Kendrick smirked slightly. "That is my little secret, Isabeau. Did my mother tell you how I used to sneak in here and play evil tricks on my nurse?"
Her lips stretched into a smile and she covered it with her hand then nodded. "Aye, she did. You were certainly a handful as a boy."
Kendrick’s arm stretched out. Isabeau walked toward it and laid her hand in his. Kendrick drew her down on the bed. "Aye, that I was." The grin widened. "And so will our child be. Have you come to a decision yet, my love?" His fingers danced on the back of her hand as he gazed at her through loving eyes. The intensity burned through her like never before and she was forced to look away for a moment. What should she say? Her mind was still in turmoil yet her heart wanted her to go through with the marriage. What should she choose?
Isabeau turned back to face him and let her fingers burn a trail over his cheek. "Kendrick, I am still unsure of what to do. I know I can learn to trust you in time but at the same time, I cannot let myself be hurt. When I give you my heart, it will be forever. I must know it will never be destroyed."
Kendrick’s strong arm encircled her and drew her to lie beside him. In the darkness, he let out a weary breath. "Isabeau, I do not know what I must do to make you understand you are the only woman I want or need. There is no one else nor will there ever be," Kendrick murmured as he turned over and cupped her chin gently while his thumb traced slow, lazy patterns. His eyes filled with tingles of moisture as he gazed down at her. "If it takes the rest of my life, I will do whatever I must to prove my love for you, even to the point of laying down my own life for yours. That is how much I love you. I can only hope in time, you will love me as much."
Suddenly, the veil of doubt lifted from Isabeau’s eyes. It was if she were seeing things from an entirely new perspective. What caused it? Perhaps it was the expression on Kendrick’s face when he uttered those words or it was the ring of honesty surging through his speech. Isabeau was not sure. All she knew was the decision was quite clear. Without thinking, her hand reached out and caressed his cheek then burrowed in his silky black hair. "I have made my decision, Kendrick."
His brow arched upwards. "What is it to be?"
A smile of pure contentment curled the corners of her lips. With him so near her, Isabeau knew this was the only place she wanted to be. "I will marry you, Kendrick. I may not trust you now but perhaps in time, I will. Make me one promise before we wed."
Kendrick rushed her into his arms and held her tightly. "Anything, Isabeau."
"If you must take another woman, do not make a fool of me. Keep it discreet."
He pulled away from her and took her face into his hands. "Isabeau, you will find out in time I want no one else but you. You will never have to worry about it because it will never happen. Do you know that when you walk into a room, I see nothing but you?" His naked arms engulfed her again. "You do not know how long I have waited to hear you say you will marry me."
She returned his embrace. "You do not know how long I have waited to say it."
* * * *
The night deepened as her body relaxed after a rigorous stint of lovemaking. Kendrick, lost deep in the land of dreams, lay next to her. His breathing was regular and even, indicating he was most relaxed. She watched him for a moment before letting her thoughts turn to the child growing inside of her. Would he sleep the same way Kendrick did? She smiled lightly as her fingers toyed with a lock of his hair. The strands felt soft and smooth between her fingertips, not coarse and curly like her own. I hope our child inherits all of Kendrick’s traits, she thought idly. It will make him a great man. Leaning over slightly, she placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. Kendrick murmured and slightly turned, letting his arm wrap around her securely. Even in sleep, he still sought to touch her. This affected her heart deeply. Slumber did not keep him from her.
* * * *
The gentle rap at the door drew her from the sleep she so desperately needed, causing her to wake with a jerk. Sluggishly, she opened her eyes to see the bright reams of morning stream through the window. Sitting up slightly, she drew her dressing gown from the end of the bed and pulled it leisurely over her head. The knock sounded again. Rising from the bed, Isabeau padded over the cold stones and opened the door. Standing beyond the door was Matilda, whose face was covered in a scowl. "Is Kendrick here?"
Isabeau paled and leaned against the doorjamb. She only opened the door a crack so Matilda could not see inside. "I … Nay…."
"’Tis all right, Isabeau. Mother knows I am here," Kendrick called sleepily from the bed.
Isabeau swept aside and allowed Matilda entry. Her hands clutched the edges of her gown together. What angered the poor woman? Surely there was more to it than Kendrick’s arrival.
Matilda was dressed in gown of black velvet with her hair swept up into braids interwoven with multicolored ribbons. She moved with quick steps toward the bed and stood at the end of it, glaring at her son with her hand firmly planted on her slim hips. "What are you doing here, Kendrick, when I ordered you not to come for at least a fortnight? And how did you get past my guards?"
Kendrick sat up and ran a tired hand through his hair to calm the tangled tendrils, keeping the sheet demurely around his middle. "I could stay away no longer, Mother. As for getting past the guards," his mouth opened in a wide yawn that he stifled with his hand, "that is my secret. If you wish me to leave, I will but I will be taking Isabeau with me. It seems she came to a decision last night."
Matilda’s scolding gaze raked to her. "What is that, my dear?"
Isabeau quivered inside at the shocking stare and realized it was this sort of look that kept Kendrick’s respect despite his size in comparison to Matilda. "I have decided," Isabeau murmured as she looked to Kendrick, "to marry him. ‘Tis the best thing for me and for the child."
Matilda’s demeanor softened as her face melted into an expression of love and respect. Her arms spread wide as she walked over. "Isabeau, I am so happy," Matilda exclaimed as the thin arms wrapped around her, "this will make the family complete. I hope you are as happy with my son as I am with his father."
Isabeau reluctantly pulled away. "Aye, that I will be, Matilda. Perhaps the few days I have spent here are what I needed to make me see more clearly than before."
A stray tear rolled down Matilda’s cheek and she wiped it hastily away. "Well, enough of the tears! We have a wedding feast to prepare! When would you like to wed?"
Isabeau cast her gaze to Kendrick. "As soon as possible, Mother."
Matilda sighed contentedly. "Well, then let us say a fortnight. Isabeau will stay here until the wedding. This time, you will stay away until the wedding," his mother stated firmly while waggling a furious finger in his face. "Or else I will be forced to turn you over my knee if you disobey me again."
Kendrick let out a raucous laugh. "Mother, I am a little large to be going over your knee." His hand slapped his knee several times and Isabeau was forced to smile. The thought of Kendrick’s large body over Matilda’s small knees was too comical.
"You may be large, Kendrick, but you will never be too large for me to discipline," Matilda turned to Isabeau, "I have a wedding gown that I once thought I would use. Since I have no need of it, I want you to wear it."
"But, I cannot," Isabeau stammered. "Suppose you should have the chance to marry his Majesty? What would you wear then?"
Matilda’s dainty hands clasped in front of her. "That will never happen, Isabeau. I have no royal blood and I am also of Celtic origin with bloodline back to the age of the Druid. Despite that, I am content with the monthly visits from my love."
Isabeau felt the stab of pain in her own heart from Matilda’s words. Suppose she were in the same situation. What would she do if she were Matilda? I am not, she told herself, and I am marrying the man of my dreams. Let me honor his mother. Standing up straight and drawing a deep breath, Isabeau let a smile cross her lips. "I would be most honored to wear the gown, Matilda. I can only hope I will be the best wife I can be to Kendri
ck."
Matilda nodded then laid reassuring hands on her shoulders. "You will be. I could not have asked for a better woman to be a wife to my son. He deserves only the best," she professed as the tears began to roll down her cheeks. "Kendrick, you are to leave for Henstrige after the morning meal and I do not want you coming back here. On the wedding day, I will accompany Isabeau to Henstrige. After that, I want you to come back often as a couple with the child."
Kendrick nodded then lay back down in a mocking fashion with his arm over his eyes. "Mother, do you know how hard that will be?"
Matilda laughed as she walked around the bed. Bending down, she kissed him on the cheek. "I know, my son, but you will survive. I will take my leave of you now so you both may ready yourselves for the day. Come downstairs when you are finished."
Matilda gave her a quick hug and exited the chamber amidst the soft swish of her gown. When her footfalls were no more than a dying echo in the hall, Isabeau lifted the covers and lay down next to Kendrick. "Do you not think you will make it to the wedding without me by your side?"
Kendrick turned over and cupped her face in his hands while his hair shrouded them. "I will make it but I will need a little help."
Her brow furrowed in question as the pace of her heart picked up. "How so?"
His lips swept across forehead and moved down her cheek. "I can get in and out of here without my mother knowing so there is no use in denying the fact I will be here every night until you become my bride. No one, including my mother, will stop me." His teeth nipped at her ears and sent her senses spinning out of control. Before she could stop herself, Isabeau sank beneath the blessed waters of desire.
* * * *
Time sped by with the speed of a raging horse. By day, she would chat happily with Matilda or begin a new tapestry. By night, she enjoyed the fruit of Kendrick’s arms and snuggled deep into his large body. How he came and went, she did not know. In the morning, he was always gone before the sun arose. Was there a secret passage she did not know about? She kept it in the back of her mind to search for it but Kendrick kept her incredibly busy most of the night so she ran out of time. It seemed as though every time she tried to get out of bed, he pulled her back, even if just to hold her close. Did he never tire of lovemaking? She knew she did not. Every moment with him was treasured. She knew that now. Why had she denied the fact to herself for so long?
* * * *
The morning of the wedding arrived with a fury. Golden sun streamed through the window and bathed the room in its neat, pale color. Isabeau awoke with a strange knot in her belly and she knew it was not from the child. Was it anxiety forming? Leisurely, she blinked in an effort to clear away the sleep. Instinctively, she turned over to Kendrick only to realize he was already gone. In his stead, on his pillow, lay several red roses along with a note. With trembling fingers, she picked up the note and unfolded the delicate parchment.
My dearest love,
Today is the day we wed. I have waited for this day for so long, perhaps my entire life. My heart has finally healed after being dead for so long. After the first disastrous woman, I trusted no one. That is until you appeared in my life. When I saw you across the floor dancing with that young lad, I knew I had to have you. That is why I kissed you in front of everyone. I wanted to show them you belonged to me from the beginning. I am truly sorry for the gamble with Edmund but you must understand that was before I knew the woman behind the name. That was an error in judgment but it had unexpected but delightful results. It led me to love you. If it takes the rest of my life, I will prove that love and more if you will let me.
I love you always and forever,
Kendrick
Tears flooded her eyes as she reread the note again. There was so much tenderness and love flowing from his hand. She never expected it. A man of his reputation did not seem to have the capacity to love yet he did. Why was he so different?
Picking up the roses, she held them to her nose and inhaled the wild scent. How did he know she liked roses? A smile crept across her lips. Aye, I truly love him, she confessed silently. Perhaps Kendrick was worthy of her heart after all.
* * * *
The surface of the water shimmered for a moment and clouded over as Isabeau’s face disappeared among the ripples. So the marriage was going forth! Gardana gritted her teeth as the anger surged through her body like a powerful rush of water. The bowl shook with her fury as the knuckles on her hands turned white from their grip. There must be some way to stop this!
A deep snore resounded from the other room and rumbled down the short hallway to the room. Halden was asleep again. He is testing my patience, she thought viciously. I must do something about him soon. First, he only aided her when it suited him then he babbled on about how the Fates could not be changed. She knew first hand they could be if one was willing to force the issue.
Gardana turned toward the sound and tossed her braid casually behind her back. Her stare was concentrated on the empty hallway and her mind remained centered on the source of the sound. Halden was a stone around her neck and somehow she must rid herself of him but how? She dared not poison him. He would smell the vile bane in the wine before she gave it to him. Nay, that was not the way. Gardana sighed. What would be good enough for Halden? A slow smile spread across her lips. With Halden out of the way, she could proceed with her own plans for Isabeau. It would be very nice to have the meddlesome wizard out of her hair forever.
Without warning, she jerked upwards as the thought of Halden’s disposal crossed her mind. She would not kill him. Another would. Her grin widened. Little by little, the people she hated most would lay on either side of her path dead.
* * * *
Isabeau turned herself over to the ministrations of Matilda’s servants and sank into the waters of blessed warmth. They rubbed her body with sweet perfumes and worked out all the knots deep in her muscles. Matilda supervised each facet personally and constantly inquired about her feelings throughout the process. Isabeau could only murmur her responses as her body floated on a light cloud of pure enjoyment. The cares of the day swept away with the apprehensive feelings stored within. Marrying Kendrick was the right thing to do. If nothing else, her child would have the protection of his father’s name. She sighed contentedly. The fact that she possessed Kendrick’s love meant more to her than anything else in her life other than that of her child. Perhaps men are worth giving your heart to, she told herself, and Kendrick proved that most readily.
* * * *
The gown of white silk slipped over her and floated around her body as if made for it. With a few, quick simple tugs from Matilda, the gown hugged her curves and accentuated her womanly shape. What amazed her most was the dress fit over her belly perfectly. Isabeau ran her hands over her stomach to smooth the slight wrinkles. "I thought perhaps it would be too tight but I suppose I was wrong," she said as she inspected the gown.
A light rumble of mirth escaped Matilda’s lips. "I had Kendrick growing in my belly when I had this made. I was about as far along as you," she stated softly as she walked around and smoothed the dress with dainty hands. "So I had a suspicion it would fit. There you go my dear." Matilda stepped back and admired the heavenly material. "You are so beautiful, Isabeau. My son is blessed to have you as his bride."
Isabeau felt the tears well up in her own eyes but she refused to let them flow despite the fact Matilda let hers run. She drew Matilda into a quick embrace. "And I am lucky to have him." Suddenly, the dam of moisture burst, allowing tears to stream down her cheeks. The droplets fell in quick succession only to land on the bodice of her gown where it spread outward.
Matilda’s gentle hand wiped them away. "No tears, Isabeau. This should be the happiest day of your life," she murmured softly as her free hand wiped the last of her tears from her dark lashed wide eyes.
"I am most happy, Matilda, so I do not understand why I am crying," she sniffed as she wiped the stinging skin of her cheeks with the heels of her hands.
A
warm motherly smile crept across Matilda’s full red lips. "It is the child. There were many times when I carried Kendrick, I would cry one moment then laugh the next only to return to tears. ‘Tis just the babe’s way of letting his mother know he exists."
Isabeau nodded slowly. "I suppose," she replied wearily despite the happiness that flowed through her veins, "Shall we set out for Henstrige?"
"Aye, we shall but there is one more thing I wish for you to wear." Her eyes widened. Matilda had given her so much. What else was left?
Matilda moved toward the small desk in the corner of the room and pulled out one of the lower drawers. Dipping her dainty hand inside, Matilda drew out a black velvet pouch. Laying the bag carefully on the table, she withdrew the contents. Isabeau moved to her side as the curiosity inside built to a fevered pitch. As she rounded Matilda’s shoulder, her breath caught. On the desk lay the most magnificent necklace she had ever seen. It was in the mode of a collar, studded with a mixture of rubies and diamonds. The smallest of the diamonds and rubies were mounted toward the back while the gems graduated in size toward the front. Deep in the middle was the largest ruby she had ever seen. The many facets reflected the sunlight and cast crimson light. Next to the necklace lay a ring. Nestled in its heart was another large ruby, surrounded by smaller diamonds.
Her gaze remained locked on the set while her hand reached out to touch the spectacular baubles. "Oh, Matilda, where did these come from? They are so beautiful!" she exclaimed in a hushed breath as the tips of her fingers brushed against the raised edges.
Matilda tented her fingers and held up the necklace so it shimmered in the morning light. Brilliantly colored spheres danced on the wall from where the light caught the gems. "The King gave this to me the day Kendrick was born. When he found out I was with child, he engaged a jeweler in London to find the most perfect stones and create a beautiful necklace and ring." Her gaze fell to the baubles. "And this is the result."
Desires Promise Page 26