She missed him and looked forward to when they would be reunited in London. Even with her days filled with training, her nights were filled with dreams of him. Now that he had fully awakened her body to passion, it craved his touch. She woke with her body wet and aching for his.
When all the long months of training were complete, the true test would come. The day of the grand tournament was quickly approaching. The time had come for Jacqueline, her mother, and Beth to travel to London.
* * * *
With the long, tiring days of travel behind her, Jacqueline was happy to finally see the city gates looming before her. She had only been to London once before when she had been a small child. Her mother had decided William and she had needed to experience the large city.
Once they had made their way through the crowded city streets and they had reached their destination, Jacqueline, playing the part of William, directed the men-at-arms to set up her pavilion.
The place set aside for the contestants was almost filled to capacity. It very much seemed like a small city had been erected within the larger city of London. The positions of the pavilions created a maze of pathways running throughout.
Hoping to see Terric's standard present among the pavilions closest to where she was situated, Jacqueline scanned those within sight, but, not surprisingly, she did not find it. Spotting his standard would be nigh impossible without knowing exactly where he was camped. There were just too many.
When her mother called to her, she gave up on her search. She stepped into the pavilion to find out what her mother wanted.
"Now, Jacqueline, I am going to your father. He requested I seek him out upon our arrival. You and Beth may stay here. I do not think it wise for the earl to see you up close."
"I agree. I intend to avoid him as much as I possibly can. But what excuse will you give him should he ask why William does not accompany you?"
Lady Elizabeth casually waved away her concerns. "He will not ask. At least not as of yet. Besides, I know how to handle the earl."
"If you do not return before the feast, Beth and I will make our own way there."
With a nod, Lady Elizabeth motioned for the two men-at-arms to follow her as she walked out of the pavilion. Jacqueline and Beth were now left on their own.
"Well, Jacqueline, how do you feel? Now after all the months of training, the day you have been striving for is finally upon you."
"I am ready, but I just want to have it over with. William has waited long enough for retribution.
* * * *
Her mother did not return before the feast that was taking place in the evening. So Jacqueline and Beth went on their own, as planned if such an occurrence should come about. The feast was being held at a hall nearby.
Having waited for as long as they could, they found the hall was filled with all the knights and those in their retinue when they arrived. It was with great difficulty that Jacqueline found two empty spaces at one of the many trestle tables. Having seated Beth, she took the opportunity to search the hall for Terric. But again, it was futile.
Taking her seat, she accepted the food Beth passed to her. She knew she was being silly, but having not seen Terric since her arrival was making her concerned. Had he changed his mind over the intervening months? It was a possibility. She really had no hold over him. No betrothal to bind him to her.
An hour after their arrival, Jacqueline watched as her mother and the earl entered the hall. At the sight of her father, all the anger and resentment she felt towards him rose up inside her. She watched him as he led her mother to the raised dais where the higher nobles were seated. Her disgust in seeing him increased.
At the age of two and sixty, the earl still had the bearing of a much younger man. His shoulders were not stooped by age. His light brown hair, which he wore closely cropped to his head, was well sprinkled with gray. Jacqueline could see what had drawn her mother to him in the beginning. Even at his age, he still retained his fair face. And he was charming. Even now, he wielded his charm like a weapon, impressing all the nobles with whom he paused to speak.
Leaning in closer, Beth whispered into Jacqueline's ear. "I wonder if the earls realize how your father is manipulating them? They all seem so thrilled to be in his presence."
Jacqueline snorted in disgust. "It is very doubtful they do. The earl is cunning. He could charm a priest out of his robes if it would further him."
Another hour passed and Jacqueline began to feel a great need to leave the hall. If she did not, she would make a fool of herself in front of all present. The more she watched her father the more she wanted to ram her fist into his face. His arrogance knew no limits. And the way he was treating her mother was inexcusable. He had reduced a strong willed woman to a submissive possession. It was all too clear to Jacqueline that the earl had only demanded his wife's presence to further his position amongst the other earls. How he gained such control over her mother was a mystery to her. Seeing her sitting beside him, only speaking when he spoke to her, made Jacqueline feel physically ill.
Turning to Beth she said, "I cannot take anymore. Let us leave."
Having watched how Jacqueline had scowled in the direction of the earl since his arrival, she agreed. "I do not think we will be missing much. The main entertainment here seems to be how much wine one can down."
Taking a closer look at those seated around them, Jacqueline could see Beth was correct. How some of the knights would be in any condition to joust the following day was beyond her.
Making their way to the hall doors, Jacqueline had the distinct feeling she was being watched. Turing her head to look over her shoulder, she found the earl staring directly at her. He in no way acknowledged that he knew she was staring back at him. He just sat there, staring, with no expression upon his face. Turning back around once more, Jacqueline hurriedly ushered Beth through the doors. She was relieved to be able to close them behind her, separating herself from her father's unsettling regard.
All the tension she had been feeling left her in a rush once back inside her pavilion. She then let loose a string of curses.
Beth, who had come in a step behind her, asked, "What is the matter?"
"Mother's trunk, it is gone. I do not think she will be returning at all."
"I had a feeling she would not be. The earl must have some need of her."
Jacqueline grumbled, "First I cannot find Terric, now this."
Having poured them each a goblet of wine from the pitcher sitting on a small table in the center of the pavilion, Beth passed one to Jacqueline. "What is wrong? You do not think Terric would go against his word, do you?"
Accepting the proffered goblet, Jacqueline swallowed a large gulp from it. "Of course I do. It has been two months since I last saw him. Anything could have happened to make him change his mind. Including another woman."
"Oh, Jacqueline, Terric would not do that to you."
"How can you be so sure? I really have not known him all that long. He could have been lying, and I would not have been the wiser. He did not profess his undying love for me before he left."
Beth sighed. "He will be here for you, Jacqueline. Terric is not the type of man to make false promises."
"You are quite right, Beth. I do not make false promises."
At the sound of Terric's voice, Jacqueline whirled around, causing some of the wine in the goblet she held to slosh over the rim and onto her hand. The first thought that came to her mind was, he came, he actually came.
Terric moved to stand before her. He took the goblet from her hand and sipped from it. Then picking up her hand, he licked the wine from her skin. She uttered a small surprised gasp of pleasure in response.
Seeing how her presence had been forgotten, Beth discreetly coughed. "I am pleased to see you again, Terric. Jacqueline was most worried."
Blinking, as if coming out of a trance, Terric turned to look at Beth. "I heard you trying to reassure her. My thanks for having such confidence in me."
"Do not t
hink badly of Jacqueline. She has been under a lot of strain since our arrival."
"Well, I am here now. So she has one less thing to worry about." Releasing Jacqueline's hand, Terric reached for Beth's. After she placed her hand in his, he spoke once more. "If you agree, I would like some time alone with Jacqueline. Edwin is waiting just outside to escort you to my pavilion."
"I will leave you both alone, but I suggest you do not take very long. Who knows who may come to call. When you least expect it." Looking pointedly at Jacqueline, she received a curt nod in understanding.
Satisfied they would heed her warning Beth released Terric's hand and then stepped outside to where Edwin awaited her.
Seeing Terric again made Jacqueline realize how much she had missed him. So, with no hesitation, she welcomed his embrace when he pulled her into his arms.
The meeting of their lips was like a catalyst. It was an explosion of flames which engulfed them both.
Terric knew their joining would be quick. The two long months of being separated from Jacqueline had forced him to realize how much she really meant to him. He loved her. It was that simple. It struck him as kind of funny in a way. He, who was not searching for a wife, had found one. One who would also be a friend, as well as a lover.
He picked Jacqueline up in his arms and carried her to the cot in the corner of the pavilion. Knowing it would not hold their combined weight, he dragged the furs from it and placed them on the ground. Laying her gently down on them, he then fell atop her.
Having dreamed for so many nights of being like this with Terric, Jacqueline once more relished the feel of him pressed so close. His kisses were not gentle, but demanding. Almost as if he wanted to devour her. Knowing she had such an effect upon him increased her desire. Wanting to be closer to him, she pulled at his tunic.
Terric leaned back and quickly shed his tunic. As soon as his bared chest was exposed, Jacqueline rained it with kisses. He growled in the back of his throat. When she shoved him onto his back, she climbed on top of him. Straddling his hips, Jacqueline untied the laces on his hose. Terric silently watched as she pulled the garment down, exposing his full erect member. He hissed with pleasure when she softly touched the tip of him.
Jacqueline circled the very tip of Terric's shaft with her finger. Finding a drop of fluid on the very end of it, she rubbed it on the soft skin. The first time they had made love she had not had a chance to get a good look at this part of Terric. This time she full intended to satisfy her curiosity.
Glancing down at Terric, she found his eyes dark with desire. He made no move to stop her as she ran a finger down the length of him. Growing bolder, she let her hand roam further downwards and cupped his sac. Hearing Terric groan, she wondered if he would like what he had done to her while back at Carisbrooke.
She was torturing him. Jacqueline's tentative explorations of his body were more potent than any aphrodisiac. But what she did next to him was almost too much. Before he could stop her, she shifted lower down his body, took his cock in her hand and licked him from base to tip. His body jerked as a wave of intense pleasure hit him. When she took him into her mouth and gently sucked, he thought his head would come off. He let her have her way with him for a few seconds more before reaching the limit. If she continued what she was doing this would be over even before it had begun.
With a growl, Terric grabbed her and flipped her onto her back. Having no more finesse than a boy with his first woman, he undid her hose, roughly pulled her boots and hose off. Once she was exposed he pushed her legs apart with his knee and rammed himself home. They both moaned. Hoping he was not hurting her but unable to stop himself, Terric pounded himself into Jacqueline's body. But when she gasped, and her inner walls began to spasm, he knew she was with him. Grasping her by the hips, he pounded into her once, then twice and then his release ripped through him. Out of breath he collapsed on top of Jacqueline.
When he was able to form a coherent thought, Terric looked down at Jacqueline. She was nestled up against his side with her head on his chest. Her eyes were closed, but he knew she did not sleep. She only wore her tunic and his hose were pooled at his ankles. He still had his boots on.
"We have to get up, Jacqueline. Beth is right. We could have uninvited guests at any moment." He felt her lips form a grin where they touched his skin.
"I wish we did not have to. This feels too good. I could get used to having you as my pillow."
Terric chuckled. "I would not mind being used as one in the slightest. But your pillow is going to do what is best for you and get dressed."
When he slipped out from under her, Jacqueline groaned and put her face in the pile of furs. Having pulled his hose up and fastened the laces, Terric picked up her hose and threw it at her head.
"Come now, get up. Think of poor Beth. I am sure she wants to sleep soon. And she only has Edwin for company. I doubt she will be able to stomach his lovesick looks for long."
Pulling the hose from her head, she smiled at the thought of Beth having to fend off Edwin's admiring glances. "Then we had best rescue her. She is likely to smack him silly."
Fully dressed, Terric felt it now relatively safe to kneel down beside Jacqueline. "Sounds more likely that I will be rescuing my squire from her. Not the other way around."
Brushing a light kiss across her soft lips, he quickly stood up. She was all too alluring, lying half naked beneath those furs. He could already feel himself going hard at the mere sight of her. He took a few steps back, lengthening the distance between them.
Finally accepting the fact he would not stay any longer with her, she hurriedly donned her hose. Jacqueline could tell he was not totally unaffected by her. The evidence was there to see by the bugle in his hose. "Are you sure you have to leave, Terric?"
Giving himself a shake to clear his head, he nodded. "I must. There will be other nights."
"You promise?"
Letting the full force of his desire for her show in his eyes, Terric replied, "I promise, Jacqueline. You will not be rid of me so easily."
"Nor you, of me."
"Till the morrow, my love."
Jacqueline watched Terric walk out of the pavilion. Had she heard him correctly? Had he just called her his love? Sighing deeply, she let herself fall back down upon the furs. Looking up at the roof of the pavilion, she could not take the idiotic grin from her face.
That was how Beth found her upon her return. Lying on her back, looking like a woman who had been thoroughly loved. She was happy for her friend, but a little part of her was jealous. Jacqueline had found love, where she had lost hers. Life could be so unfair at times.
"I see Terric and you had an enjoyable … talk."
Turning her head in Beth's direction, Jacqueline giggled. She knew she was acting like a fool, but she seemed unable to help herself. She was just so happy. "Very. I hope Edwin did not bother you overly much."
Pushing back her dark thoughts, Beth could not help but laugh. Recalling Edwin's worshipping looks helped her heaviness of heart to dissipate. "Nay, he was vastly amusing. I must admit I found his attention flattering. Even though he is only a boy."
"That boy, as you call him, is the same age as yourself. Eight and ten."
"Really?" Edwin being the same age as her, surprised her. She felt so much older. Losing William had aged her beyond her years.
Seeing the perplexed look on Beth's face, Jacqueline shook her head in amusement. Maybe having her friend spend more time with Edwin would not be such a bad thing after all. If he could help Beth handle the loss of William, he would be a blessing. Beth had suffered enough. And she was too young to act the widow for the rest of her days. Edwin could be that man who could make Beth put away her mourning for good.
Chapter Ten
The following day, Sunday to be exact, King Richard's grand tournament began. This day, the first day of the tilting, was called the Feast of the Challengers. It was to be the prelude to the real tournament.
Around three o'clock, a parade th
rough London's streets marked the start of the entertainment. The Tower of London was the starting point and it would end at Smithfield.
The procession was a spectacle the commoners of London would talk of for years to come. And they would try to claim a small amount of fame by having witnessed such an event. King Richard had spared no expense. He wanted to outdo the French in the tournament they had held not so long before.
Sixty squires, atop barded coursers ornamented for the tournament, were the beginning of the parade. Behind them, sixty ladies of rank rode mounted on palfreys. Each lady led a knight, fully armored, by a silver chain. A number of minstrels followed in their wake. The whole group wound its way through the streets, down Cheapside, to the large square in Smithfield.
Neither Jacqueline nor Terric took part in the parade. They chose to stand and watch from the sidelines. Beth and Edwin both joined them. Already at Smithfield, they only saw the procession as it ended.
Jacqueline found herself in awe of those who participated, as were the rest of the spectators. The elegance of the richly dressed ladies and the beautifully barded horses took her breath away. She had never seen anything of the like before. As she watched each of the sixty ladies and knights enter the square, she noticed some wore matching livery.
Curious as to the reason why, she posed that question to Terric. "Why do some have livery and others not?"
Taking a closer look, Terric recognized the livery as being that of the king. "They must be the lords and ladies of the Garter. It is the king's livery they wear. I have seen it before."
When one of the ladies rode close by them, Jacqueline caught a better view of the badge she wore upon her gown. The king's livery was a hart with a golden crown that hung low on its body. Along with the crown, the hart also wore a golden chain which encircled its neck. The livery appeared to be worn on coats, armor, shields, and even on the horses' trappings.
Once all the ladies had arrived in the square, their servants rushed to assist them in dismounting from their palfreys. They were then led away to apartments that had been prepared for them earlier. Both the king and queen, along with her ladies, were already present, placed in handsomely decorated chambers.
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