The Promise

by TJ Bennett

  Before she could respond, they were interrupted by the arrival of Inés, who looked out-of-sorts, and Fritz, who looked perfectly enamored. Fritz carried a bedroll, several twine-wrapped bundles, and Günter’s cittern. He juggled the weight from side to side while his glance flickered repeatedly to Inés’ legs. Inés had tied her stockings with two red ribbons just above her shapely knees today, which peeked out of her hitched-up calf-length skirts every time she took a step.

  “There you are!” Inés called out to Günter, and her tone sounded faintly accusatory. “Where have you been for so long?”

  Günter turned his beautiful green eyes on Inés.

  “Had I known you wanted me with such eagerness, I would have come at once,” he offered, his smile the ultimate of charm.

  The flustered woman’s cheeks became pink beneath Günter’s regard. Fritz’s eyes narrowed and a dull flush rose up his neck. It seemed as though he would say something, but he bit his lip and looked down instead. Alonsa felt certain her own eyes had turned green with jealousy, and she glared at Inés, wondering if she had ever lain with Günter the way she had with Martin.

  “I brought your gear, Günter,” Fritz announced, and unceremoniously cast it upon the ground.

  The corners of Günter’s smile rose and fell as though he struggled to prevent an outright laugh.

  “Thank you,” he said, his simple words proving he intended to ignore the deliberate insult. “Now, if you would just place those carefully in the cart for me, the Señora and I will be on our way.”

  “What?” Alonsa squeaked.

  “Genoa, I believe you said?” He went on without awaiting her answer … not that she would have been able to speak regardless, so stunned was she.

  “I suppose we may find a reverend there who can be trusted to perform a simple wedding. Still, I would have preferred to have the announcement made in my own home of Wittenberg first,” he said with a heavy sigh.

  He threw back his cloak and shrugged his shoulders.

  “Pity. Ah, well, Genoa it is, then. Of course, if you insist on a priest, we may have some difficulty convincing him I am a faithful Catholic, but I’ll risk damnation for you.” He examined the cart with a critical eye. “I’d even be willing to locate a cleric here in Lombardy if you did not wish to travel so far, and the journey wouldn’t be nearly as dangerous. We could use the extra time for our honeymoon.”

  He glanced at her and winked, ignoring her drop-jawed stare.

  “But I will not deny you anything you wish,” he finished, and went to assist a newly mobilized Fritz in putting his bundles into her cart.

  Her cart.

  “What madness is this?” Alonsa demanded after staring open-mouthed at him for some moments.

  Günter had his back to her. As he fussed with the cart, he arranged his bundles beside hers and retied the ropes. It gave her an opportunity to observe his strong thighs and buttocks covered with snug slate-gray hose slashed at the knees. He sported a brown leather jerkin that fit like a second skin beneath his cloak.

  Günter’s gaze swung around to hers, and from the smug look on his face, she deduced he had caught her ogling him.

  He leaned against the cart. “That is the second time you have accused me of madness. Mayhap it is you who makes me so.” His voice had grown husky, his masculine stance both self-confident and extremely annoying. He grinned at her and returned to his task.

  “Fritz, bring the horse and tie this”—he looked askance at the burro—”fine steed to the back of the cart.”

  As Fritz hurried to obey, Alonsa tried to regain control.

  “What do you think you are doing?” she asked through gritted teeth.

  Günter did not bother to turn around. “What does it look like?”

  Fritz returned with Günter’s horse and began unhitching the burro.

  “Leave him be!” she insisted to Fritz. “You”—she pointed at Günter—”take your things out of my cart this very moment. I will not go anywhere with you!”

  His gaze swung around to her once more. This time, instead of playful, he sounded determined. “Do not tease. You mean you will not go anywhere without me.”

  She stamped her foot like a child, such was the greatness of her frustration. “No, it is not what I meant, and well you know it.”

  She struggled with her temper and moved closer to him so Fritz and Inés, who were staring avidly at them both, would not overhear. “We have talked about this, Günter. I will be no man’s bride but Christ’s. I have already explained. Whatever you are about, you must cease. It will do you no good. My course is set.”

  Günter grew still, and his hands clenched on the rope he held in his hand. For a moment, she saw the sweep of some barely restrained emotion pass through him. It made her take a step back from him. In control once more, he turned his cool gaze on her.

  “And do you intend to travel to Genoa without protection of any kind? Wasn’t your husband’s death proof enough of the folly of your plan?”

  She drew in a sharp breath. “How dare you.”

  “How dare I?” he said, not so cool-headed now. In three short steps, he’d backed her up against the cart.

  “How dare I?” he said again as he grasped the cart on either side of her and thrust his face toward hers. His aggressive stance spoke volumes. She tried not to cower before the anger in his expression.

  “I dare to offer you protection to your destination so the bandits who carved up your husband do not have a second chance at you. That is how I dare.”

  She stared up at him. His body threw waves of heat at her, so close did he stand. She could smell the faint aroma of spice, leather, and sunshine on him. She could see the bronze strands in his hair interweaving with the gold, and the dark pupils at the center of a sea of green fringed by thick lashes. A restless and frustrated desire reached out to her from within those luxuriant depths. However, far worse than anything he could have said, this close she could also see the censure in his gaze. She felt the sting of tears behind her lids, but she would not tremble before him.

  “You are not being fair.”

  “You are correct. Perhaps it is because it is not fair a woman cannot travel alone in these regions for fear of being raped, robbed, and pressed into service as a whore, if not worse. You are plainly a fool if you disagree and, therefore, not responsible for your own decisions. It is my duty as Martin’s friend to see to your care.”

  “Is that what this is about? Your duty as Martin’s friend?” She heard her voice tremble.

  She did not know why it mattered to her. Although she would never encourage Günter’s attentions, a part of her yearned for them still. Terrified she might weep, she tried to prevent her lower lip from quivering. The week’s events had been emotionally exhausting, and she felt she could bear no more.

  Suddenly, his face softened, and he raised his hand, stroking her cheek.

  “You know it is not. Not solely, at least. Let me go with you, Alonsa,” he murmured. “Let me ensure you are safe. If anything were to happen to you …” He hesitated for a long moment. “Martin would never forgive me,” he finally said. “Allow me to do my duty by him. By you.”

  She had the feeling those were not the words he had intended to speak, but she could not puzzle out what they might have been. She gazed up at him in indecision and felt she would drown in the intensity of his regard.

  He moved his hand, and she found her lips pressed against his palm.

  She closed her eyes. “You are too much temptation for me,” she whispered, and could not prevent the single teardrop that escaped, or the trembling kiss she placed in the valley of his rough hand.

  He grew very still.

  “Alonsa …” The fingers of his other hand slowly pushed back her snood and drifted over her hair. He pressed his lips to her temple, and she could feel his pounding heart beneath the hand she laid upon his breast.

  It beat so strong, so sure, his heart. It made her believe he could conquer anything, defeat
anyone. Perhaps, if they were very careful …

  “No!” she said, and surprised both of them with the hoarse declaration. “I cannot risk it.” She pushed away, freed herself—and ran directly into Inés, about whom she had entirely forgotten.

  “Oh!”

  Alonsa blinked, remembering they were not alone. With Günter, all else seemed to fade away. Time became suspended, and a soft cocoon weaved its way around them. She glanced back at him, and she saw the reflection of what she felt in his face as he gazed owlishly at the cart, Fritz, Inés.

  The other woman gripped Alonsa’s shoulders.

  “Señora, do not be foolish. You must accept his protection,” she urged, “at least until you take passage to Spain. He speaks truly. You would not get far on your own. I have said this myself many times.” She stared intently at Alonsa. “For our sakes, allow him to accompany you, so we do not worry what will become of you. By doing such, you make no other promises. Leave the rest to God. Am I not correct, Señor?” Inés glanced over at Günter, and it seemed to Alonsa a silent communication passed between them.

  Günter cleared his throat and nodded as though he did not trust himself to speak.

  The insidious desire to accept crept over her. If he went merely as protection, and they kept their distance …

  They were right; the roads were unsafe. She had thought to travel during the late morning hours, when bandits were rarely about, and to stay to the main roads so she had a greater chance for survival. Still, with a two-day journey ahead, and with Günter at her side, it would be that much safer.

  And more bittersweet. She would have a few more days with him. After they parted, they would never see one another again. Was a few more days so much to ask? Surely, a man could not fall in love so quickly? Especially a man like Günter, favored by every woman he encountered.

  She had no foolish notions; what he felt for her at this moment was nothing more than desire and duty. Certainly, there would be distraction enough for him once they reached an inn; a willing wench ready to tumble a randy soldier always occupied the back room of such places. The thought made her heart contract. Still, she nodded her head in assent.

  Fritz stepped up and cleared his throat, his back ramrod straight.

  “Señora, if I may … I suggest Inés go with you as well. You will have need of a chaperone.”

  “That will not be necessary,” Günter cut in before she could respond, and the tone of his voice brooked no argument. “Alonsa is safe with me.”

  He smiled slowly. The look he sent her, filled with heat and promise, implied anything but safety. “I won’t do anything to her she doesn’t wish for me to do.”

  Alonsa’s knees wobbled and she leaned back against the cart for support, momentarily forgetting why she had objected to Günter’s traveling with her in the first place.

  To Fritz’s credit, he did not retreat.

  “Though I do not question your, ah, intentions,” he said with a pointed look at Günter, “the chivalrous thing to do is to protect the Señora’s reputation. Traveling alone with a man who is not her husband gives the wrong impression.”

  Günter threw him a look sharper than a dagger. “I said it is not necessary.”

  “It is a good idea,” Alonsa offered weakly, having recovered her wits. She turned to Inés with a pleading gaze and gripped her hand.

  “Inés, you must come with me to Toledo. My father will find you a position there. He would pay handsomely for your attendance on me; I am sure of it. This difficult life could be put behind you.”

  “She will slow us down,” Günter said quickly. “No doubt you are in a hurry to … commit yourself to Christ.” He lowered his voice. “If you do not agree to marry me first, of course.”

  Alonsa ignored him.

  “Besides, Inés has her work here to consider,” he added. “What would her soldiers do without her?”

  “They will find some other market woman to break her back tending to their laundry, their cooking, and their possessions,” Alonsa retorted. “Someone else’s pay to short when they run out of theirs. Someone else to scavenge bodies for gear while the dying men are still bearing it. Someone else to wear out before her time.”

  Inés stared at her, and Alonsa could feel her wavering. She patted Inés’ hand.

  “But with my father, she could find so much more. A position in the household, perhaps.”

  “What kind of a position?” Inés said suspiciously. “I will be no man’s whore. I would only accept something … respectable.”

  “Inés, to even suggest it would be otherwise simply proves you do not know my Papa. Come with us. You will see!” Alonsa encouraged her, happy to be able to do something to give Inés a chance at a better life.

  Inés hesitated only a moment longer. She shot an apologetic glance at Günter.

  “Very well. I will go. Allow me to gather my things and to leave word. I will be back quickly.” She darted away under Günter’s thunderous gaze.

  Fritz cleared his throat again. Günter turned to him and folded his arms across his chest.

  “You have something else to say? Some other havoc you wish to wreak upon my plans?”

  Fritz colored and smiled sheepishly. “Mayhap you will agree protecting two ladies alone is harder than protecting one?”

  Günter continued to stare at him. “Your point?”

  Fritz shifted, clearly uncomfortable, and Alonsa watched the exchange between the two men with some amusement. It seemed Fritz had an ulterior motive for his suggestion all along. Alonsa wondered if it had anything to do with an auburn-haired beauty with eyes the color of doves.

  “You will need someone to act as scout.” Fritz’s words came rushing out, babbling on into the ponderous silence. “To go before you and ensure the terrain is safe. To help with the extra baggage. To fetch. To carry.”

  “Why, what an excellent idea, Fritz,” Alonsa interjected before Günter decided to hoist him on the end of his blade as his foreboding look implied. “And I am certain Inés would be glad of the extra help. Do you not agree, Günter?”

  Günter opened his mouth and then closed it. A muscle worked in his jaw. He took a deep breath.

  “Why not? The more the merrier,” he finally grumbled.

  Fritz smiled and stuck out his hand. It fairly dazzled, his smile, and it seemed even Günter could not resist it, for after a few moments, he shook his head with a wry grin and gripped Fritz’s hand.

  Goodness. Inés will have to take care with that one, Alonsa reflected silently.

  Alonsa clapped her hands together, bringing the attention of both men to her.

  “Then it is settled. We shall be as the people in that book of yours, Fritz, about the knights with the round table. Boon companions, the four of us, traveling the roads together, seeking adventure.”

  “With this group, we will be hard-pressed not to find it,” Günter muttered.

  And with so many distractions, Alonsa knew she would have a little more time with Günter without fear of his falling in love with her. She could protect him just as he meant to protect her.

  Perhaps it would be well after all, she mused, and smiled cheekily at Günter.

  She laughed aloud at the startled expression on his face.

  CHAPTER SIX

  THE SMILE SEALED ALONSA’S FATE. AND THE LAUGH. Husky. Seductive. Purely feminine. Günter had never heard it before, and it made him ache for her in places he did not even know he had. It made him want to pick her up and carry her away to the nearest tent and cover her like a rutting stallion. Nay, worse. It made him want to throw himself down and kiss the arches of her tiny feet, swearing devotion to her for all eternity.

  He saw her flirtatious smile and thought: Mine. Now. Forever. The blood rushed from his head to his nether regions. While he struggled for control, Alonsa stared at him, her smile fading, her eyes going round as if she recognized too late the dangerous passion she faced.

  He’d stopped himself from kidnapping her, barely. Fei
gned precious control, smiled, reassured her with his light banter. Called for Fritz to finish the loading of the cart. Discussed some last-minute matters with Inés. Arranged for another horse for Fritz and hitched the donkey to the cart since only the women would be riding in it. Got everyone loaded and on the path.

  As his horse trotted along beside the cart, Inés and Alonsa murmuring together on the bench seat with their heads close, Fritz astride his horse, Günter thought, Dear God, how will I ever make it to Genoa without ravishing her or going mad?

  There had to be a solution to this stalemate. A quick one. He wouldn’t last much longer this way. He set his mind to discovering a strategy, because he could not, would not ride all the way to Genoa in the condition he was in right now.

  The cart rumbled along the muddy road constructed of dirt, loose stones, and ruts to guide the way. Even in wintertime, the broad flat plain near the Po River held its own appeal. The clouds blew a cool mist across the landscape, covering the early morn with crystal frost. White peaks of froth tipped the ambling waterways dividing it. Farmland interspersed with meadows, bare orchards, and dormant vineyards dotted the countryside. To the south, forests of umbrella pines and poplars stretched upwards, their branches holding up the intensely blue sky.

  By mid-morn, the frost on the ground would melt, leaving moist droplets to glisten like jewels in the sun. By afternoon, however, the same dewy blessing would turn the dirt roads to mud and make travelers curse the ground. Still, the going had proved amenable thus far, and their little party would likely reach lodgings just outside the village of Broni by nightfall if they kept at this pace.

  Once there, Günter would have to find a way to rid himself of their “boon companions”; convince Alonsa—will she or nil she—to marry him; find someone to do the honors; and then bed the woman until her eyes turned blue. Despite his haste, he would leave plenty of time for that. He was not insane yet. All of this while avoiding bandits and gendarmes along the way.