Knights of Honor Books 1-10: A Medieval Romance Series Bundle

by Alexa Aston

  Raynor broke the kiss and pulled her to her feet. “Come. We must hurry. I’ve checked the great hall and everyone has bedded down. We need to watch, though, for anyone that may roam the halls.”

  They quietly exited her bedchamber and found the dimly lit corridor empty. Luck was with them. They passed no one as they left the keep and crossed the inner bailey to the chapel. Beatrice made out three figures lurking in the shadows at its door. One had to be Father Bernard. As they drew closer, she recognized Shem, the steward, and the healer she had spoken to earlier.

  The priest greeted them. “These two will serve as witnesses to your union.”

  Both gave them friendly smiles. Beatrice knew they risked Edwin Stollers’ wrath with their presence tonight. If he learned of their participation, she could only guess at what their punishment might be.

  Father Bernard spoke briefly of the sacrament of marriage, then he had them repeat their vows. Raynor’s voice was strong and sure as he gazed into her eyes. Beatrice repeated the identical words, binding her to this knight for all time.

  The priest asked if Raynor had a ring to give his bride.

  “Nay, Father. I didn’t know when I left Ashcroft that I would be marrying the love of my life.” He gave her an apologetic yet tender look. “But I plan to purchase one as we journey home. I will have it blessed.”

  Before the priest could continue with the ceremony, Beatrice spoke up. “Wait, Father.” She pulled out the ruby ring from her pocket and held it up.

  “This ring was my mother’s wedding ring, a gift from my father. If you would bless it, ’twould be a symbol of our love for one another and a daily reminder of the brief happiness my parents experienced.”

  She handed the ring to Father Bernard for his blessing. The priest did so and then passed it to Raynor. He slipped it on her finger, repeating after the priest his intentions to love and honor her always.

  “You are now joined in holy matrimony in the eyes of God and those of man,” the priest intoned. He nodded to Raynor. “You may now kiss your bride, my lord.”

  Raynor needed no further urging. He drew her to him and gave her the slowest, sweetest kiss she’d received from him. Beatrice marveled that she was now this loving man’s wife. She swore to herself that not only would she honor, respect, and love him till her dying day but also protect him from all harm.

  “Usually, we’d go into the chapel for mass at this point,” Father Bernard said, “but given the late hour, I believe we should return to our beds. Have no worries. You are married.”

  “I can’t thank you enough, Father, or our two witnesses, for honoring my request to see that we were wed before we leave for Ashcroft.” Raynor looked at the healer and steward. “I hope we haven’t endangered you. Know that you have our gratitude.”

  “Sir Henry would have been pleased with your marriage,” Shem said. “It’s worth the risk we take. We also know things will change at Brookhaven with his passing—and not for the better.”

  “I wish I could offer you each a place at Ashcroft,” Raynor replied, “but I’m not at liberty to do so. My older brother is its baron.”

  “No worries, my lord,” the healer said, “but if you ever find a need, send for us. Shem and I would be happy to come south and make our home elsewhere.”

  Father Bernard excused himself and went inside the chapel. The others walked back to the keep and silently entered. They tiptoed past the great hall. Beatrice and Raynor gave a wave and turned to ascend the stairs.

  Raynor led her back to her room. He followed her inside and locked the door. A single candle burned in the bedchamber. Beatrice looked up at her new husband and found Raynor drinking her in. She shivered in anticipation of what would come next.

  He took her hands in his and threaded their fingers together. “You have nothing to fear, love.”

  “I’m not afraid,” she replied. “Nervous? Somewhat. But I trust you.”

  “Did . . . did your lady mother tell you anything of the marriage bed?”

  “Nay. Her last years were spent in poor health. She did not speak much. Frankly, I never gave marriage a thought. I think Grandfather may have been considering a match for me before he died, but I’ll never know.” She smiled. “I do know that he would’ve approved of you, Raynor. You’re everything that Grandfather respected in a man.”

  “I hope so.” He led her to the bed. “Remember, what passes between a man and woman is sacred. I will cherish you always, Beatrice. I hope to make you happy.”

  She gazed up at him, her heart bursting with love. “You already have.”

  He gave her a deep kiss. Beatrice couldn’t imagine being happier than in this moment, sharing a kiss with her new husband.

  Raynor stroked her face tenderly. “We may be legally wed, but we must consummate our marriage to make it official. To do that, I need to rid you of all these layers of clothing.”

  He removed her cotehardie and then lifted her kirtle and smock from her, gazing down at her in wonder.

  “By the Christ, Beatrice, you are lovely. I am in awe of your beauty.” His hands cupped her breasts as he gave her a lingering kiss.

  As his fingers kneaded her, a pulsing ache began inside. Beatrice gripped his waist. He broke the kiss and trailed his tongue down the slender column of her throat, all the way to her bare belly, bringing new sensations that she longed to explore. Then he knelt and removed her shoes and hose.

  She now stood unclothed before him.

  Raynor swept her into his arms and placed her gently on the bed. He quickly stripped off his own clothing. Beatrice stared in awe as he stood before her, naked in the flickering candlelight. His shoulders looked even broader than before. A mat of hair on his broad, muscular chest ran down to a flat belly and beyond. His manhood now stood at attention. She swallowed, surprised by the size of it and having no idea what came next.

  “Are you pleased at what you see?” he asked.

  Overcome with emotion, Beatrice only nodded.

  “Rise from the bed,” he said. “I want to turn back the bedclothes.”

  She scrambled off. Together, they eased the covers back and slipped into the bed. Raynor drew the sheet over them and then faced her as they both lay on their sides.

  “May I loosen your braid?” he asked. “I would love to see your hair unbound.”

  Lifting the long braid, she watched as he undid the ribbon that anchored it in place. Slowly, he parted the pieces, unraveling them until her hair fell to her waist. His fingers ran from her scalp to the ends, over and over. She stretched sensually, satisfied by his touch.

  Then he nuzzled her neck and ear, his breath warm against her skin. The ache within her turned into a throb. The throbbing began a primordial beat within her. It built as his hands caressed her breasts, then the curve of her hip, and skimmed along her thighs. Slowly, he parted her legs and touched her at their apex. She gasped in shock as he thrust a finger inside and began stroking her slowly, instant pleasure radiating within her.

  “Oh. My.” Her breathing began to quicken.

  Little flutters danced in her stomach. The throbbing beat stronger and harder as another finger entered her and he moved it more quickly. He kissed her again, his tongue imitating the movement of his fingers. Beatrice found it hard to breathe. Her hands went to his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin. His kiss grew more demanding as his hand worked its magic.

  Then a quivering began deep inside her. It built until a sudden explosion of sensations erupted and spread through her, warm as sunshine. Beatrice arched her back as Raynor’s mouth moved to her throat, nipping in tiny love bites as his fingers kept up their steady motion. She dug her nails deeper into his back as wave after wave of pleasure rippled through her. She cried out, but his mouth quickly covered hers, silencing the noise as she rode the undulating wave through the storm of pleasure.

  Exhausted, her hands fell from his shoulders. She lay limply on the bed as he hovered over her. Their eyes met.

  “What I do, I
must do quickly,” he whispered.

  Before she could reply, he removed his fingers from her and replaced them with his manhood. With one push, all the beauty of the moment vanished. Once again, Raynor’s mouth kept her from making a sound. He continued to kiss her but held still within her.

  Beatrice felt the driving need begin to build within her again.

  “’Twill never hurt in the future, my love,” he assured her. “I had to break through your maidenhead, but now you will only find pleasure in what we do.”

  She could feel him pulsating within her. Slowly, he began to move, in and out.

  He was right. The brief moment of pain had vanished, replaced by a hunger she’d never known. Each thrust filled her. She clung to him, drawing him deeper. The rocking became faster, harder, more intense. Once more, Beatrice held on for dear life.

  The pleasure intensified, even greater than before. As it peaked, she sensed something within him did, as well. Their mouths joined as their bodies had and she felt as if they truly became one.

  Spent, he collapsed upon her. She welcomed the feel of him, before he rolled to his side. Raynor stroked her face.

  “I love you,” she said.

  “And I love you.” He brought his arms about her and cradled her tenderly. Her last waking thought was how much she loved this bold, daring knight.

  *

  Raynor awoke, a feeling of contentment immediately filling him. He looked down at the amazing woman nestled within his arms. She stirred slightly as he brought her closer. He kissed the top of her head and returned his head to the pillow.

  What a night they had spent. The first time they’d made love, he was mindful of her virginity. He knew he had pleasured her. Twice more during the night they had joined, each time more satisfying than the one before. Though he had few worldly goods, Raynor was rich in love for this exquisite creature.

  Running a hand through her dark brown locks, he fingered the silky strand at the end. Only married for a few hours, love already burst from him. Was it possible to love Beatrice more than he did at this moment? Then he thought to the time when his babe would fill her belly. As the years went by and she gave him sons and daughters, Raynor knew his heart would swell with the love that would grow each day between them.

  Raynor brought a hand to her breast and teased the nipple with his thumb. Beatrice moaned softly. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open. She turned and gazed up at him sleepily.

  “Good morning, Wife,” he said. The use of the word brought him immense satisfaction. His thumb grazed her nipple again and she shuddered, another moan slipping from her lips.

  Beatrice reached for his cheek and brushed her fingers across it. “Good morning, Husband,” she murmured, her voice low and throaty.

  Just the sound of her voice and the feel of her in his arms made him want her again. Hot desire flooded him. He pressed his lips to her temple while his fingers skimmed down, splaying across her bare belly, hoping his seed already grew within her.

  Then he remembered the gift he had for her. Slipping from the bed despite her protests, he found where he’d left his clothes and pulled the blue garter from his pocket.

  Bringing it back to the bed, he smiled and slid the blue band over her foot, past her trim ankle, and up her shapely calf to rest above her knee.

  Beatrice eyed it with curiosity. “What is this?”

  “It’s a garter, my love, a very special one. It came from Geoffrey and Merryn’s wedding many years ago.” His hand stroked her bare leg. “I’ve always kept it with me. I waited all this time to give it to the woman who stole my heart. It’s a symbol of my affection and faithfulness.”

  “Then I plan to wear it always.” She broke out in a brilliant smile. “And I’ll give it to our oldest daughter on her wedding day.”

  He drew her close and kissed her passionately.

  A harsh knock sounded at the door. Raynor’s hand immediately flew to Beatrice’s mouth to silence the gasp she uttered.

  “It’s locked,” he whispered. “Go. Speak through the door but allow no servant inside.”

  He lifted the bedclothes back and watched her walk to the door.

  As she reached it, another knock sounded. “Lady Beatrice! Are you there?”

  She swung around to face him, a look of alarm on her face. Edwin Stollers stood on the other side of that door.

  “Answer him,” mouthed Raynor.

  “I’m sorry, my lord. I was asleep. Your knock woke me,” she called out. She placed her hands against the door, pushing against it as if she tried to keep Stollers out.

  “I thought I’d escort you to morning mass.”

  “I . . . I am not even dressed, my lord. I . . . I must have been exhausted to still be asleep.”

  “Then I’ll return after mass and take you to the great hall to break your fast. I must speak with you on a most important matter.”

  “All right. I’ll see you then.”

  Raynor had not realized how late the hour grew. He’d wanted to be dressed and gone from Brookhaven by this point. Now they would need to make an appearance before they left.

  Beatrice hurried back to the bed and climbed in. She curled against him, her body trembling in fear.

  “What if he knows?”

  He lifted her chin till their eyes met. “He couldn’t. And even if he did, it’s done. He might covet you, sweetheart, but Edwin Stollers will never possess you.”

  She buried her face against his bare chest. “He frightens me, Raynor.”

  He allowed her to stay within the safety of his arms for a few minutes before he pulled away.

  “I must return to my chamber. You need to dress and be prepared for when he returns. I’ll see you downstairs.” He gave her a swift kiss and rose from the bed.

  Beatrice pushed back the covers and stood. Then he watched her gaze fall to the bed. She gasped.

  “It’s only blood, dearest. It came from when I pushed through your maidenhead.”

  “But what if he sees it?” she said, panic sounding in her voice.

  “He won’t. But if he did, merely tell him it was the start of your monthly courses.”

  Her mouth fell open. “You know of such things?” she asked.

  Raynor laughed. “I had two sisters. Two very talkative sisters. It was hard not to hear their complaints when they reached womanhood. They rued the day they were not born men.”

  She chuckled. “I can’t imagine having that conversation where a brother could hear.”

  He put his arms around her. “I hope you will hear many of those conversations between brothers and sisters, for I wish us to have five sons and five daughters. No, make it six sons and four daughters.”

  Beatrice laughed aloud. “It’s my fondest wish to have many children, Raynor. I hated being an only child. I spent so much time alone.”

  He gave her a kiss. “You’ll never be alone again, love. You’ll always have me.” Though he wanted to stay and make love to her again, they couldn’t waste any more time. He dressed hurriedly and she did the same.

  “I’ll meet you in the great hall. Bring only your lute. We’ll depart after we break our fast.”

  Raynor opened the door and cast a glance back at the woman who’d changed his life. He stepped into the corridor and shut the door behind him. As he turned, a soldier blocked his way. The man slammed a quarterstaff into Raynor’s midsection. He doubled over, the breath knocked from him. Then someone struck his head with great force. Raynor fell to his knees as the world went dark.

  Chapter 23

  Cold water hit Raynor square in the face and he leapt to his feet. Immediately, a chill enfolded him. He’d felt that same chill before—when he’d gone to the dungeon at Kinwick and found Geoffrey de Montfort locked inside a cell.

  Someone stood before him, on the other side of the iron bars between them.

  Edwin Stollers.

  Raynor took two steps forward and grasped the bars that imprisoned him in the tiny space. He kept silent, waiting to hear w
hat kind of game the nobleman played.

  Stollers looked amused. “What? No questions? Are you all brawn and no brains, Le Roux?”

  He ignored the taunts, not rising to the bait the nobleman dangled. Though Raynor would love to shout at the bastard to burn in Hell, the new Baron of Brookhaven had the upper hand at the moment.

  “I’m sorry you didn’t appreciate my hospitality. I know you planned to depart today, but I’d prefer you remain my guest for a while. Below stairs.” Stollers smiled. “I’ll care for Lady Beatrice above stairs, however.”

  Raynor’s grip tightened on the bars. This brash fool would have his guts spilled soon enough. He exercised patience as he glared at his captor.

  “You know, I voided my betrothal contract with that plain cow that arrived yesterday because I was so taken with Lady Beatrice. The lady is beautiful beyond compare, so I plan to wed her.” He laughed. “I’ll be the envy of every man who sets foot inside Brookhaven. And I have you to thank for delivering her to my doorstep, Le Roux. Why, even Grandfather would have approved of Beatrice as my bride, not only because of her gentle breeding, but for her sweet nature. At times, she’s a little too spirited for my tastes—but like a wild stallion, I’ll break her.”

  The young nobleman took a step toward the bars. “I’ve already enjoyed a kiss with her, and I look forward to tasting her. Every part of her.”

  Raynor finally spoke. “Then why keep me here, my lord? I’ve brought her to Brookhaven as I pledged to do. I was to see her safe and settled. It’s time I return to Ashcroft, my family home, since my brother hasn’t been well. At this time of year, I need to supervise the slaughtering of game and winterizing the cottages on our estate.”

  Stollers frowned in confusion. “I thought you were leaving today with the lady in tow.”

  Raynor must be careful. He walked a fine line now and Stollers had all the power.

  “Lady Beatrice came to Brookhaven at Sir Henry’s invitation. With his death, she believes she has no place here. I agreed to take her back to Ashcroft with me for the time being since she requested I do so.”