Page 74 of King’s Knight

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They did speak of it the next day and much to Alex’s increasing frustration, Merewyn did not budge. “What did you think the words we spoke in London meant?” he asked her from his mound of pillows where he lay with his lower leg wrapped in bandages. “I vowed to have you as mine forever and you replied with similar words. I ask you again, did you not mean them?”

She paced in front of him, quite adorable in the gown the countess had given her. “Of course I meant them,” she insisted. “But wanting something does not mean you can have it. I have never believed I was worthy of Talisand’s heir.”

“Now there, you would be wrong. I want no simpering Norman woman with poison in her wine cups.”

Merewyn looked at him, shocked. Poison? Had the woman really meant to kill her?

“Aye, poison. Nay, I prefer a fierce English archer who wears a bowman’s clothing.”

“You jest.”

“A bit, mayhap, but not in my intention toward you, Merewyn. You are mine; I have claimed you in all ways recognized on earth and by God above.”

“What of your parents? Even if you do not want Lady Adèle, the king may have another.”

“I have done all William has asked of me, yet I never requested a favor. I know him to be generous. Once his anger from the loss of his ships has cooled, he will grant me my heart’s desire. And my parents have three other sons to give him for his lands in Normandy. Raoul is off on some quest. Mayhap a boon for his efforts can be a Norman bride.”

She gazed down at him, her brows drawn together in apparent frustration. “I cannot persuade you of the folly of wedding a bastard?”

“Never have I liked that byname, though the Conqueror himself bore it for a lifetime. And it will not stop me from making known to all that I have taken you as my wife.”

She pressed her lips tightly together as if in protest.

“To prove I am serious,” he ventured, “I ask you to bring me my cloak.”

“Your cloak?” she asked, confused.

He pointed to the dark blue garment lying across the chest at the foot of the bed.

She picked it up and handed it to him.

He dug into the pouch he’d had a seamstress sew into the cloak in London, his fingers closing on the gold ring. Lifting it from the garment, he reached for her left hand.

Pulling it toward him, he slid the ring on her finger. “I chose this ring for the sapphire that reminds me of your eyes.”

She sat down on the bed and stared down at the rounded blue stone set in the band of gold. When she raised her eyes to his, they were filled with tears. “But when?”

“Remember that morning when I came upon you visiting the merchants of London with my mother? Buying fish, as I recall.”

“You purchased a ring for me in London?”

“Aye, as soon as the barons’ meeting ended, I was off to the goldsmith’s stall. When I saw this one, I knew it had to be yours.”

“Oh, Alex!” She flung her arms around him and kissed him.

He kissed her back, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her on top of him. He deepened the kiss and slid his hands over her gown, her hips, her buttocks, all the sweet curves he remembered. His groin swelled in response. It had been too long since he had lain with her. Wanting more, he broke the kiss and looked into her beautiful blue-hazel eyes. “Shall we seal our vows once more?”

She smiled up at him from where he cradled her head in the crook of his arm. “What about your leg?”

He brushed the tears from her face. “I am certain, with your help, I can manage.”

* * *

Two days later, Merewyn had just finished a game of chess with Lady Ermentrude when the countess stifled a yawn. It was late and dinner long concluded. Merewyn sat back, waiting to see if her hostess would play another game. She had replaced her archer’s clothing with a lovely rose silk gown, one that had belonged to the countess’ daughter. Around her neck on a riband tucked into her gown was Alex’s ring. She did not wear it on her finger because she did not wish to explain its sudden appearance to Lady Ermentrude. But knowing she belonged to Alex, that he had decided to make her his wife, was a happy truth that settled deep within her. She only hoped his parents agreed with his decision.

“ ’Tis time I retire,” said the countess. “Will you stay awhile by the hearth fire or is it time you looked in on your patient?”