My Victorious Knight

by O'Donnell, Laurel

  “That’s why I came. To thank you for helping us in the town,” Ellie explained.

  He bowed his head, accepting her thanks. “How could I not? I am a knight. An undefeated champion, in fact.”

  Her brows rose. “Really?” She glanced at Sarah. “Our apologies, but we have never heard of you.”

  “Sir Julian is undefeated in the one tournament he has entered,” Gilbert answered proudly as he came up beside them.

  When Elora shifted her gaze back to him, Julian’s insides melted, liquified. Good heavens, he was a seasoned man. This was not the first woman he had ever seen. He had been with his share of women. Why did she affect him like this?

  “Yes,” was all he could say.

  “One tournament?” Sarah asked, unimpressed.

  “He knocked Sir Osmont to the ground in the first pass,” Gilbert boasted, lifting his chin.

  “Osmont?” Ellie echoed, her voice rising in surprise.

  Gilbert nodded. “The winning purse was enough to enter this tournament.”

  Ellie’s gaze moved over Julian’s face. “Sir Osmont is an esteemed jouster. To defeat him is quite notable.”

  Julian wanted to be close to her, to bask in her radiance. He could only nod.

  Gilbert elbowed him in the ribcage, hard.

  Julian grunted and rubbed his side. He tried to shake himself out of the cloud he’d found himself in. “Yes.” It was difficult. He knew he was losing her interest. He needed to say something—something charming.

  “Julian has challenged as many opponents in this tournament as time would allow,” Gilbert added. “He jousts Osmont on the morrow.”

  Ahh! Finally. He knew what to say. This tournament was all he thought of, all he dreamed of. Well, until he’d met her. “I will win this tournament.”

  She tilted her head and smiled. “That is a worthy goal. The knights here have all competed in numerous tourneys.”

  Julian nodded. “All of which I have attended. I’ve watched them. I know their faults and their weaknesses. I am confident I can emerge champion here.”

  Ellie shared a glance with Sarah, and something passed between them. Before Julian could comment on it, Ellie remarked, “Surely, not all the knights have faults.”

  “Everyone has flaws. Even me.”

  She narrowed her blue eyes contemplatively. “These knights have already won tournaments. How could they have faults if they’ve won?”

  “Their opponents didn’t know what their faults were or how to use them to their advantage.”

  “What is your weakness?” Ellie asked.

  Julian’s eyebrows rose in surprise. He glimpsed Baldwin shaking his head. When he glanced back at Ellie, her face upturned awaiting his answer, he knew he would give her anything. The intensity of her stare swept through him, warming him. His shoulders sagged slightly as if he was under a spell.

  My weakness is you. But he could never say that.

  The silence grew. Her grin faded, and a different radiance reddened her cheeks.

  A cheer rose from the field of honor in the distance.

  Sarah tugged at Ellie’s arm. “We’d best go.”

  Julian captured her hand. “Please don’t go yet. We have ale if you are thirsty. Baldwin can regale you with stories of his past.”

  Baldwin grunted. “You should practice.”

  She leaned in. “I’d rather hear your stories.”

  Julian couldn’t help but smile. He offered her his arm. “I don’t have as many stories as Baldwin does, but I will tell you everything. However, in return, I expect to know more about you.”

  Ellie swept the hood from her head as they walked through the trodden clearing to the firepit near his tent.

  A gasp lodged in his throat. She was beautiful. Like the sun on a bright day. Her blue eyes were dazzling, her nose pert, her lips full and bowed. He opened his mouth but suddenly couldn’t think of any questions.

  “I’m afraid there is not much to know about me,” she said.

  Displeased, Baldwin passed them to enter the tent. “Guests! You should be practicing. You have two more jousts today. You don’t have time.”

  “Ellie and Sarah would like to hear your renowned stories,” Julian called.

  “Please,” Ellie requested.

  After a moment, Baldwin emerged from the tent, his lips tight.

  Ellie placed a comforting hand on his arm. “Surely, there is time for one story. I’d like to know how you met and came to travel with Sir Julian.”

  Baldwin grumbled but relented with a nod. “Only one story.” He pointed to Julian. “And then you practice!”

  “Of course, of course,” Julian agreed and quickly retrieved a blanket from the tent. He spread it on the ground.

  Ellie sat and curled her knees beneath her. There was something about her. Perhaps the way she sat. It wasn’t the way a commoner would sit. And how she had presented her knuckles to him. Something wasn’t quite… As his instincts buzzed, he stared at her and grinned. It didn’t matter. She was perfect. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

  When she smiled at Baldwin, the old man’s shoulders sagged, and he sat beside her on the blanket.

  Lost. Just as lost as Julian. Or found. He wasn’t quite sure which.

  Chapter Nine

  Baldwin didn’t elaborate on the story and finished quickly. Julian wished he had gone on one of his digressions where he invented things to make the tale interesting. But Baldwin was in no mood for embellishment.

  Sarah once again rose, looking back across the fields. “We should go,” she stressed to Ellie.

  Ellie nodded in agreement.

  Baldwin crossed his arms, nodding, and glowered at Julian. “At least someone here has sense.”

  With a sigh, Julian stood and offered Ellie his hand. She grasped it, and he helped her to her feet.

  Sarah and Gilbert took the lead, heading back to the citadel.

  Elora lifted the hood over her head again. They walked in silence for a moment as Sarah and Gilbert moved farther ahead of them. Julian’s tent was on the outskirts of the camp, near the river. It was close to the entrance to Gracious Hill, but far enough away from the fields that no one would see them.

  “You didn’t break your fast at the morning meal,” she said.

  “Were you were looking for me?” he asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.

  “I wanted to thank you. For saving Sarah and me in the city.”

  Julian nodded in understanding. “I was practicing.”

  “The other knights weren’t practicing. Most were breaking their fast.”

  He paused, causing her to stop and face him. His lip turned up in a half-smile. “That’s why I’ll be victorious.” His gaze swept over her soft cheeks to her full lips and back up to her sparkling eyes. He stepped closer, almost touching her. “Do you doubt me?”

  She bowed her head shyly. A lock of her hair fell forward from the hooded darkness.

  He caught it in his palm. It curled like a strand of gold.

  “There are many talented, experienced knights here,” she said softly, breathlessly. She lifted her stare to his face, her eyes lingering on his lips.

  “Not nearly as talented as me.” He tucked the strand behind her ear, and his fingers trailed along her soft curved jaw, lifting her chin. She was so lovely.

  She opened her mouth to respond. Or simply to inhale.

  He leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers. Just a quick, simple taste. That was all he wanted. He intended to pull back, to release her. But she gasped, parting her lips. He couldn’t resist. His hand slid to her curved back to draw her closer against him, deepening the kiss. Her hands moved around him and up his back. He heard her groan softly and answered by touching her lips with the very tip of his tongue, urging them to part.

  She sighed, and her lips opened slightly.

  He swept his tongue against hers, stroking and caressing it. She answered with a tentative curl of hers against his. Innocent! He pulled b
ack to look at her lidded eyes. Heat flared through his body.

  She was innocent. The thought thrilled and excited him. No man had kissed her but him.

  Just one passionate kiss. That had been all Elora wanted. After receiving that, she could move forward and find a husband.

  At least, that was what she had told herself.

  She moved through the castle corridors quietly, following Sarah. Sarah watched her with a knowing grin. The hallways bustled with servants rushing by them, but since they wore the traveling cloaks, no one acknowledged them. A male servant with a brown tunic hurried past them. A black-haired woman carrying a basket of clothing dodged by. Elora saw none of them. She was too lost in the feel and recollection of her first kiss. Her lips still tingled with the memory of Julian’s caress. Her body still hummed with the feel of his touch, his hard body pressed so firmly against her own.

  Sarah opened the door to Elora’s chambers and allowed her entrance.

  Elora rushed by, very aware of Sarah’s intense gaze. As soon as the door closed, Elora pulled off the traveling cloak and handed it to Sarah, avoiding her stare.

  “Well?” Sarah asked.

  Like a dam breaking, joy burst from Elora. She clasped Sarah’s hands. “Oh, Sarah! It was wonderful. So full of life and… heat!” She twirled around. “I’ve never felt anything like this before.” She quickly took stock of her body. “I feel like… I’ve been living in darkness, and his kiss awakened the sun. Oh, how foolish. I sound like a poet!” She giggled. “It’s just wonderful and—”

  Sarah rushed forward and took Elora’s face into her hands. “Careful. You asked for just one kiss. Don’t let this become more. You are destined to marry someone else.”

  Elora nodded, urging her feelings behind the wall of propriety. She clenched her fists. “I know.” She took deep breaths, forcing herself to calm, forcing herself back into her dutiful place, back into the darkness. She nodded again. “I know.”

  Silence engulfed the room as Elora tried to hide her feelings of pleasure. They simmered just below sadness.

  Sarah stepped back with a sigh. “We shall change into your red dress.”

  Elora acquiesced. Edward was jousting later in the day. She couldn’t miss that.

  Elora stood at the railing of the joust, not really watching the knights as they made passes at each other and battled on the field of honor with swords. She should have told Julian the truth about who she was, instead of allowing Sarah to introduce her as Ellie. She should have admitted to him that she probably wouldn’t see him again. She clutched her hands in her lap.

  If he knew who she really was, would he have looked at her differently? Would he see her as wealthy and treat her differently? Would he have kissed her? Probably not. And because of that wonderful kiss, she would never be sorry for not telling him the truth. For only a moment, she’d enjoyed being someone else. She’d enjoyed the way he had invited her to stay at his camp with him. How he had kissed her. He would never have done either if he realized she was Lady Elora of Kingston.

  Her shoulders sagged. Lady Elora of Kingston, who must find a husband.

  Julian distracted her from the goal. It could only benefit both of them if he discovered the truth about her identity. Then, he would understand he could not see her again. Then, she would be forced to think of a future husband instead of a handsome knight with blue eyes that twinkled in the sun.

  She sighed softly. Edward would never allow Julian to court her. Julian was not a titled lord, nor did he have the wealth Edward required.

  Still, everything in her wanted to spend each moment with Julian. She wanted to laugh and hear his stories and learn all about him. She wanted to kiss him again. Heat suffused her cheeks, and she bowed her head so others would not see. Oh yes, she wanted to kiss him again. The thrill and excitement of his kiss were addictive. And forbidden.

  Edward stood beside her, watching the jousts with keen interest. He had won his first joust, of course.

  When Julian was announced for his next joust, her head snapped up in attention, and her back straightened in anticipation. Her fingers curled over the bannister of the railing.

  Julian mounted the field, riding his brown horse around expertly to scattered, tentative applause.

  Elora watched his movements and mastery of his steed with something akin to pride. She took a deep breath of approval. He was amazing. Confident strength oozed from him. His gaze moved over the crowd, and Elora was thrilled that he might be looking for her.

  He took a lance from Gilbert on his side of the field and cantered his steed toward the stands. Julian paused before the stands to bow to Lord Yves.

  He was absolutely amazing. His helm was not yet on to cover his face revealing his square jaw and chiseled good looks. Elora swallowed heavily in awe.

  Then, he swiveled his head, and his gaze pinned her to the spot.

  Shivers of delight raced through her body, and she inhaled a shaky breath.

  He marched his steed up to the edge of the stands, right toward where Elora stood.

  She couldn’t move as he approached. Her hands clutched the bannister tightly, her back so straight it ached. Dread and excitement fought for control.

  He stopped feet before the stands and lowered his lance over the wooden railing to her.

  Edward’s gaze snapped to her in shock.

  For a moment, she didn’t move. She didn’t breathe. All eyes were upon her. He was asking for her favor. Should she grant Julian her favor over one of Edward’s close friends? Her favor would be powerful. Her name alone was sought after by many knights.

  Yet, Julian did not know her name. He was asking for her favor without knowing about her wealth or title. She had never given her favor to anyone before.

  Time seemed frozen. She felt Edward’s shocked stare piercing into her. She sensed the stares of the surrounding nobles like little pinpricks across her back; she could even hear muted whispers. The weight of her decision fell about her shoulders like a ton of bricks.

  Staring at Julian, everything else suddenly seemed to fade away. His heated kiss came to her mind. His hard body. The tender touch of his fingers.

  A genuine smile stretched across his lips as if he were remembering the kiss as well. A smile meant only for her.

  Her heart melted. She reached up and removed the veil from her head and tied it around his lance.

  Gasps erupted around her. Murmured talking buzzed through the air like the sound of gnats.

  Julian bowed his thanks, and she couldn’t help but smile in return. He turned away, cantering his steed down the field to his side of the yard, his lance raised proudly to display her fluttering favor.

  Elora was still smiling as she lifted her gaze to meet Edward’s fierce glower of disapproval. Her grin vanished instantly, and she turned back to the field. Her fingers became cold despite the warm sun.

  “Who is he?”

  “How does she know him?”

  Curious whispers encircled her. What a scandal it would be if they discovered she had snuck off to his camp. It would tarnish her family name. It would damage her reputation. What was she going to tell Edward?

  Chapter Ten

  The trumpets sounded, blaring a deep-toned rhythm across the field to announce the start of the joust. The opponents pulled on their helmets and took up their lances.

  Tremors raced through Elora. Once again, Sir Garrett, the knight Julian faced now, was favored to win. He was a seasoned jouster. No one had heard of Julian before. No one knew of him.

  The horses charged at each other, kicking up small puffs of dirt in their wake. Both knights simultaneously brought down their lances to couch them beneath their elbow. They drew closer to each other.

  Elora wasn’t sure if the thunder she heard was the horse’s hooves hitting the ground or her pounding heart. She squeezed her hands tightly.

  Julian’s lance struck Garrett’s shield, splintering. The impact jarred Garrett, and his lance jerked aside, missing Julian altogethe
r.

  A sigh of relief escaped Elora’s lips.

  Surprise and disbelief came over the spectators like a cloud.

  “Where did he come from?”

  “Who is he?”

  Elora heard the questions whispered from the nobles standing around her. She imagined even Edward was wondering the same thing. Her gaze remained focused on Julian. Tall and gallant in his chainmail coat, sitting confidently in his saddle. Remarkable. Impressive.

  Another pass. The knights galloped down the lists, Julian scoring a hit to Garrett’s shield again, and Garrett missing Julian completely.

  The murmuring of incredulity grew around Elora. A small smile crept across her lips. Sir Garrett was somehow missing Julian. Unless Garrett unhorsed him, Julian would have another win. Her back straightened in anticipation of the final pass.

  The riders charged down the field. Julian leaned forward, holding the lance still. This time, Julian’s lance struck with incredible power. The impact against Sir Garrett’s shield lurched him back and up out of the saddle. For a moment, Garrett was suspended over the ground, and then fell heavily to his bottom in a cloud of dust.

  Cheers erupted from the spectators. The nobles around Elora spoke in loud disbelief and confusion.

  “Who is he?”

  “Remarkable.”

  “Unheard of.”

  Julian had won!

  Julian pulled his helmet from his head, his gaze swinging to meet Elora’s.

  She wanted to cheer. She wanted to shout in excitement. She trembled and clapped her hands. Sheer delight bubbled inside of her. She could barely contain her exuberance. He was stunning, and her heart pounded madly. She wished she could rush onto the field and embrace him.

  Instead, she stood stiffly like a proper lady, her adoring gaze locked on Julian. She shifted her head to the side to see Edward’s fierce stare upon her. Her joy burst. She swung her eyes to the nobles behind him. Their stares were also focused on her; some even whispered behind raised hands.