by Aston, Alexa
Again, she and Michael grabbed hold of the foal and pulled. This time, the hind legs appeared and the entire foal came out.
But the small creature wasn’t breathing.
“The foal hasn’t lifted its head,” she warned Michael. “That usually happens when the sac breaks.”
He quickly passed her his dagger before she could reach for hers. Elysande tore away the membrane. She reached for a bit of straw in order to use it to clear the nasal passage.
Nothing happened.
Panic swelled within her. She bent over the foal. She hadn’t ever attempted this before, but her father had told her he had done the same once when a newborn foal did not begin to breathe on its own.
Elysande firmly cupped her hands over the foal’s mouth and nose. She drew in a deep breath and expelled it into the animal’s nostrils. She waited and repeated the breath.
“The chest rose and fell,” Michael told her. He moved next to her and rested his hands on the newborn’s belly. “Try again.”
She did. Once. Twice. Tears began to well in her eyes. But before she could blow air a third time, the foal whimpered and sucked in a breath on its own.
Elysande fell back in relief. Michael pulled her to her feet and encompassed her in his arms. Uncontrollable tremors rushed through her. She buried her face in his chest and began to weep.
“What if the foal hadn’t taken a breath? What if—”
“It did,” he reassured her. “Thanks to your quick thinking. I would never have thought to try and breathe into it like that.” He brushed soft lips against hers. “You saved its life, Elysande. You worked a miracle, my love.”
She clung to him, trembling as if she had the palsy. He murmured soothing words of solace as he held her tenderly, stroking her back, kissing her hair. Finally, she believed her knees would not cause her to fall. Elysande looked up at him.
“Thank you for being here with me. I couldn’t have done it without your assistance.”
Michael’s fingertips wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I recall we still have more to watch for.”
She nodded. “The afterbirth.”
They observed the mare for some time, but her contractions didn’t expel all of the afterbirth. Elysande knelt and tied it into a knot that hung above Hera’s hocks.
“This will prevent her from stepping on it or tearing it away too early,” she explained to Michael. “It will also add gentle pressure as it hangs down and help it to come out on its own.”
They remained with the mare and foal several more hours. She and Michael cheered as they watched the newborn learn to stand. She allowed Michael to help guide the foal to drink from its mother’s teat. As the foal nursed, Hera expelled the afterbirth. Elysande examined it to make sure nothing remained behind inside the mare. She also discovered that the foal was a filly.
As they leaned against the fence for support, watching the foal nurse noisily, Michael turned to her.
“I don’t know if Lord Geoffrey had a name in mind for this little one, but I believe she should be named Miracle.”
“Miracle,” Elysande repeated, liking the sound of it. “It’s what we witnessed. Together.”
With that, she pulled his head toward hers and rewarded all his hard work with a lingering kiss.
Chapter Fourteen
Michael looked across the room and watched Elysande as she danced. Her cheeks were flushed a rosy red. Those bewitching amethyst eyes sparkled as she partnered with Hugh, Lady Merryn’s brother. Hugh’s wife, Milla, heavy with child, sat visiting with Merryn. The couple had come for the evening meal and to meet Elysande. Hugh had been away on business previously. Milla waited for his return before they traveled to the de Montfort estate to make Elysande’s acquaintance.
Geoffrey joined Michael. “She’s quite fetching.”
He watched Elysande twirl about, laughing. “That she is, my lord.”
“I hope to hear from the king any day now,” Geoffrey confided. “My rider found the royal progress and delivered my message. He’s just returned and said that King Edward promised a long missive to Lady Merryn.”
Michael grunted. “Our king is quite taken with Lady Merryn. ’Tis a good thing he has Queen Philippa to keep him in line.”
“I agree. The queen puts up with no nonsense. She’s very fond of Merryn and Alys, too. I hope the king will share with his wife that Elysande is in my custody and what we would like to see to her future.” Geoffrey squeezed his shoulder. “You will make my niece a fine husband, Michael.”
“It’s my fondest desire, my lord.”
The music ended. He watched Elysande make her way over to where Merryn and Milla sat. Hugh came toward Michael and Geoffrey.
“I quite like her, Geoffrey,” Hugh enthused. “She’s lively and witty. I hope your sister, Mary, will soon visit Kinwick with your other niece. It would be nice to see Lady Mary again. I had a small crush on her when I was a boy. She was older by a handful of years and beyond beautiful.”
“Mary has spoken to me about returning to Kinwick for a visit in the near future,” Geoffrey replied. “It’s been many years since she saw the place of her birth.”
Michael’s thoughts turned to how long it had been since he had laid eyes upon Sandbourne. Over fifteen years had passed since the day he’d ridden away from his boyhood home, vowing never to return until his father’s death. He wondered how much longer he’d wait to come into his earldom.
In truth, he remembered very little about the castle. He’d spent many hours alone in his small bedchamber, playing with toy soldiers on the floor, daydreaming about becoming a great, feared knight who would be respected by his peers. Though his mother had taken him for rides around the estate in his early years, she eventually kept to her rooms more and more. Michael believed she did so to prevent running into her husband. One thing he did recall was going to her airy bedchamber and listening while she read to him and told him tales. He reached into his pocket and stroked the small rock that they’d found on one of their trips walking about the estate. The rock, an unusual pink color, had become the only thing he had left of her. His memories of what she looked like had faded over the years.
Still, determination filled him to find her once he returned to live at Sandbourne. His mother had been such a kind, gentle woman. He knew she would approve of Elysande. He could picture the two women, hovering over a small babe, cooing away. The thought brought a smile to his lips.
“Michael?”
He turned and saw Lord Geoffrey held a bit of parchment in his hand.
“My lord?”
“You’ve received a missive. From Sandbourne.”
Their eyes met. Michael’s stomach dropped past his knees. His heart quickened. He reached for the delivered message.
As Geoffrey handed it to him, he said, “Go. Read it in private. And let me know what action you’ll take.”
Michael nodded, clutching the parchment tightly in his hand. He excused himself and left the great hall, the music that played fading away. He exited the keep and went to sit at the top of the stone steps that led up to its doorway. No activity occurred in the bailey below. Sunset would occur within the hour.
He sat frozen, the missive resting in his lap for several minutes, wondering how his life would change with the words he was about to read.
Breaking open the seal, he unrolled the paper. The summer light was still strong enough to read the message easily.
Sir Michael –
’Tis time for you to make your way home. Your father is near death. He’s asked for your return since he has advice to dispense to you regarding Sandbourne and your future.
Please hurry. The healer doesn’t know how long he may have.
Houdart
Houdart. So he still served as the earl’s steward. Michael wondered how old the man truly was. He’d seemed ancient when Michael was a boy, but one’s memory could play tricks. Houdart’s hair had been gray at the time, his face lined with wrinkles. But now as an adult, Michael r
ealized certain men aged more quickly than others. Houdart’s step had always been quick, as fast as his wit. Michael hoped the steward would agree to stay on because it would make the transition of power go more easily when the time came.
Michael stood. He would make for Sandbourne at first light tomorrow.
“Michael?”
He turned and saw Elysande coming toward him. He rose, his fingers curling around the missive.
“I saw you leave. Is everything all right?”
Holding up the parchment, he revealed, “I just received word from Sandbourne’s steward. He says the present earl is quite ill. I need to return at once.”
Disappointment crossed her face, only to be replaced by a hopeful look. “So you’ll soon be free to make your own choices when you become the earl,” she noted.
“Aye.” He dropped the paper and yanked her to him. “I want to marry you, Elysande Le Cler, and make you my countess. I want you by my side always, bearing my children.” He paused. “But I know ’tis wise to wait for word from the king before we officially commit to one another.”
Her palms rested against his chest. “I believe we’ve already committed to one another,” she said softly. “I love you, Michael.”
Happiness burst inside him. “I love you, my dearest Elysande. More than words could ever say.”
Michael kissed her with great tenderness. As he pulled away, he saw the spark of mischief in her eye, which made him a bit wary.
“You look as Hal might, just before he’s caught in some new devilry.”
“So you wish to marry me?” she asked.
A lump formed in his throat. He nodded, not trusting that words would come.
“And we’re meant to be together, now and forever?”
Michael nodded again.
“You might be gone for some time with this business.”
“I might.”
Her lips pursed in amusement. “And I might miss you something awful.” Her brows arched. “Especially your kisses,” she teased.
He drew her closer to him. “You might.”
A smile lit her face. “Then mayhap we should give each other something to remember on our last night together.”
Elysande took his hand and began racing down the steps. He followed her lead, her hand warm in his as she hurried across the inner bailey.
After some minutes, she halted in front of the stables.
“You want us to check on Hera and Miracle?”
“Nay, my love.” She squeezed his hand. “I want us to find some privacy.”
“Ah.”
This time he took the lead and led her through the stables, past horses munching on hay and oats. He found an empty stall near the rear and stepped inside. As he turned, Elysande threw herself into his arms. Her hands locked around his neck as her breasts brushed against his chest, causing his manhood to stir.
She kissed him hungrily, greedily, as if they would never see each other again. He responded to her kiss with a like passion, knowing the time spent away from her would seem an eternity. Her hands began to roam his body boldly, causing his pulse to quicken. They moved lower and his member sprang to life at her touch.
She broke away a moment, a surprised look on her face, and glanced down. When their eyes met, she suddenly seemed unsure of herself.
Michael pressed his lips to her forehead. “Your caress has spurred me to want to take action.” He cupped her face in his hands and sweetly brushed her lips with his briefly. “But we must stop with our goodbyes.”
“Why?” she asked, a longing shadowing her face.
“Because we should be husband and wife before we take our love play further.”
“Do you love me, Michael?”
Her question startled him. “Of course, sweetling. You know I do. And when we’re wed, I’ll tell you that seven times a day. Nay, seven times seventy—or more!”
“Love me,” she said simply. “Love me now. I am already wed to you in my heart. ’Tis only a few words we’ll repeat after some priest. I want you. Now.”
He saw she spoke the truth. Her truth.
Their truth.
Michael thought to their upcoming separation. He didn’t know what condition he’d find his father in. Michael might be gone a week or two. Mayhap longer. Looking into Elysande’s eyes, he realized he needed to brand her as his.
“Are you certain?” he asked, his voice shaking with emotion.
Her response was to kiss him with a possessiveness that shook him to his very soul. She branded him. With her touch. With her generosity. With her passion.
Michael swept Elysande up into his arms and carried her to the corner of the stall. He placed her gently on a pile of hay and then covered her body with his, his mouth seeking hers once more. As they kissed, his body seemed engulfed in flames. Desire rippled through him as never before. In his arms, he held the one woman he would pledge himself to from now till eternity.
His hand slid up her slender calf, its sweet curve calling to him. Swiftly, he pushed her skirts away. His mouth fastened on the silky skin of her calf, trailing a line of kisses up to her knee, then her thigh. He continued working his way up to her core and plunged his tongue into it. Her gasp of surprise caused him to smile. He tasted her very essence, moving skillfully, wanting to pleasure her till she went mad. She began to pant, then moan, little cries of happiness that brought him satisfaction. He cupped her rounded buttocks and delved deeper, her fingers now threaded in his hair, holding tightly.
Elysande writhed beneath him as he held her firm. She cried out again loudly and began bucking against him. He felt her tremors and let her ride the wave of passion till she stilled. Quickly, he loosened his pants and plunged into her, his mouth covering hers to capture any noise. She dug her nails into his back.
Michael kissed her deeply, holding himself still, waiting until she became caught up again in their love play. He sensed her body relaxing beneath him. Slowly, he withdrew and slipped into her again. He began leisurely, helping her to figure out how to match his rhythm. She quickly understood what to do. Minutes later, they danced to a melody all their own, increasing their speed. She began whimpering again, moaning, tightening both her arms and legs about him. They rocked together as one.
And then he came as never before. His seed spilled into her and as it did, waves of love poured from him. Their kiss was the greatest one of his life. They’d been created for this moment, together, born as one in love.
Spent, he collapsed against her. Then he feared he might crush her. Michael rolled quickly, bringing Elysande with him till she rested on top of him. He gazed upon her flushed face, those amethyst eyes burning large and bright.
Then, with a satisfied smile, she said, “I think I’ll enjoy being married to you, Michael Devereux. As long as we can do this every night, that is.”
Chapter Fifteen
Michael stuffed the final piece of clothing into the sack, ready to go inform Lord Geoffrey of his departure. He glanced around the barracks where he had spent the last year of his life in service to Geoffrey de Montfort. He gave a prayer of thanksgiving to the Almighty that he’d heard of Geoffrey’s return to Kinwick after a mysterious disappearance of many years, for that had spurred Michael to leave Sir Lovel and commit to the man he’d idolized since childhood.
If Michael hadn’t come to Kinwick, then he never would have accompanied the de Montfort family to the planned wedding at Hopeston.
And he’d never have met Elysande.
It seemed impossible that they’d only known each other such a short time. Yet, he couldn’t imagine his life without her. The intimate experience of witnessing the miracles of two different foals’ birth had bonded them in a unique way.
Or maybe Fate had ordained that they should meet. Whatever the reason they’d come together, Michael only knew being with Elysande completed him. More than anything, he looked forward to their wedded life at Sandbourne and the children they would raise. It struck him how, a month ago, he hadn’t envi
sioned life as a married man, yet now he believed it was his road to happiness. That was the difference now. Because he’d found love, nothing would ever be the same again.
He lifted the sack as Hammond came in. He would miss this loyal friend of his. They’d become as close as brothers since his arrival at Kinwick. Mayhap Hammond might consider coming to Sandbourne—but only if Michael spoke to Geoffrey about it first. He would never go behind his liege lord’s back and rob Geoffrey of one of his best soldiers.
“Lord Geoffrey asked that you come and meet with him before you leave,” Hammond informed him. “He’s waiting for you in the solar.”
Michael offered his hand. “Thank you for your friendship, Hammond.”
The knight looked puzzled as they shook. “You act as if this is a final farewell between us, Michael. You only mentioned that your father was ill. Aren’t you returning to Kinwick?”
Michael didn’t want to go into his family history now. “Things are complicated, my friend. Only know that I’ve appreciated your every kindness to me since I came to Kinwick, and that one day I hope we’ll work together again.”
Hammond slapped him on the back. “I can think of no other man I’d rather have by my side in case we had to ride into battle.” He reached for Michael’s sack. “I’ll ready Tempest for your departure and attach this to his saddle while you visit with Lord Geoffrey.”
“In return, I’ll ask one thing of you before I go.”
“What? Anything, Michael. You know that.”
“Look after Lady Elysande. Keep her safe.”
Hammond nodded. “Of course.”
The two men left the barracks, parting as Hammond ventured to the stables and Michael turned toward the keep.
Arriving at the solar, he found Geoffrey scribbling away as he sat at the table.
“My lord?”
“Ah, come in, Michael.” Geoffrey indicated for him to take a seat.
