Knight Dreams

by C. C. Wiley

  His hold loosened and she moved closer. Their sudden battle shifted to a sultry dance as she met his steps. Flesh against flesh, hot and moist, matching his until she stole his breath.

  James lifted his lips. Her rapid heartbeat, joined to his, began to slow as their heads cleared. Their contact broken, his body shivered from the loss.

  “I tell you again. Set me loose, English.”

  As reality stripped away the fog from his brain, he realized he was standing in the glen, the luscious morsel still in his arms. He had the wild need to shake his head free from her spell. “Heed my warning. You’ve set yourself on a dangerous path. I’ll help you return to your family. But I cannot protect you if you don’t let me.”

  He planted a quick kiss to her lips, silencing her intention to have the final word. Smiling at her upturned face, he noted the flush that swept over her cheeks, the fullness of her mouth. The taste of her, like berries and cream, rested on his tongue. Her scent filled his head until he shook it clear.

  The danger of their close proximity to the encampment clarified as the sound of camp dwellers ricocheted through the trees. “Speak your piece when we are out of sight and in the safety of my tent. Until then, you will listen to reason and keep yourself hidden.”

  “You surely do have a bossy way with you. I’d prefer it if you didn’t meddle in my plans.”

  “That may be, but I won’t release you until I have your promise you’ll follow my orders.”

  She stiffened in response to his command and turned her face from him.

  “I have never beaten a woman. Do not test me too far.”

  Terrwyn nodded slowly and pressed her lips to his neck. Her palm rested over his heart. Her fingers moved over his tunic, swirling little circles in the fabric. “Aye, I promise not to burden you with my troubles.”

  James took in a deep breath, wary of her willingness to give up the fight. He wondered if he was capable of reining in his body’s betrayal. His plan to scare her off like a frightened rabbit had failed him. Somehow, she had outmaneuvered him.

  He jammed her cap down further, tucking any loose tendrils under its edge. All the while questioning his sanity, he swept her up into his arms and began his march to what he feared would lead to his death. “Right, then,” he murmured to the crown of her head, “off we go.”

  The thicket of bushes and brambles slowed his pace, but he did not stop until he reached the area the officers had claimed as their own. Someone had started a fire for the night. Smoke billowed in dark clouds from a damp piece of wood. The sound of metal ringing against metal punctured the constant murmur of male voices as they prepared for another meal under the stars.

  James set Terrwyn down again. Jamming her face into his side, he wrapped his arm around her neck.

  He tensed as Sir William stepped out from the doorway of his tent. The flap caught in the breeze, fluttered against the canvas wall. The commander would want to know where he had been, what took him off, away from the camp. As it was, he would be expected at some point to explain his reasoning for dragging a wounded soldier to his personal lodgings. Pretending he did not hear him call out, he strode past both Sir William and Simon’s quarters without stopping to consider the curious heads that turned in his direction.

  Terrwyn shifted so that she might see where they were. James cupped her head with his long fingers and mashed her face against into his ribcage. Under his breath, he ground out, “Stay where you are.”

  “Sir James,” Sir William shouted. “What are you about? Come. Join me.”

  James hesitated, tempted by the errant thought of tossing the girl at William’s feet and washing his hands of the trouble he could ill-afford. He was already dancing along a dangerous blade of half-truths for Henry. It would not please his king if he failed his mission because of a woman. However, now that he had her, she felt too good to let go.

  He kept his distance from the commander and proclaimed as loudly as he dared, “First, I’ve a few stitches to ply to this soldier’s wound. Then I must dole out the punishment to fit his crime.”

  William stroked his jaw. His eyes narrowed as he searched for meaning under James’s words. He motioned James closer as he spoke. “You feel it necessary to carry this out by your hand alone? Certainly there are others more suited to this task.”

  “’Tis nothing more than trivial bickering among men.”

  William’s silhouette filled the tent doorway. “Yet this trivial matter brings both injury and punishment. Why was I not informed earlier of this trouble?”

  “’Twas only a small skirmish with Edgar Poole. A bit of a tussle over their place of rank is all. A few of the younger ones need a closer watch. Nothing more. Meant to speak with you regarding this matter as soon as I had him settled in my tent.”

  “I see.” William eyed James thoughtfully. “Soldier’s a bit small. Welsh archer?”

  “Aye, so he says. However, I’ve seen his skill. If you wish to keep your carcass whole, keep him away from our weaponry. Best make him a knight’s squire instead.”

  “Never heard tell of a Welshman who could not hit a target solid and true.” William took in Terrwyn’s dust-covered jerkin. “Not much there for even a squire. Think you he can manage army life? Has he the sense to obey an order or two?”

  “He understands ’tis my duty to beat him if he does not.”

  “Ah, I see.” William continued to frown. “You wish to take on the training of an injured squire? I do not see the need to have one. Not when a simple page will do.”

  “You and I both deserve some comfort. And ’tis fitting of our station to have either page or squire. Would it not be a joy to have your boots polished and waiting for you when you arise? In truth, as the king’s chosen commander of this army, you should require both.”

  William’s chin rose as if he sniffed the air searching for truth. Rocking back on his heels, he folded his arms and finally nodded. “Well then, so be it done. However, I shall refrain from drawing the extra weight of an unruly Welshman and let you deal with your own choice of squire.”

  James ignored the pinch he felt at his waist. Tilting his head just slightly, he could hear Terrwyn’s muffled words. He responded to her appeal by giving her a none-too-gentle squeeze, ramming her nose further into his armpit. Barely able to contain his curiosity of her strange request, he kept his attention on William. “Though you say you have not the need, I must also report that there’s another young whelp who already fancies himself as your page. I imagine his enthusiasm would serve you or your brother well. Goes by the name of Gilbert. Of course, if you feel your brother is incapable of training a page—”

  The commander’s stance stiffened, alert to the news of more trouble from his brother. “Where is Simon now?”

  “Conducting the interview with Edgar Poole.” James noticed William’s demeanor relax as soon as he learned his young brother was not at fault. “A thorough soldier, indeed. ’Tis certain to be several hours before he has our answers.”

  “Then I will not detain you from your—meting out of punishment and care. I will send a runner as soon as we hear from young Simon. I assume you will want to attend the report as well.” William paused a heartbeat and then added, “Perhaps at that time you will share with me the results of your latest absence.”

  “’Tis nothing more than documenting another wildflower for Henry.” James let his gaze warm with enthusiasm and moved in closer. “I vow, I never entertained a thought that you would be interested in my findings of flora and fauna. As soon as I rid my person of this baggage, I shall regale you with my notes and drawings.”

  “Flora and fauna?” William smothered the pain that dashed across his visage. “Perhaps, if time allows. Please.” He motioned James on. “Proceed with your task at hand.”

  Chapter Twelve

  James smiled and waved good-naturedly at William. He marched on as if nothing were amiss. He kept his smile firmly in place until he reached the safety of the tent. Stepping into the darkness,
he paused long enough to guard his face from his emotions.

  His task was difficult. King Henry required crucial information to protect his throne. If William were determined to dog his every step, it would slow down what little progress he made. He could not fault the man. If he were in that position, he, too, would challenge his own trustworthiness. Indeed, he must ensure he did not attract more undue attention.

  Once safe inside the gloomy darkness of his tent, he slowly released the disturbing young woman from his side. The tension in her muscles leapt under his touch. The ruse of her sweet nature had turned to vinegar with the closing of the tent.

  He clasped her shoulders and held her in place. “Well? Never tell me you have nothing to say.”

  Terrwyn lifted her stormy gaze. Her anger filled the small tent. “Oh, aye, ’tis much to be said. But I’ll not waste words on a lying hound.”

  “Lying hound?” James asked. “And what cause have you to name me thus when I just saved your hide from Sir William’s ire? Do you think to placate him with your pretty ways and make him forget you’re a woman? Though his need for archers is great, do you think he will believe your greatest wish is to march on France and kill the enemy? You, the daughter of a fallen Welsh lord?”

  Terrwyn jerked her shoulders out from under his grasp and glowered in silent response.

  “My little dove, I admire your skill and misplaced bravery. I do.”

  “You’ll do well to remember that I am not your dove.” Her hand strayed to the little dagger she kept at her waist.

  How he managed to miss it while he carried her, he did not know. Thoughts of smooth skin and the fullness of her breasts had overshadowed the possibility that his little dove had talons for claws. He tamped down his growing irritation and nodded his acceptance. “Terrwyn, you are no match against a man like Sir William. There would be no end to danger if you remain with the king’s army. It would break my heart to see you harmed.”

  “You expect me to believe you hold a tender place in your heart for me? Didn’t the promise of burning my village come from your own mouth?” Resentment dripped off her voice. “You cannot expect me to trust you when all about me is proof that you are a stranger to speaking the truth.”

  James found his position oddly uncomfortable and strangely unfamiliar. Never had his honesty been boldly discounted. At least not to his face. Nor in close proximity. Anyone else and he would have run his blade through the knave’s gullet at first opportunity.

  Stepping forward, he narrowed the space Terrwyn had placed between them. “Have you considered what will happen if you are discovered?”

  “Simon treats me with respect.”

  James shook his head. “Young Simon serves one master. Forced to choose, he will choose Sir William.” He tentatively touched her hair, much like he would a wary mare. “I dare not describe their ill-treatment. You’ve had but a brief taste of it from Edgar.” His satisfaction welling, James noted Terrwyn did not move from his hand. “I offer you my protection. Stay here, where I will keep you safe from those who do not have your best interest in mind.”

  The back of her head cradled in his palm, he drew her close. He could not help noticing the way her eyes glittered in the shadows. Senses heightened, he smelled her delightfully female scent, her essence more striking than he recalled. Never had she been more beautiful. Passion for life flowed through her. The memory of her grace had called to him in his dreams, and here she stood.

  Despite all the warnings in his head, this time he could not let her turn away. He wished to taste the crest of her ear, the nape of her neck, the smoothness of her skin. He needed to run his hands over every portion of her body, memorizing for the days and nights when he had no one, nothing but his sketchpad and his thoughts.

  Pulling her to his chest, he brushed his lips over her own. He pressed the small of her rigid back, nudging her closer to his need. His teeth slid against her throat, the scorched path soothed by the trail of his tongue. She tasted of salt and sweet nectar.

  Her mouth remained sealed and once more he urged her to open under his touch. Hearing her breath catch, he swore he felt her quiver as he played her as carefully as he would a fine instrument. Emboldened, he found her hand and pressed her fingers around his burgeoning flesh.

  James smiled against her lips. Soon he would weave his way into her deep valley and find release from this woman’s unwelcome distractions. “Spread your wings, little bird. Soar with me,” he whispered into the satiny flesh of her nape.

  Groaning softly, Terrwyn shuddered and hastily pulled away.

  The warnings in his head ignored, he stalled her efforts with a gentle caress. His attention lost on all but the coaxing of yet another sweet response from Terrwyn, James drew her back into his arms. He left a well-placed kiss upon her lips. Encouraged by the awakening of her body, he delved deeply yet again.

  James jerked. Incredulous, he held her at arms length and wiped the nick on the edge of his mouth. “You bit me! Hell’s bones, woman, what manner of threat is this?”

  Her smile flashed in the darkness. “Dare press me further, Sir James, and you’ll find my teeth in you again.”

  He slid his gaze over her elfin face, the defiant set to her chin. His lips twitched slightly. Drawing her to his chest, he felt the beat of her heart racing to the same rhythm as his own. “Tread carefully or I will mete out your punishment as I told Sir William.”

  “I have no fear of your threats.”

  “I would have never thought you dense, little one. Why would you think my words are empty?”

  “You won’t set a hand of violence against a woman. You stated so yourself.”

  James shook his head despite the faint hint of guilt nipping at his conscience. “Nay, you miss my warning. I have no intention of harming you.” Seeing the look of triumph warm her cheeks, he quickly forestalled her with, “Yet, if I must, I shall apply whatever means your cooperation requires.”

  Terrwyn’s heated stare scraped over his face before the small hint of a smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “You shall surely be taken to the faeries to live for eternity for the lies you tell.”

  James growled, yanking her close. “I warn you. I shall not be alone in the land of the faeries.”

  “Nay?”

  James shook his head and flicked the tip of Terrwyn’s nose, enjoying the glare that quickly followed. “For you, my dear, will be there by my side.”

  “Hmph!” Terrwyn snorted, pulling her arm free from his grasp. “I told you before. I do not consort with those who know not the difference between truth and a lie. You would not recognize it, even if it jumped up, sat atop your head and crowed.”

  His attention drawn to the commotion outside, he held his hand up in response. “Silence, imp. There are certain bits of knowledge that are better left known only to a handful.”

  “Such as?”

  James sighed as if humoring a petulant child. “Such as, it would be best if we agree to keep your identity secret for as long as we are able.”

  “Obviously.”

  “This is why you are my newly obtained squire of the body.”

  Terrwyn looked like she was about choke on the words before she spat them out. “Your squire.” She rolled her eyes heavenward before pinning him with a snarl. “Leave it to the English knight to ferret out a servant for his every whim. I won’t wash your lily white backside.”

  The world outside their tent forgotten, James eyed Terrwyn from head to toe. He let his gaze caress the curves he knew remained hidden under the travel-stained jerkin. He watched until a flush pinked her cheeks and tiny rosebuds formed where her chest rose and fell. Satisfied he held her attention, he said, “Although I see a few advantages to this situation, I will remind you that this is temporary. In truth, an untrained squire in my service hangs on my being like a mace ball. The hazard will most assuredly outweigh any benefit.”

  Terrwyn shook with indignation. “Liar! You say you cannot abide my presence, yet your lips tell a di
fferent tale.”

  “Then we both fabricate the untruth. As your lips lie as well as my own. You do not leave the safety of your home to fight for the English. A wise man such as I asks why you are here.” He ran the ridge of his thumb over her mouth. “Ah, such lovely, beautiful lips.”

  Drawing her in, he gently, carefully, slid his arm around her back. Folding her close, he lightly trailed kisses from the tip of her chin to the lobe of her ear. He scraped his teeth across the tender flesh.

  He felt Terrwyn’s outrage wane as she entwined her hands in his hair. She shivered when cool air touched where his lips had been. Her breasts pebbled. A soft moan bubbled. Lost to his ministrations, she loosened her hold on the shield of anger.

  James was caught up in a storm of his own making. Lightning moved swiftly through his veins, striking the center of his being. He lifted his head. His attention caught on the exquisite expression on her face. Her lips upturned, her eyes glistening, she shimmered with a light he had never seen before. A dash of wonder caught at his heart. If not for the fact that both English father and Welsh mother had raised him, he would have surely thought they had been transported to the other world where time stood still. There, under the earth with the faeries, they would stay until their lovemaking brought them to their grave. Oh, but to die with ecstasy resting on your lips, like dew on the morn.

  Terrwyn’s chuckle reverberated under his lips.

  “What brings you laughter, little bird?” He swallowed, surprised at the gruffness in his voice. He brought his mouth near the hard pebble of her breast.

  Terrwyn boldly gripped his head, gasping when his teeth made contact. “You have a smooth way with your tales. Tell me, Sir Knight. What shall you say when Sir William asks to see those lovely drawings of flora and fauna? Will you produce a packet of lines scratched out on parchment or have you another line to feed the commander?”