A Lady's Charade (Medieval Romance Novel) (32 page)

Chloe didn’t miss his use of the word
we
. She was pleased he spoke as if they would be together forever.

“I see, it is such a shame though, for I have truly enjoyed the people here.”

“The people shall love you wherever you go. You leave a light shining in your wake. People are drawn to you, you are so sweet natured yet you ooze the demand for respect from every pore. It is a natural instinct for those around you to bow and smile at the same time.”

She smiled at him and couldn’t help the heat that rushed to her cheeks. His words felt good to her. She loved that he held such a high regard for her.

“The people only seem pleased that I show them respect and nurture them,” Chloe said quietly.

“It is in your nature to be such a loving woman.”

They shared more passionate kisses, and with each one, Chloe felt something within her grow. She found herself often wondering how this satisfying love could have happened, and that it had to be fate. How could this match beyond either of their control, ruled by hate, have turned out so well?

“Do you think if my parents had accepted,” here she paused not sure how to put it into words, “your proposal, shall we say? Do you think we would have fallen in love as we have now?”

Was all of the turmoil she had gone through and what had brought them together, the only reason they loved one another?

“Absolutely!” he said, truth ringing in his words. “When I saw you in the window of South Hearth I prayed that you were the one. The one that I would take as my wife. You were so beautiful, and I knew that if I were being made to do something against my own will, that at least I could have such a beauty as you to look upon.”

Chloe wasn’t particularly happy with his choice of words and let him know. “So you only wished to have a beautiful wife?” She shoved against his shoulder.

“Of course not! But it certainly helped matters.” Alexander slanted her a teasing look. “I think I fell in love with you when I saw that you didn’t wear a headdress. You were a daring woman. Or maybe it was when you slapped me in front of my people. I was mesmerized by your strength and courage.”

“If you had married me at South Hearth I’m sure I wouldn’t be the same person I am today,” Chloe remarked, thinking about how she had been such a selfish child back then. “I would have balked and most probably thrown a tantrum at having to marry an English brute such as yourself.” She smiled sweetly to lessen the sting. “It was only here, with the hardships I had to endure, that gave me the strength to stand up to you. I have become more aware of my surroundings. I am more aware of other people.”

“I am truly remorseful that you had to go through all of this. Damn your parent’s cowardice!” he said vehemently, his body stiffening.

Chloe rubbed his arms to soothe him. “I believe in fate and destiny. I believe the challenges we go through teach us valuable lessons. I always felt so protected in my own little world. I admired my parents, thought them wise and powerful. I didn’t care about our people; they were just there to do my bidding. I never imagined that all of this could have happened. And it has made me into a better person.” She paused, swiping a tear from her eyes, and then letting out a little choked laugh. “Even if it was scary as the devil getting here.”

Alexander pulled her head to his chest, lightly kissing her on the top of the head.

“I know, my darling, I know. You will always be safe with me. You will never have to fear again.”

“Alexander you must change the ways of things here, for your people’s sake. You said you wanted to have pride in your people and for your people to have pride in themselves. I will help you,” she murmured against his chest.

“Aye, I am often ashamed at the way I have treated my people and would that there was more I could do. But it will be difficult. My father has ruled with an iron fist, and even though this is my holding, I am still his vassal.” Laughing bitterly, he added, “Perhaps it is more like an iron axe, and there is never any mercy. He expects me to rule the same way, and as long as my father remains earl, I must do somewhat what he demands.”

Chloe could see disdain in Alexander’s face. He truly was disgusted with his father, but at a loss as to what to do.

“He has sworn that he would disown me if I were to go against his rule. Should I do that, he would no doubt choose a man as ruthless as himself to take over. I couldn’t do that to my people, and so in my own way I must acquiesce, until he is gone. Then everything will change.”

“I suppose you’re right. It would be best for the people if there was a ruler who could enact change for the better,” Chloe said, detecting defeat in her own voice.

Who knew how long it would be until the earl finally met his maker? It could be many years. The people would become more downtrodden, more abused, and more desperate. She immediately felt ashamed for wishing the man’s demise, but at the same time, his presence laid a blanket of despair on the people.

“We should return to the keep before anyone starts to wonder where we’ve disappeared to,” Chloe said looking forlornly at her surroundings. She didn’t want to leave. She felt like she had entered the Garden of Eden. She was Eve and Alexander was Adam, and they had yet to discover the forbidden fruit. They had love, they had ecstasy, and they had each other.

“Shall we go back like this and really give the town’s people a shock?” he asked, laughing, looking down at their naked forms.

Chloe looked down, only seeming to notice just then that she was still not wearing any clothing. She laughed lightly at his joke and then proceeded to put on her clothes, making sure to hide herself from him.

I have just shared the most intimate moments with this man, and now I’m shy?
She asked herself with a laugh, and turned around, so that he could watch her dress.

He smiled at her, as she put on her clothes, watching her every move, lust filling his gaze. He tore his eyes away from her to put on his own clothes, not noticing how she stared at him with equal lust in her eyes.

After packing up their blanket and cleaning up the toppled food, Chloe gave one last longing look at their love nest.

“We’ll meet again in our love spot when I return, but it will be as man and wife,” Alexander whispered in her ear, nipping it gently as he pulled up to her feet, and kissed her soundly on the mouth. She giggled and he lifted her gently onto Hero.

They rode back to the village, cuddling so close it was if they were one person. They were silent on the way, just enjoying the feel of each other. Chloe held a smile of pure happiness on her face. She wanted to sing with her joy.

“I will miss you so, while you are away from me,” Chloe said softly as they reached the bailey in front of the keep.

“Do not worry, love. I will return soon. It should not take me longer than seven or ten days,” he said dismounting and pulling her down with him.

He lifted her chin so that she could look into his eyes. She loved those eyes. They twinkled with joy and excitement. Oh, how she wanted to kiss him, but she was sure he wouldn’t dare do so in front of all of the staring villagers.

He shocked her then by bending toward her and lightly brushing his lips on hers. She felt herself color immediately from her neck all the way up to her forehead and beyond. He had kissed her in front of everyone.

Gasps came from the crowd as people whispered back and forth about their lord kissing his soon to be wife. They dismounted together and walked into the keep to prepare for the evening meal.

Please God, let the King approve!

Despite Alexander’s strong words that the king without a doubt would approve, she still had her doubts. Was that why he hadn’t made love to her in truth? Was he afraid to take her innocence in case his request wasn’t granted? No, he wouldn’t do that to her. He just wanted their first time to be romantic, and as man and wife. She chewed her lower lip.

I trust him with all my heart, if he says that everything shall be fine, then I believe him.
But the niggling fear creeping up her spine warned of impending doom. After all, all she loved, eventually had been lost.
There will be no objections, it will all work out.
She soothed herself with the promised words that Alexander had spoken. She couldn’t think why anyone would object to them getting married.

But then again, someone could, couldn’t they?

Chapter Eighteen

Today was the day.

Today was the day Alexander would leave to petition the king. Today was the day Chloe would begin counting down until the time he was to return.

The passion they shared the day before still lingered in her mind. Had they really done all that they had? Her face burned at the memory of it and she hoped anyone passing by wouldn’t be able to read her thoughts.

She hadn’t been able to sleep the night before. Her mind leapt with dreams of passion. She had woken up sweaty, her hand pressed to her mons, sensations of ecstasy rippling through her. When she’d fallen back to sleep, deep dark nightmares of the king denying Alexander and sentencing them both to death shook her.

First thing in the morning she ordered a hot steamy bath to cleanse herself both bodily and spiritually.

She had never known herself to be so confused before. This mindless struggle back and forth was beginning to wear on her. Perhaps she could take a long ride today and clear her mind. She wished she could go with Alexander. She knew she would go stir crazy in Hardwyck not knowing exactly what was going on with the king.

Chloe blushed and looked away. “Yes, everything is fine, I am just a little nervous about what the king may have to say. Thank you for asking.”

“The king is a good man. The dragon is very loyal to him and has been by his side since he was a child. I have no doubt that he will return soon with wonderful news for you both.”

Chloe was glad that Sir Edward was staying behind with her. He was kind and always seemed appeared to be in a pleasant mood. She also felt much protected by him. He was so loyal to Alexander.

“How did you and Lady Anne become attached?” she asked bluntly, wondering how such a match had been contrived. They seemed so happy together, a perfect pair.

Sir Edward chuckled a bit at her changing the subject. “When I was a young boy I was sent as a page to King Richard II, which is where Lord Hardwyck and I met. King Henry was at the holding, undergoing his own training. My father was also a knight, but was killed in battle fighting with the king. As a favor to my father, King Henry took me in. When I was a bit older, I met Anne at court. She was one of the many ladies in waiting to the queen. Her family sent her from Scotland as a peace offering.”

Chloe admired the look of nostalgia on his face, as Edward must have been reliving many amazing memories of his time courting Lady Anne.

“I’ll take you to the field for that. Slandering me to my betrothed. She won’t have me now.” He winked at her, sending a shudder down her spine.

“Aye, my lord, Sir Edward has swayed me that it would be in my best interest to escape this place and never see you again.” She winked back and was rewarded with a devilish smile, but the flash of emotion that quickly passed through Alexander’s gaze showed that although they teased, he was sensitive to her leaving him.

“I would only chase after you, my lady, and claim what was mine.” His voice was quiet with a hint of possessiveness in it. He draped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her tightly to him. Would he kiss her? She hoped he would, but at the same time, hoped he would not, due to an audience being present.

****

“Edward, I am extremely concerned for Chloe’s safety. The whole situation is not right and very dangerous. I have suspicions her family has ill will toward her and they know where she is. News travels fast, and since the villagers know of our plans to marry, it will get the word out soon.”

He was always surprised how quickly the common folk were able to spread news. It was almost like they blew their words into the air, and the wind carried them.

“I understand perfectly, my lord.”

“I wished for you to accompany me, old friend, however I trust you more than anyone, and I feel that your place should be here with my future wife.” Alexander ran his hands through his hair. Hell, it was certainly ironic how she’d once feared him, and now he was her number one protector.

“I will handle everything. She will be well protected.” Edward gently squeezed Alexander’s shoulder.

He was comforted to know Edward would be there with Chloe. He wouldn’t have trusted her care to anyone else. Secretly he wished he could just take her with him so as to see to her safety himself. But just in case the king was feeling particularly angry, it really wasn’t best.