by Lynn Lorenz
“It can.”
“Name your price.” I waited for him to answer, holding my breath. I had coin, but my resources weren’t endless. And I still had to pay for Joss’s horse.
He stopped, drenched the iron in a bucket of water, and then held it up to inspect. Satisfied, he returned it to the fire, burying it in the burning coals.
“There’s the cost of the silver. And the cost of my talent.” He grinned.
“Of course. Then name it.”
He did. A fair price, if a little high, but the ring would be perfect for Logan. He’d given me his wedding band as a pledge of his love, and I’d given him nothing. This he could wear always, and it would symbolize my love and devotion for him and his land.
We set a day and time for me to retrieve it. I gave him half the price with the promise of the balance when I received the ring itself. He thought it fair all the way around, and when I left the shop, we were both the richer.
He in coin, and I in the knowledge I’d finally found the perfect gift.
Chapter Three
When I returned to the castle, I had to send a man in to see if Logan was present in the hall. The soldier returned as I stood outside the door and waved me inside.
I took the stairs two at a time and ran straight to my room to conceal my gift. The bow was large, and as I spun around my room searching for a place to hide it, my gaze fell on my bed.
The covers hung nearly to the floor. I got on my hands and knees and placed the bow and quiver underneath in the middle of the bed, toward the headboard, then pulled the quilts down.
I stood and inspected it. No one could see them, so well were they hidden.
A familiar knock at my door told me I’d been just in time. A moment later, the door opened and Logan stepped in.
“I heard you’d returned from the town. How goes it?” He smiled at me and fell into my chair as he played with the feathered quill I used to write.
“All abustle, my duke. The holidays approach and everyone is in good spirits.” I sat on the edge of my bed.
“Did you find a gift for Joss?” He eyed the door, and I crossed to close it.
“I have decided on a horse.” Logan’s brows rose. “He’s more than old enough. Even Tomas has a pony. This way, he’ll learn to ride, and be a companion for Tomas. They can ride in the spring, with us, on their own mounts,” I replied, defending my decision.
“You’ve put much thought into it.” Logan nodded. “I think it’s a good gift. He’ll be a happy boy.”
“Aye, he will.”
“Have you purchased the animal?”
“No. I thought I’d look through our own herd first, seek the master of horse’s opinion, with your permission.” Logan’s horse master was well-known for his skill in breeding good stock.
“You have it. Pick out whichever you think best for him.”
“Thank you, my duke.” I crossed the room and pulled him into my arms. “My duke is most generous.” I licked up his throat as his head fell back to give me access.
“I can deny you nothing.”
“As it should be.” I bit his ear and let him go. “Come, we must go down. I promised the boys a lesson when I returned, and I don’t know why they aren’t banging on my door demanding it.” I laughed and pulled him along.
“Aye, they were looking for you earlier.” He followed me out as I shut my door. We were halfway down the stairs when the boys burst through the hall’s doors, spotted me, and Joss called out, “Da! You promised our lesson!”
“Indeed I did. Get your swords and we’ll have the lesson in the hall.” I had no desire to go outside and teach sword work in the bitter cold.
The boys dashed off to get the wooden swords we used for practice. It would be a few years before they felt real steel in their hands. Especially if Logan had his way. He loved his boy fiercely, and there were times when I believed he would be happy if Tomas stayed a small lad forever.
“Can I watch?” he asked.
“Don’t you always?”
“I didn’t think you noticed.” He grinned as he took a chair at the hearth and turned it to face the hall.
“It’s my job to keep an eye on you. For your safety, Your Grace.” I gave him a flourish with my sword, and for his pleasure, I went through a few movements to warm my muscles up before the boys returned.
As he watched, I felt the heat of his stare as he took me in, never looking away from me, never seeming to blink. I worked the sword, thrusting, spinning, blocking an imaginary opponent, working until sweat broke out on my forehead, and my muscles burned with the strain.
The boys had returned and sat on the floor watching me. I hadn’t noticed them. I’d been concentrating so hard on my moves and pleasing Logan. As I finished, a ripple of pride ran through me to see the admiring looks on Joss, Tomas, and Logan’s faces as they watched as if spellbound.
I finished with a final flourish and gave them a bow. Our lads jumped up and attacked me, swords flailing. I had to fend them off, as Logan laughed. Until a misstep found me on the floor, with the boys leaping on top of me, their swords at my throat.
“Hold, villain!” Tomas shouted.
“One move and I’ll run you through,” Joss added.
“Mercy, my lords. Mercy,” I begged, trying not to laugh.
Joss looked to Logan. “Your Grace. He asks for mercy. Do you grant it?”
All gazes turned to Logan, waiting his royal decree. “He fought gallantly. It’d be a shame to lose such a fierce warrior.”
The boys frowned as their blood thirst was denied. “Aye, Da.” Tomas sat back and lowered his sword.
“Next time,” Joss warned. “We won’t go so easy on you.” He made a big show of getting to his feet and lowering his weapon, wooden though it was.
“Of course not, my lords.” I rose and ruffled both boys’ hair. “Now, for your lesson.”
They fell into order, and we went through our moves as Logan observed, a quiet smile on his beautiful face.
»»•««
That night, as Logan and I tucked the boys into their beds, Joss gave me a hug and whispered, “I need to get Tomas a gift.”
I nodded. “We’ll go tomorrow.”
He grinned up at me and pulled his cover up to his chin. Logan kissed Tomas good night and tucked the blanket around him as I gave Brute a quick pat on the head. The dog settled on the floor between the beds and fell asleep.
Logan blew out their candles, and we shut the door, leaving them to their dreams.
“Has Tomas bought Joss a gift?”
“Aye. He picked out a little wooden dog. It looks very much like Brute.” Logan halted at his door.
“I’ll take Joss tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll find something just as pleasing.” In the hall where servants came and went, we stood apart, never touching.
“I’ll keep Tomas occupied while you’re away.” He opened his door and stepped inside. “Good night, Drake. In the morn.” The door closed.
A servant stepped out of my room with a few pieces of wood in a basket. “Your fire is lit, my lord.” He bowed and hurried off, I thought to the stairs, but at one of the guest rooms, he halted, knocked, and then entered.
A guest had come to Marden, and I hadn’t been told of it?
Odd Logan hadn’t mentioned it, yet, I’d been gone most of the day.
I scratched my chin, feeling the stubble of my beard. Perhaps I’d let it grow this winter to keep my face warm.
Once inside, I stared at myself in the small polished mirror. I’d worn a beard before for a few years, but it had fallen out of fashion, and I’d cut it off. Now I shaved all the time.
Would Logan prefer the beard?
I undressed, slipped into my night clothes, and went to the door between our rooms. I opened it to find Logan sitting in his chair, naked.
“Your Grace.” I stepped inside and closed the door.
“My lord.” He stroked his cock, already half hard. With a widening of his legs, he told me what
he craved. “Take off your gown. I need skin tonight.”
I stripped, letting it fall to the floor.
“You and your sword nearly drove me mad with desire. I wanted to take you, there in the hall, on the rug in front of the hearth.”
“Did I?” I took a few steps, gesturing with my hand as if I held a sword.
“Indeed.” He rubbed himself faster. “But now, I fear I need you. On your knees in front of me.”
I approached, taking my time to get there, letting the fire in my loins burn in my gaze. No man had made me so hard or so fast as my Logan. My cock stood straight and proud, peeking from its hood, pointing its way to my lover.
I reached Logan and lowered to my knees. Gripping him by the hips, I pulled him forward. His legs fell open, and I licked my way up the inside of his furry thigh. The light from the flames set his golden hairs on fire, and they glinted in the flickering light. He was a thing of beauty.
My face was scarred and rough and not good enough for a man such as he, but he loved me despite myself. I had been blessed, and for a moment I thanked Ansel for opening my heart to love. Without him, I would never have recognized it in Logan’s gaze until too late, as I had with Ansel.
Now, as I took Logan’s cock in my mouth, savoring its flavor, its heft, and its softness, I gazed into my lover’s green eyes. And love looked back at me. He touched my cheek, tracing my scar with his fingertips, then carded his fingers through my hair.
“I love you, Drake.”
I licked up the underside of his shaft. “And I, you.” Then swallowed him whole.
He moaned, and his hips jerked as I worked him with my tongue.
“Are you touching yourself?” he asked. “Don’t. I want to taste you.”
“You shall. I swear it.” I attacked his sac, licking and sucking it, and he groaned, his fingers tightening with pleasure.
I took his rod in my hand and stroked it, slick with my spit, until he was jerking and crying out my name, white strings of his cream erupting from him. I nearly released, he was so breathtaking in his ecstasy. My cock throbbed with need, and my sac hung heavy with seed, ready to spill it for him. Just for him.
I licked his cock clean, loving the taste of him. A taste unlike anyone I’d ever been with, a taste that made the passion grow in me.
“Come here.” Logan pulled at my hair, bringing me off him. He took my mouth with a kiss filled with hunger and desire, forcing his tongue inside to plunder.
I stood, my cock in my hand, eager and ready to release. Logan slid off the chair and onto his knees and engulfed my flesh in his warm, wet mouth.
“Holy God!” I couldn’t help but cry out, the pleasure was so great.
With only a few bobs of his head and a few swirls of his tongue, he had me on the edge, until the need built so great I couldn’t hold back.
“Aye! Aye!” The world grew black, and then a thousand stars filled the sky, bursting behind my eyes as I spent myself down his throat.
He swallowed all I gave him as his hands kneaded my ass, until the last sweet shudder ended. Then he sat back on his haunches and smiled up at me.
“If I don’t get to the bed right now, I won’t make it there.” I staggered toward Logan’s bed, knees shaking and unsteady. How I stayed upright was a mystery.
His laughter followed me. “I don’t care. I can take you on the floor.”
“You take me?” I chuckled as I crawled under the covers. “Shouldn’t we be in my room, then?”
“Nay, we’re here and the bed is so close. Let’s stay.” Logan went to the other side and got in. He met me in the middle, and we conformed to every bend and crook in each other’s bodies. And just like that we fell asleep.
I didn’t wake until the light of the morn painted streaks across the wall from the gaps in Logan’s shutters.
“It’s late, Logan. I must go quickly.” I gave him a quick kiss and got out of bed, grabbed my gown, and went to my door. As I pulled it shut, a knock on his door sounded, and a servant’s voice asked for entry. With one last loving look, I closed the door.
I went to my bed, crawled into it, and closed my eyes to sleep yet a little longer.
I had forgotten to ask Logan about his guest.
Chapter Four
I came downstairs later than usual and found the great hall filled with servants making preparations for the first feast of the season.
Fresh thresh had been laid down on the floor, the tables were being scrubbed, and the wood for the fire was being loaded into the stone indention next to the hearth. The stack stood almost as tall as a man, and another would soon match it.
Boughs of greenery that had been sitting outside were being laid around the hall, and the sweet smell of pinesap filled the air. Amid all of this, Logan stood like a captain on the bow of a great ship, giving orders and directing activity.
I gave him a wave and went to the door. There, I shrugged on my cloak and stepped outside. The brisk cold hit me, and I gasped at its rawness. When I found my breath and shook off the chill, I pulled my leather riding gloves from my belt and put them on. Around the bailey, even more people rushed about, no doubt tending to more preparations.
On the catwalk on the high wall, our men kept guard. Snow sat across the wall, like a line of defense, giving the hard stone a softer look. Pretty in its own way, but I knew from experience snow, and its mate ice, could kill from so high a height. One careless move and a man could find himself falling to the hard stones below.
But someone had tossed straw on the narrow walkway stones, making it just that much safer. Probably Peter. A good man he, and he’d saved me the bother of ordering it done.
I headed toward the stables to find our horse master. The smaller door stood open, the one built into the larger doors, keeping the cold and snow out. I bent down and stepped inside.
Warmth and the ripe smell of hay and horse met me. Inhaling, I enjoyed the moment. Down the wide aisle, the stalls stood filled with the best of the mounts. Mine, Logan’s, Tomas’s little gray pony, Peter’s horse, and a few more.
I strode down the line, checking each stall’s occupant. Several held mares, close to their time to foal. The master left nothing to chance with the new foals and their mothers. They’d have the best of care until old enough to join the others in the paddocks and then would be moved to the fields with the rest of the herd.
The master stood at one stall, giving instructions to a young groom, as an older boy looked on. The lad held the leg of the horse between his knees as he bent over and picked clean the animal’s hoof.
“Master, a word, if you please.”
“Drake, good to see you. It’s been a while since you’ve visited me.” He moved out of the stall and sat on a bench, motioning for me to do the same. “Although I know you took Horse out just the other day.” He had been Marden’s master of horse for a score of years, starting under Logan’s father. Now, gray-haired and bowlegged, there wasn’t a finer judge of horses to be found.
“He and I both needed the ride.” I grinned. At the sound of my voice, Horse hung his head over his stall and nickered. “But I’ve come on other business. It’s about the matter we spoke of many days ago. The horse for Joss,” I reminded him.
“Right. I think I’ve got a few choices for you. These are all fine animals, well trained and in good health.” He nodded and stood. “I’ve got them in the first paddock for you to see. Brought them in from the fields a day ago. They’re shaggy but well formed and will make an excellent mount for a boy’s first horse.”
He led me through another door and we walked to the fence. In the paddock, three horses stood. Not quite ponies, but not the full size of my horse, they would certainly do well for Joss. One was smoky gray, one brown with white socks, and one a red, similar to Horse.
“They are all of equal size and looks. Have they done well with riders?”
“All are good, steady mounts. You’ll find no excitable beasts among them.”
“But I don’t want a dr
ay horse, either. Something the boy can stretch himself with and get a gallop out of when necessary.” No sense in giving Joss a horse he couldn’t keep up with. “He’ll be riding much with me, and I’ll need him to match Horse.”
“Aye. So of the three, my pick would be the roan.” He pointed to the red horse with a black mane.
“Let’s take a look at him, then.”
The master turned and motioned for a groom, who stood quietly near the gate with a halter line in hand, and called out, “The roan, please, Mark.”
The boy climbed over the fence and approached the animals. The gray moved away, bumping the brown, but the roan stepped toward the lad, nose leading, and snuffled at his outstretched hand, then took the small carrot the boy offered.
“He likes his treats, that one.” The master laughed.
“He looks well-handled. That’s good.” I didn’t want a horse Joss couldn’t get near. A boy needs an animal that he can touch and stroke to build the bond between rider and mount.
“He’s a good horse, all the way around. Joss won’t be disappointed in him at all.”
“Good. Now the price.” I turned to the master. “I only ask that it be fair.”
“Drake, for you, the fairest.” He clapped me on my shoulder. “Besides, the duke would have my hide if I tried to charge you too much.”
“I’d have it—no need for Logan to pull his sword or raise his hand.”
“Hold, mercenary!” He laughed and backed away, his hands raised. “I haven’t the skill with swords you have, remember that.”
“No, but you have your fists.”
“What? And lay a hand on the duke’s favorite man?” There was no harm in his voice, but it still stopped me.
“Favorite?” A chill washed over me. Had the master seen something more than just the loyalty of a man for his duke?
“I’m not blind, Drake.” He lowered his voice. “Since you’ve come here and taken your place by the duke’s side, he’s been a changed man.” He put his hand on my shoulder and smiled at me. “He’s alive again. Interested in more than just sums and accounts. He’s…happy.”
