There he stood, just inside the room, in his wedding clothes, so handsome.
Pavel crossed the room in a few breaths and stood before her. He reached his hands out and she slid hers into them as if that was where they always belonged. Pulling her up with ease, he supported her right side so she could stand. And he took her in top to bottom.
"Forgive me. I could not stay away. I had to see you."
She could not be cross with him. His presence calmed her. It was what she needed.
"You are handsome, Pavel."
"You..." He took a long breath in and out. "You are a vision."
Her face warmed under his scrutiny. She raised a hand to touch his face.
He lowered his head to touch his forehead to hers. "It will only be of a couple of hours. Then we will be husband and wife."
"I can scarce believe it."
"Father God," he began to pray, "We are overwhelmed by Your love for us and Your blessings upon us. You have brought us together and kept us safe. And today we will stand before You, Your priest, and Your people, declaring our intent and making vows, pledging ourselves to one another. We declare that You are our God, and we only ever want to serve You. Be with us today. Guide us."
"Amen," Karin finished.
She maneuvered her face to plant a kiss on his mouth.
"You had better get out of here before my mother returns and finds out you have been here."
He nodded but did not move.
"I am loathe to be parted from you."
She nodded. "I know."
"I love you so much, Karin."
"And I love you."
He caught her lips in another, longer kiss. As they parted, she was left breathless. Easing her back onto the chair, he pressed gentle, swift kisses to her cheeks, her nose, her forehead, and then her lips again before pulling back and standing.
"See you at the church, my love."
She gazed into his eyes. "I will be there."
* * *
Not long after, Pavel was in his room, looking at his reflection and pulling at his collar. As a member of the extended royal family, he’d had to dress in formal wear throughout his life for many occasions. But he could never quite get used to it—a fact that always made him feel as if he was a small boy again.
Zdenek and Radek had been groggy company after their night celebrating, and they had begged off after an errand.
Pavel was more than a little concerned what this errand might entail, but there was no sense dwelling on it. He would find out in due time.
There was a bit of activity outside. Was it Zdenek and Radek? Pavel stepped to the window and glanced below. It was only the carriages pulling around to prepare for their passengers.
Pavel continued to gaze out the window, a habit he had picked up from Karin. Karin... Since coming to her parents' house, they had not been separated for any stretch of time, save for sleep. On any other day, he would have gone to her as early in the morning as propriety would allow.
And this morning, he had ached to see her. Those few moments with her had quenched that only slightly. What was going through her mind? His emotions were so clouded, for he was both excited and nervous about what the day would bring. He was hopeful about their future, yet overwhelmed at the thought of the responsibility he would take on. But his thoughts were filled with her, how much he loved her, of how much he longed to make her his wife, and of how, after that day, no one could tear them apart.
Pavel was so deep in thought he barely heard the door to his bedchambers open. He did not bother, not even to turn at first, certain it was a servant coming for one reason or another, perhaps to warn him the carriages were preparing to leave soon.
But there was silence. What kind of servant just stands there? Was he waiting on something from Pavel?
After some seconds, the man cleared his throat.
Pavel spun to face him. As he raised his eyes, however, his mouth dropped.
It was not a servant; it was Stepan.
Chapter 16
The Beginning of the End
Pavel reached the hilt of his sword to assure himself of its protection if Stepan meant him ill will. But he grasped at nothing. In his efforts to dress, he had neglected to place it. Scanning the room, he spotted it leaning against the fireplace several paces away. How long it would take to lunge for it?
The direction of Pavel’s gaze did not escape Stepan. His eyes followed.
Pavel watched Stepan, all too aware that Stepan’s hand rested comfortably on his own sword.
Stepan looked back at his former friend. His eyes widened. Was Pavel’s glare so intense? Only then did he seem to notice his own defensive stance. He held his hands out. "You need not fear me. I did not come to harm you."
Pavel's eyes cut to the sword on Stepan's hip.
Stepan followed his gaze. And with slow, careful movements, he unfastened the sword and tossed it toward the fireplace. Now their swords lay together. Only then did the tension in Pavel's shoulders ease.
"I suppose I cannot blame you, considering the circustances last we met." There was a depth to Stepan’s voice. Sadness? Regret?
Pavel fought a wave of empathy rising within him. There was too much between them. "Why are you here?"
"My best friend will marry today. I had to see him. To wish him well."
"Oh?" Pavel arched a brow. Was that truly the only thing that brought Stepan this distance?
"Whatever has happened, Pavel, you are still like a brother to me. And nothing can change that." Stepan’s eyes reflected the sorrow in his voice.
"Though I am a Hussite?"
"Nothing can change that," Stepan said with finality. Were his words meant to convince Pavel? Or himself?
Dare Pavel give in to the emotions pulling at him? Stepan had been so dear to him. Still, it did not sit well with him. Something was amiss.
Stepan took a step toward Pavel.
Pavel jerked back.
Stepan brought his hands back up as if to indicate he meant no harm. "Please, Pavel. Can you not find it in your heart to forgive what I have done? Is there no room for repentance?"
Pavel peered at the floor. The truth was that there was forgiveness aplenty for his friend, for what had happened between them.
Yet what of the beaten servant girl, tossed out, persecuted because she was a Hussite. Would Stepan have spared the sword on her had she been discovered one month later? There was little doubt he would not. What of the next Hussite Stepan would encounter—the others he would abuse, even murder?
Pavel’s eyes rose to meet Stepan’s again.
"Pavel," Stepan’s voice had become firmer, more confident. "Say something."
"I have forgiven you already, my friend.” Pavel’s hand ached for his sword. But any movement in that direction would only lead to the two of them crossing blades. This was not settled. Yet. “ Still I wonder, what of the next Hussite you cross paths with? He is my brother. She is my sister."
Stepan’s gaze wandered toward the floor. His features contorted. "I don't know."
At least he was not about to lie.
Silence hung between them.
"Thank you," Pavel spoke into the emptiness. "For sending Zdenek and Radek."
Stepan nodded.
"And thank you...for coming."
"Of course."
Silence fell again. Would they forever remain at odds?
Stepan swallowed hard. "I… have something for you."
Pavel's raised a brow and watched Stepan’s movements as he stepped into the hall. He returned with a rolled canvas. A painting? What was this about?
Stepan picked at the corner. Was he having a difficulty finding his words? Would he explain his gift? "I, ah, had a painting commissioned for Karin when we were…betrothed." He met Pavel's eyes. "I want the two of you to have it. But do not tell her it came from me."
Stepan unrolled the canvas.
Pavel took tentative steps toward his former friend. As the painting was revealed, Step
an turned it in Pavel’s direction.
It was the chateau. But the vantage point was chosen such that the painting included Karin's favorite view of the grounds as well.
Pavel’s eyes shot to Stepan. "I cannot accept this. And I will not let Karin believe that I had this done for her."
"I want her...” Stepan closed his eyes and took a breath. “I want the two of you to have it. To remember where...” His voice caught. “Where it all began." The pain in his voice was evident. "It is so important to me that you take it. I want you to have a piece of the chateau." Stepan held the canvas out between them.
Pavel studied Stepan. After several seconds, he reached forth and took it. "I accept, old friend. But I will not lie to Karin."
"Then tell her you cannot say where it came from."
Pavel rubbed the thickness of the material now in his hands.
They both knew she would know where it came from.
Stepan shook his head. “I delay you. It is time to get to the church." He turned.
"You…could come." Pavel's spoke before the thought had been checked. Why had he said it?
"You know I cannot," Stepan said without turning.
Pavel nodded. He did know.
"Take care of her." Stepan looked back over his shoulder.
“You know I will.”
And then Stepan was disappeared into the hall. Only then did Pavel wonder how it came to be that he was in the house unannounced. But it did not matter. Stepan was gone, and it might just be the last time he laid eyes on his oldest friend.
* * *
It was time. Everyone surrounded Pavel at the steps into the church. And somewhere nearby, Karin made her way to him. In a few moments, she would be with him. His heartbeat quickened. What would she look like in her bridal accutraments? Were these thoughts and emotions rushing through her? It became difficult to think, focus.
The small crowd stirred. And the priest craned his neck. Had she come?
Pavel turned, but nothing was visible beyond the movement of the people. Still, he drew in a long, deep breath. Could he calm this racing in his chest? There was now, but one thought: his bride would join him soon.
A shift in the crowd now revealed that which he had long awaited—Karin on the arm of her father. His breath escaped him, and all thoughts vanished. There was only her and this moment.
Karin’s progression was slow as she limped, but it mattered not.
Pavel’s eyes locked with hers.
Though much effort was required for each step, she managed a smile as she made her way through the people.
If possible, she was even more beautiful in this moment. It seemed like forever, and only seconds, before she stood beside him.
His face flushed with the fullness of her presence. He reached forth his arm and took hers, relieving Petr of his burden.
The priest led everyone in the sign of the cross and continued with a greeting.
But Pavel were listening. His pulse thundered in his ears. And he was all too aware of Karin’s breathing, her heartbeat, on the feel of her smaller hand in his. All of his senses were magnified tenfold.
“…Pavel…”
The priest had spoken his name. Pavel looked toward him. But his head was down and his eyes were closed. In prayer? Yes, the priest was in prayer over them. And so, Pavel turned his face toward the ground and attempted to even his breathing.
"Father, You have made the bond of marriage a holy mystery, a symbol of Christ's love for His Church. Hear our prayers for Pavel and Karin. With faith in You and in each other, they pledge their love today. May their lives always bear witness to the reality of that love. We ask You this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."
While he continued, Pavel entwined his fingers with Karin’s.
She squeezed his hand.
Pavel wondered if he would remember anything of this day. Except the way Karin looked. He would never forget that.
The prayer ended and all focus shifted to Pavel and Karin.
Pavel stole a glance at his bride. Her wide eyes watched him as well. What went through her mind? Was her heart threatening to escape its cavity as was his?
"My dear friends," the priest said to them, "You have come together in this church so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of the Church's minister and this community. And so, I ask you to state your intentions. Pavel and Karin, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"
"Yes," they said together.
Pavel’s lips curved.
"Will you love and honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?"
"Yes," they said.
As Pavel watched, Karin’s eyes began to glisten.
"Will you accept children lovingly from God and bring them up according to the law of Christ and His Church?"
"Yes," they answered again, together.
Was that color upon Karin’s face? His bride, so innocent, so pure.
"Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and His Church."
Pavel reached for her other hand. They faced one another.
"I, Pavel, take you, Karin, to be my wife. I promise to love, honor, and respect, to be faithful to you, and not to forsake you until we are parted by death, so help me God. Amen."
* * *
Karin shivered as a chill snaked down her spine at Pavel’s recitation of those sacred words, his clear blue eyes gazing so intently into hers. How would she remember her part?
She glanced down at their linked hands, bound together in such a way that it would be difficult to separate them. This is what today was about. Linking their persons as intricately as they had linked their hearts. And so, she took a deep breath, licked her lips, and met his eyes again.
"I, Karin, take you, Pavel, to be my husband. I promise to love, honor, and respect, to be faithful to you, and not to forsake you until we are parted by death, so help me God. Amen."
Something fell upon them. Karin sensed it as if the words were spoken. The space between them was thick with the hope of the promises they had just made to one another.
"You have declared your consent before the Church. May the Lord in His goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with His blessings. What God has joined, men must not divide."
The priest then took a ring in his hand and held it up. "May the Lord bless this ring which you give to as a sign of your love and fidelity."
Pavel took the ring and, clasping Karin's hand, slid it onto her finger, saying, "Karin, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Karin wanted this moment to last, with Pavel clasping her hand, having just placed his ring upon it. This was a moment she wished to live on in her heart.
"You may now exchange a kiss," the priest said.
Pavel leaned forward, wrapped an arm around Karin, and pressed his lips to hers. The contact was simple and pure enough, but it lit something in Karin. Something she was just beginning to understand. Something that both excited and scared her.
The priest stepped forward to pronounce them man and wife. It was done. But from the moment Pavel's lips touched hers; she was lost to goings on around her.
She was only somewhat aware of the people moving around her, congratulating them. All she knew was Pavel's strong arms holding her. Even innocent, his touch caused a response in her body. It soothed her and caused her skin to tingle. One thing was for certain: she hungered for more.
As the crowd moved back toward her parents’ home, she turned her thoughts toward heaven.
Father, I pray I would be the wife You have created me to be for Your faithful servant, Pavel. I so desire to bring You glory and honor in all I do. May my life be a living testament to Your strength and power. Teach me to walk each day in the steps You wou
ld have me walk, and grant me strength for the journey ahead. Thank you for the blessing of Pavel. Thank you for the blessing of the love that we share.
As they neared the carriages, a rope decorated with flowers, ribbons, and empty bottles was stretched across their path. The workings of Zdenek and Radek. Had this been their distraction this morning?
Pavel sighed.
Karin turned toward him.
Though he seemed put off, he smiled. Would he rather they forgo this tradition? Still, he produced the money required to pay them to remove the rope so they could pass. And so, Pavel was ransomed from his young sins.
Zdenek and Radek grinned, seeming rather pleased with themselves.
Karin could no longer hide that she had become rather labored. Whether from the excitement, the rush of emotion, or the physical wear on her ankle, she did not know.
One look at Pavel and she knew that he was aware. His brows furrowed and his arm tightened around her waist.
It seemed much time passed before he lifted her into a carriage. How would she make it through the celebration?
Pavel was not quite settled into his seat next to Karin before the carriage jerked into action. As soon as he had his bearings, he faced her, encircling her with one arm and drawing her closer.
"We have done it," he said. His voice held a tenderness she had not known.
She clung to him a bit more tightly.
"And I think," he said, lifting his other hand to touch her face, grazing her features, "That I love you even more now than ever before.”
Karin leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was everything she would have wanted from their first married kiss, yet propriety would never have allowed in front of the church. His hand cupped her face, tilting her head to deepen the kiss while her hands moved over his chest to his strong shoulders, gripping at his clothing there.
She was eager for more, but Pavel pulled back, a bit breathless. There should no longer be anything barring them. So she moved in for another kiss.
He placed a finger on her lips. "We need only pace ourselves a little longer, my love.”
What was he saying? Pace themselves? All she knew was that she wanted to continue kissing him.
The Lady Bornekova Page 26
