A Dark and Stormy Knight (A Knight's Tale Book 3)

by Diane Darcy

  Gillian chuckled. “I own him lock, stock, and barrel.”

  “Does he know that?”

  “Oh, yes. I tell him all the time.”

  Cara laughed again.

  “It looks like Kellen needs me,” Gillian let go of Cara’s arm. “But remind me to tell you the story of my dowry sometime.”

  “Will do.”

  Cara touched the necklace in her pocket, remembering how Lady Helena had called it a dowry.

  After the tent was up, Wallace waved her over and she quickly left the tree line to join him.

  He looked at her expectantly, utterly male and self-assured. She realized he was waiting for her to comment. Her heart immediately softened. She’d praise this guy until the cow’s came home.

  “Wow, good job! Everything looks wonderful. And so comfortable.”

  As Amelia and Dori came out of the tent. “Mother says you’re to sleep next to me,” Dori informed her.

  “Nay, she is not,” Wallace said. “She is my bride, and shall be at my side.”

  “Mother said —”

  Lady Helena chose that moment to exit the tent. “She’ll sleep between Dori and myself tonight.”

  Wallace left without another word.

  Lady Helena gave her an arch look. “Your betrothment is not official until you’ve given my son your dowry. We may not have much at the moment, including reputation, but strength in an old family name is still worth something. And while Wallace breathes, we still have hope.”

  Cara’s chin lifted at the other woman’s tone. “What are you trying to say?”

  “I would urge you to join our family while you have something to offer, because if the king gives Wallace back his estates, he’ll not forget that you did not trust him when it mattered.”

  Now that just made Cara angry. She didn’t like being told what to do, never had, and even though she’d considered giving him the thing, she now dug her heels in.

  “I’ll give Wallace the necklace when I am good and ready. As far as I’m concerned, our betrothment is between the two of us, and I’ll thank you to let us work it out ourselves.”

  Lady Helena gave her a glare, then ordered servants to help her carry supplies into the tent.

  Cara, aware that she wasn’t wanted or needed, took off after Wallace.

  Seriously? Engaged for less than a day, and mother-in-law issues already?

  Chapter 23

  After everyone was fed, and his mother distracted, Wallace snagged Cara coming around one of the tents, and eased her into the woods behind them.

  “What are you doing?” Her tone was surprised, but also amused, so he continued directing her through a few more trees, until they had some privacy.

  He’d thought to charm her with gallant words, but could not think of any, his wits deserting him.

  No surprise there, his talent lay in fighting, not courting, and suddenly, his hands full of female, his mind utterly blank, he swung her about and knew he would kiss her again, though he should not, had told himself he’d woo her with tender words. Gripping her shoulders, he kissed her.

  The contact made them both moan, and her hands went to his chest, and he swore to himself if she pushed him away, he would step back and beg forgiveness.

  When instead, her hands clutched at his tunic, and that kiss … so unbelievably sweet … her mouth trembling beneath his … even as she rose to her toes, seeming to enjoy the kiss as much as he.

  With another soft moan he pulled her closer against him, her reaction a shock and a pleasure. That she should respond in such a way kept him awake the night before. That she’d agreed to be his, to stay, had kept him in a state of pleasure and disbelief the whole day through.

  Her arms went from his chest to encircle his neck, and his heart thundered so hard, he felt sure she must hear it.

  Her mouth, soft beneath his, and her response all he could hope for, he somehow broke away and hugged her tight, his mouth pressed to her linen-covered shoulder.

  He tried to catch his breath, to will his racing heart to slow. Holding her in his arms throughout the day, acting the gentleman, had left his willpower at a low point.

  Unable to resist, he pulled back and kissed her again, his hands on her waist skimming downward, but when she pulled back, he followed, sliding his hands to her midriff again as they continued to kiss for long moments.

  The feel of her, taste of her, seemed to imprint upon him until the only thing left in his world was her.

  The clearing of a throat nearby, had Wallace immediately breaking away from the kiss, pulling Cara close, shielding her, even as he glanced over his shoulder.

  He could barely make out Lord Marshall in the darkness.

  “Apologies, but your mother has asked me to fetch you both.” He didn’t sound thrilled with the task, and quickly made his way through the tents.

  He glanced down at Cara to see she was smiling in the darkness, could hear her breathing was as uneven as his. “You know that even though you were the one who instigated this, it’ll be another point against me as far as your mother is concerned.”

  “Do not worry about her, I can handle my mother.”

  She made a scoffing noise, “Make sure that you do.”

  Unable to help himself, he gave her one last long kiss, before raising his head once more. “Sleep beside me tonight.”

  With a chuckle she pulled away. “In a tent with your mother and sisters? Not on your life.”

  “Naught will happen, I swear it. I will simply lay beside you.”

  This time she laughed, and started to make her own way back through the trees. “Like I haven’t heard that before.”

  Instant anger overwhelmed him, coming out of nowhere as it did, and he quickly caught her by the elbow and pulled her to a stop.

  “What is it?”

  “Who has asked you to lie beside him before?”

  She tried to read his face in the darkness, and then finally made an exasperated sound. “I don’t know. Ten, twenty, thirty men? A girl loses count after a while.”

  Acid jealousy flared in his gut. “You will name every one of them, and I will make them sorry they were ever born.”

  She turned more fully back to him and placed hands on her hips. “You know, just because a man asks me to sleep beside him in the dark, doesn’t mean that I did. You understand that, right? In fact, tonight, when I’m nestled between your mother and sister, I expect you’ll gain some firsthand knowledge.”

  With a huff that was half laugh, half exasperation, she went back through the trees, leaving him to his confusion.

  His anger dissipated as quickly as it had risen. This business of courting was not without its benefits, but it was more difficult than he’d realized.

  The next day she was once again mounted beside Gillian, discussing the evening’s events. “And then, I slept between his mom and his sister, who drools, by the way, the sister, not the mother. And after they were asleep, he was still whispering to try to get me to come and lay beside him.”

  Gillian laughed. “Men. This century or another, once they see you as theirs, they’re like a dog with a bone.”

  She was looking fondly into the distance, at her own dog, apparently.

  “What are you going to do?” Gillian asked.

  “Help them out the best I can. Honestly, I’m not sure if there’s anything I can do or not, but I’ll give it my best shot.”

  “I’ll help you if I can as well.”

  “Thank you, I appreciate that.”

  It took them most of the day to get to Newcastle, and as they watched it rise up in the distance, Cara was floored.

  It was huge, intimidating, with dark clouds hovering over it, and a castle wall that proclaimed it a fortress.

  Cara found herself gaping at the place, and when they hit the village, the biggest she’d seen, they still had a distance to travel.

  People stopped what they were doing to unabashedly stare, moving aside, pausing in chores, standing in doorways.
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  It was like they were in a parade and she suddenly wished she had candy to throw, as children ran alongside the horses, before being snatched back by parents, only to have that happen again further on down the line.

  The poverty was astonishing, and sad.

  Many didn’t have shoes, the homespun clothing, dresses, vests, tunics, even the hats upon their heads, revealed a simple way of life.

  Cara thought about the opportunities that had been available to her, and tried to keep the pity from her expression.

  “I know what you’re thinking.”

  Cara jerked her gaze to Gillian, hoping the villagers didn’t know as well. “I’m sorry,” she said, realizing this was Gillian’s way of life now too, and not wanting to offend her either.

  “Don’t be. Poverty is always sad. I absolutely love it here, and Kellen has a way of showing me the good things about living in this century. He absolutely loves his people, makes sure everyone is fed, clothed, and well cared for. The positives about living here are simply different from our time.”

  “The simplicity?” Cara ventured.

  “Yes. There is certainly something to be said for that. Even living in a castle, rather than a village, you are struck by the lack of possessions.”

  “Well, I do keep telling myself I need to de-junk my condo.”

  Gillian laughed. “Right? When I went back, I could only take the things I felt I couldn’t live without.”

  Cara’s brows rose. “That would be hard to do. What did you choose?”

  “Books, photos, chocolate.”

  Cara grinned. “A girl after my own heart. Though I notice you didn’t share any of the good stuff when we were at your place.”

  Gillian grinned back. “I barely know you.”

  They were both laughing as they approached the castle gates.

  Wallace was glad Cara had made a friend.

  Not that it seemed hard for her to do, as her vivacious demeanor seemed to welcome all comers.

  Still, having a friend in Lord Marshall’s wife could only benefit their family, and he was well pleased.

  He kept more distance from Cara today, riding beside her only upon occasion, and refraining from dragging her onto his lap. He was already obsessing over her enough as it was.

  He turned his attention to the gates of Newcastle, automatically counting the guards, studying their defenses, and remembering the last tournament he’d attended here.

  He’d won it all. The joust, the knife fight, the sword play.

  It had been a good week for him.

  He wanted to tell Cara of it, impress her, but didn’t know how to tell the tale without coming across a braggart.

  His thoughts returned repeatedly to the night before, the way Cara yielded to him, and he thought it a miracle he’d managed to travel in the right direction throughout the day.

  He inwardly shook himself, needing to pay attention. Newcastle’s inner courtyard was filled with people, and they’d arrived in time for supper, as the doors of the keep were opened, and tables, no doubt because the hall was filled, had been set outside.

  They were directed to the back, shown where they could set up tents for the duration, and their group got to work, stabling horses, making their temporary quarters livable, and then the group of them heading back around to the courtyard to join others for a repast.

  They were gestured inside the keep, as there was now space for new arrivals, many having finished eating, moving inside and out to socialize.

  The king and queen were not at high table, though they may not have eaten with the others in any event.

  They seated themselves and Wallace made sure Cara was at his side.

  She looked around, taking in the crowded room, filled with loud voices, servants, and food, before glancing up at him.

  “Where are the king and queen?”

  “No doubt, come and gone, or they partook upstairs.”

  “That’s okay, I’d actually like to look my best when I see them anyway. Do you think I’ll get the chance to meet them?”

  “I’ve no idea. Depending on their moods and circumstances, we shall see.”

  He grimaced, his face tightening. He didn’t know if he’d have a chance to introduce Cara, but he’d make sure he spoke to the king. That he’d somehow get him to listen.

  He would find a way to reclaim his inheritance.

  And take another shot at seeing Dinsdale dead.

  As they finished eating, the atmosphere in the room took a boisterous turn, and men stacked tables in the back, as a few of the musicians played a lively tune.

  Laughing women were dragged from nearby tables, and soon five couples employed various dance steps, none of them the same, though the inebriated dancers seemed not to care.

  He had things to attend to, but the chance to have Cara in his arms, even for one dance, had Wallace extending his hand. “My lady?”

  She smiled. “You want to dance?”

  “If you will.”

  “Sure,” she took his hand. “Why not?”

  With her smaller, much softer hand in his, he led the way, rounding tables and joining the others.

  When he faced Cara, she gave him a wide, impudent grin. “Now that you have me here, I’ll admit I have no idea how to line dance.”

  Wallace chuckled. “With spirits flowing freely this eve, I’ve my doubts any of this lot will stay upright for the tune.”

  Her face tilted, flirtatious. “If you’re willing to risk it, I’ll follow your lead.”

  Ah. She did not understand yet that he would risk much for her.

  He led her through the steps, and quickly agreed she was not the best of dancers. The fact that she didn’t seem to mind, laughed and enjoyed herself, sparked tenderness within him. She was ever ready to try, and did not care for the opinions of others. It was a rare and remarkably appealing trait.

  They soon managed a repeat of a few steps, and found a rhythm that suited them both.

  He whirled her until she faced him once again, drawing startled laughter from her.

  “You’re very graceful for such a big man.”

  He lowered his lashes in surprise. “I thank you.”

  “Although, I guess next to me, anyone is a good dancer,” she teased, even as she stumbled again.

  He caught her around the waist and laughed in response, unable to deny she lacked skill. She moved well enough, she just seemed unfamiliar with the steps. “I can teach you aught that you need to know,” he assured.

  “Anything?” she winked at him, her tone suggestive.

  This time he was the one who stepped wrong, almost tripping, while she laughed and teased him all the more.

  He righted them both, and led her in the few steps she’d mastered. He gazed down at her, willing to assure her that, aye, he would guide her in all ways, just as the music ended on a flourish.

  Cara watched the other dancers curtsy, and did the same, smiling up at him, looking unbelievably beautiful. Eyes sparkling, skin flushed, her braided mane glinting in candlelight. “Thank you, kind sir.”

  He bowed. “The pleasure was mine.”

  As more dancers crowded the floor, he took her hand and led her away, wishing he could have her to himself, knowing he had business to attend to.

  He did not wish to wait, but in time, and with luck, it might be sooner rather than later, that she would be his.

  Chapter 24

  Everyone was tired by the time they finished supper.

  Lady Helena ushered the girls back to their tent, and Wallace left to go and greet others.

  “I’ll go with you.”

  Wallace looked distracted as he glanced around at the many tents set behind the keep and around the edge of the castle wall. “Nay, you stay here. I’ve business to attend to.”

  A twinge of hurt speared through her at his dismissal as she watched him walk away.

  She sighed. This had to be stressful for him, and she didn’t want to get in the way.

  Besides, s
he was tired from traveling all day, anyway.

  She went inside the tent to join the others, and someone had made up a bed of blankets and furs that the girls were sitting on, and there was another in the corner for Wallace.

  Any hope she’d had for getting a comfortable bed in the castle was dashed, though she could see they wouldn’t have spare rooms with all the people packed into the place.

  Lady Helena moved around her, parted the tent, and called Favian over and handed him a blanket. “Run this to Sir Brooker.”

  “My lady.” The kid took off like a shot.

  “Mother, can we go keep company with the others?”

  “Do not be absurd. The sun is setting, and naught but bad happens after dark.”

  She couldn’t fault Lady Helena’s decision, though looking out the tent flap, she had to admit it did look exciting. People, mostly men, stood around torches that were randomly stuck in the ground, here and there. Tents dotted the area, and with the castle wall snaking around in the background, it was picturesque.

  She wouldn’t mind wandering between the tents herself, and getting a better look around.

  “But, Mother,” Amelia protested.

  “Hush now. There will be plenty of time on the morrow to see and be seen. I want you looking your best in case the queen makes an appearance. Now, ready for bed, and be quick about it.”

  Cara supposed that meant her, as well, and gave one last look around the area. People were gathering, chatting and laughing, and it seemed ridiculous that she was being ordered to bed along with the teenagers.

  On the other hand, she didn’t want to walk around seeming like an idiot on her own. With Wallace at her side it would have been different.

  With a sigh, she let the tent opening drop, and using what little sunlight was left, they all changed into sleeping gowns.

  Cara, wanting to try something new, took the time to plait Amelia’s hair into tight braids.

  “Ow,” the younger girl said when Cara pulled too hard.

  “Beauty is pain. Never forget it,” she responded cheerfully while Dori laughed at her older sister.

  Afterward, she carefully folded her dress and then rolled it up to use as a pillow.