Finally, when she thought for certain she would faint from pleasure, he came over her, filling her slowly as he held her gaze captive with his own.
'Remember me, Lea.' He lifted her, bringing her tighter against him, as he deepened his thrusts.
'When the nights are long and your arms are empty. Remember me.'
His words were ragged, his breathing harsh, but his intent gaze was steady.
She reached up for him, wanting to hold him against her, promising, 'I will. Oh, Jared, I will.'
He came into her embrace, holding her tightiy as they found their release together.
Lea's throat tightened and she fought the building tears.
Jared pulled the covers over them and rolled on to his side, taking her with him. He threaded his fingers through her hair, gently caressing her as he held her face to his shoulder. 'Cry now. I'll have no tears in the morning.'
She instantly lost her batde and gave up to the sorrow knifing through her heart. I will miss you so.'
'I hope so.' He stroked the rim of her ear. I will miss you, too.'
When her tears lessened, she wanted to beg him to stay, but knew it would only anger and upset him, so she held her tongue on that score. Instead she asked, 'You swear you'll keep your promises?'
'Of course I will.' He wrapped both arms around her and rolled on to his back. 'I don't want you coming down here in the morning.'
'You don't want me to see you off?'
'I'll see you in our chamber before I leave. I don't want you down here on the beach.'
'I won't cry.'
She felt his chest tremble beneath her. 'Yes, you will.'
'So will the other women.'
'True, but if they see the lady of the keep in agony, it will only serve to build their fears.'
'But—'
'No, Lea. Not this dme. This time I want to remember you naked in our bed. You can cry there all you want—-just don't do so in front of Montreau's people.'
Not at all certain that would be possible, she nodded. 'I'll try.'
'Go to sleep.'
Lea stretched and froze at the feel of her bed beneath her. How'd she get here? She sat up quickly.
Had he left? Without waking her up? Without saying farewell?
She swung around and rose from the bed, pulling on a chemise and gown as she headed for the door. Jerking it open, she stared up at Jared.
'Going somewhere?'
Relief washed over her. 'I thought you'd left already.'
He backed her into the room. 'I wouldn't leave without bidding you farewell.'
She wasn't certain what to say, or what to do. 'Jared.. .1...'
He lifted her in his arms, crossed the chamber and dumped her on to the bed. 'Get undressed and go back to sleep.'
'But...' She knew that nothing she said would change what was going to happen, so she removed her gown and slid back beneath the covers.
Jared tucked the covers around her, and then sat on the edge of the bed. 'Another ship of my men will be here within a day or two. They know they are to answer to you. Use them to keep Montreau safe until I return. Can you do that?'
She nodded. 'Yes. My father's old captain still lives in the village. I'll call on him if I need help.'
'You do that.' He brushed her hair back from her face. 'Take care of yourself and our baby, Lea.'
'I will.'
She stared at him. Dressed in chain maille, his sword already at his side, he was a frightening vision. One she realised she loved dearly. She'd tried not to. She'd sworn never to give her heart to a warrior. But staring up at him, she knew she had.
Lea cupped his cheek. 'And you take care of yourself, too.'
'I will.' He kissed her palm, then tucked her arm beneath the covers. 'Stay here. Go back to sleep.'
Jared rose and Lea swallowed the lump building in her throat. He leaned down and kissed her. 'I will return in time, Lea.'
Without another word he headed for the door. When he grasped the handle, Lea panicked. She didn't want him to leave without knowing how she felt. She called out, 'Jared.'
He turned to face her. 'Lea.' His voice held a warning that he'd not tolerate any hysterics.
'Jared, I love you.'
He showed no trace of surprise. Instead, he closed his eyes and nodded. 'I know.'
When the door closed behind him, Lea gripped the covers in her hands, refusing to break down.
She might not go down to the beach, but she couldn't just lie in this bed.
She rose and donned her gown once again. The missive he'd given her last night, the one that detailed what to do should he not return, lay on the bench by the window.
Lea went to stand before the window and flicked her fingernail beneath the wax seal. She read the list, her heart breaking with each gruesome order.
Her eyes fdled with tears at the thought of telling his family about his death. Her knees grew weak at the idea of gathering them together here at Montreau for a memorial service should his body not be found.
She leaned against the wall next to window and read the last line. Her heart stopped as she read his words over and over again.
Lea clutched the note to her chest and raced from the chamber. Her feet barely touched the stairs as she headed for the Great Hall and out into the bailey.
Frantic, she searched for him. 'Jared!' Spotting him, she shouted again, 'Jared!'
He pulled up on his reins and turned his horse around.
Lea held up the note and ran to his side. 'I will. I swear, I will.'
One eyebrow winged up. 'You weren't supposed to read that yet.'
She smiled up at him. 'You knew I would.'
He reached down and grasped her beneath her arms to haul her up and hold her close. 'I'd hoped you would read it last night.'
She cupped his cheeks between her hands. 'Doesn't matter.' Lea kissed him, whispering, 'I swear, I will always love you, Jared. Always.'
'I'll take that with me, and I leave my love with you.' He kissed her until the sounds in the bailey faded away and there was nothing except his lips on hers and their hearts pounding in unison.
Jared lowered her to the ground. 'Now go.'
'No.' She shook her head. 'This is my keep and I will take my place on the wall until you are gone.'
'So be it.' He reached down to trace a fingertip along her nose. 'You keep my baby and my love safe, do you hear me?'
When she nodded, he pointed toward the gate towers. 'Go.'
Chapter Twenty-Two
Silent as North Sea raiders of old, the three longships slipped on to the sandy beach of Montreau's bay.
Jared, Lord of Warehaven and Montreau, leapt from the centre boat, his booted feet splashing in the shallow water. Heart pounding, he rushed forwards, leaving his men behind as he raced for the keep.
At the top of the hill, he turned to spare a glance toward the beach, his mind flying back to a night that had kept him constant company these last long months.
Jared turned to the task at hand. Had he arrived on time? Was he late? They'd run into a storm two days ago, delaying their arrival at Montreau. Anticipation rippled through his muscles and curved his lips into a smile.
After six long months of a seemingly never-ending war for the crown, his aunt, the Empress Matilda, had granted him leave to return home. She had issued only one order, and that was to invite her to his child's christening when the time came.
He patted the documents secured to the inside of his mantle, a gift for the lady of this keep.
Halfway across the field, a group of men rode towards him, leading a spare horse. 'My lord, you need hurry.'
He grabbed the reins, mounted and urged the beast toward Montreau. He flew between the twin gate towers, barely hearing the shouts and cheers of the men on the walls and brought the horse to a prancing stop.
Hawise, the keep's cook, met him in the bailey. She twisted her apron in her hands, staring at him expectantly. Jared spared a moment to assure her, 'Frank and John are beh
ind me.'
Once inside the keep, Jared slowed his pace, hoping to catch his breath before mounting the stairs to his chamber. But the men and women gathered at a table in the Great Hall pointed in unison toward the steps.
'Noooo! Not yet!'
Lea's pain-laced voice sailed down from the chamber, prodding him to hasten his pace.
'Where is he?'
Agatha paced the corridor in front of the doorway to their chamber. When she saw him, she turned and rushed back inside. 'He is here, Lea.'
Jared swung into the room and came to a rocking stop. His blood roared in his ears as he took in the scene before him.
A broken birthing chair lay in pieces in the far corner. A dishevelled older woman—the midwife, perhaps—glared at Lea, scolding, 'See, here he is. Now, get on with this.'
Agatha wrung her hands together as she paced the floor alongside the bed.
His wife turned to look at him. Sweat dampened her hair. Her eyes were red, her cheeks flushed.
He couldn't remember a time when she'd looked more beautiful.
Jared crossed the room and knelt on the edge of the bed to take Lea's hand. 'Are you giving these poor women trouble?'
She grasped his hand. 'They said you'd not make it in time.'
Her voice was weak. Concerned, he looked at the midwife. The woman rolled her eyes towards the ceiling before bringing her attention back to him. 'She would be fine if she'd just do as she's told.'
Relief that the only thing wrong was Lea's temper swept through him, leaving him light-headed and silencing the roar in his ears. 'Are you saying my sweet wife isn't obeying you?'
Lea's laugh was ragged. 'Impossible to believe, isn't it?'
'No.' He dropped a kiss on top her head and asked the midwife, 'What can I do?'
'Since she broke the chair, perhaps you could get behind her and give her enough support to push this baby free.'
Lea broke the chair? That should prove an interesting story to tell their child some day.
He slid behind her and straddled his legs around her. With his lips against her ear, he asked,
'Don't you have something you should be doing?'
'No.' She shook her head. 'I thought I'd relax a while and let you take over from here.'
Before he could respond to her cheeky response, her stomach visibly contracted. Lea went stiff.
Screaming, she leaned into the contraction.
Jared closed his eyes, certain the chamber had somehow begun spinning around him.
He vaguely heard the midwife mutter something about men. Agatha slapped a cold, damp cloth over his face. 'It's nearly over, my lord.'
Lea slumped back against him; a string of ribald curses left her lips.
Where had she learned such foul language? He didn't get the chance to ask. Another contraction washed over her.
By the fourth time, he was cursing with her, swearing silently that the next time she was with child, he'd stay for the pregnancy and leave right before the delivery.
Lea reached up and grasped his arm. Panting, she asked, 'How many children do you want?'
He'd be content with one. But she might change her mind tomorrow. Instead of giving her a specific number, he suggested, 'Let's get through this one first.'
'I want—' Her response was cut short by her own scream.
The midwife's voice rose. 'That's it. Come, my lady, this is the last one.'
Agatha rushed to the foot of the bed, holding a sheet in her hands.
'It's a girl!' The midwife handed the baby off to Agatha and turned her attention back to his wife.
Lea reached up and stroked his cheek. 'Oh, I'm so sorry, Jared.'
He grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. 'Sorry? For what?'
'I wanted to give you a son.'
A tear slipped down her cheek and Jared thought in that moment he would die. His chest tightened along with his throat. He couldn't find the words to express his gratitude for the daughter she'd just given him.
Across the chamber their daughter wailed. Her first cry seemed to echo off the walls of the chamber.
Unable to speak, Jared swallowed hard and moved toward Agatha. The maid brought the baby to him and placed it in his arms.
She was so tiny, and so utterly perfect. 'Lea, look at her.' He put the baby in her arms and wrapped his own around both of them. 'You could not have given me a more precious gift.'
Lea stared down at their daughter in amazement. She lightly stroked the soft cheek and traced a finger over the dark hair covering the baby's head.
'She's perfect.'
A solitary tear splashed on to the baby's forehead from above. Lea wiped it away, then reached up behind her to caress Jared's cheek.
She felt the dampness on his face, but said nothing to embarrass him in front of the other women.
It was enough to know that he was as moved by their own miracle as she.
He kissed her hand. 'She's perfect, just like her mother.'
She chuckled. 'I will remind you of that the next time we disagree on something.'
The midwife stood and stretched. 'My lord, if you would but give us a few minutes, Agatha and I can set things to right here and then perhaps you could see that your wife gets some rest?'
Lea felt him hesitate behind her. She nudged his leg with her elbow. 'Go. Get something to eat, to drink, then come back and tell me about your time away.'
He untangled his legs from around her and rose. But instead of leaving, he reached down for the baby. 'We'll go sit in the alcove.'
She watched him walk slowly into the small room off the side of their chamber. He held the baby gingerly in his arms, whispering to her as he disappeared into the shadows.
If she'd had any doubts that her battle-hardened husband would shy away from their child until it was older, his actions vanquished them.
The women completed their ministrations quickly as promised. Once the bed linens were changed and she was cleaned and dressed in a fresh chemise, Agatha called for Jared.
When he came back into the chamber, the maid took the child from him. 'We've called in a wet nurse for tonight.' She nodded towards Lea. 'See that she gets some rest.'
Lea wanted to argue, but she realised her maid was most likely right. She was exhausted and desperately wanted a few stolen moments alone with her husband.
Besides, from the weakness of her limbs and the succession of yawns, she was fairly certain the tea Agatha had given her had been laced with something to make her sleep.
On her way out of the door, the midwife stopped to ask, 'How were you so certain he'd arrive in time?'
Lea slid down beneath the covers. 'Because he promised he would be here.'
Once the door closed behind the women, Jared stretched out beside her. 'I kept my promises—
both of them.'
She couldn't argue with him on that. He had kept them—he'd returned home safely, and in dme to hear their baby's first cry together.
He reached down alongside the bed and fumbled with something on the floor. 'I have something for you.'
She rested her hand on his chest. 'I have all I need.'
'I think you might want this.' He handed her a rolled document.
Lea read the contents and gasped. 'How did you do this?'
'It wasn't easy. But there are benefits to being related to both Madlda and Stephen.'
'So you don't have to go back into battle for the empress?'
'No.'
'And Montreau doesn't have to defend either side? We won't have to battle for or against either of them?'
'No.'
Lea frowned. 'But what will you do?'
Jared laughed. 'I have a fleet of ships, remember? I'm going to make us enough gold to support our children.'
'And that will be enough for you?'
'Enough?' He eased her into his arms. 'Love, you are enough for me. There is a whole world out there. Places neither of us have ever seen.'
He settled more comfortably in the bed. 'We
can go anywhere we want. I can make love to you all over the world.'
'I might like that.' Lea grimaced. 'Although, maybe not tonight.'
'Or we can stay here at Montreau and, when you're ready, we can make love on the beach.'
A shiver caught her by surprise. I know I'll like that.'
She trailed a finger down his arm. 'You never answered me before. How many children do you want?'
Jared leaned over to kiss her slowly, deeply, before saying, 'One or a dozen matters not to me, Lea. As long as I have your love I am content.'
She brushed her hand over his stubble-covered cheek. 'I keep my promises, too. I will always, always love you.'
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Denise Lynn Page 21