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

by Alexa Aston

  Finding out he would come into a title and great wealth meant little to her, but it would definitely sway her stepfather’s opinion. Elysande whispered a prayer to the Blessed Virgin, hoping that Lord Holger would listen to reason and refuse Lord Ingram’s suit since a younger, more powerful earl wished for her hand in marriage. She couldn’t imagine a reason for her stepfather to refuse, but she wanted to speak to her mother immediately.

  “We need to find my mother,” she told Michael. “Mother is the only one that Lord Holger might listen to.” She glanced about the room. “Over there.”

  Michael steered her toward her mother, who stood with Geoffrey, Merryn, and Avelyn. Elysande caught Merryn’s eye and saw her aunt glow with approval as they approached. Then Geoffrey winked at Elysande. She believed, in that moment, that everything would work out as planned.

  “Mother, I know you have met Sir Michael Devereux.”

  Lady Mary bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement. “Geoffrey and Merryn have shared with me that the two of you have strong feelings for one another. Selfishly, I would keep you close to me, here in the south, rather than see you return to the cold north with a man like Lord Ingram.” She looked Michael over. “And I believe you would treat my Elysande well, young man.”

  “I would, my lady. She is my life and my light,” he said solemnly.

  “Oh, my,” Avelyn exclaimed. “How romantic.”

  Merryn gave Michael a subtle smile. “I did not realize you had such a romantic side to you, Michael. You’ve never revealed it before.”

  He laughed. “Nay, my lady. I had no idea it existed—till Elysande came into my life.” Michael gave Elysande a warm smile that curled her toes.

  “Lord Holger has been closeted with Lord Ingram the past hour,” Geoffrey shared. “I believe ’tis time to interrupt their negotiations. Michael, would you like for me to accompany you? I’m happy to speak for you in this matter or stand aside and simply lend my support as you state your case.”

  Michael nodded. “You would be a strong advocate, my lord. I’d appreciate your presence when I speak to Lord Holger.”

  Michael turned to Elysande and raised her hand to his lips. He pressed a tender kiss upon her fingers. “If you will excuse me?”

  “Of course.” Elysande watched Michael and Geoffrey leave the great hall. She already missed her dashing knight.

  Her mother stepped over and hugged her tightly, then Merryn and Avelyn each embraced her. The three women shared how happy they were for her. Elysande felt as if she drifted through a dream.

  Soon, she and Michael Devereux would be wed.

  *

  Having Lord Geoffrey accompanying him to the negotiations brought a sense of relief to Michael. Though only Michael’s senior by seven years, the nobleman seemed at ease in any situation and would be a strong ally as Michael faced off with Lord Holger and Lord Ingram.

  He led Lord Geoffrey from the great hall and around the corner to the room Elysande had fled from earlier. They came to stand in front of the open door and Michael knocked on the frame.

  “May we come in, Lord Holger?” he asked. Without waiting for the nobleman’s invitation to enter, Michael strolled in, happy to see the frustrated look upon Lord Ingram’s face.

  Apparently, the discussion had not gone well so far.

  Good.

  “What do you want?” Lord Holger demanded, glancing at Michael and then to Lord Geoffrey. “Is my wife curious as to what is taking so long? I will share with Lady Mary in good time what has been decided for her daughter.”

  Michael watched his liege lord close the door and face the two men.

  “Lord Holger.” Geoffrey acknowledged Elysande’s stepfather with a slight nod before looking to Lord Ingram. “My lord, I am Geoffrey de Montfort, brother to Lady Mary.” With his hand, he indicated Michael. “And this is my most trusted knight, Sir Michael Devereux, whom I have known since he was a small boy.”

  “What business have you here?” Lord Ingram demanded, his tone sharp. “I seek privacy while I bargain with Lord Holger for his stepdaughter’s hand.”

  Geoffrey smiled and smoothly said, “’Tis why we have come. Sir Michael also desires to come to the bargaining table and offer for Lady Elysande.”

  “What?” Alarm filled Lord Ingram’s face. He looked Michael up and down, assessing the challenge to his negotiations.

  “My sister is saddened by your son’s death,” Geoffrey continued, “but it gives her the opportunity to plot a different course for her daughter’s life. You see, Mary has grown despondent thinking of Elysande living so far away from her. If my niece married Sir Michael, Elysande could remain in the south, closer to her mother.”

  Lord Holger sniffed. “You may have good intentions regarding my stepdaughter, Sir Michael, but I doubt a mere knight could meet the bridal price that I require from her future husband. Besides, why would I allow my stepdaughter to wed a man in service to her uncle when she could be a countess and mistress of her husband’s castle and holdings? That is possible—if Lord Holger meets my terms, of course.”

  The time had come for Michael to speak. With confidence, he said, “I may be a lowly knight now, my lord, but I am heir to an earldom. In due time, Lady Elysande would be my countess. And Sandbourne is close enough to Hopeston, so that it would be a most desirable place in Lady Mary’s eyes for her daughter to be settled. That way, Lady Mary could visit often and play with her grandchildren. You, too, my lord, would be most welcome.”

  The nobleman’s eyes widened in surprise. “You are the Earl of Sandbourne’s son?”

  “Aye, Lord Holger. His only son. So my father’s title and vast holdings will come to me upon his death.”

  “I know it would please my sister greatly to have Elysande nearby,” Geoffrey added. “I can also vouch for Sir Michael’s good character. He was a fine boy and has grown into a man of honor. My niece could have no better husband than this good knight who stands before you, Lord Holger.”

  “But he’s only a knight,” Lord Ingram pointed out, once again joining the conversation. “It could be years before he gains the title and access to his wealth. I, on the other hand, am quite wealthy now. Lady Elysande would have everything she needed by marrying me—without having to wait.”

  Lord Holger nodded slowly. “’Tis true, Lord Ingram could provide for the girl immediately. He could produce the bridal price immediately. And my stepdaughter would live in the lap of luxury without having to wait months or years.”

  Tension filled Michael. He saw the opportunity of making Elysande his slipping away. He glanced quickly to Lord Geoffrey.

  “The bridal price is no problem,” Geoffrey said. “I can give that to you and have Michael reimburse me when the time comes. The two would live in Kinwick Castle, my home, so my niece would lack for nothing.”

  Gratitude for Lord Geoffrey’s friendship and bold proclamation gave Michael confidence that Lord Holger would finally agree.

  Instead, he heard, “I think not, Geoffrey. I have found my stepdaughter to be too headstrong for her own good and far too outspoken for a woman, much less a female of her age. I think she needs the firm hand of an older man, such as Lord Ingram, in order to teach her discipline. I fear Sir Michael is much too young and would be smitten by her beauty and give in to her every whim.” Holger glanced at Lord Ingram. “Besides, who runs this family? ’Tis not Lady Mary. I do. Not my wife. I refuse to take her wishes into consideration. I need to do what is best for my stepdaughter.”

  Lord Holger glanced around the room. “And that is a union with Lord Ingram.”

  An obstinate look set in Lord Holger’s eyes. Michael’s heart sank. He knew there’d be no reasoning with Elysande’s stepfather. The man had made up his mind and would not budge.

  “Please leave us, gentlemen. Lord Ingram and I must return to our discussion and arrange the future of my stepdaughter.”

  With a wave of defeat leaving a bitter taste in his mouth, Michael strode from the room.

&n
bsp; *

  As the women continued to chat and the men remained closeted, Elysande began to worry.

  “Do you think I should go check on the negotiations with Lord Holger?” she asked. “See what progress has been made?”

  Before anyone replied, Michael and Geoffrey entered the great hall again. Elysande could tell by the looks on their faces that they had no good news to share.

  She rushed to Michael, the others trailing after her. “What happened?”

  His face flushed with anger. “Lord Holger is a fool,” he said simply.

  Panic surged through her. Elysande turned to her uncle.

  “I’m in agreement,” Geoffrey said. “No matter how hard we beseeched him, he refused to consider Michael as your future husband. He finally demanded that we leave so he could continue to hammer out the details of the betrothal contract with Lord Ingram.” Geoffrey gave her a sorrowful look. “I’m truly sorry, Elysande. I fear this time tomorrow you’ll find that you’re a bride to Lord Ingram.”

  “No.” The word came out barely a whisper. The pendulum swung yet again against her. She’d gone from the low of awaiting Hendry’s arrival to the high of hearing of his death. From hearing that Lord Ingram wished to be her bridegroom to learning that Michael wanted to fight for her—and that he had a powerful title to back his quest.

  And now, to find out that her stepfather couldn’t be bothered with even listening to anyone’s suit other than Lord Ingram’s? Hatred welled in her heart.

  Elysande looked to her mother. “I won’t wed that man. I’ll refuse to speak the vows. Lord Holger can’t force me to do so. He’s not my father.”

  Avelyn burst out in tears. “If you don’t marry him, Elysande, what if Lord Holger forces me to marry Lord Ingram?” Her sister ran from the room.

  “I’ll go to her,” Merryn said. She paused and took Elysande’s hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze before she left.

  Elysande stiffened her spine. No one could fight this battle for her. She must intervene. She must be the one to impact the story of her life.

  “Please excuse me.” She left the great hall and returned to the steward’s office for a second time. A closed door meant nothing. Elysande threw it open without bothering to knock. The door slammed against the wall.

  She stepped through as both men eyed her warily.

  “If you will excuse us, Lord Ingram. My stepfather and I have a grave matter to discuss.”

  The earl threw his hands in the air. “Try and talk some sense into Lord Holger, my lady. He is one of the most unreasonable men I’ve had the displeasure of bargaining with.” Ingram studied her through hooded eyes. “I hope by this time tomorrow you won’t have to listen to him anymore. Once we have wed.”

  Ingram left the room. Elysande shut the door behind him and gathered her courage.

  Lord Holger fell into a chair. “’Tis a stubborn man I am dealing with. First, Lord Ingram owes me payment because his son died.” He lifted a sheaf of papers. “That was already present in the first contract, so he must pay up.”

  “He owes . . . you? Because my betrothed died before our marriage could take place?”

  Holger clucked his tongue. “Technically, the monies would go to your mother. But as my wife, I would hold them for her.” He paused. “And Ingram wants more of a bridal payment than your father originally agreed to. I see no reason why I should pay more than your father did to be rid of you.”

  Elysande’s anger grew. “You’re treating me as a piece of meat. I am a person, my lord. Your stepdaughter. Even if I’ve never heard you refer to me by my name. And I tell you now, I will not—under any circumstances—wed Lord Ingram. You may negotiate till you are blue in the face, but I refuse to be a party to this mockery of a wedding.”

  His eyes narrowed into slits as he studied her. “I always knew you’d be trouble. I told the king that it was too much for me to take on your mother and two headstrong girls. Edward assured me you were already betrothed and would soon be off my hands. I would merely have to find a husband for your sister. The farther away, the better.”

  Her stepfather rose to his feet, his face bright red. “You have no rights, girl. None.”

  “My father would never have treated me in such a despicable manner.”

  “Your father is dead. By law, I’m now your father. That man did you no favors. He and your mother. Letting you run wild in boy’s clothing. Spending all your time with horses.” Holger glared at her. “You better get used to a man telling you what to do. In and out of bed. Women are here to serve men. Nothing more.”

  He slammed a fist onto the table. “So be off with you. But first, find Lord Ingram. I’ve decided to agree to his terms without further argument, the better to be rid of you. This time tomorrow, you’ll be wedded. Then bedded. And the day after, I’ll never have to be bothered by you again.”

  Holger gave her a sinister smile. “Once Ingram has broken your maidenhead, we’ll see how you behave.”

  Elysande closed the distance between them. They were almost of the same height. She moved within inches of his face and proclaimed, “I will never—never—marry Lord Ingram. Or any man of your choice! I plan to marry Michael Devereux and never set foot in Hopeston again.”

  His eyes bulged wide as his nostrils flared in anger. “You’ll do as I say, you ungrateful cur. I am the man here. I am in charge. And I demand that—”

  Holger stopped mid-sentence. His brows knit in confusion. His eyes clouded over. Then an agonizing look crossed his face, which had deepened to almost purple in color. He clawed at his chest. His eyes grew wide. “Can’t . . . breathe,” he wheezed. He fell to the ground and gasped.

  Then fell silent.

  Elysande dropped to her knees. Lord Holger lay still. She placed a hand under his nose. No breath left it. She rose unsteadily.

  She had killed her stepfather.

  Elysande stumbled to her feet and made her way to the great hall. It seemed like a madhouse now. Even more wedding guests had arrived. She couldn’t hear herself think through the din. She brushed through the groups of people, trying to locate her mother. She spied Geoffrey and Merryn standing with a handsome man unfamiliar to her. Her leaden feet moved her in their direction.

  Merryn reached out to her and captured her hands. “What ails you, Elysande? Your hands are colder than a winter’s day. And you have no color in your cheeks.” Merryn brushed a hand through her niece’s hair. “I know how upset you are about this wedding. Mayhap you should lie down for a bit.”

  “He’s dead. It’s all my fault.”

  “What?” Geoffrey asked. He placed a hand upon her shoulder. “We know Hendry is gone, Elysande. You had nothing to do with it.”

  She shook her head violently, trying to make them understand. “No. No. He’s dead. Lord Holger,” she said dully.

  The stranger took a step toward her and clasped her elbows. He led her to a chair. Elysande sat. She felt physically and emotionally drained.

  “Raynor, find Lady Mary at once. Bring her here. Say not a word to anyone,” Merryn commanded. “Geoffrey, go see to Lord Holger. I’ll stay with Elysande.”

  The two men hurried away to do her bidding.

  Merryn drew another chair over and sat next to Elysande, holding her hands. “Raynor will find your mother. He’s a cousin to your mother and uncle. And he’s like a brother to Geoffrey. You can count on his discretion.”

  The two women sat in silence. Elysande was grateful, for no words could have formed on her lips even if she’d tried.

  Geoffrey returned first, shaking his head, his mouth grim. Raynor followed behind him, Lady Mary in tow.

  At the sight of her mother, Elysande felt the tears begin to stream down her cheeks. She leapt to her feet.

  “I killed him, Mother. I didn’t mean to. We argued about the new betrothal. I told him I would never marry Lord Ingram. He shouted at me. Told me he was the man and I must do as he said.” She tried to swallow, but her mouth had gone dry. “His face turned so
dark and mottled. Then . . . he collapsed.”

  Her mother embraced her. “It’s not your fault, Elysande. You can’t blame yourself. Holger ate too much and drank even more. His death could have occurred at any time.”

  “No. I caused it. We argued. If I hadn’t provoked him, he wouldn’t have become so upset. I’m to blame.” She looked wildly about the room filled with people. “Will God forgive me? Can He forgive me for killing a man?” She thought a moment. “Should I enter a convent? Give my life to God to make up for so grievous a sin?”

  “A convent?”

  Elysande looked over her mother’s shoulder. She saw Lord Ingram had joined their circle. He was the last person she wished to see.

  “What’s this about a convent? No wife of mine will enter a convent.”

  Lady Mary faced the nobleman and took charge of the situation. “No one is entering a convent. And no one—least of all you, Lord Ingram—is going to marry my daughter. My husband is dead. I have no intention of signing a betrothal contract with you. Today or any other day.”

  Ingram’s jaw fell open. It took him a moment to recover. “How dare you, woman! I shall write the king at once. He will order you to give me your daughter in marriage.”

  Elysande’s anger exploded. She wanted to protect her mother from this man. “And how dare you, my lord? My mother has just learned she is widowed for the second time. You’ve yet to offer her any comfort but only wish to force your own desires upon my family. Do you think I or any other woman would want to marry you? You don’t even seem concerned about the death of your only son, which happened but a few days ago.”

  Lord Ingram looked taken aback at her words. He sputtered, “But . . . but I had my men bury his body before we continued on to Hopeston. What more could I do?”

  “You could grieve for the loss of your child instead of cursing his existence as you did earlier. You could return his body to be buried at the only home he knew. You can offer your condolences to my mother and leave Hopeston immediately. Your presence is no longer required here.”