“Of course not! But it certainly helped matters.” Alexander slanted her a teasing look. “I think I fell in love with you when I saw that you didn’t wear a headdress. You were a daring woman. Or maybe it was when you slapped me in front of my people. I was mesmerized by your strength and courage.”
“If you had married me at South Hearth I’m sure I wouldn’t be the same person I am today,” Chloe remarked, thinking about how she had been such a selfish child back then. “I would have balked and most probably thrown a tantrum at having to marry an English brute such as yourself.” She smiled sweetly to lessen the sting. “It was only here, with the hardships I had to endure, that gave me the strength to stand up to you. I have become more aware of my surroundings. I am more aware of other people.”
“I am truly remorseful that you had to go through all of this. Damn your parent’s cowardice!” he said vehemently, his body stiffening.
Chloe rubbed his arms to soothe him. “I believe in fate and destiny. I believe the challenges we go through teach us valuable lessons. I always felt so protected in my own little world. I admired my parents, thought them wise and powerful. I didn’t care about our people; they were just there to do my bidding. I never imagined that all of this could have happened. And it has made me into a better person.” She paused, swiping a tear from her eyes, and then letting out a little choked laugh. “Even if it was scary as the devil getting here.”
Alexander pulled her head to his chest, lightly kissing her on the top of the head.
“I know, my darling, I know. You will always be safe with me. You will never have to fear again.”
“Alexander you must change the ways of things here, for your people’s sake. You said you wanted to have pride in your people and for your people to have pride in themselves. I will help you,” she murmured against his chest.
“Aye, I am often ashamed at the way I have treated my people and would that there was more I could do. But it will be difficult. My father has ruled with an iron fist, and even though this is my holding, I am still his vassal.” Laughing bitterly, he added, “Perhaps it is more like an iron axe, and there is never any mercy. He expects me to rule the same way, and as long as my father remains earl, I must do somewhat what he demands.”
Chloe could see disdain in Alexander’s face. He truly was disgusted with his father, but at a loss as to what to do.
“He has sworn that he would disown me if I were to go against his rule. Should I do that, he would no doubt choose a man as ruthless as himself to take over. I couldn’t do that to my people, and so in my own way I must acquiesce, until he is gone. Then everything will change.”
“I suppose you’re right. It would be best for the people if there was a ruler who could enact change for the better,” Chloe said, detecting defeat in her own voice.
Who knew how long it would be until the earl finally met his maker? It could be many years. The people would become more downtrodden, more abused, and more desperate. She immediately felt ashamed for wishing the man’s demise, but at the same time, his presence laid a blanket of despair on the people.
“We should return to the keep before anyone starts to wonder where we’ve disappeared to,” Chloe said looking forlornly at her surroundings. She didn’t want to leave. She felt like she had entered the Garden of Eden. She was Eve and Alexander was Adam, and they had yet to discover the forbidden fruit. They had love, they had ecstasy, and they had each other.
“Shall we go back like this and really give the town’s people a shock?” he asked, laughing, looking down at their naked forms.
Chloe looked down, only seeming to notice just then that she was still not wearing any clothing. She laughed lightly at his joke and then proceeded to put on her clothes, making sure to hide herself from him.
I have just shared the most intimate moments with this man, and now I’m shy? She asked herself with a laugh, and turned around, so that he could watch her dress.
He smiled at her, as she put on her clothes, watching her every move, lust filling his gaze. He tore his eyes away from her to put on his own clothes, not noticing how she stared at him with equal lust in her eyes.
After packing up their blanket and cleaning up the toppled food, Chloe gave one last longing look at their love nest.
“We’ll meet again in our love spot when I return, but it will be as man and wife,” Alexander whispered in her ear, nipping it gently as he pulled up to her feet, and kissed her soundly on the mouth. She giggled and he lifted her gently onto Hero.
They rode back to the village, cuddling so close it was if they were one person. They were silent on the way, just enjoying the feel of each other. Chloe held a smile of pure happiness on her face. She wanted to sing with her joy.
“I will miss you so, while you are away from me,” Chloe said softly as they reached the bailey in front of the keep.
“Do not worry, love. I will return soon. It should not take me longer than seven or ten days,” he said dismounting and pulling her down with him.
He lifted her chin so that she could look into his eyes. She loved those eyes. They twinkled with joy and excitement. Oh, how she wanted to kiss him, but she was sure he wouldn’t dare do so in front of all of the staring villagers.
He shocked her then by bending toward her and lightly brushing his lips on hers. She felt herself color immediately from her neck all the way up to her forehead and beyond. He had kissed her in front of everyone.
Gasps came from the crowd as people whispered back and forth about their lord kissing his soon to be wife. They dismounted together and walked into the keep to prepare for the evening meal.
Please God, let the King approve!
Despite Alexander’s strong words that the king without a doubt would approve, she still had her doubts. Was that why he hadn’t made love to her in truth? Was he afraid to take her innocence in case his request wasn’t granted? No, he wouldn’t do that to her. He just wanted their first time to be romantic, and as man and wife. She chewed her lower lip.
I trust him with all my heart, if he says that everything shall be fine, then I believe him. But the niggling fear creeping up her spine warned of impending doom. After all, all she loved, eventually had been lost. There will be no objections, it will all work out. She soothed herself with the promised words that Alexander had spoken. She couldn’t think why anyone would object to them getting married.
But then again, someone could, couldn’t they?
Today was the day.
Today was the day Alexander would leave to petition the king. Today was the day Chloe would begin counting down until the time he was to return.
The passion they shared the day before still lingered in her mind. Had they really done all that they had? Her face burned at the memory of it and she hoped anyone passing by wouldn’t be able to read her thoughts.
She hadn’t been able to sleep the night before. Her mind leapt with dreams of passion. She had woken up sweaty, her hand pressed to her mons, sensations of ecstasy rippling through her. When she’d fallen back to sleep, deep dark nightmares of the king denying Alexander and sentencing them both to death shook her.
First thing in the morning she ordered a hot steamy bath to cleanse herself both bodily and spiritually.
She had never known herself to be so confused before. This mindless struggle back and forth was beginning to wear on her. Perhaps she could take a long ride today and clear her mind. She wished she could go with Alexander. She knew she would go stir crazy in Hardwyck not knowing exactly what was going on with the king.
“My lady? Could I escort you to the great hall?”
Her thoughts were interrupted by Sir Edward who stood staring at her with an awkward expression on his face.
Chloe shook her head and tried to focus. “Yes, thank you,” she said quietly.
“Pardon my asking, but is everything all right? You seem a little distressed,” Sir Edward commented.
Chloe blushed and looked away. “Yes, everything is fine
, I am just a little nervous about what the king may have to say. Thank you for asking.”
“The king is a good man. The dragon is very loyal to him and has been by his side since he was a child. I have no doubt that he will return soon with wonderful news for you both.”
Chloe was glad that Sir Edward was staying behind with her. He was kind and always seemed appeared to be in a pleasant mood. She also felt much protected by him. He was so loyal to Alexander.
“How did you and Lady Anne become attached?” she asked bluntly, wondering how such a match had been contrived. They seemed so happy together, a perfect pair.
Sir Edward chuckled a bit at her changing the subject. “When I was a young boy I was sent as a page to King Richard II, which is where Lord Hardwyck and I met. King Henry was at the holding, undergoing his own training. My father was also a knight, but was killed in battle fighting with the king. As a favor to my father, King Henry took me in. When I was a bit older, I met Anne at court. She was one of the many ladies in waiting to the queen. Her family sent her from Scotland as a peace offering.”
Chloe admired the look of nostalgia on his face, as Edward must have been reliving many amazing memories of his time courting Lady Anne.
“Now, you and the dragon will have a much more interesting story to tell of how you met,” he said with a deep laugh.
Chloe couldn’t help but laugh as well. It was good to find humor in her situation.
“What are the both of you laughing about? Not at me I hope?” Alexander said in a booming voice, his eyes twinkling.
“Aye, dragon we are laughing at you,” Edward said with a mighty pound to Alexander’s back that did not even jar him.
“I’ll take you to the field for that. Slandering me to my betrothed. She won’t have me now.” He winked at her, sending a shudder down her spine.
“Aye, my lord, Sir Edward has swayed me that it would be in my best interest to escape this place and never see you again.” She winked back and was rewarded with a devilish smile, but the flash of emotion that quickly passed through Alexander’s gaze showed that although they teased, he was sensitive to her leaving him.
“I would only chase after you, my lady, and claim what was mine.” His voice was quiet with a hint of possessiveness in it. He draped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her tightly to him. Would he kiss her? She hoped he would, but at the same time, hoped he would not, due to an audience being present.
“My lord, I hate to break up this interlude, however you are to depart soon, any last instructions?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact there are.” Alexander gave Chloe one last longing look, and then directed Edward out of the great hall.
Chloe turned and walked out the back through the buttery to see about her gardens that she’d recently planted.
“Edward, I am extremely concerned for Chloe’s safety. The whole situation is not right and very dangerous. I have suspicions her family has ill will toward her and they know where she is. News travels fast, and since the villagers know of our plans to marry, it will get the word out soon.”
He was always surprised how quickly the common folk were able to spread news. It was almost like they blew their words into the air, and the wind carried them.
“I understand perfectly, my lord.”
“I wished for you to accompany me, old friend, however I trust you more than anyone, and I feel that your place should be here with my future wife.” Alexander ran his hands through his hair. Hell, it was certainly ironic how she’d once feared him, and now he was her number one protector.
“I will handle everything. She will be well protected.” Edward gently squeezed Alexander’s shoulder.
He was comforted to know Edward would be there with Chloe. He wouldn’t have trusted her care to anyone else. Secretly he wished he could just take her with him so as to see to her safety himself. But just in case the king was feeling particularly angry, it really wasn’t best.
“Thank you, Edward. I don’t know what I would do without you. There shouldn’t be any other concerns for her safety beyond her family possibly seeking some sort of revenge, however you never know. Obviously there was ill will toward her from the beggar in the streets when she first arrived, and then with Maude and James. I suppose it won’t hurt to be overly cautious.”
“I agree, my lord. Every precaution will be taken to see to her safety.”
“Edward, one day you will be heavily rewarded for your loyalty and duty to me.”
“The only reward needed, is to continue to serve you, my lord.”
Alexander felt a lot better after speaking to Edward. Now if only he could shake the gnawing feeling of dread.
A shiver of awareness cascaded over Chloe. She was being watched. Slowly turning, she saw Alexander not twenty feet from her, a dazed look in his eye.
She smiled at him and then walked to where he stood.
“I must go now my darling,” he said, gripping her hand in his.
“Yes, you must hurry away, so that you can hurry back.” Tears glistened in her eyes.
“What’s this? Tears?” Alexander asked, his thumb swiping gently at one tear that snuck to the corner of her eye.
“It is only because I will miss you, that is all.”
“Oh, my love. I will return shortly I swear it, and then we shall be married. Plan on a great wedding banquet in just a fortnight. We shall celebrate with all and dance the night away, and then when the sun has gone, we shall dance to the tune of our beating hearts,” he said seductively and placed a lingering kiss on her hand, his tongue slipping out to tease her sensitive skin.
“You are truly deplorable, my dragon!” she teased picking up her skirts and running from him.
Alexander easily caught up to her and threw her in the air, catching her about the waist. Their soft giggles and words of love did not go unnoticed. Several servants had stopped what they were doing to watch their lord and his lady frolic. It was a sight to see, and one they cherished, for it seemed as if their mighty dragon, their fierce warrior, did have a heart. The rebellious Scot had tamed the dragon.
One servant in particular, however, was not pleased at the playful love making Alexander and Chloe showed one another.
Rebecca fumed, her nails digging painfully into her palms.
Chloe had taken what was hers. Her man. Her place by his side.
The harlot would pay for this. And her revenge should be arriving any day now.
What if he doesn’t come with the news we hoped for? What if the king refuses, and he concedes that he has made the wrong choice?
Not three hours had passed since Alexander left, and Chloe picked at her meal as uneasy thoughts ran through her mind. The icy hand of fear gripped her heart and was not letting go anytime soon.
I cannot bear to live without him. He is all I have.
Lady Anne must have seen the play of emotions as they crossed her face. She reached across the table and gripped Chloe’s hand in hers.
“Perhaps a walk after the mid-day meal has completed?” Lady Anne suggested, and Chloe could only nod.
She reminisced about how Alexander had pulled her into his arms for a searing kiss, meant to show her all of the love he had for her, just before he left. When he ended the kiss he gazed deep into her eyes. She saw many things there, each filling her heart with warmth. How had she been so lucky to meet such an amazing man?
“I will be back soon. Have no doubt in your heart. I love you,” he’d said, kissing her tenderly on each of her eyelids, and then gently sweeping his soft lips against hers.
“I will have no doubt,” she’d said wholeheartedly. Squeezing his body into hers for a hug, burning the feel of him against her into her mind. Memorizing the masculine scent of leather, the outdoors and a touch of mint, that clung to him. His scent. Alexander. She hoped the memories lasted until he returned.
He’d mounted his horse, the strong essence of him shown in every move he made. He turned back to her a wicked grin curving his lips
and her heart leapt.
She waved until he and his ten men were out of sight, and then returned to the castle where she issued orders to the servants, her mind not really there. Twice she had ordered the wrong servants for the wrong things, asking the baker for some candles to be placed in the great hall, and the second time she called a scullery maid away from the kitchens to freshen Alexander’s bedchamber.
No one had corrected her, just given her odd looks until she comprehended what she had done.
Yes, a walk in the fresh air with Lady Anne would help. She was so worried about the outcome of Alexander’s visit with King Henry, it was taking over her every thought and action. She needed to get her mind off of it, at least for the time being.
Maude’s journey was treacherous. Not many people would want to have anything to do with an old peasant such as herself, but there was still the occasional vagabond to fear who may wish to steal anything of value she had.
For Maude, this was what caused her the most anxiety. She still carried the pouch of jewels that she’d stolen from Chloe’s satchel. Minus one, however. She’d had to give up a precious ring to the little slutty chambermaid who’d been spying for her. She kept it well hidden tied against the thickness of her thighs under her skirts that no man would dare venture toward. For extra measure she carried a small dagger at her hip. She’d kill, she would, if she needed to. Her journey was important. The most important journey of her life. This journey would save her life and the life of her son.
Maude traveled to Prudhoe Castle to see the earl, stupid Lord Hardwyck’s father. She’d been around for a long time, longer than Lord Hardwyck himself and she knew how the Earl of Northumberland worked. He would not be pleased his son was to marry that Scottish whore. He would reward Maude by seeing that the whore was punished and she and her son were reinstated to their positions within the village.
Maude nodded to herself, so sure this was the right course of action. The earl would be thankful, aye he would, and she could grow old working in Hardwyck Castle, her son by her side.
Daring Damsels Page 25
