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

by Alexa Aston

  Avelyn soaked up the rays, feeling self-assured atop Starlight. She hadn’t thought that possible only a few weeks ago. Kenric had done an excellent job in giving her the confidence to ride.

  He returned and set the pace. She’d learned a trot was between a walk and a run, and she pressed her legs slightly inward to allow Starlight to fall in behind Firefall at this gait. They rode through the inner and outer baileys at this moderately fast pace. Avelyn took pride in how she held her reins correctly, with a light touch but a firm grasp. She’d also learned how to move with her horse when the speed picked up and how to pay attention to Starlight’s head and make the proper adjustments.

  They rode through the open gates and out to the meadow where they’d come every day to practice small circles and increased speeds. Kenric whirled Firefall around, so Avelyn closed her fists on the reins and sat back in the saddle, letting Starlight know to stop.

  “Your alignment is good,” he told her. “I believe it’s become second nature for you.”

  She laughed. “I know my posture is much better—even when I’m out of the saddle and walking on the ground. I used to wonder why Elysande always stood perfectly straight at all times while I seemed to slouch. Now I know that it’s a carryover from riding.”

  “Would you like to test yourself?”

  Avelyn nodded, licking her lips nervously. She knew they’d been building up to a full, all-out gallop. Subconsciously, she began humming to calm her nerves as she lowered her heels some for more support and balance.

  Kenric let out a cry and turned Firefall quickly, galloping away. She urged Starlight on and set off after him.

  They rode at this pace several minutes, riding the entire length of the meadow and looping around to do it again. Finally, he slowed Firefall to a trot and then a walk. Avelyn rode up beside him as they continued to let their horses cool down. She ceased the tune she’d been humming.

  “It looks like rain will hit at any moment,” he said as thunder rumbled low.

  She looked around, having been unaware that darkening clouds had blown in. “I didn’t realize. I was concentrating so hard on keeping up with you and doing everything you’ve taught me.”

  “I should’ve noticed sooner,” he apologized. “I’m afraid we’ll be caught in a downpour.”

  “I don’t mind,” she said. “I’d rather have stayed out here the entire time and finished our lesson.” She grinned. “I feel exhilarated. Riding that fast is liberating.”

  The first drops of rain began to pelt them.

  “Follow me,” Kenric said, taking off as the clouds began emptying themselves.

  Avelyn followed as he made his way toward the forest at the edge of the meadow. The rain quickly started coming down in sheets. Flashes of lightning caused her to tense, but she remembered how attuned Starlight would be if she did so. She forced herself to relax as she raced across the meadow.

  Kenric slowed as he entered the grove of trees. She did likewise, keeping her horse to a walk as they went more deeply into the woods.

  “The trees are thick here and should provide us some shelter.” Kenric dismounted and looped his reins around a low branch. He came and helped her down before securing Starlight’s reins. The two horses bent to munch on the grass beneath them.

  “You’re soaked, my lady. Again, I’m sorry for not being more mindful.”

  Avelyn shrugged. “It’s only a bit of water, my lord. I’m not a fragile flower that washes away.”

  “Not the way you rode Starlight today. I feel the need for your lessons have drawn to an end. You know everything I can teach you at this point. It will only be a matter of practice in order to make your knowledge become instinct.”

  She knew his words to be true and wondered if he was eager to be rid of her so he could return to the training yard in the afternoons. A splat of cold rain hit her forehead and ran down her nose, causing her to shiver.

  “You’re cold.” Kenric moved closer to her.

  Then he did what Avelyn had wished for during many sleepless nights. He wrapped his arms about her, drawing her into his broad chest. The warmth that enveloped her made her feel as if she had been gone to some distant land and had now returned home.

  Home. Kenric’s arms felt like home. Her cheek nestled against his chest. Her arms wrapped about his torso and she could hear his beating heart.

  This was where she should stay—always.

  He must have sensed it, too. His arms tightened about her and his large hands began to stroke her back. The most wonderful tingling filled her.

  Avelyn looked up and saw the flame of desire burning hot in his hazel eyes. She willed his mouth to come to her—and it did.

  The minute his lips touched hers, a searing fire lit between them. The kiss never had time to start gently, for the spark pushed them past a slow beginning. Kenric’s tongue thrust into her mouth, almost picking a fight with hers. They warred with one another, first one having the advantage and then the other. His hands roamed up and down her back, dropping below her waist, cupping her buttocks and pulling her closer.

  She clung to his gypon then found her hands sliding up, brushing his neck, touching his face. Her fingers stroked the stubble before pushing into his thick, dark hair. A low growl came from within him, as deep and powerful as the thunder that echoed about them. Avelyn locked her hands around Kenric’s neck and pulled down.

  Without thought, she hitched herself up, wrapping her legs around him. He twirled around and she found her back pressed against a wide tree as they devoured one another. Her nether region pulsated in a primordial beat. Avelyn couldn’t remember the last time she’d taken a breath. She was consumed by the immense heat this man emitted as she brought her arms together behind his neck, nuzzling as close as she could.

  He broke their kiss. They both panted, out of breath, then he moved to her ear where his tongue did wonderful things that made her shiver in delight. Hot lips trailed from there to her cheek and under her jaw before sliding down the column of her throat. She reveled in the feel of the rough stubble burning a path against her skin. His mouth went lower, now grazing the top of her breasts, causing a quick intake of breath. The drum that pounded within her demanded something. She knew not what—only that he could provide it.

  His manhood now pressed hard against her. Something in her wanted to meet it. She lifted up against it and then leaned back into the tree, only to move toward it again. His member called out to her. She must heed the call before she fell to pieces.

  He moaned again as his lips returned to hers. She echoed the sound as her breasts seemed to swell against his chest.

  Then, somehow, she found herself alone, the heat gone as she sagged against the tree for support. Kenric had released her and took a step back, his gaze intense, changing his hazel eyes to a vivid green.

  “I want you,” he said, his voice rough and low.

  Avelyn nodded, words impossible to form.

  He took her hand, drawing it to his mouth. His lips brushed against her knuckles, causing her knees to go weak.

  Kenric cupped her face gently with his other hand. “But I have learned that I can’t always have what I want. It’s a hard lesson a man must learn.”

  “Then why—”

  His fingers touched her mouth, burning her, silencing her.

  “You are destined to be a great lady someday, Avelyn Le Cler. You’ll marry a powerful man who will treasure you and give you everything you deserve. I would not spoil you for him merely to satisfy my own desire,” he said softly, his hand squeezing hers.

  Kenric released her hand and took a step back. “I will always remember you as you are in this moment. Your hair coming undone and damp. Your lips bruised with my kiss. Your cheeks flushed with desire. You are the most beautiful woman who walks this earth, Avelyn. I pray the Most Holy God brings the right man into your life. That you will wed and be happy together. Even come to love one another.”

  He turned and went to their horses, where he loosened the
reins and brought them back to where she stood, dazed, not comprehending his words.

  Then anger boiled inside her. She saw red as she looked up at him.

  “How dare you tease me!” she spit out. “Make me want you. Make me fall in love with you . . . and then cast me aside for some nonexistent, future husband. I hope you burn in the fires of Hell, Kenric Fairfax.”

  Avelyn drew her arm back and slapped him as hard as she could. She saw the stunned look upon his face. Before he could react, she jammed her foot into Starlight’s stirrup and tossed her leg over, snatching up the reins as she rode away in the rain.

  Chapter 19

  Kenric froze a moment, the sting of Avelyn’s slap spreading deep shame through him. He hadn’t meant to tease her, nor did he want to take advantage of her. It was why he finally put a stop to their kisses.

  But she had spoken of love . . .

  She told him she wanted him. By the way her body had responded, he knew that to be true.

  But love?

  Avelyn was young and inexperienced and knew nothing about love—if it even existed. True, she had been at court and exposed to all manner of men there. She was an incandescent beauty, so he knew men had fallen at her feet. Had she not been attracted to any of them?

  Or . . . had she felt what he had that stirred between them?

  For Kenric knew in his soul that he did love Avelyn Le Cler. Loved her as he never had another. Loved her as he never would any woman again. She had stolen his heart. He was no longer a rational knight with a steady hand and thoughts only toward soldiering. Instead, he was a lovesick fool who would have done anything to win her heart in return. Yet, though he wanted it, he could never claim it. She was much too good for him and deserved far better than he could ever provide for her.

  Yet, she said she had fallen in love with him . . .

  Then he realized the rain still came down and that Avelyn had dashed away, an inexperienced rider on slick soil. She could already be lying injured, thrown from her horse—or worse.

  Kenric leapt onto Firefall’s back and took off, the horse’s hooves thundering more loudly than the storm. He saw Avelyn ahead of him in the distance, riding at breakneck speed.

  “Oh, God in Heaven, protect her,” he murmured under his breath. He, who never prayed, because it never had done any good. Yet he repeated this mantra over and over as he urged Firefall on, trying to catch up with her.

  She reached the open gates of Sandbourne and sailed through them without a backward glance. At least she was off the slick grass of the meadow, but the gravel and mud within the castle walls could prove just as menacing. Kenric pushed his horse harder.

  He caught up to her as she reached the stables. Avelyn slung her leg over and slid down Starlight’s side. Kenric knew from experience that anger drove her, providing a physical energy that surged through her body. He dismounted and dropped his reins, racing toward her.

  Avelyn turned and dug her heels into the ground, glaring up at him. Kenric halted in front of her, unsure what to say now that he stood before her.

  “I made it back fine, my lord.” Her eyes narrowed. “And you are right. I believe our lessons have come to an end. I’ll continue to put into practice what I’ve learned. I plan to ride every day that I can so that the knowledge will remain at my fingertips.”

  She gave him a mocking curtsey. “Thank you for doing such a splendid job. I rode Starlight today with no fear.” She paused. “I will never fear a horse again. In fact, they quite have my heart now. They’re loyal beasts, much like a dog, and give their affection freely. Without cause. Without any expectation.”

  “Avelyn, I’m . . . sorry that I’ve . . . hurt your feelings,” he stammered.

  “Sorry?” She barked out a harsh laugh. “I’m sure you’ve said that to many women, many times.” She looked him up and down. “You’re an excellent tutor and an even better kisser, Kenric Fairfax. But you’ve received your last kiss from me. I will take my tattered heart elsewhere. Mayhap to a nunnery, for I have no plans to give it to any man.”

  Her words shocked him. “My lady, ’twould be a waste of your intelligence and beauty to lock yourself away in a convent. You will feel differently, given time, once you return to court at summer’s end and make a great marriage.”

  An odd look crossed her face, then she said, “’Tis no concern of yours. I bid you a good day, my lord.”

  She walked away from him in the rain, her clothes clinging to her sweet curves. Locks of her honeyed hair escaped the braid and swirled about her.

  It seemed as if a fist closed around Kenric’s heart and squeezed unmercifully as he watched her depart, a pain as physical as any wound he’d ever experienced. He tried to let loose of the hurt as he grabbed the reins of both horses and took them into the shelter of the stables, returning each animal to its stall and removing the riding gear. He tended first to Starlight, rubbing her down and feeding her oats, and then cared for Firefall.

  When he finished, Kenric collapsed onto the straw, reluctant to see anyone in his foul mood. He sat, sulking as a child, wishing he could change things between him and Avelyn. But he knew it was best in the long run to have a clean break between them. He would do his best to avoid her for the remainder of her time at Sandbourne. If Lord Michael asked him to be part of her escort party when she returned to London, he would beg off. As things stood, Avelyn would probably request that Kenric not be among those who accompanied her back to court.

  He reached over and toyed with a bit of straw, wondering how long he could stay with Firefall before being missed. Then he heard voices, faint at first, but eventually they grew stronger as they came his way. From where he sat in the stall, he heard a couple of men shuffle by. Then the stall across opened, where Starlight was housed.

  “Only this one and one more left to muck out,” said one.

  “Should have done it ’fore Sir Kenric brought ’em home.”

  “Lady Avelyn looked all out of sorts.”

  “She did, indeed.”

  He heard the familiar scraping sound of tools as the men went to work.

  “She’s a fair one, the lady, with those blue eyes and sweet smile.”

  A snort. “You think? I suppose you didn’t hear what I did.”

  “What? Don’t hold out on me.”

  A pause. “I heard Lady Avelyn was in a bit o’ trouble in London.”

  “Trouble? What kind o’ trouble?”

  A laugh. “She seems to have a hard time with the truth. Tellin’ it, that is.”

  “Huh. You’d never know it by lookin’ at her sweet face.”

  “I know. And I also heard she may be a pincher.”

  “The lady . . . she’s a thief?”

  “Aye. ’Tis what I heard some of the soldiers talkin’ ’bout. A few of the ones that done brought her here to Sandbourne.”

  “Wonder if the master knows.”

  “Like he’d care. ’Tis his beloved wife’s sister. The countess has the earl wrapped about her finger, she does. And if she wants her sister here, then here she’ll be and stay for as long as she likes.”

  Kenric bolted to his feet. He found it hard to believe the overheard conversation. Avelyn . . . a thief? And a liar? That was as far from the truth as he could imagine.

  But he hadn’t known her for long—and did not know the woman who had lived at the royal court in London. Mayhap, his first impression of her when he arrived to escort her back to Sandbourne was correct.

  He slipped from the stall. The two stable men were oblivious as he exited. As he hurried away, Kenric wondered exactly which soldiers had been gossiping about Avelyn—and where they’d heard it from.

  *

  Avelyn stormed into the keep, her temper hot and her nerves frayed. She rounded a corner and crashed into Lady Orella.

  “Oh, my apologies, my lady. I was in a hurry and wasn’t watching where I went.”

  Michael’s mother still seemed an enigma to Avelyn. She remembered meeting the woman at the Convent o
f the Blessed Sisters, where Orella was known as Sister Shiloh. Even now at Sandbourne, Orella seemed to glide along the corridors gracefully, a sense of peace about her. Still an ethereal beauty, she seemed to watch from afar the events that unfolded around her.

  The noblewoman studied her with equal parts of kindness and interest on her features. “You seemed troubled, my dear. May I invite you to my chamber? We could speak there.”

  Avelyn believed being around Lady Orella might do her some good. Her anger still hummed just below the surface. If anyone could calm her, it would be this former nun.

  “I would appreciate that, my lady.”

  “Call me Orella, my dear.” She slipped her arm through Avelyn’s and led her upstairs to her large bedchamber, asking a servant to bring fresh clothes. Orella helped her from her wet clothes and helped Avelyn dress again before guiding her to two chairs in the corner.

  Once seated, Orella asked, “May I offer you some wine?”

  “Please.”

  Just being in this woman’s presence helped cool Avelyn’s wrath. She sipped the wine given to her, letting it warm a path to her belly.

  They sat in easy silence for several minutes before Orella asked, “What troubles you, Avelyn?”

  She set down her goblet. “I’ve only shared this with four others—Geoffrey and Merryn while I was at Kinwick and then Elysande and Michael when I arrived here. I’m desperately in love with Sir Kenric Fairfax.”

  She omitted that the knight had dismissed her feelings. Avelyn believed it was because he thought she wanted a husband with lands and a title, and he had nothing to offer. Little did Kenric know that he was the Earl of Shadowfaire. And she couldn’t think how to tell him so that he would believe her.