My Victorious Knight

by O'Donnell, Laurel

  Again, she looked at his chest and the broken chainmail. “What happened? I saw him strike you.”

  Julian’s grin grew to a full-fledged smile. His deep blue eyes twinkled. He held her tight against him as if he would never let her go. “A long time ago in a field, I helped a young girl capture the attention of her father by suggesting she show an interest in daggers.”

  Slowly, the memory returned. Her lips parted in surprise as she recalled white flowers and a boy sitting amidst long stalks of grass, sharpening an old rusty dagger.

  He reached into his tunic and pulled forth the dagger with the elaborate handle she had given him. “I couldn’t have known that same girl would capture my heart and save my life.”

  Elora stared at him in disbelief. He had been the one in the field all those years ago. He had suggested taking an interest in knives and daggers. He was the one! Her gaze scanned his face. All this time, he was the one. Her stare shifted to the dagger. An indent marred the surface of the polished blade where the knight’s sword had hit it.

  “I tucked it inside my armor for safekeeping, and in case I needed it,” Julian clarified. “Apparently, I did need it.”

  The dagger she had given him had saved his life! She blinked as his words sank in. What else had he said? She shifted her gaze back to his clear blue eyes. He said she hadn’t just saved his life but had also captured his heart.

  “Will you marry me if I am Lord of Eaton?” he asked. “I can give you everything you deserve.”

  She stepped back, horrified, pushing at his chest. “No! No. Do not bend to your father because of me. We will figure out some other way. Somewhere—”

  Julian chuckled, stopping Elora mid-sentence. “I am hardly bending to my father.” He looked over his shoulder to where his father stood with a grimace of loathing. “We are negotiating terms of his ransom.”

  Elora met his father’s gaze. When she looked back at Julian, joy bubbled inside her.

  “And they are going to be rather expensive.”

  She lifted her chin. “Then, I shall marry you. Whether you are lord or sir, I care not. I only care that I love you.”

  Julian claimed her lips again. She sighed against him.

  “I love you, too, Elora. More than you shall ever know.” He chuckled softly. “Even though I forfeited the joust, I feel I am the most victorious knight here, for I have won the most cherished prize.”

  Epilogue

  Kingston, England

  Two Months Later

  Julian stared out over the Great Hall in Kingston Castle. Knights, nobles, barons, and dukes, as well as commoners, had all arrived for the celebration feast of his marriage to Elora. The large room was crowded with guests, and dulcimer notes filled the air. In the middle of the long aisle, a caged bear growled, while a juggler moved through the room entertaining the guests. The charred smell of venison drifted across the assembly.

  Julian was a lord now. He had lands and a title. But most satisfyingly, he had married the greatest beauty and the love of his life. He glanced at Elora across the room as she spoke with her brother. Edward sat in a chair, his leg wrapped and propped on another chair. A smile curved his lips as he listened to Elora. Edward’s leg was on the mend, but servants still had to help him walk. Julian had a suspicion he would be walking on his own soon. One day, he had passed Edward’s open doorway and spied Edward testing his limits in secret by trying to stand on his leg.

  Julian’s stare shifted over the crowd. His gaze alighted on his father where he sat alone, eating. His father had come to the ceremony, not out of respect or love for Julian, but out of obligation to Edward. Edward was a wealthy, favored lord. Edward had everything Julian’s father coveted.

  Soft pings of the dulcimer echoed from the corner as Julian’s inspected the gathered assembly. Gentle laughter tinkled through the air from a pocket of seated visitors. Mace sat at a wooden table, surrounded by men. He was deep in his ale, telling some fantastical tale to the enthralled group around him.

  Julian spotted Gilbert standing near a wall, speaking quietly with Sarah. Julian grinned. He had a feeling his squire harbored feelings for the young woman.

  Gilbert nodded and then moved away from Sarah to approach him. He came up the two stairs to the dais where Julian and Elora’s head table was and leaned toward Julian. “No word. No one has seen Baldwin. I’m sorry, Julian.”

  Julian nodded, a pang of disappointment tightening his chest. When they had departed Lord Yves’s tournament, Julian had asked Gilbert to try to find Baldwin. Julian had hoped to see his mentor again and explain why he had given up becoming the champion. But Baldwin had disappeared. He probably didn’t want Julian to find him.

  Baldwin had envisioned Julian as the champion of the jousts; it had been his dream, as well as Julian’s. Celebrating Julian’s marriage to Elora would only be a slap in the face to all they had worked so hard to accomplish. Julian wasn’t surprised Baldwin wasn’t here. But he wished his friend had come.

  As Gilbert left, Julian lifted his gaze and looked at Elora. Dreams change, he thought. He’d never believed he would want something more than being a champion. Elora straightened, curls of gold falling about her shoulders. Her tiny, curvy form was accented beneath a fitted gown of red silk. Julian’s gaze lingered appreciatively on her for a long moment. She turned to him as if he had called her. Julian felt a jolt like lightning move through him. Every time her gaze met his, his heart beat a little faster.

  As she approached, he appreciatively watched the sway of her hips.

  She came to a stop beside him. “Is everything well, m’lord?”

  Julian mentally shook his head at the title. He would never get used to it, not from Ellie’s lips. “Aye.”

  She tilted her head to the side. “Are you having second thoughts?”

  “Never. I might have wished to whisk you away and marry you in private rather than have such a grand ceremony, but I have always intended to marry you.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her soft knuckles.

  She clasped his hand and gently pulled. “Come.”

  Surprised, he stood and followed her. He would trail after her anywhere without question. She departed the Great Hall through the kitchens and then into a hallway. The farther they moved, the more confused Julian became.

  They rounded a corner, and suddenly, Elora halted.

  Julian almost ran into her but pulled back just in time. He smiled at her. “What is going on? Why the hurry to…”

  She was staring down the hallway at the wooden doors leading to the front entrance of the castle. He followed her gaze. Guards were stationed at either side of the doors, wearing surcoats of a deep red background featuring a black phoenix. A man with gray hair sticking up around his head stood gazing about as if he were lost.

  “Baldwin,” Julian gasped. He started toward him with wide strides.

  Baldwin turned and straightened at seeing him. “Julian,” he said, spreading his hands before him. “Let me explain. I’m—”

  Julian grasped him tightly in an embrace, cutting him off. For a moment, Baldwin remained stiff and unmoving, but then a sigh escaped his lips, and he wrapped his arms around Julian.

  A rush of relief and joy crested over Julian, and he pulled back to look Baldwin in the eye. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

  Baldwin shuffled his feet. “Julian, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

  “No,” Julian said firmly. “Don’t. I should apologize to you.”

  “But you did what you said you would!” Baldwin exclaimed. “You won!”

  Julian shook his head. “I forfeited.” He took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair before looking him in the eye. “But it’s not about winning. It’s about having faith in yourself and your abilities. It’s about believing you’re worthy.”

  Baldwin’s eyebrows rose in surprise before a satisfied, understanding grin twisted his lips, and his gaze softened. He nodded in approval. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”r />
  “I’m glad you’re here,” Julian murmured.

  Baldwin put a hand on his shoulder. “I’m proud of you.”

  Julian stared, speechless. No one had ever said that to him before. His chest puffed out a little in delight. He glanced at Elora and looked back at Baldwin. He squinted his eyes, peering closely at Baldwin. “Is that a smile I see?”

  “No,” Baldwin grumbled, trying to turn his mustache downward.

  “It is!”

  Baldwin rolled his eyes. “Perhaps just this once, it is.”

  “You are always welcome here, Baldwin,” Elora invited.

  Baldwin bowed his head and grinned at Julian. “I smell venison. Is Gilbert in there?” He jerked a thumb into the Great Hall.

  “Of course,” Julian said.

  Baldwin nodded and stared at Julian for a long moment. Another smile edged his bushy upper lip. He bobbed his head in approval before continuing into the Great Hall.

  Julian watched him enter, contented. Through the large doors, Julian saw Gilbert rush up to Baldwin with a wide, surprised smile and embrace the old man, nearly knocking him off his feet. Baldwin straightened, ruffling Gilbert’s hair.

  Elora wrapped her hands about Julian’s arm.

  Julian glanced down at her. He couldn’t have been happier. “How did you find him?”

  “Adam, the boy from Gracious Hill, knew where he went.” She bowed her head and grinned at him from beneath her lashes. “I am useful in some ways.”

  Something intense flared through him. Her beautiful blue, sultry eyes, her pert nose, and Lord, those lips! She was stunning. Every fiber in his body ignited, coming to life. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips. She was his wife now. There was nothing wrong with others seeing them show affection. There was nothing forbidden about kissing her. “You are useful in all ways,” he whispered.

  Her gaze moved to his lips, and she murmured, “Daggers?”

  “Daggers?” Julian echoed, confused.

  She swallowed and clarified in a throaty voice, “I’d like to show you my dagger collection now.”

  Julian grinned and nodded. His gaze swept over her face. He took her hand into his. “I would never deny you, my wife.”

  She grasped his hand and hurriedly pulled him through the hallways, up the spiral staircase, and down the stone corridor.

  “Elora,” he called. But she did not stop. He followed her through the corridor until she entered her room. Their room. A soft fire in the hearth warmed the chambers and threw a reddish hue across them. She bent beneath the bed and pulled out a rolled cloth. She rushed to the table and placed it on the table, unfurling it and stood for a long moment, looking down at the burlap fabric.

  Julian stepped up close behind her to peer over her shoulder. Each dagger was carefully tucked into a separate pocket. The heat of her body penetrated his clothing, and his senses hummed with life. The scent of roses floated to him. Her luxurious hair brushed against his cheek and her breathing quickened.

  “They’re beautiful,” he whispered, nuzzling her ear.

  “You haven’t even seen them yet,” she protested without conviction.

  He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. “Which is your favorite?”

  She leaned back into him. “I have different favorites for different reasons.”

  He brushed her hair aside and pressed a kiss to her neck. “You must have one you like above the rest.”

  She turned her head to his, asking playfully, “We are speaking of the daggers, are we not?”

  Her breath fanned his lips. His gaze swept her face, from her luminescent eyes to her moist lips. “What else would we be speaking of?”

  They were so close, so agonizingly close. He cupped her chin with his hand and guided her lips to his. The sweet, gentle kiss quickly turned heated, and his heart pounded. His consciousness seemed to ebb and then flamed hotter. She turned toward him, bringing her arms up around him, holding him.

  He reached behind her and trailed his fingers through the waves of gold as they tumbled to her waist. His body, nay, his entire being, ached for her. He dropped his hands to her bottom and pulled her close, pressing his stiffness against her belly.

  She reached down to the hem of his surcoat and lifted it over his head, revealing his undertunic.

  He bent to press a kiss to the hollow of her throat, his body swelling to his full size. She drove him crazy with want. One look from her eyes, and he was mush. One smile, and he proclaimed his love for her. His fingers glided over her hips and undid her belt, letting it fall to the floor. He kissed her silky lips gently, peppering kisses over her jaw and cheeks and returning to her lips. He wanted to kiss and worship every inch of her delectable body. He eased the dress over her head.

  She stood before him in her chemise. The thin garment was the only barrier to his eyes, to his touch. Tugging his undertunic from his head, she tossed it aside and gazed at his naked chest for a moment before running her fingers over the planes in his muscles slowly, tracing them all the way down to the tops of his breeches. She lifted her gaze to his.

  Lord, it was sweet agony. He didn’t want to frighten her by going fast. He needed to take his time. To relish this first taste of their love.

  Her breathing came in gentle pants.

  Desire coursed through his veins until he could resist no longer and claimed her lips with urgency, pulling her hard and tight against him. His hand slid from her back to her perfectly rounded breast. He cupped it, running his thumb across her hardened nipple.

  She gasped, arching into him. With frantic urgency, he grasped the fabric of the chemise and quickly lifted it above her head, throwing it aside. The beauty of her naked body taunted and inflamed him. Her heated skin glowed in the firelight.

  Julian guided her back onto the bed with his body, and together, they fell into the clouds of blankets, his body pressing hers down. He dipped his head to taste her sensitive, swollen nipples. She inhaled, and her breasts heaved forward.

  He glanced up at her. Her large eyes were lidded in passion, and her head tossed back in desire, her delectable lips parted in ecstasy. He delved into the succulent taste of her.

  Her hands pulled his head closer, running fingers through his hair. He desperately claimed her lips again, desire pounding through him. He was so hard for her.

  She opened her legs for him, and his body nestled against her hot, wet core. She lifted her hips to him, pushing against him, undulating with craving.

  He didn’t want to hurt her. Still, her shifting hips were driving him crazy with want.

  When she reached down to undo his breeches, he called, “Elora,” in a gentle voice.

  She groaned quietly with disappointment but did not stop. Finally, he took her hand in his. “Ellie.”

  Breathing hard, she looked at him. “I want you.” She snuggled against him.

  He smiled. “And I want you. But there is no hurry. We have all the time in the world.”

  She pouted, a delectable, enticing look smoldering in her eyes. “Make me yours.” She twisted her hand free and returned to untying his breeches.

  This time, he let her.

  When she reached inside and touched him, he knew it was time. He inhaled sharply as she stroked the length of him and then pulled his breeches aside, freeing his manhood.

  He stroked the hot, moist core of her being, and she writhed in sweet agony. He eased himself into her slowly until he hit her barrier. He was her only one; no one had touched her here. The thought was intoxicating, and he lunged forward.

  She stiffened, her fists balling at his shoulders. He kissed her face, her cheeks, her lips over and over again until she relaxed. Then, he claimed her lips, coaxing her, enticing her. He gently moved inside of her.

  She lifted her hips to meet his thrusts, and together they found the tempo that bound them. She gasped in soul-drenching drafts, clinging tightly to his shoulders. As he moved his fingers over her breasts, outlining them, her skin tingled and
flamed. His expert touch sent her to even higher levels of passion. Involuntary tremors of explosive desire swept through her as she threw her head back.

  He released his seed into her, and waves of ecstasy throbbed through him.

  Gasping and spent, he rolled from on top of her and tugged her tight into the circle of his arms.

  She stroked his chest, and slowly, her breathing evened. “I guess you didn’t want to see my dagger collection.”

  “You do not have to demonstrate an interest in daggers to capture my attention. You already have all of my love.”

  She boosted herself on one elbow to look down at him, her hair falling around them like a golden blanket. “You are a lord now. You have lands now. Yet, none of that has ever mattered to me. You are the most chivalrous man I have ever met, and I am honored to be your wife.”

  Julian grinned at her praise. He finally felt worthy. He finally felt that he was right where he belonged… in Elora’s arms.

  She kissed his lips tenderly. “You are my victorious knight.”

  The End

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  THANK YOU

  Dearest Reader –

  Wow! I just love tournaments! Thank you for reading Julian and Elora’s tale. I did a lot of research into the knights and the way they jousted. It really was a brutal sport. Knights were injured all the time, sometimes fatally. Still, the image of the valiant knight in shining armor sitting atop his warhorse makes my heart flutter.

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