“Never. I might have wished to whisk you away and marry you in private rather than have such a grand ceremony, but I have always intended to marry you.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss to her soft knuckles.
She clasped his hand and gently pulled. “Come.”
Surprised, he stood and followed her. He would trail after her anywhere without question. She departed the Great Hall through the kitchens and then into a hallway. The farther they moved, the more confused Julian became.
They rounded a corner, and suddenly, Elora halted.
Julian almost ran into her but pulled back just in time. He smiled at her. “What is going on? Why the hurry to…”
She was staring down the hallway at the wooden doors leading to the front entrance of the castle. He followed her gaze. Guards were stationed at either side of the doors, wearing surcoats of a deep red background featuring a black phoenix. A man with gray hair sticking up around his head stood gazing about as if he were lost.
“Baldwin,” Julian gasped. He started toward him with wide strides.
Baldwin turned and straightened at seeing him. “Julian,” he said, spreading his hands before him. “Let me explain. I’m—”
Julian grasped him tightly in an embrace, cutting him off. For a moment, Baldwin remained stiff and unmoving, but then a sigh escaped his lips, and he wrapped his arms around Julian.
A rush of relief and joy crested over Julian, and he pulled back to look Baldwin in the eye. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”
Baldwin shuffled his feet. “Julian, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
“No,” Julian said firmly. “Don’t. I should apologize to you.”
“But you did what you said you would!” Baldwin exclaimed. “You won!”
Julian shook his head. “I forfeited.” He took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair before looking him in the eye. “But it’s not about winning. It’s about having faith in yourself and your abilities. It’s about believing you’re worthy.”
Baldwin’s eyebrows rose in surprise before a satisfied, understanding grin twisted his lips, and his gaze softened. He nodded in approval. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” Julian murmured.
Baldwin put a hand on his shoulder. “I’m proud of you.”
Julian stared, speechless. No one had ever said that to him before. His chest puffed out a little in delight. He glanced at Elora and looked back at Baldwin. He squinted his eyes, peering closely at Baldwin. “Is that a smile I see?”
“No,” Baldwin grumbled, trying to turn his mustache downward.
“It is!”
Baldwin rolled his eyes. “Perhaps just this once, it is.”
“You are always welcome here, Baldwin,” Elora invited.
Baldwin bowed his head and grinned at Julian. “I smell venison. Is Gilbert in there?” He jerked a thumb into the Great Hall.
“Of course,” Julian said.
Baldwin nodded and stared at Julian for a long moment. Another smile edged his bushy upper lip. He bobbed his head in approval before continuing into the Great Hall.
Julian watched him enter, contented. Through the large doors, Julian saw Gilbert rush up to Baldwin with a wide, surprised smile and embrace the old man, nearly knocking him off his feet. Baldwin straightened, ruffling Gilbert’s hair.
Elora wrapped her hands about Julian’s arm.
Julian glanced down at her. He couldn’t have been happier. “How did you find him?”
“Adam, the boy from Gracious Hill, knew where he went.” She bowed her head and grinned at him from beneath her lashes. “I am useful in some ways.”
Something intense flared through him. Her beautiful blue, sultry eyes, her pert nose, and Lord, those lips! She was stunning. Every fiber in his body ignited, coming to life. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips. She was his wife now. There was nothing wrong with others seeing them show affection. There was nothing forbidden about kissing her. “You are useful in all ways,” he whispered.
