Page 31 of Knight of Darkness
He busied himself by saddling his horse, but by the time he had finished, there was still no sign of the woman. He continued to keep himself occupied by saddling Ceridwen’s steed whilst she took her sweet time getting ready to depart. Still in shock that his title and lands had been restored, all he wished to do was head south to his home. But nay, even that was denied him. Yet how could he gainsay his queen after she bestowed his title once more upon him? Aye… he could do no less than what she requested but still… what would become of his brothers and what mission would they be undertaking for their queen? When he had imagined getting his lands restored to him, he had thought that he and his brothers would return there together, starting the next chapter of their lives in the home that should have been theirs all along. But none of this was going as he had expected.
The stable doors finally opened and the vision before Wymar felt as though he had conjured her up from his dreams. Gowned in the same blue dress as last eve, she was just as beautiful this morn. Mayhap even more so in the light of day. Wymar lost any thought of berating her for her tardiness. Nay… there was something about her that drew her to him like a moth to a flame. He could not doubt such a fact.
No woman before Ceridwen had ever held his interest. He had bedded his share, but he had forgotten those women as soon as they left his bed. What point would there have been in remembering them? No woman of noble birth would dare become interested in anything permanent with him when he led the life of a mercenary. Any woman of sense wanted a title, a gentleman of wealth, a man with an estate that could sustain her for her lifetime and the lifetime of her children. Yet from Ceridwen’s own lips she had stated that she cared little for something that meant everything to most women looking for a husband. Perchance this was because she had her own wealth and an estate she would inherit one day.
As she began to make her way across the stable, light from above shone down upon her, making her appear as though she was heaven sent… an angel from above come to earth to tempt men… or mayhap one man in particular. Wymar had to admit something stirred deep within him whenever she came near. He was lost.
She sank into a curtsey. “My lord,” she murmured before standing upright to stare into his eyes. She held out her hand and he willingly took it, bowing low before placing a chaste kiss upon her knuckles.
“My Lady Ceridwen,” he said. “You look enchanting this morn.”
“Better than when I was dressed as a man ready to beat you at our swordplay?” she teased lightly.
He pulled her closer and she gasped. “Can I admit something to you alone?”
“By all means. What is your secret you wish to impart?” she asked as a small smile turned up at the corners of her mouth.
“You are a woman of many talents,” he admitted honestly. “Whether you dress in hose and tunic or in gowns and jewels, any man would be a fool to not appreciate a woman of such worth.”
Her mouth opened into a silent O of disbelief. “You surprise me, Norwood.”
“How so?” he asked concerned he had offended her once more.
“You spout nonsense about who might be in my bed one moment and then turn around and give me a compliment that would have any maiden swoon over. Who is the real Lord Wymar and the Knight of Darkness, I wonder?”
Wymar shrugged. “I am one and the same and can appreciate talent when I see it.”
She gave a short nod of her head. “Then I will admit to you that I was impressed with your sword fighting. You kept me alert and made me give my best. ’Tis a talent I can appreciate,” she admitted.
“My thanks, my lady,” Wymar said before continuing. “I did not like knowing I had disappointed you, not when I had been admiring you so. I know not of any other woman who would so openly oppose the Empress and then go to war on her behalf. You are a rare gem worth treasuring.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I am not some woman who wishes to be locked up in a tower to be admired and let out only to impress others,” she fumed.
“You misunderstand my words, Ceridwen. I only meant any man would be a fool who did not wish you to fight by his side for any cause they both felt worthy enough to die for.” He raised her hand once more to his lips and he felt the tension lessen between them.
“You just may be redeemable after all, Wymar,” she said in a gentle tone that gave him hope they could possibly have a future together.
“I am at your service, my lady,” he said placing a hand over his heart.
She gave a merry laugh. “As I am at your disposal, by the Empress’s demand,” she vowed whilst a look of what appeared disbelief etched itself across her visage. It appeared as though she had resolved herself that they must needs continue to travel together.
“Who would ever think such a thing would come between us?”
“No one in their right mind, my lord,” she answered before going to her horse and pulling on the reins. “Shall we?”
He nodded his head and led his own horse out into the sunlight. Ceridwen’s men waited near their horses, as did his brothers and Richard. Handing his reins to Turb, he made his way to his siblings. He took time to clasp them both into a fierce embrace, not caring who looked on at this open display of affection.
Theobald smacked Wymar on the arm. “I guess you have the better assignment,” he said giving a slight nod in Ceridwen’s direction. “Care to trade places?”
A scowl swept across Wymar’s features. “You do not wish to tread there, brother, lest you anger me. That never turns out well.”
Theobald’s laughter rang out. “The company of a beautiful woman for days might very well be worth a good thrashing.”
“Not if you value your life, brother,” Wymar warned.
Theobald threw up his hands in defeat. “I yield to the better man… for now.”
“Do you know what your mission is as yet?” Wymar asked, changing the subject.
