The Age of Knights and Highlanders: A Series Starter Collection

by Kathryn Le Veque

  “I, Geoffrey, take thee, Merryn, to wed.”

  “I receive you.”

  “I, Geoffrey, give my body to you in loyal matrimony.”

  “I receive it.”

  She repeated the same vows and the priest called for the wedding ring.

  Geoffrey took the gold band and slipped it onto her thumb. “In the name of the Father.” He removed it and placed it on her first finger. “And of the Son.” He then changed fingers again. “And of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” He slid the ring onto the third finger of her hand, its final resting place. Merryn smiled at the symbol of her commitment to Geoffrey.

  “With this ring, I thee wed. This gold and silver, I thee give. With my body, I thee worship, and with this dowry, I thee endow.” His eyes blazed with determination. She knew she married a good man who would keep these sacred vows.

  Father Dannet nodded to her and she opened the bag of coins. The children present politely lined up in front of her to receive a coin a piece, which they would give to their fathers.

  With the coins now distributed, the church doors opened.

  Merryn and Geoffrey followed Father Dannet inside, the crowd following behind.

  After the mass, the priest offered the kiss of peace to the groom. In turn, the groom offered it to his bride.

  Geoffrey’s lips met hers. It reminded Merryn of their shared kiss five years ago. Simple. Sweet. Full of promise. And hope.

  They parted. She gazed into his eyes, seeing contentment. She was now his wife.

  The priest uttered the nuptial blessing and Geoffrey led her from the church. Once outside, he swung her around, pressing her back against the stone structure. His hands encircled her waist. Merryn gripped his shoulders. Geoffrey kissed her deeply, his tongue branding her as his.

  Chapter 5

  “If I eat another bite, I’ll burst!” Merryn proclaimed as a servant placed another platter before them.

  “You said that after the cheese and eggs. Then after the boar’s head and pigeon. And after—”

  “Enough!” she cried.

  Geoffrey’s eyes filled with mischief. “So you think you’ve had your fill?” he asked.

  She nodded.

  He reached for her hand under the table and gave it a squeeze. “But my dearest wife, you haven’t had your fill . . . of me.” His lips brushed her earlobe, sending tingles down her spine. “I plan to fill you up all night. Every night.”

  Merryn pushed him away playfully. “Do you enjoy being so outrageous?”

  Geoffrey smiled. “Only with you.” He looked around the great hall. “I think we should slip away to our bedchamber while everyone continues to make merry.”

  Raynor, Geoffrey’s cousin, suddenly knelt by her elbow. “I assume ’tis time to bed now that you’ve wed?”

  Before she could reply, Raynor slipped a hand under her garments and ran it along her leg.

  “Raynor!” Merryn slapped at him. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  Raynor tugged until he slipped her garter down her leg and over her shoe. He held it up for Geoffrey to see. “Did you not tell her, Cousin?”

  “Tell me what?” Merryn looked from one man to the other.

  “It’s customary for the unmarried male guests to try and snatch the bride’s garter when the happy couple leaves the feast,” Geoffrey explained.

  “Why would they do that?” She looked back at Raynor. “It’s not as if you would wear it.”

  “Nay, my lady. But I would give it to another.”

  Her husband put an arm around her. “If my cousin can find a woman he has an affection for, he may give her this blue garter as a sign that he will be faithful to her.”

  Raynor gave Merryn a smile. “I didn’t want you to be embarrassed while you and Geoffrey left the great hall, my lady.” He rose. “I shall let everyone know that I have your garter in my possession. That way, you will be granted a peaceful departure.”

  He headed across the room, twirling the garter on one finger, moving amongst the trestle tables to show off his prize.

  “Let us make our escape while Raynor entertains the crowd,” Geoffrey told her.

  Lord Ferand stopped them from leaving, delaying their exit by calling for final toasts in their honor. Lady Elia embraced Merryn and told her how happy they were to have her as their daughter.

  At last, she and Geoffrey ascended the stairs to Geoffrey’s chamber—their chamber. Being married would take some getting used to, she thought.

  Sconces with lit candles lined the walls of the corridor. A cold draft caused Merryn to shiver. Her new husband wrapped his arm about her waist and drew her close.

  Merryn was happy to find the bedchamber warm, a fire blazing in the grate. Wine and cheese had been set out on the table between two chairs near the hearth. Geoffrey closed the door and faced her, a hungry expression on his face.

  Nerves gobbled her up. What if she failed to please him, no matter how hard she tried?

  Merryn tried to stifle her growing panic. She possessed intelligence and could read and figure numbers with ease. She understood about crops and how to make candles and weave tapestries. More than anything, her familiarity with herbs and practice with the sick had sharpened her skills as a healer.

  But she now ventured into uncharted territory.

  Geoffrey moved to the table and poured some wine for each of them. She took the pewter cup he handed her and drank nervously. She set the empty cup down and wandered around the room.

  “Merryn,” he said softly. “I have something for you.” He pulled something from his pocket but kept it hidden in his hand. Her curiosity grew.

  He cupped her cheek, the warmth of his touch a comfort.

  “I provided gifts for our guests and the priest, but it’s customary for the groom to bestow a gift upon his bride, as well.”

  “A gift?”

  He caressed her face. “I am supposed to compensate you for your lost virginity.” Geoffrey encircled her waist and tugged her close, then dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose.

  Merryn felt cherished in that moment. Her worries vanished. She might be inexperienced, but she knew her husband would take good care of her.

  “I had this made in France.” He opened his right hand.

  A gold and enamel brooch rested in his palm. Brilliant sapphires made her smile.

  Merryn met his intense gaze and immediately recognized the love shining in them.

  “Your eyes are the bluest of blue, my love. When I saw these stones, I knew the piece was meant for you alone. Will you wear it for me every day? I would be happy to see it pinned to your cotehardie.”

  She picked up the brooch and admired it. “Never a day shall pass that I do not pin it on and think of you. It will be my constant reminder of how much you love me.”

  Merryn kissed it. She looked back at her husband. “You spoil me. I have nothing for you.”

  Geoffrey reached inside his gypon and pulled out the gold necklace she’d given him on the day of their betrothal.

  “This has rested next to my heart since we parted five years ago. I have never taken it off. I never will. ’Tis the best gift you could ever give me.”

  He continued, “Until now.” He embraced her. “I know you are unsure, my love, but we will explore love together. Come.”

  Merryn set the brooch on the table and took his hand as they crossed the chamber. Geoffrey drew the curtains aside from the large bed.

  Her new husband rested his hands on her shoulders and gazed into her eyes. “You are the most beautiful bride that any man has claimed. I shall tell you every morning how lovely you are.”

  “Even when I am wrinkled and gray?”

  He smiled. “Especially then. For that means we will have lived a lifetime together. In love.”

  With that, he kissed her tenderly and then deepened the kiss as his tongue sought hers. He slipped the circlet from her head and tossed it aside, running his fingers through her unbound hair.

  They kissed forever,
his hands roaming through her hair and down her back, finally reaching her buttocks. He squeezed them and pulled her against him. Merryn felt something hard and knew his manhood grew strong and solid.

  Geoffrey trailed kisses to her earlobe, his breath warm. His tongue teased her ear and a jolt of hot desire shot through her. His mouth continued down her neck as he guided them to the bed. Merryn found herself suddenly lying down, Geoffrey next to her. His kisses trailed to the top of her breast.

  “Do you trust me?”

  She nodded, eager for his touch.

  Slowly and lovingly, he undressed her, until all that remained was her chemise. Rising from the bed, he took his time stripping down, allowing her to study his body as he removed each piece of clothing.

  God in Heaven!

  She had married perfection. His arms and legs looked as if they were sculpted from stone. His muscled chest, covered in a dusting of dark hair that trailed to his flat belly, made her want to run her palms all over it.

  And his manhood stood at attention. Because of her.

  Her confidence rose, knowing the effect she had on him. Merryn gave him a smile.

  “Do I have your approval?” he asked.

  “Oh, yes,” she replied, her words whispered in awe.

  Then she sat up and boldly pulled her chemise over her head.

  Geoffrey gasped. His eyes widened in delight as they swept over her. He offered his hand and she took it. He eased her off the bed.

  “Do I please you?” she asked quietly, hoping she did.

  He caught her up in his arms. “Oh, Merryn. My wife. My life. My most precious gift.”

  This time his kiss filled her with excitement. She pressed against him, her breasts aching. Somehow, they wound up on the bed again. He took her breast into his mouth, his tongue encircling her nipple till it pebbled in need. His teeth nipped her sensitive skin. Each touch made the throbbing in her lower region more intense.

  “I need you, Geoffrey. Inside me. Now.”

  He stroked between her legs, his fingers parting her folds. Her breath became ragged as his touch became more intimate. One finger entered her. Then another. She became crazed with need.

  “Your juices flow for me, my love.”

  Geoffrey left no part of her body unexplored. Merryn writhed under his touch, her breath coming in short spurts, her hips rising without thought.

  Then, warmth exploded inside her, like the sun’s rays spreading. Waves of pleasure rolled through her. His fingers left and she found herself filled again. One deep thrust brought a moment of hurt, then he began to move within her.

  Geoffrey pushed in and out, slowly at first, then he increased his speed. Intense feelings of pleasure like before returned. Merryn brought her arms around him, running her nails along his back, her hips rising and meeting his every thrust.

  Another round of pleasure came, more fervent than the first. She clung to him, her nails digging into his flesh.

  Merryn floated back to earth. Geoffrey made a satisfied sound and collapsed on top of her. She welcomed the feel of his weight, his flesh against hers.

  He rolled over to his side, taking her with him. They now faced one another. Geoffrey gave her a soft, long kiss and cradled her in his arms. Merryn’s cheek rested against his chest, her fingers toying with the dark hair there.

  He kissed the top of her head.

  “I rather enjoy being married, Geoffrey.”

  He chuckled. “I do, too, my sweet.”

  Chapter 6

  Geoffrey awakened and found his arms around Merryn, his hands splayed against her belly as she nestled close to him. Her glorious curls spilled about them. He inhaled and caught the scent of rosemary that lingered in her hair.

  After one night of wedded bliss, he didn’t know how other men could survive when love didn’t bloom from the first day. He looked forward to the many nights of love play that they would share in the coming years.

  He thought about their wedding night together. How perfect a fit they were. How right everything felt. Geoffrey thanked the Blessed Lord that He’d brought the two of them together as husband and wife.

  They’d been awake most of the night, dozing briefly between bouts of lovemaking. He’d put Merryn’s pleasure above his own needs, wanting to please her in every way he knew how.

  Once her initial shyness had passed, she’d surprised him by taking the lead. This bold side of her thrilled him. He knew as they became more comfortable with one another, her confidence in her marital skills would increase.

  He’d never do anything to hurt this remarkable woman. Geoffrey would dedicate every day to her protection and happiness.

  That included keeping quiet about what had happened with Barrett in France.

  Merryn found the scar on his right calf as she’d explored his body. She questioned him about the injury. He laughed it off as being a consequence of battle, a mere scratch that never bothered him since it had healed. He did not want her to discover that Barrett had cut him during the fight before the Black Prince.

  When Lord Berold returned to Winterbourne, he was a man who would forbid negative talk about his son. He would claim Barrett died a hero and no one would contradict him. Unlike the gossip that might circulate through court, Geoffrey doubted word would ever reach Merryn that Barrett was an executed traitor.

  Geoffrey would keep his role in Barrett’s death a secret. Justice had been served. Geoffrey wanted to focus on his future with the most beautiful woman in England.

  Merryn had kissed the length of the scar and swore she’d never allow him to go into battle again—even if she had to petition the king herself. He could see her now, boldly riding Destiny to London, hell-bent on an audience with Edward. Geoffrey basked in the joy of his wife’s deep love for him.

  She finally stirred in his arms. Desire rushed through him. He thought of the hunt his father had planned for later today. The wedding guests would participate.

  But hunting was the last thing on Geoffrey’s mind.

  He refused to be separated from Merryn for the hours the hunt would take. He decided to invite her, but then he doubted she would enjoy it. His bride had a tender heart where animals were concerned. He remembered upon his return how he’d told her of the English bowmen who’d shot the horses of the French bastards out from under them. She couldn’t hide her sadness from him.

  Because she was sensitive to any talk about the war, he’d avoided mentioning it in her presence. Instead, he’d shared tales of camp with her, describing different soldiers he’d met and telling amusing stories. Geoffrey hoped he would never go to war again, for it would mean leaving Merryn behind.

  He didn’t know if he had the strength to do so.

  She sighed and began to stretch, pushing back against him. He traced circles over her soft skin, then stroked her breast, teasing the nipple. Merryn’s soft whimper excited him.

  His other hand slipped lower and began stroking her womanhood. More pleasure noises sounded in the back of her throat. His lips brushed her shoulder. Her soft skin was smooth. He nibbled his way up to her throat and ear. It hadn’t taken long to discover that Merryn’s ears were her weak spot.

  As a soldier, he was trained to take advantage of any weakness. And he did.

  Geoffrey made love to her slowly, wishing the moment could last forever. He sank into her, loving the catch in her breath, how her eyes opened wide, and the smile of satisfaction that played upon her lips as she came.

  Spent, he pulled out and fell to his back. Merryn draped her body over him, her leg over his, her hands resting atop one another on his chest as she placed her chin upon them and studied him.

  “Did I wear you out?” he asked.

  “I’m not sure,” she said, a teasing glint in her sapphire eyes. “Mayhap we should do the same tonight and then compare in the morning. I know what I feel like today. I can see how I feel on the morrow. Then I shall decide if I’m worn out or not.”

  He laughed aloud. Life with this woman would never be
dull.

  “Do you think we might stay in bed all day?” she asked, a hopeful look crossing her face. “I’ve realized that skill only grows with practice. I fear I will need much practice before I am satisfied with myself.”

  He pinched her bottom playfully and she yelped.

  “I wish we could, but Father has a hunt planned for today.”

  Merryn frowned.

  “I think we should head to mass and break our fast.” Geoffrey entwined his fingers with hers. “I want you to go with me instead of remaining behind.”

  Her nose wrinkled. “I’m not much for a hunt. My heart goes out to the animal being chased.”

  “Well, I’m not leaving you at Kinwick. For all I know, you’d find some stable boy or stray wedding guest to practice your love skills on.”

  His new wife punched him hard on his shoulder. “Geoffrey. You are wicked, indeed.”

  He moved her aside and climbed from the bed. “I will leave you to your ministrations. Your clothes from Wellbury have been moved to that chest. I shall meet you in the chapel. And we will go on the hunt together.”

  He captured her hand and kissed her knuckles. Then he dressed and left the room, heading straight to the kitchens.

  He found Cook, already busy with preparations for the day. He gave her a hug and kissed her cheek. The old woman blushed as red as Merryn could.

  “I must thank you for the wonderful wedding feast you prepared.”

  “I thank you, my lord. Nothing is too good for you and Lady Merryn.”

  “I have a favor to ask.”

  “Name it, my lord. I’ll do my best.”

  Geoffrey explained how he wanted to steal his wife away during the hunt.

  “Just the two of us, you see. Simple fare is all we need. A small round of cheese. Some bread.”

  “I’ll take care of it. Come back before the hunt begins. There’ll be a sack waiting.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.”

  “’Tis a pleasure, my lord.”

  Geoffrey hoped the November day would be as sunny and cool as yesterday. He made his way from the kitchens and through the great hall. Several men greeted him.