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

by Alexa Aston

  He took a step back. “I didn’t think you were like other women who hanker after riches, but I’ve sorely misjudged you, Avelyn Le Cler. For you to tell such outrageous lies just so you could become a countess—and at my brother’s expense? Such an untruth would never be believed by anyone, least of all me.”

  Kenric quaked with anger. “I trusted you. I loved you. And I was not enough for you. Mayhap, Lady Sela didn’t spread rumors about you. Mayhap, she had proof that you are a liar and a thief.” He glared down at her. “I want nothing to do with a woman of your sort, my lady.”

  “But you must believe me, Kenric,” Avelyn cried. “Gussalen did all of this. You should be the earl, not your brother.”

  “I would only become earl if Roland died and his unborn child is a girl.” He stared at her. “God forbid that should occur. But if it did, you would be the last woman I would ever want as my countess.”

  “Kenric!” She moved to touch him again.

  “Nay. Stay far away from me—and hold your tongue when it comes to my family. If you continue to repeat such lies, I won’t be responsible for what happens.”

  Kenric strode away, her pitiful cries falling on deaf ears.

  Chapter 24

  Avelyn’s world crashed around her. To go from the soaring elation of having Kenric tell her he loved her and wanted to wed her—then for her to tell him the truth regarding his birth and have him twist it in such a way that it drove a permanent wedge between them. Her legs gave way from under her. She pitched to the ground, doubled over as if he’d run his sword through her. Great sobs engulfed her, sweeping away all the good and leaving only heartache.

  Shakily, she rose to her feet. She mustn’t let anyone see her in such a state, least of all her mother. Lady Mary had looked years younger all day long, joy apparent on her face now that she’d wed a man of her choice. Avelyn would not ruin this day for her.

  Instead of blindly running from the stables, Avelyn drew from an inner reserve of strength and slipped out silently. As she headed back to the keep, she skirted the merrymakers, averting her tearstained face. Thankfully, no one called her name.

  Reaching her chamber, she spotted her sister emerging from the solar down the corridor. She supposed Elysande had put David to bed. Avelyn ducked inside and shut the door, hoping Elysande hadn’t seen her. She ran to her bed and fell upon it, bawling like a lamb that had lost its mother.

  A knock sounded at her door. “Avelyn?”

  She mashed her fist against her mouth. It was Merryn’s voice. She couldn’t let her aunt see her in this state.

  “Avelyn, are you all right?”

  She heard muffled voices outside the door and supposed Elysande had joined Merryn. She’d better answer them.

  “I’m unwell,” she called. “Please . . . leave me be.”

  She buried her face into the pillow, trying to let it absorb the wail that erupted without warning.

  Then hands stroked her head and back. Avelyn sensed the mattress sink and knew she was no longer alone.

  She turned her head and saw Merryn. “Go away,” she muttered, burying her face again.

  “Does this have to do with Sir Kenric?” Elysande asked from her other side.

  Avelyn might as well get the worst over with. Mayhap, they would leave her alone to her tears if she shared with them what had occurred. She pushed up to a sitting position and nodded.

  “I made a disastrous mistake. I meddled where I shouldn’t have—and now I will pay the price for the rest of my life,” she choked out before she dissolved into tears again.

  Merryn rose and returned with a cup of wine. She pressed it into Avelyn’s hands. With a loving yet stern look upon her face, she said, “Drink this. We three are strong women and can solve anything together, but we need to know what we’re up against. Calm yourself. Then speak to us.”

  Avelyn took the wine and sipped it. The liquid burned a path from her throat to her belly.

  “Take deep, even breaths,” Elysande instructed.

  She did as her sister said. Between that and the wine, the flow of tears stopped.

  Only the emptiness remained.

  She handed Merryn the cup and rubbed her swollen eyes, not knowing where to begin.

  “Is everything all right?”

  Avelyn saw her uncle and Michael standing in the doorway. She hadn’t realized the chamber door was open. Geoffrey sized up the situation in an instant and ushered Michael inside, closing the door behind them. Both men came over to the bed. Avelyn took another deep breath so that she wouldn’t dissolve into tears again.

  “We’re here to help you, Avelyn. In any way we can,” Geoffrey said quietly.

  “It will be easier to share this only once,” she said. “I’d been waiting for you and Merryn to arrive to help me with a dilemma I faced. I wanted to speak to you about it after Mother’s wedding. I didn’t want it to be a distraction to her and Sir Charles’ happiness.”

  “Does this involve Kenric Fairfax?” Geoffrey asked.

  “Aye.”

  “I assume your feelings have not changed about him, and that you told Elysande and Michael?”

  “She did,” Elysande said when Avelyn couldn’t find the words to respond. “But something has happened this evening between the two of them.” She looked at Avelyn. “Do you think you can share it with us now?”

  Avelyn told them how she’d been with Lady Juliana when she passed away and the secret she’d heard Gussalen reveal to her mistress. How Gussalen had claimed a different order of birth for the twins due to her hatred of Walter Fairfax and that Kenric had been mistreated his entire life by his mother and brother.

  “He’s the rightful Earl of Shadowfaire,” she said. “I wanted to discuss this with all of you and come up with a way to tell him, but I ruined it tonight by telling Kenric of his birthright.”

  “Why did you decide to do so?” Michael asked. “If you’d waited all these weeks?”

  “Kenric told me before that he had nothing to offer me and would not allow a future for the two of us together. Something—or someone—changed Kenric’s mind, for he sought me out tonight. He proclaimed his love for me and said he wanted us to wed.”

  Avelyn paused and decided to reveal everything. “Kenric even told me why he didn’t wear his spurs as other knights do.” She quickly related what had occurred with Lady Jannet at Longshire and saw how affected they all were by the tale.

  “He wanted nothing but honesty between us and gave me the chance to reject him once he shared his story. Since he bared his soul to me, I wanted nothing hidden between us. That’s why I told him how Gussalen had wronged him all these years.”

  Elysande took her sister’s hand and pressed it against her cheek in comfort. “Oh, Sir Kenric has suffered. Even more than we can imagine.”

  “He didn’t believe me, Elysande. Kenric accused me of only wanting to be his countess. Of being like all those women at court who want nothing more than a fortune and title when they wed.” She wiped a falling tear away. “I told him it wasn’t true. That I only loved him but owed it to him to share what I had learned.”

  “And now he wants nothing to do with you,” Geoffrey concluded.

  Avelyn nodded. “I told him the truth, a truth that died with Gussalen. I have no way to confirm her words. It was better that he never knew than to hear the truth and reject it. Now he hates me and I’m afraid he’ll always doubt himself.”

  Her tears began again. Elysande and Merryn comforted her while Geoffrey and Michael spoke in hushed tones.

  Finally, Avelyn brushed her hands across her cheeks. “I’ve done him enough damage. I’ve ruined our chance for happiness together, for he will never trust me again. Mayhap, I should return to court so we won’t come into contact with one another here at Sandbourne.”

  “The news you informed him of hurt him deeply,” her uncle said. “He lashed out at you as its bearer. It’s best if he has time to think upon what you revealed.”

  Michael said, “Lord
Sewell wishes for Kenric to accompany him to his home in the north. He’s most impressed with Kenric’s riding skills and way with horses. Sewell asked me if Kenric could return with him to help care for the horses he’s purchased during the journey home and to stay on a bit to work with his stablemen regarding training and breeding.” He paused. “I think allowing Kenric to go with Lord Sewell would give him time to think. I’ve done some of my best thinking while on the road.”

  Geoffrey gave Merryn a sad smile. “Sometimes, separation makes your heart realize what’s most important.” He clasped her hand and Avelyn saw tears well in both of their eyes. She didn’t know of the separation Geoffrey spoke of, but it obviously had impacted him and Merryn greatly.

  Avelyn turned back to Michael and nodded.

  “I’ll tell him tomorrow that he’s to travel with Lord Sewell. First, they must take Lady Sela back to her father before they head north with the new horses. That means Kenric will be gone several weeks, Avelyn. Are you sure that’s what you want?”

  Her gut told her this might be their only chance. “I do. Thank you, Michael.”

  Elysande gave her an encouraging smile. “Sir Kenric will come to his senses. Whether he decides to challenge his twin for ownership of Shadowfaire or simply remain in service here at Sandbourne, I know your love for him will remain constant.”

  Merryn gave her a hug. “I know it’ll be hard to sleep tonight. I can give you a sleeping draught if you wish.”

  Avelyn thought how much she would toss and turn, a thousand thoughts closing in on her. “I would like that,” she told her aunt. She searched the faces of her loved ones. “Thank each of you for your concern. I’m truly blessed with family.”

  She only hoped that, one day, she would have a family of her own—with the man she loved.

  *

  Kenric dunked his head in the trough and pulled it out. Cold water dripped onto his bare chest, rejuvenating him after a long, blistering afternoon clanging swords with Lord Sewell’s men. He ran his hands through his wet hair, tired but satisfied at the day’s efforts.

  He’d come to work with the stable hands and discuss breeding and training techniques to implement in order to improve the current stock. Somehow, he’d managed to move into the training yard and had spent the last few weeks with Lord Sewell’s soldiers, teaching them all he knew of dueling and swordplay.

  More importantly, he’d used the time to push Sandbourne—and Avelyn Le Cler—far from his mind.

  “Sir Kenric? My father wishes to see you at once. You’ll find him in the solar.”

  Kenric turned and saw young Drew Talbot standing nearby. The quiet, sturdy boy had become his shadow over the past few weeks, asking questions day and night. In a way, Drew reminded him of Hal de Montfort, curious about everything. Once Hal began speaking in full sentences, the boy would be much the same as the Talbot lad.

  It pained Kenric that he would never have a son like one of these boys. Never have a wife or a home to call his own.

  Never have Avelyn Le Cler in his life.

  He shook off the depressing thoughts. “I’ll change my clothing and report to your father immediately, my little lord,” he teased.

  Kenric stopped by the barracks and dressed in clean clothes so as to be presentable. He’d seen Lord Sewell only a few times since their arrival. From what he gathered from the other soldiers, the nobleman spent a majority of his time at court and only a few weeks each summer at his country estate in the north.

  He arrived at the solar and knocked. A deep voice bid him to enter.

  “Ah, Sir Kenric. Would you care to join me in a cup of wine?” asked Lord Sewell, dressed impeccably in midnight blue and gold.

  “Aye, my lord. I’ve been up to thirsty work. Wine would be most appreciated.”

  Lord Sewell handed Kenric a pewter cup and offered him a chair. They sat and discussed various horses in the stables. The nobleman was especially interested in the additions he’d bought from Lord Michael.

  “I appreciate all the knowledge you’ve shared with my men, Sir Kenric, both in the stables and the training yard. If Lord Michael would allow it, I would wish for you to remain on my estate in my service.”

  He wondered if that was a possibility. “I’ve enjoyed my time here, my lord. You have good men under you, especially your captain of the guard.”

  The nobleman snorted. “Lord Michael would never let me steal you away and I shan’t ask him to grant me that. But I have called you here to ask a favor from you.”

  “Anything, my lord.”

  “I know it’s time you returned to Sandbourne and I would ask that you take my son with you. I’ve arranged for Drew to foster with Lord Michael. In fact, I may send both my daughters to be under Lady Elysande’s tutelage when they come of age. It’s time I returned to court, for soon the king and queen will complete their summer progress and be bound for London. I have much to do there in order to prepare for this.”

  Kenric’s desire for answers got the best of him. He ventured, “You knew Lady Avelyn at the royal court, my lord?”

  “Of course. She wasn’t there long, but we did become friendly. She was unlike many there.”

  “How so?”

  “She had no interest in the trappings and lifestyle. She seemed most uncomfortable with the pomp and rituals. We had conversations over many topics. Politics. Music. History. I quite enjoyed speaking with her. She was like a breath of fresh air.”

  “How did the other women treat her?” Kenric asked.

  Lord Sewell studied him a moment. “You were there that day when Lady Sela revealed her ugly side to all. Are you concerned her falsehoods might hurt Lady Avelyn in some way once she returns to the queen’s service?”

  Kenric shrugged, not trusting any words that he might speak.

  He watched the nobleman pondering the question. “I would say the lady should be fine. I don’t think those unfounded rumors will hold water, especially when Lady Sela doesn’t return to court to perpetuate them.” He gave Kenric a sly grin. “And I can put a word into the right ears. Lady Avelyn should have no problems. If she returns,” he added.

  Kenric’s heartbeat sped up. “Why would she not return?”

  “She seemed unhappy during her time in London. She told me once she’d rather tend her garden and care for babes. Lady Avelyn is a nurturing soul and likes to remain busy, not idling her time away listening to gossip. It will be the lucky man who claims her as his wife.”

  Kenric knew he had to ask. “So you don’t think her to be a liar?”

  Lord Sewell laughed heartily. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Avelyn Le Cler is honest to a fault. Mark my words, whatever Lady Avelyn says may be taken as seriously as the Gospels themselves.”

  The nobleman’s words landed a blow to Kenric’s gut. He’d been blinded so by his hurt at what Avelyn had told him that he blamed her for it. Ignored her words. Pushed them as far away as possible.

  But what if she had spoken the truth? That he was the true Earl of Shadowfaire?

  He had no way to prove it, but did it matter? If he could have Avelyn—have happiness—why not reach for it? Kenric realized he’d been a fool.

  “So . . . are you listening to me, Sir Kenric? I wish you to return to Sandbourne at once with my son. I trust Drew with you as I have no other, for I’ve seen that you’re a most honorable man and how you are in the boy’s company.”

  Kenric drew a deep breath, excitement building within him. “Young Drew is a most delightful child. I would be honored to have the lad ride with me to Sandbourne.”

  For the first time in weeks, Kenric felt happy. He would be going home—to Avelyn.

  If she would have him.

  Chapter 25

  Avelyn had mixed feelings about returning to London and severing her ties at the royal court. Though she knew she wouldn’t stay for long, she didn’t look forward to her conversation with the queen. Her uncle assured her that he would do the majority of the talking and she would only have
to speak if the queen wished to question her. At this point, since she’d fallen out with Kenric, they’d agreed that Geoffrey wouldn’t bring up the knight’s name as a possible choice of Avelyn’s future husband.

  She wondered if it was possible to ever get back in Kenric’s good graces. Her heart told her that, despite the way things ended when they last saw one another, Kenric still loved her. Though they’d been separated for many weeks, he’d finally returned last evening with young Drew Talbot in tow. Though they had yet to speak, Avelyn dreamed of Kenric putting his harsh words aside so they could return to the way it had once been between them. How she longed for his touch and his kiss and the tenderness he’d shown before she destroyed their future by speaking out of turn.

  Avelyn concentrated on the days and weeks ahead. She planned to visit at Kinwick after they spoke with the queen and she gathered her remaining possessions at the palace. Geoffrey said that he and Merryn would always welcome her with open arms, so they would stop first to allow her to visit Kinwick once they left London. Still, she prayed every night to the Blessed Virgin that once she arrived back at Sandbourne, somehow, she and Kenric could reconcile their feelings.

  A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. “Come,” she called.

  Elysande entered the chamber, a swaddled David in her arms.

  Wordlessly, Avelyn held out her arms and her sister handed over the babe. Avelyn brought him close, brushing her lips atop David’s head as her finger stroked his sweet cheek.

  “I’ll miss you while I’m gone, little one,” she told the sleeping babe.

  “You will have one of your own soon,” Elysande assured her. “I hope our children can grow up near one another and be as close as siblings.”

  “I’ll need to find a husband first before a babe is the result,” Avelyn said, making light of things.

  Her sister put an arm about Avelyn. “Everything will go well in London. I’m certain of it. You can visit with Merryn and then return to Sandbourne. I believe a certain knight will miss you during your absence. I caught him glancing at you several times during the evening meal.”