by Sherry Ewing
Katherine shook her head sadly. “Then it’s no wonder you’re out of favor with the lady. I wouldn’t be very happy to see you, either, under such circumstances. Hopefully, you’ll find it in your heart to have at least some small measure of affection for the girl, if you hope to marry her. There’s nothing worse than trying to be with someone who doesn’t love you.”
“You sound as if you are speaking from experience.”
“I am.”
Ian reached over and took her hand then gave its back a brief kiss. “The tournament is to begin two days hence. Do you have any advice to give someone like myself, something I could do in order to change the lady’s mind and current feeling towards me?”
“Well…to tell you the truth, I do, Ian,” she answered softly.
He waited for what she could possibly offer as guidance, but she only continued to stare at him, as though waiting for him to possibly come to the same conclusion on his own. He could not stand the silence any longer and at last spoke up. “And what exactly should I do to earn the lady’s heart?”
“There’s only one thing you need to do, Ian, and it’s really quite simple.”
“And what is that, my lady?” he asked in puzzlement.
She gave him a sly smile whilst her eyes twinkled mischievously. Laughing, she at last gave him his answer. “You must win!”
Chapter Eight
Rolf stood silently on the narrow parapet, gazing into the darkness of the night. He could not see far enough to espy the vast ocean, but he could hear the sound of the surf pounding ruthlessly into the shore far below him. Normally, such a sound would fill him with wonder at the power of the sea, but not this eve. Tonight, he was ill at ease on what the coming days would bring, or not bring, should he fail in his quest. He still held a small sum of hope that Kenna’s vision would not come to pass.
He did not have to turn his sight far to witness the goings on of life at camp. Tents filled the area surrounding Berwyck’s walls of those who also hoped to win the fair Lynet. The smell of campfire smoke and the fire light from the torches on the battlement walls filled the air. The fumes and smells made his nose twitch, causing him to sneeze. Muffled laughter and speech was barely audible from those who were still awake, each man bragging of his own singular prowess, and how he, too, would have the young bride at the end of the games.
He lifted his head heaven bound to stare at the thousands of stars splashing across the moonlit sky. Closing his eyes, he gave a silent plea God would answer his request. ’Twas a heartfelt prayer he offered up to the heavens, and yet as Rolf gazed once more upon the open skies above him, he felt nothing giving evidence that his petitions would be met. Apparently God did not make bargains with mortal men when it came to falling in love and what the heart desired…more is the pity.
Hearing the hinges of the turret door squeak open, Rolf turned to see who would be coming up to the rooftop at such a late hour. Most had already made their way to their chambers hours ago to rest afore the games began. Slumber, however, eluded Rolf, especially when he was wound so tight. The games could not begin soon enough for him to take out his frustration upon the field.
A splash of wispy material caught his attention when the unmistakable figure of a woman appeared through the turret portal. The instant she emerged from the shelter of the doorway, a gusty breeze caught her gown, and all but floated around the vision afore his eyes. ’Twas almost as if God himself had sent him an angel in answer to his appeal. She attempted to gather the garment around her and at last made some progress when she pulled a tartan around her head, clutching the plaid at her breasts.
Rolf watched her progress across the battlement walls with interest. His placement concealed in the shadows, she obviously did not see him standing on the parapet. So engrossed was she to reach the wall herself, she stumbled, letting out a startled gasp when her foot caught on the last step. Crying out in alarm, she began to sprawl face forward, causing Rolf to swiftly close the remaining distance between them. He caught the young girl in his arms afore any harm could befall her.
Her flowery scent was the first thing to assault his senses, and he did not need to see her face to know just whom he held in his arms. His limbs seemed to have a life of their own as they offered her the support she stood in need of as she regained her balance. He took a step nearer ’til both her hands came up and pushed hard against his chest. He stood firm in his resolve to keep her at his side. His hands slid to her waist as he inched her even closer into his embrace.
“How dare you,” she shrieked in outrage. Her face rose to meet his ’til recognition set in. “Rolf?”
“Good eve to you, Lynet.”
“What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?”
He gave an amused chuckle. “I could ask you the same question. Perchance, could you not sleep, either?”
“Nay, I could not, and my chamber was stifling. I had enough of my tossing and turning. I decided I needed some fresh air.”
“I understand your plight completely, my lady.” Rolf watched her face whilst she apparently came to the realization he was holding her far too close. Her hands moved from his chest and went instead to his arms.
“You should not be holding me thusly. ’Tis not seemly. What would someone think if they came upon us?”
“Mayhap, they would think there was no longer any need for a tourney and your hand was already spoken for,” Rolf murmured. There was no mistaking the feeling of contentment that was racing through him whilst holding her close. “There is no need to worry about the guards, for they are busy at their watch, so they will pay us no mind. Besides, I believe I like the way you feel in my arms and would like to keep you here as long as you would allow it.”
A small smile lit her lips. “I should return to my chamber,” she whispered softly, and yet, she made no effort to leave. Instead, she began caressing the fabric of his tunic.
“Stay with me,” he insisted.
Lynet gave the briefest of hesitations afore replying. “Only for a moment or two, but then, I must depart.”
Rolf gladly seized the opportunity she granted him and turned Lynet so her back rested against his chest whilst they peacefully stared out towards the sea. She gave a brief sigh. He interpreted such a sound as one of pleasure, for the scene between them was one of intimacy two lovers might share at some midnight rendezvous. He tightened his arms around her waist and forced, to the back of his mind, the uncanny premonition the felt that this would be the only time he would ever hold this woman in his arms.
The silence stretched between them whilst both were lost in their own thoughts. Rolf’s were about the coming days of battle and strategic maneuvers necessary in order for him to win each competition. He could only surmise Lynet’s were filled with horrific images of who she may be forced to wed at the completion of the games. As if her thoughts were spoken aloud, he felt her shiver and knew ’twas not from the cool night air.
“Lynet,” he quietly broke the quietness surrounding them, “about the morrow…”
She quickly turned to face him, bringing her fingertips up against his lips. “Shh…please do not speak of it, Rolf, I beg of you.”
Taking her hand in his, he began to caress it with his thumb. “We may not have another opportunity to have speech, my lady, and therefore, I feel the urgency to speak my mind.”
“I do not know what more can be said that has not already been spoken between us. I cannot bear the thought of the coming days, nor how I will manage to endure through this farce that determines my life.”
“I only wish I had spoken sooner to Lord Dristan. Mayhap, none of this would be happening if I had done so.”
“’Tis of no consequence now, Rolf, since we cannot, in truth, turn back the hands of time. Nothing can change the course of what is to come,” she said forlornly.
“You must know, I will do all within me to win your favor at the end of the games, Lynet.”
“Aye…I know you will.”
He
r words, though barely audible, went straight to Rolf’s heart as if a bolt had pierced it. She shuddered again and tentatively laid her head upon his chest. He was pleasantly surprised she would dare to honor him with such a display of affection, and he took advantage of it. The golden length of her cascading hair seemed to call to him as though it actually gave voice for him to touch the curling tresses running down the length of her back. He gave in to the guilty pleasure afore him and began stroking her hair. ’Twas as soft as the petals from a winters rose that had somehow endured the bitter frost.
“I must go,” Lynet whispered, raising her head.
Their eyes locked. Time had seemed to be their enemy moments afore, yet now it stood completely still. Her lips parted. Any further words she may have uttered were silenced as Rolf followed his instincts and lowered his mouth to her own.
~***~
Lynet should have expected this to happen when she had stated she would stay with him. But nothing in her score of years had prepared her for the sensation of her very first kiss as a woman full grown. She would have thought such a momentous event would send her heart flipping end over end, but ’twas further from the truth than she cared to admit, even unto herself. Although mildly pleasant, such a kiss as this did not make her want to profess her undying love to the knight who would offer her everything she desired if she could but learn to love him.
Perchance, she did not put enough effort into such an endeavor, for how was she to know how this kissing business was accomplished, having only experienced it once afore as a young girl with Ian, haphazard and brief as that had been. She took a step closer. Rolf must have taken this as a sign of encouragement. He deepened their kiss, and Lynet quickly became aware of two startling revelations. For one, Rolf had far more experience than she herself did when it came to kissing and certainly knew what he was doing. The second was far more disappointing to her peace of mind. She abruptly realized, if they were to marry, she would be settling into a relationship where they may have found a common accord, but Lynet would never truly love him deep within her heart. They both deserved much better than such a fate as that.
“I hope we’re not interrupting…” an annoyed voice called out from behind her.
Shame flooded through her, down to her very toes, as they swiftly broke apart. To be caught in such a compromising position such as this and by him, of all people! She turned to see none other than Ian himself making his way up the last of the parapet steps, followed closely by her brother Aiden, who strode menacingly towards Rolf with a clenched fist.
“I should call you out for taking advantage of my sister!” Aiden bellowed, wedging himself between her and Rolf. “What the devil were you thinking to touch her so?” Rolf threw both his hands up, obviously not willing to fight her brother in front of her.
“’Tis wretchedly obvious he was not thinking at all, Aiden,” Ian drawled, taking her elbow. “Come, Lynet. I will escort you to your chambers.”
“Nay! I will go nowhere with you, Ian,” she professed in embarrassment whilst trying to wrench her arm free with little success.
Aiden whirled around, glaring at her ’til she snapped her mouth shut. “You will go with Ian to your chambers. You have enough to worry about in the coming days with all the rabble outside our gates vying for your hand and should get your rest whilst you may,” her brother ordered. He made sure his words were abundantly clear, giving evidence he was not pleased with her behavior.
Her emotions torn between the three men, she watched as Aiden made to usher Rolf from the battlement wall. ’Twas clear her brother had no qualm about leaving her alone with Ian. But she knew otherwise and what this could mean to her already tattered heart. Ian was by far more dangerous to her wellbeing.
“Rolf,” she called, stepping towards him although Ian’s grip kept her from getting any closer to him. “I will see you on the morrow.” He gave her the briefest of nods as acknowledgement afore leaving with Aiden, who continued his lecture as they did so.
Lynet stood in silence as she watched the turret door shut with a resounding slam. She made the blunder of looking up into Ian’s stormy face once they were alone. His visage was furious with possibly a hint of jealousy hidden in the depths of his eyes. ’Twas hard to tell what the man was pondering inside his head, but she knew she would not have to wait long afore he spoke his mind. When he did, it caused her to inwardly cringe.
“You will not meet with him by yourself again, Lynet.” He enunciated each word with clenched teeth, giving confirmation to the anger he was holding in check. “Do I make myself clear?”
Her own rage exploded to the surface like blinding, white-hot lightning. “Who do you think you are that you assume you can just order me about and tell me what to do?” Courage to stand up for herself raced through Lynet, for she would not let him see how he affected her so. Her reckless and traitorous heart skipped a beat with his nearness. Damn the man’s soul to hell. How she hated him!
“I will tell you who I am, lass. I am the man you will forever bow down to and call husband come the end of these games,” he roared ferociously, like a wounded animal.
“I will neither bow down to you, nor any other man, you worthless cur,” she shouted right back at him.
Ian grabbed her arms, giving her a shake ’til she felt her teeth rattle. “You will submit to me, you stubborn woman. Do you not even realize when you have met your match?”
She lifted her head at him with narrowed eyes. “Aye, as a matter of fact, I do, for he just left with my brother!”
“He is only the captain of your guard, Lynet. He has no right to lay claim to you as his future bride,” Ian retorted hotly, “nor to steal your kisses in the moonlight.”
“That did not stop you from loving my sister when the same held true of your position. What makes you think you are a better man than Rolf to hold my affection, or that you can do a finer job of kissing me? I enjoyed his lips on mine and will kiss him anytime I should choose to do so,” she snickered, tossing him a defiant glare that all too quickly fell from her features. With one glance upon him, she might as well have slapped his face, considering the look he gave her. She knew she had pushed him too far.
He said not another word, but made fast work of guiding her down from the lofty parapet walkway. Her slippered feet barely touched the coldness of the stones beneath her, so rapid was their hasty decent down the turret stairs. When they came to the portal of her chamber, Ian backed her up against the solid wood with his arms resting on either side of her, as he had done but recently. There was no escaping him.
They stood, just the two of them, listening to the crackling sound of the lit torches in the passageway. Far more troubling to her way of thinking was her heaving chest as she attempted to gain her breath. She could no longer stand her submissive stance of looking down at her feet, so she raised her eyes to meet his.
When would she stop making such stupid decisions as actually looking at the man, not that she had anywhere else to gaze, given his close proximity. The firelight from the torches in the wall sconces brought out the red of his hair. She would have sighed at the sight of it, but would not give him the gratification. His heavy lidded, hazel eyes took on a light of their own and seemed to search into her very soul. She gulped and watched a gleam enter those knowing orbs whilst a discerning grin formed on his mouth. A mouth that was rapidly closing the distance between them!
“Do not dare─”
Her words were cut off as his mouth quickly took possession of her own, for possess her he did, with just the slightest first brush of his lips. She gasped when a turbulent wave of searing heat radiated throughout her entire body. But, such a profound encounter only allowed him to further plunder her senses as his tongue began to frolic with her own. Sweet Jesus, what in the world is he doing to me?
She felt his hands cup her face ’til he tilted her head, allowing him better access to her mouth. An unexpected moan escaped her. ’Twas, apparently, what he had wanted to hear from her. The s
ound surely only confirmed his own damn suspicions that she had told a lie when speaking of the effect of Rolf’s kiss. She was certain such a revelation pleased him.
His hands began a slow descent as they roamed down her back ’til he cupped her bottom, bringing her up hard against his solid frame. She quaked in response to such intimacy between them. Her shock did not stop his arm from winding around her waist, keeping her firmly in place as he continued to devour her last shreds of reality. The disbelief of feeling his firmly muscled body pressed up against her own sent any sense of prudence to remain indifferent to him fleeing from her mind. How could one keep a hold on any form of rationality when all she could suddenly feel was the unmistakable form of his manhood pressed intimately against her?
She was lost, and she unexpectedly cared not. Nay…all she could recognize in her feeble attempts to remain level headed was the fact that any control of the situation she may have had up to this point had vanished as soon as Ian had kissed her. Her arms made their way up and around his neck to playfully finger his shoulder length hair. She mimicked what he was doing to her mouth, letting him teach her what he liked. She must have done something right, for she heard his own groan of pleasure whilst he tightened his grip upon her.
Was it just her imagination, or did her body seem to mold itself to his own, as if they had been made for one another, even whilst his hands roamed freely over her backside? And yet, she did not complain, or even make the slightest protest. This was how it felt to finally be in his arms. She had dreamed of this moment for so long, she was almost waiting for someone to come and wake her, for surely she must be dreaming. She reached out and clasped the nape of Ian’s neck as she urged him onward in this journey he was taking her on. ’Twas sheer bliss…bliss ’til she felt herself being rudely yanked from his embrace.