A Merry Medieval Christmas: Historical Romance Holiday Collection

by Laurel O'Donnell

  “Heavens, nay.”

  A faint grin curved Averil’s mouth. “Secretly, not even Ren?”

  Haddon snickered and glanced back at Ren, even as Liliana vehemently shook her head.

  “I would not kiss Ren if King Henry himself ordered me to do so.”

  Ren’s jaw clenched. His guilt and jealousy twisted like thick vines around his heart.

  “He is handsome,” Averil murmured. “Ren is dark, untamed, and roguish, whereas Haddon is golden, chivalrous, and beautiful. Have you noticed Ren’s hair? ’Tis very silky-looking, and such a dark brown,’tis almost black. And his eyes… Captivating and—”

  “Roguishly handsome he may be. He is also rude, selfish, arrogant, and as irritating as a bad rash.”

  Sucking in a fierce breath, Ren curled his hands into fists. How dare Liliana scorn him in that manner? True, he’d played a few tricks on her, but she made him sound as if he had no redeeming qualities at all. Did she truly believe him that lacking in character? Anguish lanced through him, grazing his soul, for ’twas exactly the way his stepmother felt about him. He’d never win her approval, unlike his two older brothers, who always won praise and glowing smiles from her, no matter how small their accomplishments.

  “Haddon is a good judge of people,” Averil said. “Ren cannot be so bad if he is close friends with your brother.”

  Exactly. Ren looked at Haddon, to find him bent over at the waist, silently laughing.

  Rage and bitter jealousy boiled up within Ren. He straightened, glaring at Liliana. What perfect revenge, to stride out and confront her just as she was speaking ill of him—

  A firm hand landed on his shoulder.

  Ren spun, to find Myles and two of his men-at-arms standing behind him. Myles’s weathered features were set in a scowl. The brown-haired warrior’s gaze slid to Haddon, his features etched with guilt, who’d risen from his spot in the underbrush. Disapproval in his eyes, Myles looked back at Ren.

  “Milords.” Myles’s low voice rumbled, his arm lowering to his side. “Were you unable to find the other pool I suggested?”

  His emotions close to boiling over, Ren glowered. His arms trembled. He wasn’t a lowborn peasant; he was a lord’s son and didn’t have to explain his actions this old lout.

  Before he could snap out a reply, though, Haddon said, “We meant no harm. We really wanted to swim here. We were waiting for the ladies to finish so we could have our turn.”

  Myles’s stern frown didn’t budge.

  “We were thinking about moving on anyway. Right, Ren?”

  “Right,” Ren bit out. ’Twas a lie, but Haddon also hadn’t betrayed Ren; Haddon hadn’t revealed that Ren was the one who’d insisted that they ignore Myles’ words and cut back to the pool. In no way was Ren going to let down his friend.

  “Hmm.” Myles scratched his chin. “Well, I am glad to hear you were planning to leave, not to continue to spy on the two young women.”

  Haddon’s face reddened. “Myles—”

  “’Twould not be good for squires who aspire to be chivalrous knights to be caught spying, would it, milords? Lord Thornleigh certainly would not be pleased to hear of it.”

  Ren gritted his teeth. He tried to brush off the older man’s words, but Myles was right. Judging by the men-at-arms’ expressions, they agreed as well.

  “We are leaving now,” Haddon said. “Come on, Ren.”

  Ren nodded once. His teeth ground together so hard, pain shot through his cheek.

  “Very well. Since you are going elsewhere, my men and I will consider this matter finished. I will not mention it to his lordship.” Myles gestured to the deer path visible through the trees, thereby indicating they should be on their way.

  Ren glanced one last time at the pool. Liliana and Averil were swimming side by side, churning up the water in another race to reach the opposite bank.

  What he longed to say to that spiteful Liliana—

  Haddon tugged Ren’s sleeve and pulled him toward the trail.

  Ren went, but at the last instant, his gaze found the tree where the women had put their clothes. Liliana’s draped gown drifted in the breeze. He knew the silk garment was hers; he’d seen her wear it, and remembered the vibrant blue color matched her eyes. An idea stole into his mind, and he smiled, savoring a delicious flare of triumph.

  He trudged after Haddon down the path, his boots crunching on fallen twigs and branches. He walked far enough that Myles and the men-at-arms had started back to their posts. Spinning on his heel, he stole through the undergrowth until he reached the tree, then snatched Liliana’s gown. He also grabbed her leather shoes. He met up again with Haddon, who was staring, wide-eyed.

  “What in hellfire—?”

  “Go,” Ren snapped, running down the forest path.

  “You must put those things back!”

  “Why should I? You heard what Liliana said about me.” Ren kept running, ignoring the tree branches scraping against his tunic and the dank smell of churned up earth. This time, Myles and his men wouldn’t catch him.

  “Forget what Lil said,” Haddon said, running behind Ren. “You were never supposed to hear.”

  “I know. She meant every word, though.” A bitter laugh burned in Ren’s throat. If she’d thought ill of him before, when all he’d wanted was to catch her eye…

  Now, she had every reason to despise him.

  Chapter Two

  Her gown was gone.

  Water dripping from her chemise onto the muddy bank, her arms crossed over her breasts, Liliana stared at the tree branch washed in late afternoon sunlight. Her blue linen gown was missing. So were her shoes.

  Her shocked gaze flicked to the greenish-gray shadows of the surrounding trees. Had a stranger—more than one even—somehow eluded Myles and the guards, watched her and Averil swim, and then decided to steal her belongings? What a vile, frightening thought, to know they’d been spied upon—especially when she’d promised Averil that wouldn’t happen. A cold shudder rippled down Liliana’s spine and she hugged herself tighter.

  Why, though, had the thieves not taken Averil’s gown and shoes as well? Why just hers?

  Liliana could think of only one person who would be so contemptible.

  “Ren,” she muttered. Her stomach twisted into knots of fury and anguish. She glared into the forest to seek him out if he was still close by, watching her. However, her instincts told her that he was long gone.

  Standing beside Liliana, Averil exhaled a worried sigh. She stood with her arms crossed like Liliana, a sign of her solidarity, her clothes still draped on the tree branch. “Do you believe Ren took your garments?”

  “I do.”

  “Oh, Lil. He must have been watching us swim!” She paused, then added softly, “Do you think Haddon was watching, too?”

  Guilt sifted through Liliana, for she’d assured Averil they wouldn’t have onlookers. Meeting her friend’s gaze, Liliana said, “He might have been. I am very sorry.”

  Averil’s face paled. Then, as though finding her strength, she straightened her shoulders. “What should we do now?”

  “We must tell Myles. However—” Liliana’s voice hitched. Her wet chemise was so sheer, she was practically naked. She couldn’t let Myles or any of the other men see her in such a state.

  How was she going to explain to her parents that her gown and shoes had been stolen? Would they forbid her to swim again at this pool? Oh, merciful God—

  Averil patted Liliana’s arm. “Do not worry. I will get dressed, find Myles, and tell him what has happened. He will know what to do.”

  Tears stung Liliana’s eyes. “Thank you.”

  A tender smile curved Averil’s lips. “I know you would do the same for me, my dearest friend.”

  Despite the warm afternoon breeze, Liliana shivered. She stood alone, armed with a heavy stick, while Averil hurried off into the forest. Liliana had promised to scream if by chance Ren wasn’t guilty of stealing her garments and she happened to see a stranger lurkin
g in the woods.

  Silence surrounded her, pierced now and again by the rustling of birds in the tree branches or the buzzing of dragonflies swooping across the pool. Anger simmered in the pit of her stomach, the fire burning hotter with each passing moment. Ren had stolen her things; Ren would pay for humiliating her yet again.

  At last, Averil returned with a blanket.

  “Myles took this from his saddle bag,” she said as Liliana tossed aside the stick. Averil helped to wrap the rough gray wool around Liliana’s shoulders. “He said to let him know when you are ready. The path is littered with rocks and twigs that could hurt your bare feet, so he will carry you to your horse.”

  Carry her to her horse, as if she were an invalid. Liliana choked down a mortified sob. She tightened her hands on the edges of the blanket and called, “I am ready.”

  His expression grim, Myles trudged out of the trees. His mouth flattened as he reached her side. “I sincerely apologize for this mishap, milady.”

  Meeting his troubled gaze, she asked, “Do you know who is responsible?”

  “Indeed, I do.”

  Her throat was so tight, she could barely speak. Yet, she had to know. “’Twas Ren?”

  Myles nodded. “Earlier, I caught him and your brother hiding in the bushes over there.” He pointed toward a thick patch of ferns; some of them looked trampled. “I sent them on their way. However, they must have snuck back—”

  “Ren,” Liliana cut in. “He is the knave who did this. Not Haddon.”

  “I agree,” Averil said with a firm nod. “Haddon would not be so cruel, especially to his sister.”

  Without answering, Myles bent at the waist and scooped Liliana into his arms. His familiar scent, of horse and leather and fresh air, surrounded her like a fatherly hug. How tempted she was to let fall the hot tears that threatened, but she would not cry. Not until she was alone in her chamber.

  Liliana stayed silent, Averil hurrying along behind them, as Myles carried her to her horse waiting on the deer path. As though she were still the young child he’d spoiled through the years, he gently pushed her up into the saddle. Once she and Averil were settled on their mounts, Myles led them to his men, waiting on their horses farther along the path.

  Holding the blanket closed with one hand, gripping her mare’s reins with the other, Liliana rode to the castle, its high stone walls and towering keep burnished with deepening golden light. Being wrapped in wool on a sweltering day caused sweat to drip down her forehead and nose and her hair to stick to her face. However, she refused to complain. Her back rigid, jaw tight, she looked forward to the moment she saw Ren.

  As though sensing her carefully controlled fury, Myles and the other men didn’t try to speak to her, but talked in low tones to one another. Even Averil, who normally loved to chat, didn’t say a word.

  As Liliana rode into the bailey, movement caught her gaze. Haddon stood by the stone rim of the well, splashing water from a bucket over his bare torso. Ren, also naked from the waist up, stood beside him, talking and grinning.

  A furious cry broke past Liliana’s lips. Before the stable hands could reach her and help her to dismount, she reined in her horse and slid down. She clutched the blanket so tightly that her hand ached.

  “Lil,” Averil called. “Wait!”

  Liliana scowled. She wouldn’t wait. Not one more moment.

  The muscles in Ren’s sun-bronzed shoulders flexed as he raked a hand through his damp hair and faced her.

  “You!” She marched over to him, the blanket whipping at her heels, heedless of the stones biting into the soles of her feet.

  “Good afternoon, Lil,” Haddon called.

  “Lady Thornleigh.” Ren bent at the waist in a gallant bow, his hair spilling forward in an unruly tangle.

  Her fury boiled. How dare Ren mock her with such false courtesy? He obviously didn’t respect her or care about chivalry. He wouldn’t have stolen her things if he’d had one shred of honor.

  As he straightened, his gaze met hers. Mischief danced in his brown eyes and a wry grin ticked up the corner of his mouth.

  She halted in front of him. “You stole my gown and shoes.”

  His smile broadened, showing his well-formed, white teeth. “Milady.”

  “You stole my gown and shoes,” she said, louder this time.

  A flicker of unease crossed Ren’s features, even as he spread his arms wide. “Lil—”

  “Do not call me that,” she snapped. “Only Haddon has the right.”

  “And why is that?” Ren asked. His arms slowly lowered back to his sides. Had she imagined it, or was there an edge to his voice now?

  “He is my brother,” she said between her teeth. “You already know we are siblings.”

  Ren was still smiling, but the mirth didn’t reach his eyes. “He is flesh and blood, and so because he is kin, he has the right to be familiar.”

  “Exactly.”

  Water dripped from the ends of Ren’s hair onto his shoulders. The droplets glistened on his skin, and for some reason, just looking at the water roused an odd tingling sensation in her belly. Anger, no doubt. Rage, that he was such an arrogant, pig-headed, obnoxious—

  He took a slow, measured step forward. Her pulse jumped, even as her gaze locked with his again. Until now, she hadn’t realized he was so tall, or so broad across the shoulders.

  “How does anyone else get that right?” Ren was saying, his tone low and even.

  “What?” Saints above, what did he mean?

  “Does Averil call you Lil?” Ren’s gaze slid past Liliana for a moment. She heard Averil and Myles talking, but mentally blocked out the sound. Ren was trying to distract her, trying to take her focus away from the real matter at hand: his stealing her clothes.

  Angry heat warmed Liliana’s face. “Aye, Averil calls me Lil. She is my friend. My—”

  “And how does one become your friend?”

  His gaze had sharpened on her face. The heat of his stare was so intense, she could hardly breathe. He was standing improperly close. Wickedly close. She had only to lift her hand and she could wipe away the water sliding down his torso.

  How shameful, but a tiny, unruly part of her yearned to touch him. Her traitorous fingers… How they itched to slide over his skin, to know if his flesh was soft like her own, or hard, like oiled bronze.

  She could smell Ren, too—an earthy scent that reminded her of sunlight, the forest pool, and warm rocks. A scent she wanted to draw in deeper, even though she shouldn’t like one thing about him.

  Confusion softened the edges of her anger. A tremor ran through her, and she instinctively took a step back.

  He followed, his stride eating up more ground than hers. He was so close now that his breath warmed her temple. The heat of his bare skin warmed her across the small space separating them.

  “Ren—”

  “You have not answered my question.”

  “Why should I?” Her voice sounded breathless, weak. She was not weak. She was not a meek, wilting damsel, and she would not allow him to play his rotten tricks on her any more.

  Tipping her chin up, holding his gaze despite the shocking nearness, she said, “You stole my clothes and shoes.”

  He laughed, a rough sound. “So I did.”

  Ha! At last, the truth. He’d admitted to his foolishness, in front of witnesses. She should spin on her heel and stride away to find her sire, to tell him how Ren’s antics had ruined her afternoon.

  Yet, for some reason, she couldn’t wrest her attention away from Ren’s mouth. Her body was oddly languid too, as though she’d been dozing all afternoon in a sunny meadow and had just woken up.

  “You want to know why I did it?” he said.

  She struggled to maintain her fury. “Nay, I do not—”

  “I heard what you said about me. I was angry.”

  Shame wove through her. Her words had been unkind. Then again, he’d had no right to be eavesdropping. “That is no reason—”

  “I wan
ted you to acknowledge me, all right?”

  Acknowledge him.

  Just as Averil had said.

  A wild expression akin to longing gleamed in his brown eyes. “Mayhap ’twas wrong of me to act that way. However, this is the first time since I arrived at Maddlestow that you have spoken to me.”

  Disquiet swirled up inside her, warring with her anger. Not only was her body languid, but her mind had gone sluggish. She scrambled to find a suitable answer. “That is no reason—”

  “Nay?” His tone softened, and a slow tremble ran all the way through her body, right down to the tips of her toes. “’Tis every reason.” His left hand rose. So very gently, he pushed away a strand of hair clinging to her cheek. He touched her as if she were a rare treasure, delicate and precious. An odd ache clutched at her lower belly.

  “W-what . . .?” she managed to whisper. The rest of her words were lost. His touch sucked the air from her lungs, made her pulse quicken—

  “Lord de Vornay,” Myles said sternly from behind Liliana.

  She jumped.

  Disappointment flickered across Ren’s face. His hand lowered to his side.

  As the shock hummed through Liliana’s veins, anger followed. What are you doing, swooning at his touch? a voice inside her scolded. Ren has tormented you and stolen your clothes. How easily he manipulates you now!

  Her white knuckled grip tightened on the blanket. She stepped away from him. She didn’t want Ren’s touch, not now, not ever—especially with Myles and Haddon watching and curious servants witnessing all as well. How close she’d come to being deceived by Ren yet again.

  “Lady Thornleigh, are you all right?” Myles asked.

  “I am,” she bit out. “Perfectly fine.”

  Averil reached her side. A renewed blush reddened her face, and Liliana realized her friend was looking everywhere but at Haddon. Liliana’s fury notched even higher, for Ren’s idiocy today hadn’t just affected her, but poor Averil as well.

  “Lord Haddon and Lord de Vornay,” Myles said, his tone brusque. “You will come with me to explain yourselves to his lordship. Milady, will you come with us to give your account of what happened?”