolk to their talk. Though how they can converse endlessly about something as uninteresting as a wedding has me baffled.”
The two men left the great hall and Merryn turned to her left. “Elysande, would you like to take a walk about the keep with me?”
The young woman tossed aside the bread she played with. “I’d enjoy that, my lady.”
Merryn placed her hand on Elysande’s shoulder. “Please. Call me Merryn, for we are family.”
She caught sight of the tears that welled in Elysande’s eyes. “Family which I’ll probably never see again,” she muttered, her mouth turning downward.
Rising, Merryn tugged on her niece’s elbow. “Show me a quiet place where we can speak privately. I believe you have need of a sympathetic ear.”
Elysande stood and slipped her arm through Merryn’s. “We could go to my bedchamber.”
“I would like that.”
They made their way to the room. It had a large bed and two chairs placed under a single window.
“This is a lovely room,” Merryn said. “Do you share it with your sister?”
Elysande nodded as she seated herself. Merryn took the remaining chair.
“I can’t imagine how you’re feeling,” she began. “Geoffrey and I grew up on adjoining estates. We knew each other from childhood and were best friends. Our friendship turned into a deep, abiding love.” She smiled. “To this day, my husband is still my best friend and greatest confidant.”
Merryn studied her niece. “But you are in much different circumstances, I gather.”
“Aye,” Elysande said, wiping her sleeves against her eyes. Already, they were red and swollen as if she’d cried many tears this morning.
“I know you’ll miss your mother and sister. But it could be a great adventure,” Merryn said encouragingly.
“That’s true. I’ll miss Mother and Avelyn beyond words. We’re close and always have been. Mother has told me to ask Hendry if Avelyn might come and stay with us.” Elysande shrugged. “But I have no idea if that would be allowed. I only met him once, several years ago. To be frank, I didn’t think much of him.” She gave Merryn a rueful smile. “’Twill most certainly not be a love match as you and Uncle have.”
Merryn took the girl’s hand. “I am one of the few blessed in that regard. I loved Geoffrey from the time I was only half your age, and our love grows stronger with each passing year. But that doesn’t mean that other couples who wed as strangers never find love. My parents did. You and Hendry could be one of those couples.”
Elysande burst in tears. She stood and ran to the bed and fell upon it. Her loud sobs and shaking body caused the bed to shake.
Now, Merryn was getting to the root of the problem. Instinctively, she knew what ailed her niece.
She crossed and sat on the bed, gently stroking the girl’s hair, murmuring soft words of comfort. For some minutes, Elysande cried as if her heart would break in two. More than most, Merryn knew that kind of pain. The seven lonely years she’d spent without her husband in her bed, not knowing where he’d vanished, gave her a unique perspective.
When Elysande began to quiet, Merryn asked, “So you love another? Is he also from the north, whence you came, or will you leave him behind when you leave the south?”
The girl raised her tearstained face, surprise written across it. “How did you know?”
She took her hand. “Women just do. So who is this man?”
“M-M-Michael.”
Merryn had not expected this answer. “Our Michael? Michael Devereux?” She wanted to point out that they’d just met, but she understood the heart wanted what it wanted. Though love usually bloomed slowly, sometimes it sprang instantly between a man and woman.
“Aye.” Elysande sat up. “I don’t even understand how it happened so fast. He appeared in my life only yesterday. He stayed with me all day as Morningstar foaled.”
“You shared a meaningful experience that bonded you in a special way.”
“And . . . and . . . we kissed,” Elysande admitted. “Last night. When we went to the stables to check on the horses. We both feel the same way.” Her mouth began to tremble. “Yet we know nothing can come of it.”
Again, Merryn found herself surprised, yet it made perfect sense. Both Michael and Elysande were intelligent, attractive, and compassionate souls. They’d been drawn together during an emotional time. It saddened her that they couldn’t be together so their new love could blossom.
“I kissed him,” Elysande shared. “I’ve never kissed any man, but all I wanted to do was kiss him, Merryn. And he returned the kiss.” She expelled a long breath. “It was . . . magical. I know he loves me and I love him. But then he left, begging God to forgive him.”
She jumped to her feet and began roaming the room. “And I’m miserable. I don’t want to wed Hendry. I already know how ill-suited we are. I live for horses—and he doesn’t even like them! He is weak in spirit and body. We should never have been matched together.”
Elysande angrily wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I don’t want to go live in the north. And I’m very afraid of Lord Ingram, Hendry’s father.” She threw her hands in the air. “What am I to do?”
Merryn enfolded Elysande in her arms. “There’s nothing you can do. Michael is an honorable knight. A man of his word. He would never come between you and this Hendry.” She paused. “You must go through with your marriage. ’Tis what your father wanted. You must honor his wi
shes and the betrothal contract.”
Merryn broke their embrace and looked her niece in the eye. “And you will mourn in your heart for a long time. Mayhap the rest of your life. But your fate is in your own hands, Elysande. Only you can decide to be a good wife to your new husband and a nurturing mother to the babes you’ll bear him.”
Merryn laid a palm against Elysande’s damp cheek. “Sometimes, we must set aside our own longings to serve others. I know that’s not what you want to hear, but I advise you to put your feelings for Michael aside. Try and make a new future with your husband. Don’t look back. You’ll only be miserable if you wallow in something that can never be returned to you. Look ahead.”
Elysande buried her face into Merryn’s shoulder. “You’re right. But it hurts so much.”
“I know.”
*
Merryn spent another hour with Elysande, sharing a bit of her own story. She explained how she had managed Kinwick in Geoffrey’s absence, especially after his father’s death.
“I had no one to guide me. I couldn’t show weakness. I had to trust my own instincts.”
“But you’re lucky, Merryn. Uncle Geoffrey came home to you.”
“Aye, he did.” She gave Elysande a smile. “And who knows? Your own story is yet to be written. It may turn out much differently than what you anticipate.”
Merryn rose to her feet. “Come. I need to find the children and see what trouble Hal has caused.”
“I’ll take them to see Morningstar and Happy as I promised Alys. She is a dear girl.”
“That she is. I know she thrives under Queen Philippa’s tutelage, but I sorely miss her.”
They located Avelyn and all three children near the training yard. They watched the knights at work as Geoffrey’s men sparred with Holger’s soldiers. Ancel immediately asked if they could go to the stables and meet the new foal. Elysande agreed, never looking at the men close by. Avelyn decided to accompany them. Merryn felt with two adults and two older children in tow, mayhap the four of them could keep Hal in line.
