Page 42 of King’s Knight

He stilled and from his labored breathing she thought he might be holding back for her sake. Her breasts pressed into his chest and she could feel the strong beating of his heart. “ ’Tis all right,” she whispered.

He let out a sigh and brought his mouth down on hers, his tongue stroking hers as he began to move within her, slowly at first.

She raised her hips to meet him, wanting all of him and relishing the feel of him moving inside her.

“Merewyn,” he said, kissing her neck, “you are truly mine.”

His voice was soothing, his words sounding sincere. “And you are mine.” At least for tonight. She would not look for more.

Their bodies were soon slick with sweat. She held on to him, letting him sweep her with him into a swirl of sweet tension, rising within her. When her release came, his followed quickly. He cried out and dropped onto her.

Sometime later, Merewyn awoke with the bells sounding Compline. Alex’s arm was draped over her chest, his warm hand cupped her breast and his groin pressed into her bottom. Her nipple hardened beneath his hand at the memory of what they had done.

She had given herself to Alex.

Never again would they be merely friends. Of course, William Rufus had other plans for him. The heir of Talisand was destined for a marriage linking Normandy to England’s king. What was she, a bastard, in so much royal scheming? But she would have forever the memory of their lovemaking, for she was certain he had loved her with his whole self.

Even if this were their only night together, she would have no regret.

“Alex,” she said, gently prodding him, “You must go, my love, before the others return and Nelda finds you in my chamber.”

His lips found the back of her neck where he pressed kisses to her sensitive skin. “You are ever sending me from your bed,” he teased. “I will go if I must, but with the greatest reluctance. I want to sleep with you, Merewyn.”

She turned to face him. “And I with you. But you know it cannot be.”

“Oh, very well,” he said, rising to sit upon the bed. Looking back at her, he picked up one long strand of her hair. “I like you all tousled.”

“Today is the barons’ meeting, is it not?”

“Aye, the king would discuss Scotland. William Rufus rarely consults anyone save his earls and that scoundrel, Ranulf. But today he meets with the barons. My mother will, no doubt, take you to see the wares of London’s merchants.” At her frown, he reached down to kiss her forehead. “You might even enjoy it.”

* * *

Alex stuffed a piece of bread into his mouth as his father rose from the table and announced, “We had best be on our way.”

“Are you certain I am included?” he asked. The king’s meeting was for his barons and key advisors. A few senior knights, like Sir Geoffroi, might be summoned, but Alex was not one of those.

“William asked for you by name,” said his father. “ ’Twas in the second missive the king’s messenger handed me at Talisand. His specific words were, ‘Bring my other wolf, the cub.’”

Alex cringed.

“No matter his name for you, William pays you an honor.”

Acknowledging the truth of his father’s words with a nod, Alex stood, humbled by the king’s faith in him. He could hardly resent the name “cub” when it was bestowed with the king’s favor.

Outside the manor, their horses were saddled and waiting. The morning was cool and a wind stirred, blowing his hair. Azor’s head perked up as Alex walked to the black stallion and stroked his neck. “Another trip to the palace, boy.” He swung into the saddle, noting the gray clouds in the sky and hoped the threatened rain would hold off until that evening. He smiled thinking of the two women he loved most spending the day together.

Rory and Guy, glad for a day free of the king’s business, came through the manor door to wish them a good day. Having offered to accompany Merewyn and Lady Serena on their excursion into town, the two knights had a mission that would keep them occupied, one for which Alex was grateful. With more of William’s army pouring into London every day, a few knights added to the men-at-arms who would accompany the women were welcome.

As he rode to the palace with his father and Sir Geoffroi, he experienced an unusual contentment as images of Merewyn filled his mind. He had managed to reach his bedchamber just as his parents were returning to the manor. After a deep sleep, he awoke in the morning with the most incredible smile on his face.

What was it about Merewyn that had filled him with the need to claim her? Other women were as beautiful; noble women came with wealth and lands; and he had never wanted for those who willingly came to his bed. But in Merewyn, he recognized strength like his own, a determination to overcome any obstacle and courage to reach the mark she had set for herself. He needed such a woman by his side. His heart filled with the love for her he had not spoken, satisfied in the knowledge he had demonstrated his love in the way he knew best. The passion he had aroused from deep within her was more than he could have asked for. But it was not merely passion that had driven him to claim Merewyn as his own. It had been love, a bond that grew with each day. He wanted to be with her, to have her at his side when he took his father’s place.

Now that he had made the lovely brave archer his, he had only to hold her. In time, he would tell his parents and deal with the king’s unwanted plans, but for now, ’twould be his secret.

They arrived at the palace along with a large number of nobles and knights who served the king. Inside the hall, men gathered around a table where the king sat with his brother. In addition to Ranulf Flambard, in attendance were Robert fitzHaimo, baron of Gloucester, and Earl Hugh of Chester along with a score of others.

Across from the king sat Duncan, the eldest son of Malcolm, King of Scots. While Alex had not seen him at the feast the evening before, it made sense he would be here now. As a lad, Duncan had been taken hostage by the Conqueror to secure his agreement with Scotland, but upon the Conqueror’s death, Duncan was freed and now served William Rufus by choice. Just entering his third decade, the tall, dark-haired knight had shared with Alex his desire to one day take his rightful place as Scotland’s king.