Dark Lord of Kismera: Knights of Kismera

by Tamara H Hartl

  “Get you gone,” Lexin ordered, angrily.

  “But…,”

  “Now!” he demanded. He pulled at Cerise, who resisted.

  “I will not have this conversation for all to hear,” he informed her as the kitchen girl went down the stairs. Cerise felt the girl’s resentment. “Come with me,” Lexin insisted. “Please,” he added, his voice softer. “We have already given fodder for talk. They need no more. I will not harm you, I swear this.”

  Cerise tripped on the stair as she agreed and Lexin put a supportive hand under her elbow. He closed his door behind them, making sure it latched securely this time. “I am sorry you saw that, Cerise,” he began. “I am not normally that much an animal. I burned for someone else. The girl offered…,” he couldn’t finish his statement.

  Cerise was confused. “If you wanted someone else, why not just ask her?”

  Lexin touched the mark under his eye. “She did not seem to favor my attentions.”

  “Me?”.

  “Yes, my Lady, you. I hurt from wanting you.”

  “So you jumped the next willing female because I didn’t swoon into your bed?”

  “I do not think I like the jumping part if I understand you correctly, or even the swooning bit,” he said, running his hand through his long hair. “Your words sometimes confuse me.”

  “Yours sound proper and sometimes poetic,” Cerise returned. She moved to sit in a chair by the fire. She saw in her mind’s eye the flexing of his naked hips as he moved over that woman. She turned her face away from his gaze to stare at the flames.

  Lexin sat across from her on a low stool. His choice of seating made him seem even larger. “Cerise,” he said very quietly. “Why did you come to my chamber tonight?”

  She glanced at him. “I was coming to apologize for your eye. Oh, and the back and front of your head.”

  “You have very good aim, little one. One day I will teach you to throw a dagger. You will have much greater reach.” He touched under his eye again. “Although I think you may be as deadly unarmed.”

  “I wish you wouldn’t call me ‘little one’. I am not a child.”

  “If I had been referring to a child I would have said ‘young one.’ I will not call you that in the future if that is what you wish.”

  Cerise nodded and tucked her legs underneath herself. “When do you think you will be back?”

  Lexin rose from his stool to add more wood to the fire and then leaned against the mantle, his back to her. “I do not know. It may just be simple raiding; a cow here and there, maybe a horse, some corn from a stock pile. Things one would need to survive the winter. Or, it could be someone out to cause serious trouble,” Lexin answered. “Truthfully, I have neglected my duty to Yeagar.”

  “Will you be in danger?” Cerise asked, not really wanting the truthful answer.

  “Perhaps…probably. But so will the men I lead.” He turned to face her. “Why do you worry over me?”

  “You are my…friend. I hope you return soon, unharmed. I will…miss you.”

  Lexin sat on the stool again. “I will miss you too, little…I am sorry… Cerise. Let me ask a question of you,” he said, leaning forward on his knees. “Why did seeing me with that female upset you? I am an unbonded male. If I do not take her unwilling I may take whomever I wish. It is our way.” He held up a hand when she began a heated retort.

  “Wait and listen, Cerise. Werre men love women. But we also hold much respect and care for them. To take a woman against her will is a death sentence.”

  “What do you mean by ‘a death sentence’?” Cerise asked, her eyes wide.

  “If a male, human or Werren, takes a female, of either race, without her consent, he will be beheaded. It is simply not done.”

  “What if the woman lied?”

  “There is a trial of sorts. If it can be proven she spoke untrue, she will be whipped for her lie. If it is proven after the male has been executed, she will be killed as well. It is not often either crime is committed. Our laws are strict and the punishments severe. We have very little offenses that way,” Lexin ended. “Now, answer my question.”

  “I don’t know, and that is the truth. All I know is I saw you with her, and it took me by surprise.” Cerise looked at him. “And I really didn’t like her very much.”

  She ducked her head, looking at his bare feet, and wondered at how elegant they looked compared to the rest of him. “If I swooned into your bed now, what would you do about it?” Cerise asked, not ruling out such a thing.

  “I would have to refuse I am afraid.”

  “Why? Am I not good enough for you?”

  “You are above me, my Lady. You are the kinswoman of the MacKinnon. I am just a poor knight who happens to be a cousin to the Lady Ki. I would be more if I were a brother, but I am not. You outrank me considerably.”

  “But if I chose you, you would take me to your bed?”

  “No, not this night anyway, for I stink of an easy skirt. I will refuse this time.” He stood and extended a hand to help her rise. “Now, my Lady, I have a long ride ahead of me and I must have a bit of sleep. Get you to your bed so I may wash and take my own.”

  He escorted her to his door but stopped her before she opened it. “Let me assure you of my feelings for you,” he whispered, and pulled her against him, much more gently this time, his mouth dropping to take hers. He teased her at first, a slow kiss, then nipping at her lower lip. She leaned against him when he asked her to open her lips for him with his tongue as it traced the curve of her mouth.

  She moaned and brought her arms around his neck, pressing her breasts against his hard chest as her knees grew weak. She felt his hardness against her belly when he clasped her bottom and held her close. She felt a rumble from him as he echoed her moan.

  Abruptly, he released her and he gasped for breath. “That may have been a mistake, for now I will never sleep.” he uttered hoarsely.

  “Are you going to get your girl back to finish it?” Cerise snapped.

  Lexin’s eyes hardened. “No, I will do nothing of the sort. If I need finishing, I will…never mind. Please Cerise. You are driving me mad. I will see you on the morrow.”

  He opened his door and helped her down the stairs. There was enough light from the embers in the hall’s hearth for her to find her way to the stairwell of her own tower. When she turned to wave goodnight he was already gone.

  Lexin took the stairs slowly, giving himself time to calm down. Letting himself into his room, he stripped off his breeches and washed with water from the basin. He momentarily entertained the thought of relieving himself in his need for Cerise but he was too tired and it would be an empty pleasure.

  He lay down, pulled the covers over himself, and watched the fire as it turned to coals. He felt more alone than he had in a long time.

  Cerise cursed roundly as she heard the commotion of several horses in the courtyard. That man was going to leave early and not let her say goodbye. It suddenly seemed very important that she do so. She found a dress she didn’t need help fastening, slipped on a pair of shoes, and ran down the stairs.

  Yeagar’s men were already mounted, their horses rested and ready to go. Lexin was saying goodbye to Drace and Ki, Cearan off to the side. Lexin was dressed in warm breeches and had a chain mail shirt on over a thick padded shirt. The mail hung half way down his thigh, sides split to his waist to allow him to ride. He had his wicked looking sword and dagger strapped to his waist and spurs on his boots. His coat lay across his saddle. This was a fighting man leaving for battle and Cerise’s mouth suddenly went dry.

  Cearan gave Lexin a back slapping hug. “Take care of yourself, my friend. I do not wish to see you next in Arahtok’s halls.”

  “Nor I you,” Lexin agreed. “Watch over my little cousin when he arrives.” They embraced one last time. Lexin gave Cearan a big-handed swat to the back of his head.

  “What about me? Who’s going to watch over me?” Cerise spoke up behind them.

  Lexin tu
rned to her. “I will leave you in Cearan’s care, my Lady.” He gave her a beautiful smile, but she caught the hint of sadness in his eyes. “I will not return before spring at the earliest. Take care.”

  Cerise moved to speak quietly for his ears only. Cearan moved off a few steps, giving them more privacy, a grin on his face.

  “Will you really miss me, Lexin?” she asked, trying to look braver than she actually felt.

  Lexin laid a hand on her shoulder, deciding if he should do what he really wanted to do. Oh yes, he decided, and pulled her hard against his chain mail shirt.

  Cerise’s hands came up around his neck to lock on the tightly sewn braid at the back of his head, meeting his kiss hungrily. Finally, when they were both breathless, he released her.

  “Ride safe, my Lord,” she said huskily, trying to hide her tears.

  Lexin stepped back, pulled his gloves from his belt, and donned them, thankful for the length of the heavy chain mail shirt. He cleared his throat, feeling it suddenly blocked. Touching Cerise’s cheek lightly, he said nothing and then turned to his horse. He pulled his coat on then mounted the big stallion. With a final look to the four of them, he let his gaze linger longest on Cerise then turned his horse, and leading his men, galloped from the keep.

  Drace came to stand beside Cerise and put an arm around her. “He’s a good man, Cerise. He’ll be back.”

  She sniffed angrily, pulling from his embrace, and went back to the sanctuary of her room.

  Chapter Fifty-Six

  WINTER HIT WITH A vengeance the next day and kept people indoors except for necessary chores for days.

  Tired of watching Cerise pace by the hearth as she worried of Lexin traveling in the storm, Ki took her to meet her steward. Ki left her with him to learn the business end of Oralia, thinking she would be happy with trade.

  Two months passed quickly with Cerise coming up with several ideas to put into work come spring.

  Ki continued to swell with child, making her slow and clumsy. As her time grew closer she prepared for the new arrival.

  Drace looked at her with pride and love, the proudest of fathers. He couldn’t remember being happier.

  Cearan schooled Cerise with the dagger and short sword whenever possible. They were practicing with her sword in the main hall after the midday meal.

  “One day we will ride to Ferndale and have one made for you, Cerise. You are becoming a good swordswoman,” he complimented her when they took a break. “When the weather breaks I will try to teach you to throw the dagger.”

  Her attention was elsewhere so he came up to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She jumped with the contact but he kept his hand there.

  “Do you think he is alright?” she asked quietly, not looking at Cearan. Every day she had gone to the top of one of the towers to watch for Lexin’s return.

  “I know not for sure. I choose to believe that he is but I will not lie to you. I hope with all my heart that he is well.”

  Cerise sighed . “Me too.”

  “You feel much for Lexin, do you not?”

  “I don’t know for sure what I feel. I didn’t have a chance to find out.” It was her turn for an honest answer. “I know that I miss him and worry.”

  “If you were thinking to mate with him, there are others who would have you,” Cearan said, giving her an odd look.

  Cerise gave an unladylike snort. “I suppose you’re one of them?”

  Cearan looked affronted at her tone. “I did not think I was so undesirable.” He ran a finger over the scar on his face. “I am ugly, but females do not shy away from my bed.”

  “You are not ugly.” Cerise argued, realizing how he had interpreted her comment. “God, your one of the most gorgeous men I’ve ever met.”

  Cearan flushed at her words. “I would mate with you if you would have me,” he said bluntly, “But I would not toy with your heart. You are not like the serving wenches who will raise their skirts for any male. I must choose one day a Werre female to bond with now that Ki has chosen Drace. One day I will leave to go to the High Kingdom.”

  Cerise could tell that idea saddened him. “You don’t wish to leave here?”

  “No,” he answered. He pulled his sword to resume practice, clearly not wishing to discuss it further. “Let us practice a while longer, little one. We must have you ready to give Lexin a fair challenge when he returns.”

  “Okay, coach,” she said, drawing her own little sword with a grin. “Bring it on!”

  Drace lay curled behind Ki in orgasmic bliss. His arm was around her belly, idly stroking the great mound. He couldn’t believe Ki was still wanting him. Ki looked as if the baby could come at any time. God bless her hormones, he thought, still halfway firm in her. All he had to do was touch her to have her crying out with pleasure.

  He moved in her a stroke and felt her clench around him. He did it again, touching the front of her with his thumb and she arched back against him. One more thrust and she cried out, shaking.

  Just then, Drace slid free of her, and Ki made a sound of protest. “Greedy wench,” he said in her ear. With his thumb, he brought her to climax once more. Finally, she lay spent in his arms.

  Drace felt the baby kick under his hand. “We woke someone,” he murmured sleepily.

  “He is still much of the day, but as soon as I lay my head, he is off to war,” Ki informed with a yawn. “I am beginning to look forward to birthing this one.”

  “You sound so sure it’s a boy,” Drace said. “It could very well be a girl. Would you be unhappy if it were?”

  “I only wish for it to be healthy, but it is a boy, my love. I am fairly certain,” she murmured against her other arm under her head.

  “Well, on the off hand chance you are wrong, I’ll be happy. I don’t think it will be long now.”

  “If you compare me to a horse, Drace, I will do you harm,” she threatened, knowing the baby had dropped and he had seen this sign.

  She felt Drace laugh against her back. “Never, hon. I’m not that brave, or stupid.”

  The next morning, after breakfast Drace and Cearan went to a close by farm to help repair the tenant’s barn roof. Drace was anxious to get the job done in a hurry but as Lord, he wanted the tenants to know they could come to him for help. The three men made short work on the leaky roof, damaged by the hard winter. Drace and Cearan left richer by a loaf of bread and a stone jar of jam.

  Drace and Cearan rode into the courtyard laughing at one of Cearan’s jokes. Ki met them by the stables.

  “What a pleasant surprise,” Drace said, snatching a quick kiss hello.

  “It is a beautiful day and I thought to walk some,” she told him, plucking hay from his hair. “Why ever are you covered with hay?”

  “Drace fell through the roof,” Cearan was kind enough to inform.

  “What?” Ki spoke in surprise. “Are you hurt?”

  “Just my pride,” he answered with a grin. “I landed in the haystack.”

  “I learned some new curses from his trouble, though I am not sure of some of the meanings,” Cearan added.

  “I’ve got splinter in an interesting place. Would you care to see?” Drace teased, although it actually was a rather large splinter in his hip and was stabbing like hell.

  “I think not. Cearan can help you,” Ki replied. “I believe I will resume my walk and leave you to it.”

  “Guess I’ll just let it fester out if it’s all the same to you,” Drace said, sliding a glance at Cearan. “We’ll be in after we tend the horses, hon. See you in a bit.”

  “What exactly is a ‘mother fucker’?” Ki heard Cearan ask Drace as they led the horses into the stable. Drace’s deep laugh echoed back to her as she walked slowly back to the castle.

  The evening meal came with Cearan telling Cerise of Drace’s mishap. He kept her giggling over the splinter in Drace’s hindquarter.

  Drace blushed and turned away from the pair. He noticed Ki was pushing her food around on her plate then her hand stilled
and her face turned red. “Ki?”

  At the worried tone of his voice, Cearan and Cerise turned their attention to them.

  “It is nothing,” she said, waving them off. “It is just hot in here.”

  “You sure, hon?” Drace asked, concerned.

  “Yes,” Ki answered and reached for her water.

  A while later she sat back in her chair, hands on her belly. A bead of sweat trickled from her hairline down her cheek, and she clenched her teeth.

  Drace stood, motioning for Cerise to go for Estelle. “Can you stand, hon?”

  “Not just now,” Ki answered, her voice pained. She took his hand, gripping it hard. Finally she took a deep breath. “I wish to go to our chamber now, if you will come with me,” Ki said.

  “Of course. Here, let me help you.” He took her elbow and helped her to her feet.

  Ki made it to the bottom of the stairs before her next pain hit her. Drace scooped her up and went up the stairs carefully, afraid he would trip. Cearan was close behind, ready to lend a hand if needed.

  Drace sat Ki on her feet and then helped her to sit. “Those were close together. How long have you been feeling contractions?”

  “Since I woke this morning,” Ki admitted, rubbing her swollen belly absently.

  Estelle came into the room then with Cerise in tow. “Out, lads. We need to get my Lady into a shift and make ready.”

  “I want to be here for this,” Drace protested as Estelle started to try to physically move him.

  “Let me check her and get her comfortable. Why can you not be like most men and just go get drunk until it is over? Lord Cearan, please go sit outside on the stairs with him.”

  Cearan looked more than happy to escape, taking Drace by the arm with him.

  “You are an insane man,” Cearan told Drace as they sat on the stairs.

  “Why do you say that?” Drace asked, running his hands through his hair. He felt his belly tighten as he thought of Ki in their room.

  “No sane man wants to be in a birthing chamber.” He shook a finger at Drace. “There will be screaming. I hate to hear a woman scream.”