by Alexa Aston
Without warning, she longed for children as bright and lively as these three. Ones that would look like Michael and her as they matured. Her face grew warm at the thought.
Why was she so taken by a man who was practically a stranger?
Elysande noticed people began seating themselves and suggested they head to the dais for the meal. Alys took her hand and had them skipping along as she chattered away.
They reached their seats and the service began. While she ate, Elysande’s eyes searched the great hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of Michael. She spotted a table full of knights unfamiliar to her and assumed these were her uncle’s men. Then she knew Michael was there because her heart began to beat erratically.
His back was to her, but she would know those broad shoulders and dark hair anywhere. She found it difficult to swallow another bite because of the fluttering in her stomach.
“This venison is so tender,” Merryn said, drawing Elysande back to the guests that surrounded her.
She was determined to concentrate on the meal and her new kin. Elysande thought she did a decent job of both.
Even if her eyes wandered upon occasion to the table of knights on the far left of the great hall.
*
“Slow down, Michael. You want to leave enough for the rest of us,” Hammond teased.
Michael shrugged. “I missed the noon meal, my friend. I must make up for lost time and food. Or so my stomach tells me.” He tore off a hunk of bread and popped it into his mouth.
“Where were you? I didn’t see you after we left the stables. You missed some delicious rosemary bread and cold ale, as well as a sumptuous meal.”
“I was needed in the stables.” Michael stabbed another bite of the venison with his dirk and chewed away.
“Was there a problem with one of the horses?” Hammond asked. “I know how carefully you inspect each one after being on the road.”
He swallowed. “Nay. Not a problem. I did make sure all the shoes still fit firmly and that each horse had its fill of oats. But a . . . situation came up.”
Hammond laughed. “’Tis one involving a pretty maid by the dreamy look on your face.”
Michael froze. Did his face truly reveal the longings he had for the unnamed woman?
He’d looked around for her as he’d entered the great hall, assuming she must be one of the serving wenches. Lady Avelyn had strongly rebuked her for missing much of the day inside the keep, especially since guests had arrived at Hopeston. He supposed she’d been derelict in her cleaning or kitchen duties while she’d spent the daylight hours with the foaling dam.
But he hadn’t spotted her, and now the meal drew to a close. Poor thing. She was probably being punished by doing the lowest menial task in the kitchen and would have to eat later.
It did cause him to wonder, though. With Morningstar so close to giving birth, why hadn’t her father—or one of the other grooms—been available to help her? Or even come with a watchful eye as the horse gave birth?
Michael determined to find her once the meal was cleared away. He had yet to learn her name.
And he wanted to learn even more than that. He longed to wrap the woman in his arms. Drown in her scent. Kiss her senseless. Drive his shaft into her and make her his.
He turned to his companion. While he shared most things with his closest friend, he was not ready to go so far as to tell Hammond he was ready to commit to a woman in holy wedlock. He feared his friend would try to talk him out of such a rash decision.
Michael realized that marrying a lowly servant girl would be frowned upon for the future Earl of Sandbourne. Yet no one, save for Lord Geoffrey, knew he was to inherit the lofty title one day. He’d gained his knighthood under Sir Lovel, but when he came to Kinwick, Michael decided not to share what his future held with those he encountered. He was a stranger to all but his liege lord. The knights in service to Lord Geoffrey hadn’t a clue they toiled beside a future earl. He’d asked Lord Geoffrey to keep his secret and knew no one had learned of it.
Frankly, he didn’t care if the woman was highborn or low. Desire for her filled him like never before. When they eventually returned to Sandbourne, no one need even know her father had worked in the stables and she herself served those at Hopeston Castle. As earl, he could marry any woman he pleased. His father hadn’t betrothed him to anyone before he left Sandbourne at the tender age of eight. He would marry this woman and bring the bride of his choosing to his home.
Once his father was gone for good.
Michael turned to Hammond. “As a matter of fact, the situation did involve a woman.” He smiled. “A very pretty one, at that.”
Hammond slammed a fist upon the table. “I knew it. You have all the luck with the fairer sex, my friend.”
He sighed. “Actually, she put me to work for the entire day. A dam was ready to deliver, and she required my assistance. We spent the entire day with the horse, watching her foal.” He smiled. “’Twas quite interesting since I’d never witnessed it before. Almost like a miracle.”
Hammond nodded. “I’ve watched a horse give birth before. I found it hard to believe that so soon after, the foal could stand on its own.”
Michael rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “This one took a few times to gain his balance, but once on his feet? He was sturdy and true.” He leaned in. “She invited me to return to the stables tonight after we supped, so we could check on the mother and foal together.”
His friend’s eyebrows shot up. “Hmm. I wonder what else you might investigate while together.”
“I plan to go hunt for her now and find out.”
As he came to his feet, he found Lord Geoffrey approaching him.
“Is all well, Michael?” he asked. “I missed seeing you after our arrival.”
“No problems, my lord. I gave a hand in the Hopeston stables, is all. I assisted with a dam that foaled a fine little horse.”
Geoffrey’s eyes gleamed. “Did you?” He chuckled. “You’ve come a long way from your early days with Sir Lovel, my friend. I remember when you weren’t overly fond of horses.”
Michael shrugged. “Things change, my lord. I’m glad I grew up and have become the man I am and not that pudgy lad who was slow at everything a page was required to do.”
The nobleman laid a hand on his shoulder. “You are the best of men, Michael. I’m pleased that you’re in my service.” His hand squeezed Michael’s shoulder in affection. “But come with me. I would have you meet my sister Mary and my nieces.” A shadow crossed his face. “And our host.”
They crossed the great hall as groups of people returned the trestle tables to the sides of the large room. As they drew near, Michael saw Lady Avelyn in conversation with Lady Merryn and an older woman he supposed was Geoffrey’s sister.
“Ladies, I would like you to meet one of my finest knights. Sir Michael Devereux, my sister, Lady Mary, and one of my two nieces, Lady Avelyn.”
Michael bowed. “’Tis a pleasure to accompany Lord Geoffrey and Lady Merryn to Hopeston, Lady Mary.” He looked to the younger woman. “And a pleasure to see you again, my lady.”
“We met earlier. In the stables,” Avelyn explained to the others. “Thank you for your help with Morningstar. Elysande loves that horse as much as she does her own flesh and blood.”
Elysande.
At least he had a name for his future wife. And he liked it. Quite a bit. He couldn’t wait to address her by name and hear it flow from his tongue.
Just then, Hal came running up to him, being chased by Alys and a woman behind her.
“Michael! Michael!”
He scooped the boy into his arms. “How’s my little man?” he asked, tickling Hal under the chin. The boy giggled and squirmed.
Then he sensed eyes upon him. Michael looked up.
Elysande stood a few feet in front of him. His mouth went dry as he gazed upon her.
But his mind tried to understand what he saw.
She wore a cotehardie of palest cream, embroidered
with a rich emerald green. A delicate gold cross hung about her neck, emphasizing its slenderness. She reminded him of a graceful swan.
This was no servant. This beauty, out of her boyish pants and faded tunic, was all woman—and one highborn.
Michael realized, in that moment, that Elysande was Geoffrey’s other niece. The thought pleased him tremendously. He believed Geoffrey would offer whatever support he might need in winning Elysande’s hand.
“Ah, Sir Michael, here is my errant daughter, who neglected to greet her family and guests,” Lady Mary said.
Elysande’s sunny smile lit up the room. At the same time, it pushed everyone but her from his vision. Michael’s heart pounded so quickly, he felt as if he’d run a thousand steps in an instant.
“I’m afraid I didn’t properly thank you for your help today, Sir Michael.” Elysande turned to her mother. “This gallant knight helped me with Morningstar and her new foal,” she shared, “though he merely introduced himself to me as Michael.”
Lady Mary nodded graciously to him. “Thank you, good sir. I’m glad my daughter had your help. She usually is quite headstrong and refuses for anyone to aid her in these matters.” She looked back to her daughter. “At least Morningstar gave birth before your wedding, my dear. Now you won’t have to worry about her being left behind when you and Hendry travel north next week.”
Michael felt as if he’d been stabbed in the gut. His eyes cut to Avelyn and back to Elysande. It wasn’t Lady Avelyn who was to wed later this week.
’Twas Lady Elysande.
Chapter 5
Elysande heard her mother’s words. They brought her crashing back to a painful reality.
She had watched her uncle when he went to address his knights as she and Alys playfully chased Hal about. When he led Michael over to meet her family, she gazed at him from afar. He was everything she would want in a man. Intelligent. Kind. Interesting.
And simply looking at him made her go weak in the knees. She stood on shaky legs, just as Morningstar’s new foal.
God in Heaven, she wanted this man—and no other. Especially not Hendry.
Her small cousin took off in a blur. Both she and Alys gave chase. Hal ran toward Michael, calling his name, his chubby arms outstretched. She watched as the knight broke into a wide grin and lifted the babe high in his arms. Michael looked so happy, so right, with the child nestled close to him. As if were born to be a father.
Then their eyes had met, and Elysande drew in a quick breath. She could have spent an eternity gazing at his chiseled face. She’d never pictured the Archangel Michael as dark, but this man appeared to have fallen to earth from the heavens high above. She drank him in, a smile immediately forming on her lips.
Her mother ruined any fantasy she had begun to spin in her mind by bringing up her approaching wedding to Hendry.
Elysande watched the stunned look cross Michael’s face before it quickly disappeared. If she hadn’t been studying him so closely, she would have missed it. In an instant, she realized that he’d believed Avelyn was the bride-to-be.
And had thought her free.
A thrill rushed through her. Deep within her, Elysande knew this knight was as drawn to her as she was to him.
But nothing could come of their attraction. A betrothal was as good as a marriage. In the sight of God Almighty, she was already a wife to Hendry.
Yet her heart cried out for justice. To meet the man she longed to spend the rest of her life with only days before she wed another? It was a cruel trick on Fate’s part.
Elysande threw caution to the wind. “Sir Michael, do you remember that you promised you would return to the stables with me after we dined to check on Morningstar and her foal?”
He nodded stiffly. “I did tell you so, my lady.”
“Would you care to accompany me now? I’ve been thinking of names for the foal. Mayhap you can help me decide upon one.”
“Of course.” Michael handed Hal to Geoffrey and looked at their circle. “If you would excuse us?”
“I want to go,” Alys chimed in. “I love horses.”
Elysande bit her lip. Oh, this wouldn’t do at all. She wanted a few moments alone with Michael.
Merryn caught her eye. Her brows raised slightly, as if she asked an unspoken question. Elysande gave her a tiny nod, hoping her new aunt might understand.
“I think you’ve had a very long day, Alys. Find Ancel. I would see all of my children put to bed so that you get a good night’s sleep.”
“But Mother—”
“No buts, my sweet.” Merryn looked toward Elysande. “Mayhap you would take the children to the stables sometime tomorrow and introduce them to your newly-named foal.”
Elysande relaxed. “I would enjoy doing so, Lady Aunt.”
“You must promise,” Alys said solemnly.
Elysande fought back a smile and looked as serious as she could. “I will, indeed. The foal might be a bit shy and Morningstar a tad possessive, but I’ll be happy to show both of them off to my new cousins in the morning.”
Alys smiled and skipped off in search of her brother. Hal wiggled in Geoffrey’s arms.
“Do not even think of letting him loose,” Merryn warned her husband. “Let’s take the children upstairs. We’ll see all of you on the morrow at mass. Good night.” She and Geoffrey left those gathered.
Michael held an arm out to her. “My lady?”
Elysande placed her hand atop it. She stiffened her legs with resolve, determined not to collapse and embarrass herself. She wished her mother, Avelyn, and the silent Lord Holger a good evening and allowed Michael to lead her from the noise in the great hall.
At the door, he lit a lantern to light their way. They didn’t speak as they exited the keep and went toward the stable. A cool wind stirred the night air about them. Elysande shivered.
“Are you cold, my lady? We can return to the keep for a cloak.”
“Nay. We’re too close to our destination. Besides, I am eager to see my little loves.”
“Then we’ll hurry.”
They reached the stables. Her fingers tightened slightly on his arm. They had arrived. She should let go. But the warmth emanating below her fingers made her reluctant to do so. Elysande decided to allow her hand to remain on his arm a few moments longer until they reached the stall.
Michael greeted a few of the horses by name as they passed. He stopped a moment and looked down at her.
“My lady, since you are one who enjoys horses, I would like to introduce you to Tempest. We’ve been close companions since I was a young boy.”
The horse, whose mane proved even darker than his master’s hair, leaned his head over the stall door. She moved forward and stroked the silky, midnight coat.
“He’s a beauty, Michael.” She realized for propriety’s sake that she should have called him Sir Michael, but it seemed so right addressing him in a more intimate manner.
Michael pulled a carrot from his pocket. Immediately, Tempest perked up and leaned around his new acquaintance, straining to reach his master and the treat.
“Ah, there’s my greedy boy.” He fed the carrot to the horse, who nibbled it daintily. He gave Tempest an affectionate pat. “Shall we continue?”
He offered his arm again. Elysande didn’t hesitate to take it. They walked to the far end of the stable and glanced inside. She saw the foal nursing. She stepped inside the enlarged stall with Michael following closely behind her. He placed the lantern on the ground. Elysande pulled an apple from her pocket and offered it to Morningstar. She gobbled it in an instant.
“Poor thing. She’s been through a long day with the labor. I’ll fetch her some more oats.” Michael left and soon returned with a full bucket.
By then, the foal had come to rest upon the hay. His eyes were closed, a contented look upon his face.
“He looks happy,” Michael noted.
“He does,” she replied softly. She thought a moment. “I think I’ll call him Happy, for I hope all of his futu
re days will be so.”
It pained her to think that the foal’s future—and hers—rested in the north. Soon she would be wed to a stranger and travel far from her loved ones.
Without warning, a sob escaped her lips. Elysande turned away and stepped into the shadows by the wall. She hadn’t meant to show her feelings of despair, much less voice them through tears.
Michael came to her. He grasped her firmly by the elbows and stared into her eyes. His own, the blue so dark they looked almost black in the dim light, searched her face.
His touch had sent a shock through her. A low humming seemed to vibrate between them.
“I know you feel what’s between us,” he said, his voice low, the yearning unmistakable.
“Aye,” she replied, her breath shallow and rapid.
He gave her a crooked smile. “We are but strangers, yet I feel I’ve known you for a lifetime.”
Elysande nodded. “I feel the same way.”
“I never thought to utter these words, but I’m already more than a little in love with you,” he admitted. A sad look crossed his face. “Yet, I now understand from your lady mother that you are the woman who will wed in but a few days’ time. Not Lady Avelyn.”
“Aye.” Her eyes welled with tears. “We have no future, Michael, and, for that, my heart breaks.” A tremble ran through her. “I fear what I’ll become, having never known your touch.”
His hands tightened on her elbows. “And I don’t know how I’ll live through each day to come not having you by my side.” His hands slid up her arms to her shoulders. His fingers caressed her neck.
Elysande boldly told him, “I’ve never been kissed, Michael. ’Twould be my fondest wish for you to be the first man to do so. I would like to hold that memory in my heart for all time.”
He hesitated. She knew if he were a knight of her uncle’s that he must be the most honorable of men. He wouldn’t act in an unchivalrous manner.
But she wanted him. Here. Now. Elysande knew if she did not have his kiss that she might wither and die.