Word of Honor (Knights of Valor Book 1) (4 page)

Geoffrey
awakened and found his arms around Merryn, his hands against her stomach as she
nestled close to him. Her glorious curls spilled about them. He inhaled deeply
and caught the scent of rosemary in her hair.

He couldn’t
believe how lucky he was to have made a love match. Unheard of in the nobility.
Some husbands and wives grew to love one another as the years passed, as they
shared their lives and children between them. Others might not find love, but
possibly contentment or respect developed between the couple.

Not so with
him and Merryn. They’d been destined from the start. Only one night of wedded
bliss had passed, and already he didn’t know how others could survive in a
situation where love didn’t bloom from that first day. He realized that
yesterday’s ceremony hadn’t started those feelings. He’d loved Merryn since
they’d been children. He’d waited for her to grow into womanhood.

And how
she’d blossomed.

He thought
on their night together. How perfect a fit they were. How right everything
felt. Geoffrey thanked the Blessed Lord that He’d brought the two of them
together.

They’d been
awake most of the night, dozing off and on between bouts of lovemaking. He’d
learned a thing or two from the French whores about what women wanted. He’d
made Merryn’s pleasure his focus.

She, in
turn, surprised him. Once her initial shyness passed, she’d turned bold and a
tad bit aggressive. He loved seeing this new side of her and knew as they became
more comfortable with one another, that her confidence in her marital skills
would increase.

Geoffrey
looked down on her and promised himself he’d never do anything to let this
remarkable woman go. He would walk through the fires of Hell himself in her place
to spare her from any pain or sorrow.

That
included keeping quiet about what had happened with Barrett.

Merryn
found the scar on his right calf as she’d explore him with her hands and tongue.
She quizzed him about the injury. He’d laughed it off as being a part of battle,
a mere scratch that never bothered him since it had healed. He did not want to
concern her with the fact that his neighbor plunged a dagger into his flesh in
their fight before the Black Prince. Geoffrey doubted Berold would make known
that his son died as an executed traitor. When the earl returned home, he
assumed Berold would simply state that Barrett died a hero in battle.

He would
never contradict any story Berold told nor reveal what occurred. Barrett might
have been a traitor, but Geoffrey would never let gossip pass from his lips.
Justice had been served, and it was in the past as far as he was concerned. He
only wanted to live in the present and look forward to his future with the most
beautiful women in all of England.

Merryn had kissed
the length of the scar and swore she’d never allow him to go into battle
again—even if she must petition the king himself. He could see her now, riding
Destiny to London, hell-bent on an audience with Edward. Already, Geoffrey felt
the deep love his wife had for him and knew she would go to the ends of earth
to protect him.

Just as he
would for her.

She stirred
in his arms. Desire for her rushed through him. He thought of the hunt his
father had planned today, with the wedding guests riding out as part of the
continued celebration of their marriage.

Hunting was
the last thing on his mind.

He didn’t
want to be separated from Merryn for the hours it would take. He would invite
her along, but he doubted she would enjoy it. His bride had a tender heart
where animals were concerned. He remembered just two weeks ago upon his return,
how he’d told her of the English bowmen who’d shot the horses of the French
bastards out from under them. Merryn hadn’t understood it was merely a strategy
of war. He saw on her face that she could not condone men abusing the very
beasts that served them.

Because of
that, he’d avoided any further talk of war in her presence. Instead, he’d
shared tales of camp with her, describing different soldiers and telling
amusing stories. Geoffrey hoped he would never go to war again, for it would
mean leaving Merryn behind.

He didn’t
know if he had the strength to do so.

She sighed
and began to stretch, pushing back against him. His hands flattened against her
stomach and began moving in circles. One moved to her breast, where he ran his
fingernail back and forth, teasing the nipple to a peak. Merryn made a whimper
that stirred his desire.

His other
hand slipped lower and began stroking her. More pleased noises now sounded in
the back of her throat. His lips brushed her shoulders. Her soft skin was
smooth as ivory. He nibbled his way along it to her throat and up to her ear.
It hadn’t taken long to discover that Merryn’s ears were her weak spot.

As a
soldier, he was trained to take advantage of any weakness.

And he did.

Geoffrey
made love to her slowly, tenderly, wishing the moment could last forever. He
sank into her, loving the catch in her breath. The widening of her eyes. The
satisfied smile that played upon her lips.

Spent, he
pulled out from her and fell to his back. Merryn draped her body over him, her
leg over his, her hands resting atop one another on his chest as she placed her
chin upon them and studied him.

“Did I wear
you out?” he asked.

“I’m not
sure,” she said, a teasing light in her sapphire eyes. “Mayhap we should do the
same tonight and then compare in the morn. I know what I feel like today. I can
see how I feel on the morrow. Then I shall decide if I’m worn out or not.”

He laughed
aloud. Life with this woman would never be dull.

“Do you
think we might stay abed all day?” she asked. “I’ve realized that skill only
grows with practice. I fear I will need much practice before I am satisfied
with my love skills.”

He pinched
her bottom playfully. She yelped.

“Father has
a hunt planned for today.”

Merryn
frowned.

“I think we
should head to mass and break our fast.” Geoffrey entwined his fingers with
hers. “I wish you to go with me instead of remaining behind.”

Her nose
wrinkled. “I’m not much for a hunt. Frankly, my heart goes out to the animal
being chased.”

“Well, I’m
not leaving you at Kinwick. For all I know, you’d find some stable boy or stray
wedding guest to practice your love skills on.”

Merryn
punched him in his shoulder. “Geoffrey! You are wicked indeed!”

He moved her
aside and climbed from the bed. “I shall leave you to your ministrations. Your
clothes have been moved to that chest. I shall meet you in the chapel. And we
shall go on the hunt together.”

He captured
her hand in his and pressed a quick kiss to it. He dressed and left the room,
heading straight to the kitchens.

He found
Cook, already busy with preparations for the day. He gave her a hug and pressed
a quick kiss to her cheek. The old woman blushed as red as Merryn could.

“I must
thank you for the wonderful wedding feast you prepared. Every dish surpassed
the previous one.”

“I thank
ye, me lord. Nuttin’s too good for you and Lady Merryn, I say.”

“I have a
favor to ask, Cook.”

“Name it,
me lord. I’ll do me best to please ye.”

Geoffrey
explained how he wanted to steal his wife away during the hunt.

“Just the
two of us, you see. Simple fare is all we need. A small round of cheese. Some
bread.”

“I’ll take
care of it meself. Come back ‘fore the hunt begins. There’ll be a sack awaiting
which ye can attach to yer horse.”

He gave her
a hug. “Thank you, Cook. I appreciate your kindness.”

“’Tis a
pleasure, me lord.”

Geoffrey
hoped the day would be as sunny and cool as yesterday’s had been. He’d thought
it the best of weather for a November wedding. Now he needed two days of flawless
skies in a row. He made his way from the kitchens and through the Great Hall.
Several people greeted him with a sly smile, knowing what he’d been up to last
night.

He stepped
outside and found the day cold but clear. By the time the hunt began, it might
even warm up some.

And if it
didn’t? ‘Twould be a perfect excuse to hold his wife extra close.

Geoffrey
headed to the chapel, a grin breaking out across his face.

His first
mass as a married man. He couldn’t wait to sit next to his wife.

Geoffrey
sat stone still next to Merryn, his shoulder touching hers. He longed to take
her hand, but he knew that would be frowned upon.

He couldn’t
fool himself. He wanted more than to take his wife’s hand. He fought the urge
to put his hands all over her. And his mouth. Especially in the most intimate
of places.

Fighting
the carnal urges, he truly tried his best to focus on good and pure thoughts.
Time and again, though, all he wanted to worship was Merryn’s body. He planned
to do plenty of that later today.

He gave up
trying to push aside such wicked thoughts. An all-knowing God would understand.
He made such a beautiful creature—especially for Geoffrey—so He would forgive
him the sin of daydreaming about being in the arms of his wife. After all, God
forgave a sinner his sins. Surely, it couldn’t be a huge one to want to love
one’s wife.

 Mass
ended. They left the chapel and made their way to the Great Hall. He noted his
mother already had fresh rushes placed on the floor after last night’s feast.
He imagined more than a few spilled cups of wine and ale had graced the floor.

He shared a
trencher with Merryn. She seemed quiet this morning. He didn’t know if it came
from last night’s bouts of lovemaking that tired her or if she truly were upset
about accompanying him on the hunt.

Still, he
wanted to surprise her. He said nothing of his plans. They finished the small
meal. His father announced the hunt would begin shortly. Cheers went up, and a ripple
of excitement passed through the room.

“I think I
shall go beg Cook for an apple each for Destiny and Mystery. I’m sure they’d
like a treat along the way. Would you see both horses are saddled? I shall meet
you at the stables.”

Merryn gave
him a small curtsy. “Of course, my lord husband. Your wish is my command.” She
gave him a saucy smile.

She might
not be eager to hunt, but he saw her eagerness to please him. He was happy he
had this surprise planned for her.

He was also
pleased that she had affixed the sapphire brooch to her clothing. He’d taken it
out and stared at it every day after he purchased it. The blue stones reminded
him of her eyes and how much he missed seeing them. Now he could gaze upon them
in person each day. Looking at Merryn would never grow old.

He went to
the kitchens and snatched two apples from a barrel. Cook met him with a heavy
bag.

“Everythin’
ye could possibly want, me lord.” Her eyes disappeared into slits as she
grinned at him.

“I thank
you in advance, Cook. I foresee a pleasant day spent with my lady wife. And your
food.”

Geoffrey
slipped the apples inside the sturdy bag, wondering what it contained. He
hurried to the stables and found Mystery ready to ride. His hands went round
Merryn’s waist as he lifted her into the saddle. He mounted his steed, and they
joined the large group gathering in the inner bailey.

As they
rode out, Geoffrey breathed in deeply. It was as if the crisp air and warm
sunshine had been specially sent down from Heaven so they could soak up this
day. They followed the others, winding deep into the forest for an hour. He
hung back till they became the last riders in the party.

Then he
motioned Merryn to follow him as he rode in the opposite direction of the
hunting party. He enjoyed seeing the quizzical look upon her face.

They rode
close to half an hour in silence until they came to a clearing where a small
abode stood. He trotted Mystery over to it and dismounted, looping his reins on
a post to secure the animal. He pulled Merryn from her horse, letting her body
graze down his before he did the same with her reins.

“What is
this place?” she asked.

Geoffrey wrapped
his arms about her. “I know you don’t like to hunt and that you don’t like to
chase a beast.” He paused. “All I wanted to do today is chase you.”

He loved
the blush that tinged her cheeks.

“I’ve
brought you to what I hope will become our special place. ‘Tis a small hunting
lodge my father built years ago. I’ve brought food along for a meal. We can sit
under yon tree and enjoy this peaceful day and one another’s company.”

“Oh,
Geoffrey!” She leaned up and kissed him with enthusiasm. “Let’s go see what it
looks like.”

Hand in
hand, they walked to the lodge and went inside. It only contained one large
room on the bottom floor and two small bedchambers on the second. He had fond
memories of the place, which didn’t see much use.

“I adore
it,” Merryn declared.

He had a
thought. “Then why don’t we stay a few days? We can return to the castle for a
few items and have private time to ourselves.”

“A few
days?” She twirled about, her arms wide. “I wish we could stay here forever.”

He caught
her in his arms and danced her around the room. “You would grow tired of how
small the place is, my love. Especially with several children and a dog or two
underfoot.”

She
stopped, a serious look upon her features. “I cannot wait to bear sons and
daughters that look like you.”

“They must
have your spirit,” he said.

“And your
honor,” she added.

“Not to
mention your intelligence.”

“And they
must possess your bravery.”

He laughed.
“No matter what they are like, our children will be perfect in every way.” He
kissed her soundly. Then his stomach growled. “I planned on making love to you
here and now, but let us dine first on food before dining upon one another.”

“’Tis a
beautiful day outside. You’re right. We can spread a blanket under the tree you
mentioned.”

Geoffrey
did as she asked. He went to his saddle and pulled the apples out. “Cook
provided us with not only treats for our horses but for ourselves.” He handed
Merryn the sack.

“Give them
their apples. I shall set out what we have.”

He fed
first Destiny, then Mystery, their apples, telling them what good horses they
were and how pleased their master and mistress were with them.

By the time
he returned, Merryn had the food spread out. They took turns feeding one another
until he thought he might burst. She yawned.

Geoffrey
leaned back against the tree trunk and pulled her into his lap. He’d been ready
to feast on her, but he saw how tired she looked after a night that had seen
little in the way of sleep. She curled up against him. His arms went around
her. Soon, her breathing evened out.

“Sleep, my
fair lady,” he told her softly. “I wore you out last night. You deserve a bit
of rest.” He stroked her chestnut hair, shades of red coming out in the sun.
“But I promise you I shall do the same to you tonight. And every night I can,
God be willing.”

His
thoughts drifted. He wondered what Merryn would look like when she carried his
children in her belly. How many they might have. He started thinking of names
for both boys and girls. His last thought revolved around not caring which they
had, as long as they proved happy and healthy.

Geoffrey
fell into a deep sleep.

And awoke
to searing pain.