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

by Alexa Aston

  Yet the thought of lying beside another man, his hands touching her intimately in ways only Michael had, made her gag.

  She fell to her knees in prayer, begging the Christ for mercy. Elysande prayed for a long time. For Michael to put the memories of her behind him. For him to begin a new life as Earl of Sandbourne with a lovely woman by his side. For her not to be found with child.

  And for the Living Christ to accept her as His Bride.

  Elysande realized that she would never be happy at court. Nor would she ever want another man in her bed. She would give up the idea of having children and escape from this world, one that held too many memories of Michael. She must do as she first had believed was best.

  She would enter a convent.

  Once she’d changed her clothes and bathed her face, a calm descended over her. Her decision now made, she would need to share it with others. Knowing she’d already missed morning mass and breaking her fast, Elysande headed to the solar. She would tell her uncle and aunt of her plans and ask that she be taken back to Hopeston for a brief visit. It would be important for her to see her mother and Avelyn one last time and try to make them understand her decision.

  Elysande knocked on the solar’s door and heard Merryn call out. She entered and saw her aunt sewing. Merryn put aside the needle and cloth and came to embrace Elysande. She closed her eyes and relished the moment, wondering if nuns comforted each other in such a way.

  Merryn stroked her hair fondly. “Would you like to sit with me? I’m making a few things for the new babe.”

  She appreciated that Merryn didn’t mention Michael’s name. If her aunt had, Elysande might have dissolved in tears.

  Merryn studied her a moment. “Or better yet, it might do you good to get out. Mayhap we should go and visit Johamma. I might even glimpse Ancel while we’re at Winterbourne.”

  Seeing others and having to make polite conversation was the last thing Elysande wanted to do. Since Uncle Geoffrey wasn’t here, she would wait and share her news when he was present.

  “I think I would make for dull company, Merryn. Why don’t you take Alys with you? I know she’ll be leaving soon for London. The two of you should spend time together.”

  Merryn placed her hands on Elysande’s shoulders. “You must put your sadness behind you. Michael must be hurting as much as you, but he doesn’t have the luxury of moping about. He will fulfill his obligations and live up to his code of honor.”

  Merryn then tried to offer some inspiration to the conversation. “You don’t think so now, Elysande, but court will be grand. You’ll live a different life and experience all kinds of wonderful new things. You’ll be together with your sister. The queen will look out for you both. And you should be happy for your mother, too. She’s not being asked to marry again and move to another estate. She’ll be able to stay at Hopeston for the time being and try to bring stability to the estate.”

  Elysande nodded in agreement. “You’re right. It’s not just about me. I realize Michael suffers, too. He is a good man and will hold his hurt inside. I know he’ll treat his wife with kindness and never mention me to her.” Tears stung her eyes. “Because that is the man he is and why I will always love him. But I need a few days to adjust to everything, Merryn. My world has turned upside down.” She paused. “Please, take Alys with you on your visit to Winterbourne. I need the time to reflect and pray about matters.”

  Merryn kissed her cheek. “I understand your need for solitude. Just don’t retreat too far within yourself.”

  Alys entered the solar. Her mother smiled at her only daughter. “How would you like to go see Johamma today? You’ll return to court before we know it, so this will most likely be the last time to see her and Hardie before you travel to London.”

  “Oh, I’d love to, Mother.” She glanced at Elysande. “Are you coming with us?”

  “No, I have a few things to do here. Enjoy your visit.” Elysande excused herself and returned to her room.

  But all she could see was Michael, whether her eyes remained open or were closed. She could feel his lips caressing her neck. Nibbling on her earlobe. His strong hands holding her buttocks as he rocked into her.

  “Enough!” she told herself. She needed to get out. Focus on something besides her misery. She decided she would go to see Davy. After picking blackberries for him, she and Alys had visited the elderly man. He had been a bit of a rascal, flirting with both of them outrageously. It might do her good to walk about in the fresh air and sunshine and check on the elderly tenant.

  Elysande made her way downstairs and stopped by the storeroom to collect a jar of blackberries in case Davy still suffered from the flux.

  As she left the keep, she decided to first seek comfort where she always did—the stables. She knew the smell of hay and sight of the horses would help begin to mend her tattered soul. Elysande walked from stall to stall, greeting each horse that had now become familiar to her.

  Then she reached an empty stall. Tempest’s stall. Seeing it was like a blade stabbing her heart. She blindly ran from the stables, her throat thick with unshed tears. She slowed and continued on her way, trying to calm herself and act in a mature manner. Elysande forced herself to wave to several people in greeting as she passed, doing her best to smile and put on a brave face.

  As she went through the open gates of Kinwick, she decided to stop by the pasture and see Hera and Miracle since it would be on the way to Davy’s cottage. The sunshine beat upon her back, causing her to grow warm. She chuckled, thinking she might have to open Davy’s blackberries and steal a few.

  She reached the pasture and set the jar on top of the fence as she leaned against it to watch Miracle run around under Hera’s watchful eye. The foal galloped up and down the fence line and then scampered playfully in circles, constantly turning to see if her mother saw her antics.

  Elysande smiled at the bond between mother and child, but it once again caused her thoughts to swirl. Either she would never have the pleasure of bearing Michael’s child—or his seed already grew within her. She would never regret her rash action of making love with him before they wed, for she would always have the sweet memories of their love play. But being with child could complicate her plans of entering a nunnery.

  She determined to leave the matter in God’s hands.

  A stick snapped and caught her attention. Elysande turned toward the noise. A sudden, blinding pain caused her to stumble.

  Then all went dark.

  *

  Geoffrey entered the great hall. As always, his eyes swept it for a sign of Merryn. She’d been the shining light in his mind all the years he had been imprisoned in the dungeons at Winterbourne. He could have given up and chosen to die many times but willed himself to go on so he could return to her. Spotting her in conversation with Tilda, he headed toward the pair.

  Alys fell in to step with him. “We went to see Johamma today.”

  He laughed. “Already? And did your mother happen to set eyes upon Ancel?”

  His daughter nodded. “She did. Johamma took us on a walk. We happened to come across the pages as they polished armor.”

  “I hope your mother didn’t embarrass Ancel in front of his friends.”

  Alys giggled. “Nay, Father. We merely nodded a greeting and went on our way. But Ancel was pleased. I could tell by his smile.”

  “And your mother?”

  “She didn’t smile until we were gone from their sight.”

  He ruffled Alys’ hair. “We’ll leave for London soon. Are you ready to go back to life at the royal court?”

  Alys grew thoughtful. “You know I love Kinwick, Father, but I’m enjoying my time with the queen. She is so wise. I have much to learn from her.”

  “There you are,” Merryn said.

  Geoffrey swept up her hand and pressed a kiss upon her fingers before he turned her hand over and dropped another one upon her palm. He loved the tingle of pleasure that trickled through him. He gave his wife a smile that promised her more th
an kisses tonight.

  “May I escort you to the dais?” He offered an arm and led her to her seat. He glanced around. “Where is Elysande?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Did she go with you and Alys to visit with Johamma?”

  “No. She believed she wouldn’t be good company.”

  Geoffrey frowned. “I know she’s terribly unhappy, but brooding will do nothing to solve her situation. I won’t have her sulking in her room during the remainder of her visit here. I intend to find her and make it clear that I expect her to come to the great hall at once to dine.”

  Merryn pulled on his arm, forcing him to sit next to her. “Look at it from her point of view, Geoffrey. Michael is lost to her. For all time.” She gave him a pointed glance. “I know how she feels. I lost you for seven years, never knowing if you would return to me. I had no idea where you’d gone. At least Elysande can be comforted because she knows Michael is safe. Even if he will soon be in the arms of another woman.”

  Geoffrey leaned over and gave his wife a tender kiss. “I’m sorry, my love. You’re right.” He stood. “But I will go and coax her to come and eat something. She needs to see that she has her family’s support.” He kissed Merryn once more and rose. “I’ll be back soon.”

  He made his way to Elysande’s chamber and rapped on the door. When he didn’t receive a response, he pushed it open and found the room empty. Puzzled, he returned to the great hall.

  “She wasn’t in her room,” he told Merryn. “I’m concerned.” He motioned Hammond over.

  “Have you seen Lady Elysande recently?” he asked.

  “Nay, my lord.”

  “Go look for her. Bring her back at once.”

  “Check in the stables and out in the pasture,” Merryn suggested. “She takes solace in the horses. It wouldn’t surprise me if you find her there.”

  They began the meal, but Geoffrey had a nagging feeling that something was amiss. He kept watching the door, waiting for Hammond to report back.

  The soldier returned as Geoffrey finished his wine. “I couldn’t locate her anywhere, my lord. I spoke to everyone I passed. No one has seen Lady Elysande for some time.” He held up a jar. “But I found this to be odd. A jar of blackberries sitting atop the fence in the pasture near where Hera and her foal frolicked.”

  Merryn reached for Geoffrey’s hand. “Elysande went with Alys to take blackberries to Davy a few days ago. Mayhap she went to see him again and lost track of the time.”

  “And forgot the very blackberries she took?” Geoffrey demanded. A sinking feeling washed over him. Grimly, he said, “I fear she’s been taken from us. And I’m certain Lord Ingram is behind it.”

  Chapter 19

  The horse finally stopped. Elysande felt herself being lifted from it by strong hands. She’d been thrown stomach down across the saddle and bounced about for more hours than she could guess. Nausea rose and she began to gag.

  “Quick! Get the sack from her head,” a voice warned.

  Someone stood her on her feet and ripped away the rough burlap sack that had been placed over her head, falling down to her waist. She tried to draw in deep breaths of the night air. Her stomach roiled again as she swayed unsteadily.

  “Cut the gag, you fool. If she drowns in her vomit, where will that leave us?”

  A hand tightened about her arm from behind. As she blinked, a man pulled a baselard from his waist and cut away the gag that had kept her from calling out for help. She fell to her knees, her hands still bound in front of her. Elysande rested the heels of her hands on the ground to steady herself as she leaned over and was sick. Spent, she rolled to the ground and lay panting.

  She got her first look at her captors. The one who had cut away the cloth bound around her mouth was tall and thin as a maypole. He wore a sour look on his face. The other was short and stout, with narrow lips and dark eyes that studied her. It was the second one that yanked her to her feet and marched her to a tree. He pushed her back against the trunk.

  “Sit. Stay there. Do not move. Do not utter a word—else I’ll cut out your tongue.”

  His appearance frightened her more than his words. She had a good idea that these men were from Lord Ingram. The nobleman would want her intact. But she heeded the warning all the same. She would listen and learn as much as she could.

  And then do her best to escape.

  “Want me to build a fire?” the thin one asked.

  “Nay. Even though we’re far off the road, de Montfort will have figured out the girl is missing. And more than likely, he’ll know who was behind her disappearance and send out men to search. I don’t want to risk that tonight. Mayhap tomorrow night we can chance building one.”

  “But ’tis late, Folc. And we left camp so quickly, we didn’t bring anything to eat with us.” He gave the other soldier a sullen glance. “Not that we’ve had much the past few weeks, watching for that one.” He tossed his head Elysande’s way.

  So these two had lurked around Kinwick for weeks. Elysande hoped they were the only two that Lord Ingram had sent.

  “Find some berries or edible leaves if you must, Ernis. We can stop and buy food as we travel tomorrow. I promise you’ll have a full belly then.”

  “But what do we do with the girl? If we ride into a village with her slung over a horse, people will remember and tell de Montfort’s men. Especially if he waves a coin or two in their faces. I thought that was why we left the road today as we traveled. So that no one would see us with her.”

  Folc rubbed his chin in thought. “You’re right. We can’t ride all the miles north with her thrown over a horse like a sack of flour. That won’t do.”

  Elysande took calming breaths as the men fell silent. Being jostled on the horse had left her stomach sore and bruised. Since it was dark now, she’d been on the animal for many hours. Her mouth was tender due to the tight gag she’d worn, while her wrists had been rubbed raw as she’d try to loosen the leather ties. If she couldn’t escape before morning, then she hoped these criminals would come up with a better way of travel until she could get away.

  “A wagon,” Folc finally said. “We need to buy a wagon. Or better yet, steal one.”

  “But that’ll take forever,” complained Ernis. “Horseback is much faster.”

  “I don’t care,” the one called Folc told his companion. “Lord Ingram said to bring the girl home or don’t bother to return. We lost everyone but the two of us in the attack on the way to Kinwick. We’ve waited a few weeks and finally found the opportunity to snatch our prize. I’d rather be safe and make it home at a slower pace than be caught and hanged by de Montfort and his men.”

  He stroked his chin again. “We can bind her wrists and ankles and lay her down in the bed of the wagon. Throw in sacks of all kinds. Oats. Flour. Salt. And goods, too, as if we’d been out trading. She’ll be covered up. Out of sight. De Montfort will be searching for soldiers on horseback. He wouldn’t give us a second thought.” He laughed. “I can see him now, riding by us without a glance.”

  “We look like soldiers,” Ernis pointed out. “Two soldiers driving a cart. I say that’s a suspicious sight. If he came upon us, he’d stop and question us at the very least.”

  Folc thought on the words. “Then we’ll find new clothes.”

  “And how are we to do that? Stop at the next village and wait while some woman volunteers to stitch together something for us?” Ernis threw a hand down in disgust.

  “No,” Folc replied. “We’ll simply kill the next men we come across and take what they wear.”

  A chill brushed Elysande’s soul at his quick, heartless words. It let her know exactly the kind of men who had taken her—ones cut from the same cloth as Lord Ingram.

  *

  Michael paced in front of Tempest’s stall. His horse happily munched on an extra measure of oats provided by his master. He wanted the animal ready for the ride ahead.

  He reached to pick up the lantern and go look for Lady Albreda but stopped himsel
f. She said she would meet him here. He needed to trust her word.

  Michael had never met a more single-mined woman. Once her father left the great hall, she adamantly told him she had no intention of marrying him. And why. After he quizzed her and was satisfied with her answers, they’d come up with a risky plan.

  Which would be put into action as soon as she arrived.

  He heard a noise and looked up. From a distance, he thought he saw a shape moving through the stables. He lifted the lantern and held it high.

  “Sir Michael?” a voice called out.

  “Aye.” He moved to meet her. The noblewoman was dressed in traveling clothes, the hair he had yet to see still hidden under her caul. She brought nothing with her.

  “Come, my lady. I’ll saddle Tempest and we will be on our way.”

  She followed him back to the horse’s stall. Michael opened the door and began readying the animal for their midnight ride.

  As he did, he asked Lady Albreda once more, “And you are absolutely certain?”

  “I have no doubts, my lord. I’ve wished to be a Bride of Christ my entire life. My mother understood this, as she believed she had the same calling from God. Though she was forced to wed my father, she knew of my deepest longing. I know had she lived, Mother would have convinced my father to void our betrothal contract and see the bridal price returned.”

  Lady Albreda paused. “Father thinks he’s doing what is best for me, but I must follow my heart—and it leads me toward God. He has three other young daughters by his second wife. Once I’m gone, my stepmother will make sure that his focus is on them. He’ll be too busy finding them husbands to give me much thought.”

  “And you think leaving in the middle of the night is the best plan?”

  “I do. If I’m led to the chapel at noon tomorrow, I will refuse to go through with the wedding vows.” A steely glint formed in her eye. “I have the right to break the contract. Just as I have the right to join a convent and be with my sisters in Christ. No man—not even my father—can keep me from my chosen bridegroom.”

  He had told her about a convent two hours from Sandbourne when she’d expressed her religious desires to him earlier. Albreda said she had no particular nunnery in mind and would be happy at any of them, as long as she could serve Christ Almighty.