by Toni Sands
‘Hullo … Madam? It’s me – the knight. Sir Gavin, at your command.’
Neither sound nor sight of anything but lilting birdsong and flitting butterflies, their rainbow hues pretty as the candy favours once prepared by his mother for his younger siblings and him.
Chapter Six
Gavin jogged back to where he’d left his horse. There was someone standing beside the stallion, sweet-talking him, patting him. Stroking him so he blinked his big, dinner-plate eyes and whisked his long, silky tail friskily for the pretty lady. Tart of a beast! Sarum wasn’t supposed to enjoy that kind of thing. He needed to remember he was a warhorse.
‘Hullo,’ said the gorgeous girl in blue, smiling at the knight. ‘I wanted to thank you for coming to my aid back there.’
Gavin swept her a perfect bow. ‘My pleasure,’ he said, grinning. ‘You didn’t think those louts would get the better of me, then?’
‘Not for one moment,’ she said, revealing a delicious dimple on one cheek.
‘You shouldn’t be wandering about on your own. I’ll take you back to where you belong.’
‘Will I be safe with you? But then, I must look such a mess.’ She ran her fingers through her tangled locks. Batted her long, tawny eyelashes.
Provocative little minx! But Gavin had a quest, and a knight with a quest was not easily diverted. ‘Your welfare is my prime objective. You have my word as a knight and a gentleman, my lady.’
She looked at him, eyes narrowed. ‘You recognise my rank?’
Lazily his eyes travelled her body, taking in the sumptuous fabric of her gown that, albeit stained and torn, would never be seen on anyone less than a highborn female. Her lustrous, autumn leaf hair tumbled from its elaborate velvet braiding. As for her hands – such hands, smooth as freshly fallen snow, would never belong to the likes of a milkmaid or a cook. She exuded nobility, this young lady. Good living. Potential for bedding in silken sheets.
He followed a hunch. Or maybe the wicked Sibilla, flying invisible in the breeze, tugged at a witchy string. He didn’t know. He didn’t care.
‘You wouldn’t, by any chance, have come from Arcandos Castle?’
‘Indeed I have. My mistress is the lady Amara. I’m one of her maids of honour and I love to go riding, but my horse bolted, separating me from my two companions. When Topaz grew tired of galloping, she threw me, and I found myself here.’
He reached for her hand. Took it in both of his. ‘The rest is history. Bad things need to be forgotten. You are safe, and that’s all that matters.’ He kept hold of her hand and she didn’t resist. ‘Permit me to take you home,’ he said. ‘As long as you don’t mind sharing my horse.’
What delicious dimples she had when she smiled. ‘We might come across my naughty mare on our way back. But, for now, I shall be very content to ride that magnificent stallion with you, my lord knight.’
He watched as she adjusted her torn bodice, allowing him a glimpse of one rosebud pink nipple before tucking it away, though not too hastily, inside the forget-me-not blue fabric.
Gavin cleared his throat. ‘Do you prefer to ride in front of me or – or to cling on to my waist?’
She watched the breeze lift his mop of curls. Kept him waiting for a response. ‘I’ll sit in front of you, if that’s agreeable.’
‘I’m sure it will be most agreeable.’
‘A little help in mounting would be much appreciated,’ she said.
Gavin stooped, allowing her to place one foot in his waiting hand while she swung the other leg over the waiting horse.
‘You’ve done this before,’ he said, placing his foot in the stirrup and taking his place behind her.
‘Many times,’ she said. ‘I love to ride.’
Sarum set off, his master wondering whether the maid of honour’s forward position would prove to be a problem. Her proximity distracted him, even though he’d participated in the enchantress’s erotic display the night before. The lovely young woman’s curvaceous behind jiggled against his groin in harmony with the stallion’s rhythm and the constriction of the bulky leather saddle didn’t make things easier either. Gavin was becoming highly aroused, not least by the unbelievably captivating perfume rising from the warm skin and silky hair of his companion.
Neither rider spoke as the big stallion transported them as easily as though his burden consisted of feather-filled sacks. And then the lady broke the silence.
‘Soon we shall reach the ford.’
‘You must feel mightily relieved, my lady.’
She sighed. ‘Actually, I don’t. My lord … Gavin … Do you think we could pause awhile? I don’t wish to sound ungrateful but your – your weapon is causing me much discomfort.’
Gavin gulped. Did she mean his sword? ‘Of course we can stop. How far away are we from the castle?’
She waited till he brought Sarum to a halt. The knight dismounted, then helped her ladyship down from the saddle, his hands circling her waist as she slid on to the ground, her hips rubbing against his in transit.
‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘Shall we stroll into that copse and shelter from the sun awhile? The castle is but a half hour’s ride from here.’
‘But won’t they be worrying about your whereabouts?’
‘Not yet, I fancy. I have been known to evade my companions before now. Today’s unfortunate mishap has resulted in something unexpected yet delightful. We may be able to use it to our mutual advantage, my lord knight.’
He held his breath. How close could she come before she found out the true cause of the discomfort she’d endured in the saddle? What lurked between his legs surely represented forbidden goods to a lady of her status. Yet still she nudged closer. Still she smiled at him, and placed her hands lightly on his shoulders.
‘Surely my lord knight doesn’t intend to disappoint me?’
He didn’t miss the little pout. The toss of the head. A toss Sarum would have died for.
‘By no means, my lady.’ What had that old man, Ethan, said about living for the moment? Result. ‘Come, then. Let’s …’
Linking hands, they ran towards the trees. The lady led the way. Pushing aside swathes of greenery, she drew him to a small clearing so totally sheltered by leafy branches and clustered, winding creepers that it provided a safe haven, making Gavin feel they might be the only people in the world. No birdsong. No sunlight. No etiquette. No nasty witches. Had she been here before?
Maybe too good to be true. He let go of her hand. ‘This is a trap, isn’t it, Lady whatever your name is? If I dare try and make love to you, you’ll slap my face, flounce off, steal my horse and leave me no option but to slink to the castle, only to be hurled into a disgusting dungeon in dire disgrace. Bread and water. If I’m lucky.’
She shook a finger at him. ‘You are so, so wrong, knight. No one need ever find out about this. In fact, no one must ever find out about this. You see, Gavin, I am promised to one of Sir Tiernan’s seven lusty lords.’
Gavin sucked in his breath. The air in their bosky hideaway seemed humid. Sticky. He longed to shuck off his clothing. Maybe take a dip in the nearby rushing river. But …
‘Chastity belts are a myth. And riding horseback sets me tingling all over. I’m taut as the strings of a minstrel’s harp, my lord. Won’t you pluck me? Put me out of my misery?’
She held out her arms. Gavin needed no further bidding. The two sank to the pine needles carpeting the soft, loamy earth beneath them. The lady’s dress was off in moments. Sir Gavin’s chainmail took a little longer to dispose of but soon the two were enjoying a rough and tumble Gavin recognised as all the sweeter for being their secret. Once he joined Sir Tiernan’s household, his behaviour must fit that of a premier league knight, else his liege lord could banish him, and that would underline a horrific ending to this strange, exasperating yet exciting journey of his. Sibilla might roll the dice, but surely he could kick one of those dice into touch now and then?
This might be a one-off, but his companion wanted to ride him. H
ow could he disappoint such a lovely maiden? How could he be expected not to relish those plump breasts brushing against his face or those delicious rosette nipples so enjoying the attention of his eager tongue? And she was wet. Very. Wet. And positively awash with lady honey, her built-in aphrodisiac. Gavin wanted more of her. Much more. When she began gasping. Trembling. He toppled her over on to her back. Plunged his eager cock back inside her, this time his weapon disappearing right up to the hilt.
‘If you stop, my lord knight, I shall never. Forgive. You! Oh sweet mother of Jupiter, make this knight go on and on and …’
‘We’d better set off now, don’t you think?’
‘Make me come one more time?’ She raised her hand and stroked his chin. Fluttered her eyelashes. Slid her finger between his lips.
His resolve melted like butter by the fire. ‘You are a greedy, naughty young lady who should be clunk-clicked inside the chunkiest chastity belt your lord and master can lay his hands on, myth or not.’
She chuckled, the low gurgle catching him in the groin. Jerking his cock into upright mode. Again.
‘Beautiful lady with no name,’ he groaned. ‘If I manage to become part of Tiernan’s household, how am I supposed to go about my daily business knowing the ecstasy awaiting twixt your soft thighs?’
‘With difficulty,’ she said. ‘It’s going to be the same for me. I’m the one who’s spoken for. I’m Lady Elena, the bride in waiting. You can play the field.’
He pulled her close. Felt for her secret spot, still wet, still slick velvet beneath his willing fingers. ‘Whatever next the enchantress has in store for me, you have to be the best.’
‘Show me!’
‘How many times will this be?’ he whispered as he stroked.
He felt her fingers encircle his swelling love machine.
‘Not nearly enough.’ Her breathing snagged in her bosom.
He bit his lip. She was sweetmeats on his tongue. What was a knight to do?
The lady knew. ‘Push,’ she said. ‘Harder. Fuck. Me. Harder.’
The world swam in a golden mist. ‘Knights’ boot camp drummed into me that I daren’t disappoint a lady. But,’ he gasped, ‘this time I have to spend inside your cunny. I can’t stop!’
‘Do it. Do it. Go on, knight. Now!’
She wrapped her lovely legs around him. He cupped one hand around each of her pert bum cheeks. Squeezed. Dragged her closer. Rocking. Pumping. Panting. Loving.
‘I love you, Gavin,’ she cried. ‘Oh, so sweet … Yes. Yes. Yes …’
Chapter Seven
The castle loomed ahead in the sunshine, its raspberry stone ramparts, fairy tale turrets, and robust walls reaching from the embankment to stand proud against the skyline. Gavin’s throat dried and he experienced more than a moment’s belly wobble. He knew nothing of the Jupiter Knights, but their stronghold exuded dignity and power. And here he was, reporting for duty, battle-stained and, to complicate matters, accompanied by a young noblewoman with eyes like a Moroccan souk maiden, haunting him, challenging him. Her scent still clung to his skin, slightly incriminating given she doubtless shared secrets and bedroom bombshells with the First Knight’s lady.
The wonderful yet frightening fact was that said fragrant maiden had declared her love for him. He, Gavin, nothing special knight from a world that, according to Sibilla, still slumbered, waiting to be awoken by someone called Arthur and his posse of oversexed knights.
It didn’t matter that he’d rescued Lady Elena from a horrendous fate at the hands of rough, rural brutes. He’d succumbed to her advances, knowing full well of her betrothal to someone who might, in this weird, star-crossed game he’d tumbled into, become a blood brother. They’d rub shoulders in the knights’ bathhouse. Share bawdy stories over a draught or six of finest ale.
Or, worst scenario of all, might be the very one of the special seven who Gavin needed to overcome in order to take his own place within the hierarchy. The luscious lady didn’t seem inclined to divulge her betrothed’s name. Gavin groaned out loud. Turned it into a cough.
The enchantress hadn’t made the whys and wherefores clear. If Sibilla yearned for fireworks, she certainly knew the right way to go about it. Meanwhile, he’d better slip off Sarum’s back and lead his trusty steed carrying Lady Elena up the remainder of the grassy slope. Arriving in that manner might look less showy to those undoubtedly watching with interest his progress towards the main gate.
‘Where are you off to, pray?’ Her tone was haughty.
‘I’m giving you some space, my lady.’ Gavin wriggled himself backwards, wincing as the rump of the saddle caught him in the groin. Maybe a few hard days in the knights’ boot camp would be a good thing. His love machine could do with some down time.
Sliding down to earth, he patted his stallion’s rump and looked up at Elena. ‘What’s the drill now, my lady? Will you vouch for my integrity when we reach the gate? Or will I have to prove my suitability to enter? Answer questions about Arcandos’ chances in the forthcoming Jousting Championships, maybe?’
‘If becoming a Jupiter Knight is in your destiny, it won’t matter whether I’m here or not. I don’t speak to minions anyway. They’ll let me in. You might have to cool your heels in the courtyard for a while.’ She nibbled the tip of her forefinger, making Gavin’s guts stir with lust. ‘What I could do for you, once I arrive in Lady Amara’s quarters, is put on my best breathless virgin act. She’ll send a message to her lord and master right away. That should push you to the front of the audition queue.’
‘Audition queue?’
‘Of course. Did you really think you could turn up and sweet talk your way into the knights’ enclave? Every vacant knight’s position receives scores of applications. In the rare event of a Jubilee Knight’s place coming up for grabs, hopeful knights elbow their way into the jousting lists, every lady in the vicinity receives a hundred petitions for a favour, and the hot candidates could have their beds filled 20 times over with comely maidens panting to apply for the position of knight’s lady.’
‘Wow,’ said Gavin. ‘No pressure, then.’
‘Shush, knight, the gatekeepers are shifting their idle selves,’ said Elena. ‘If they question who you are, try and sound as if you do actually belong here.’
He noticed she’d pulled the hood of her cloak over her head, concealing her bright tumble of hair. Gavin had already learnt, from his brief time in this new world, stuff happened, and he might as well follow her instructions.
‘I need one of you to fetch a stable lad,’ said the maid of honour as the portcullis grumbled upwards.
Sarum gave it the evil eye, his hooves chattering against the cobbles. One of the soldiers looked up at the horsewoman, shading his eyes against the sun. Seeming puzzled.
‘At once,’ she said.
He bowed his head and hurried off. Elena cooed at the horse and urged him forward, Gavin bringing up the rear, trying to look as though he’d every right to be there. Protocol must be strict if a soldier bowed to a maid of honour, albeit one with some status.
‘Your business here, sir?’
Gavin gave the man a brief nod. ‘I have accompanied my lady on the last part of her journey.’ He kept his tone terse. Frowned at the soldier. ‘Tell me, has her runaway horse returned? Sir Tiernan is bound to enquire.’
The soldier blinked. Tugged his beard. ‘I’m new here, my lord. We’ll ask the stable lad.’
Gavin felt a qualm as he watched Sarum being led away. But his companion grabbed his arm and led him towards the castle.
‘Not bad,’ she said. ‘In fact, you show great promise.’
‘What about your horse?’
‘Someone will run after us.’
Gavin wondered at her assurance. Yet a minion caught up with them, bowed, and delivered the good news about Topaz’s safe homecoming. For a greenhorn in an alien land, Gavin reckoned he hadn’t done too badly so far. The next hurdle to jump meant convincing the First Knight of his suitability to vie for a place in
the magical group of seven.
‘My apologies for arriving without notice and in such disarray,’ said Gavin. Hand on sword, he bowed his head to the flaxen-haired man who lounged on a sapphire velvet window seat.
The man rose and sauntered towards him. ‘If you’re here touting for a job, you’d better have top credentials.’ His shrewd grey eyes twinkled. ‘Been in the wars, have we?’
‘Just a bit,’ said Gavin, relaxing.
‘Sir Zebal, at your service.’
‘You’re one of the Jupiter Knights.’ Gavin returned Zebal’s brief bow.
‘For my sins, yes. I don’t fit the template but our leader –’ he flapped a hand ‘– is pretty long-suffering. Pretty too, but then you’re not backward in that particular department, are you, love?’
Gavin’s jaw dropped. On its own. ‘I – um – hadn’t really thought about it.’ He looked around the chamber. ‘Any chance I could spruce myself up? Will Sir Tiernan see me today, do you think?’
‘He will if my lady Amara recommends you. And it seems you’ve made quite a hit there. Seems to me I still have to wait for the right knight to come along and sweep me off my feet.’ He sighed.
‘It’s Lady Amara’s maid of honour I came across by chance. I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting her mistress.’
‘So, which one of the little hussies would that have been?’
‘She’s called Elena.’
Zebal shrugged. ‘They love to play games. But I’m forgetting the courtesies. Let me pour you a glass of ale. Then we’ll find you something comfortable to slip into for the evening.’ He winked at Gavin and headed for the jug and goblets on the table.
Gavin yearned to be left alone with water to wash away the dust of the day. But the ale refreshed his parched mouth and slid down his throat, making him realise how much he needed refreshment.
‘Unfortunately, I can’t show you to the knights’ bathhouse,’ said Zebal. ‘It is for our liege lord’s use and that of his seven loyal men. What I can arrange is a scrub down with a pretty page boy.’
