Daring Damsels

by Domning, Denise

  “Maybe ‘tis because we’ve found another way to let our passions go.” She moved her behind against him suggestively and he groaned deep in his throat, pressing his lips against her neck.

  “If my men were not about, I’d take you right here on this horse.”

  “Perhaps we should ride ahead,” she teased, letting her hands massage his sinewy thighs.

  Alexander growled low in his throat. “Don’t tempt me wife. We are almost to Hardwyck.”

  “Suit yourself,” she said with a crooked smile. She continued to gyrate her hips, feeling wholly like a desired woman, with his rigid length pressed against her back.

  Alexander kicked Hero into a faster run. “You must cease this teasing of yours. We shall be home within the hour.”

  Despite his warning, Chloe couldn’t stop and neither could he. Alexander rode slightly ahead of their entourage as they touched and kissed each other.

  They barely said hello to the servants, as they raced to their bedchamber upon entering the keep.

  Knowing laughter followed them up the stairs, but they barely noticed, so enraptured with each other and the desire that flowed between them.

  “I am so glad to see you again,” Lady Anne crooned as she tugged Chloe in for a hug.

  “And I you. I missed having another woman to talk to. Alexander is good for a time, but then he gets fed up when I start in on flowers, herbs and fabrics.” Chloe smiled secretly to herself remembering specifically how he had made her cease talking on several occasions.

  They joined the rest of their party at the trestle table in the great hall.

  “You have done well at preparing the menu, Lady Anne.”

  Chloe observed the table laden with an assortment of meats, breads, cheeses, stews and flavored vegetables. Her stomach rumbled more heartily as it had the last month or so. She took a bite of mutton and savored the succulent flavor. Her hand instinctively came to rest on her belly and she smiled secretively. Soon she’d be able to get her husband alone to tell him her news. After their frenzied love making session, Alexander had been whisked away by Harold to learn about the goings on of the estate.

  “I thank you for the opportunity to test my skills. Harold was none too pleased that you asked me, but he soon mellowed to the idea,” Lady Anne said, interrupting her thoughts.

  Chloe laughed remembering how many times she and Harold had clashed when she first came to Hardwyck. Now she didn’t know what she’d do without such a trusted servant and friend.

  “He is a quirky fellow isn’t he?”

  “Yes, but he adores you, my lady. The keep was in an uproar when word of your return came. He had to have everything just so for you.”

  Chloe smiled as she looked around. Harold had placed vases of flowers about the room. The rushes were fresh and smelled of sweet herbs. The tapestries looked like they’d been recently cleaned and the walls themselves were pristine. Her tactics had rubbed off on the man.

  “May I cut in on your lovely conversation?” Alexander asked and Chloe nodded. “I have an announcement to make.” Alexander stood, grasping Chloe’s hand in his as she sat beside him. “Sir Edward was a heroic knight some months ago, when he saved the countess and myself from an attack.”

  The crowd cheered and raised their goblets in a toast. Edward looked surprised to be the topic of conversation, and he and Lady Anne shared a confused glance. Chloe winked in their direction.

  “As a reward for his loyalty and duty, I am offering Sir Edward, South Hearth. It has been an honor having you as Captain of the Guard, and now I would see you as a baron with your own holding. King Henry has agreed with me, and it is now in your hands to accept it.”

  Alexander beamed at Edward, obviously pleased with himself for creating such a surprise. Chloe placed her hand on Lady Anne’s and squeezed. She was excited for them to have this opportunity. From the first time she met the beautiful lady, she’d wondered why she and her husband didn’t have a home of their own.

  “My lord, I humbly accept,” Edward said coming to Alexander and clapping him on the back. His smile was just as broad as Alexander’s.

  The crowd cheered and toasted some more. All knew how loyal Edward had been for years to Alexander, and they appeared just as elated as he and Chloe had been when they discussed it prior to leaving on their long journey.

  The two knights turned from the table and began animatedly talking to one another. Chloe sighed as she watched her husband. How had she been so lucky to meet such a man? She blushed when he turned and winked at her. She’d been caught staring.

  Turning back to Lady Anne, she clasped her hands in her own. They stood and then walked about the room, several of the people congratulating Lady Anne on Edward’s accomplishments. Chloe stopped at each vase to smell the flowers. Her sense of smell had become so acute recently, and she reveled in the pleasant aromas of the fresh cut flora. Perhaps she’d have even more vases placed about or maybe even have the flowers strewn in with the rushes.

  Finally she was able to get Lady Anne away from the gathering crowd of well wishers. “Now you can put your good skills as mistress to use.”

  “Was this your plan all along?” she asked, her eyes tearing up.

  Chloe could feel her own beginning to tear as well, and she pulled Lady Anne in for a quick hug.

  “I confess it was. We discussed it before we left. I told Alexander how hard you worked with the queen and then here with me. You are a lady and you deserve your own manor. Alexander felt the same way about Edward. You both have been so loyal and good to us, it is time you reap the rewards. We went to South Hearth one last time as our own and prepared it for you. We shall still visit, at least a few times a year and you can come to see me. And we’ll write often.”

  Chloe’s throat closed and the tears flowed. She clasped Lady Anne to her again. She was happy to see her friend move up in life and receive what she deserved, but at the same time sad to lose a friend she saw and spoke to daily.

  “Now, Baroness, go and kiss your husband.” Chloe gave Anne one last kiss on the cheek and pushed her in Edward’s direction.

  Lady Anne flounced away, a noticeable new spring in her step as she approached Alexander and her husband. Edward put his arm possessively around Lady Anne’s shoulders and hauled her into his side. There had been a time when Chloe was jealous of their relationship, but now she knew love herself. She wiped the rest of her tears away from her cheeks and approached the threesome.

  “Husband? If you are done, there is something I would like to discuss with you.”

  Alexander turned his concerned gaze to her and grasped her outstretched hand. She pulled him toward the hearth where their conversation wouldn’t be overheard by others.

  “What is it, love?” His hand came up to caress her cheek with the pads of his thumb. She turned her face into his palm for a moment, and then gazed into his eyes, smiling coyly.

  Her hand fell to her stomach. Her woman’s flow had escaped her the last few of months, and she’d recently felt little flutters within her belly. She had been blessed not to become ill with her babe, and chalked it up to her mind being on so many other things.

  Alexander’s gaze followed her hand to her belly. He raised a brow at her questioningly, and Chloe couldn’t help the burst of joy filled laughter that escaped her. Her dragon actually leapt into the air and shouted with joy. Her heart did a jump itself, and a wide smile crossed her face. What a wonderful thing it was that Alexander was beaming at her.

  He caressed her belly, his face showing his enthusiasm. Then he pulled her close. She fell readily into his comforting embrace.

  “When?”

  “Five months from now,” she whispered.

  He leaned his face into hers, their noses and foreheads touching. “Thank you,” he whispered, before lowering his lips to hers for a searing kiss.

  Cheers from the crowd of people still dining in the great hall resounded at the two of them making such a display of affection.

  Graspi
ng her hand, Alexander turned Chloe toward the crowd.

  “I am to be a father,” he shouted, and the cheers grew deafening.

  Alexander lifted her into the air and twirled her about. Chloe’s head fell back as she laughed. She was so filled with happiness she could barely recognize the girl she used to be. She went from being a cold unemotional girl to a woman who was unafraid to be happy, a woman who was unafraid to show emotion, unafraid to love.

  She never dreamed from the moment she stepped foot in Hardwyck, cold, hungry, bitter and dirty that she would be where she was today. Would have laughed too if anyone told her. But here she was, and there was nowhere else and with no one else that she would rather be, than in the arms of her dragon.

  If you enjoyed A LADY’S CHARADE, please spread the word by leaving a review on the site where you purchased your copy, or a reader site such as Goodreads or Shelfari! I love to hear from readers too, so drop me a line at authorelizaknight@gmail.com OR visit me on Facebook at elizaknightauthor. I’m also on Twitter: @ElizaKnight Many thanks!

  Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com

  When creating a book of historical fiction, there is so much more than the author’s creativity that goes into the writing. The assistance with research, critiquing and support are all a part of what goes into writing a book. On that note, I must first thank my family who has been extremely supportive of me and my writing—I have three beautiful children and an amazing husband who all have endured hours on end of me being glued to the computer, carry-out dinners, and last minute laundry loads, not to mention deciphering when I’m speaking in medieval tongue. Secondly, I have to thank my writing chapters, Hearts Through History and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers for their support and abundance of assistance with answering my research questions on the fly! You guys are an amazing bunch of writers and I could never do it without you! And last, but certainly NEVER least, my critique partners and beta readers who’ve read through this book and helped to make it as best as it can be.

  Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com

  A Knight’s Victory, Book Two: The Rules of Chivalry

  Sir Michael Devereux has fallen for his childhood friend, Lady Elena. In return she has also given him her heart. However their love is not to be. Lady Elena is whisked from their homeland of Wexford, Ireland to marry the malicious Earl of Kent in England.

  Suffering greatly Elena pleas for Michael to come and be her savior. At long last an opportunity arises in the form of a tournament. Winner becomes Kent's Captain of the Guard—and closer to the Lady Elena.

  But with victory comes tragedy… When stealing kisses in the dark leads to something more, and the sinister ambitions of people in their midst threatens their safety, Michael and Elena will have to make a choice. That choice could mean life or death and has them asking, does love really conquer all?

  The Stolen Bride Series

  The Highlander’s Reward – Book One

  The Highlander’s Conquest – Book Two

  The Highlander’s Lady – Book Three

  The Highlander’s Warrior Bride – Book Four

  The Highlander’s Triumph – Book Five

  A Gentleman’s Kiss

  Men of the Sea Series:

  Her Captain Returns

  Her Captain Surrenders

  Her Captain Dares All

  Erotic Romances

  Behind the Plaid (Highland Bound Trilogy, Book One)

  The Highland Jewel Series:

  Warrior in a Box

  Lady in a Box

  Love in a Box

  Lady Seductress’s Ball

  Take it Off, Warrior

  Highland Steam

  A Pirate’s Bounty

  Highland Tryst (Something Wicked This Way Comes Volume 1)

  Highlander Brawn (Sequel to Highland Steam)

  Contemporary Romances

  The Rebound Pact

  Apocalypse of the Heart (Post-Apocalyptic)

  Coming soon…

  The Highlander’s Sin – Book Six, The Stolen Bride Series

  The Highlander’s Temptation – Prequel, The Stolen Bride Series

  Bared to the Highlander (Highland Bound Trilogy, Book Two)

  The Dark Side of the Laird (Highland Bound Trilogy, Book Three)

  My Lady Viper – Tales from the Tudor Court

  Prisoner of the Queen – Tales from the Tudor Court

  “On a scale of 1-5 stars, this is definitely a 6 star book! . . . Don’t miss this one!”—6 stars, Affaire de Coeur Magazine

  “This is a fast-paced tale and Kean successfully uses all the senses to draw readers in. Rexana is a strong woman with inner passions, while Fane must fight the demons of his own haunted past. The secondary characters, from the servants to the peasants, are finely drawn, too, and help bring this tale to life.”—Romantic Times Book Reviews, 4.5 stars

  “Intrigue and passion drive Dance of Desire . . . This impressive new book ranks right up there beside veterans of the genre. Readers will be pleased with the ease with which the plot advances through the action of the story. Not to mention the characters are easy to like.”—A Romance Review

  “Catherine Kean weaves a tempestuous tale with Dance of Desire. I was completely engaged by her powerful characters that are set amid a captivating blend of sensuality and rich historical detail. I guarantee all who read Dance of Desire will be enchanted!”— Romance Junkies

  “Ms. Kean blends love, passion, intrigue and suspense in an exciting tale that kept me enthralled from the very first page. I enjoyed Dance of Desire immensely and look forward to her future books.”—Romance Reviews Today

  Dance of Desire, Copyright © 2012 Catherine Kean

  No part or the whole of this book may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted or utilized (other than for reading by the intended reader) in ANY form (now known or hereafter invented) without prior written permission by the author. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional and or are used fictitiously and solely the product of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, places, businesses, events or locales is purely coincidental.

  ISBN-10: 1479342890

  ISBN-13: 978-1479342891

  Cover art by Kim Killion, The Killion Group

  For Megan, whose beautiful smile always warms my heart.

  And for Mike, my Knight in Shining Armor.

  I cherish each day with you.

  I could not have succeeded in my writing journey without my dear friends and fabulous critique partners—Nancy Robards Thompson, Teresa Elliott Brown, and Elizabeth Grainger. You are amazing writers, and I truly cannot thank you enough.

  My heartfelt thanks also to Alicia Clarke and Cheryl Duhaime, who have read every word I’ve written and are always enthusiastic; to Amanda Lord, the best sister in the whole wide world; and to David and Shirley Lord, rare and beautiful people who taught me to strive for my dreams. You never failed to encourage me, and I am very proud to be your daughter.

  Tangston Keep, England, 1192

  “I do not like this wretched scheme, milady.”

  Lady Rexana Villeaux shivered in the icy night wind that whipped into Tangston Keep’s forebuilding. “I know, Henry, but ’tis the only way to get the list of traitors.”

  She drew against the stone wall, into the shadows at the bottom of the stairs. Bawdy laughter and the music
of lute and drum carried down into the passage from the great hall. As she smoothed the veil covering her nose and mouth and the silk over her head, tiny bells tinkled at her wrists. The weight of the jewelry, a foreign sensation, pressed upon her skin.

  She inhaled a shaky breath. Would her deception succeed?

  In the dim light, Henry glanced at her, his gaze worried. Rexana’s belly clenched into a knot. She mustn’t succumb to fear. She must focus on her task. Her brother’s life depended on her. Dear, impetuous Rudd, the only family she had left.

  Wiping her sweaty palms on her embroidered skirt, she started up the stairs.

  Henry strode beside her. Torchlight flickered on his silvery hair and shadowed the grim set of his mouth. “I hope your hot-headed fool of a brother appreciates the risk you are taking to save his arse.”