Page 59 of Knight of Darkness
The priest called the couple forward and took a red ribbon to tie the fabric around their wrists. Wymar smiled to see a small black raven stitched toward the bottom, pleased that his family crest was represented this day. But he had no time to further marvel at the needlework of the fabric binding this woman to him for the rest of their lives. Not when he stared upon his lady whilst they gave their vows and pledged their hearts forever.
A cheer rang out in the chapel once the priest proclaimed them husband and wife, and Wymar leaned forward to give Ceridwen a chaste kiss. He smiled as one delicate brow rose up, and he gave her a wink that promised her more to come once they were alone later this eve. The ribbon was untied, and they made their way to the altar where all the necessary documents were signed. Wymar then stamped his seal upon the parchment and Ceridwen was officially his wife. Happiness overwhelmed him. If someone had told him when he had left Norwich months ago that this day would actually happen, he would have told them they were fools. He was filled with joy and gratitude that he had been proven so resoundingly wrong.
Brockenhurst’s great hall was full of neighboring gentry, his own knights and their ladies, and of course the Empress’s men who had accompanied Ceridwen to witness their marriage. Now if only the celebration could be over so he and Ceridwen would be able to retire to their bedchamber… not that sleep would be on their minds. He delighted in his bride’s happiness as she made her way around the room and people offered their congratulations on their marriage. Dancing followed. After he had taken his wife in his arms in the middle of their hall and performed the patterns of a fast-paced dance, others came to follow in his footsteps.
He took a sip of his wine when he noticed Lady Beatrix watching him. He watched her heave a heavy sigh and then began to make her way across the room in his direction. God help him if she once again made some attempt to win his affection. He would not stand for it. Not today of all days. But when she spoke, she surprised him and pleasantly so.
“I must needs ask for your forgiveness for deceiving you with my scheme to have us wed,” she began with worried eyes. “I admit ’twas for my own selfish gain and I did not think on what it might cost you had my plan succeeded.”
“There is naught to forgive, Beatrix,” Wymar admitted, thankful the young woman had finally come to her senses. “As you can see, I am now wed to the woman I love and that is all that matters.”
“The Empress will be pleased,” Beatrix murmured whilst she, too, watched Ceridwen from across the room. “As long as you are happy, Wymar, then I am happy for you… truly I am.”
“I am pleased to hear such a confession, my lady. I was worried you would feel you were no longer welcome here at Brockenhurst.”
She gave a small smile. “Your lady made certain when we had speech together to assure me that I would always be welcome in her hall. She was most gracious considering the trouble I caused.”
Wymar watched the lady he had known for most of his life. He took her hand and raised it to his lips, watching when her eyes widened. “You are the cherished sister of my best friend, Beatrix. You are the sister I never had. Never feel as if you are not welcome in our home.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “Thank you, Wymar. ’Tis more than I deserve.”
Before he could respond, she left him. She would need some time, but he hoped that it would not be long before she was able to heal her wounded heart. He could do no more for the lady. The rest was up to her.
He had his cup refilled as he watched the dancing. Ceridwen was currently partnered with Reynard and he only wished that Theobald was also here to join in their celebration. He went to the hearth, his arm leaning upon the mantle when Richard joined him.
“Did my sister dishonor herself again?” he grumbled angrily.
“Get rid of such a hostile look whilst you gaze upon your sister. You shall scare the poor girl,” Wymar snapped.
“Did she?”
“Nay, she did not. In fact, she asked most humbly for my forgiveness.”
Richard’s brow rose. “Humbly? I did not think she had such a trait in her.”
“Do not underestimate your sister, Richard. Her motives may have been misguided, but she has a kind heart underneath her determined exterior.”
“I am sorry for the difficulties she caused you and Ceridwen.”
Wymar placed his arm upon his friend’s shoulder. “You have nothing to apologize for and Beatrix has already done so, both to myself and my wife. She will be welcome in my hall as she always has been in the past.”
“You are kinder to her than she deserves,” Richard said still glaring at his sister.
“And you could use a bit of kindness and forgiveness toward your sister. She is past the age to wed. She saw an opportunity and she took it. ’Twas not the right course of action but you need to find her someone to wed soon or she may just do something rash again.”
“I will do my best to find her a man of wealth,” Richard replied.
“Wealth?” Wymar asked somewhat annoyed his friend would only think of money. Beatrix deserved more than just that. “Find her a man she can fall in love with, Richard.”
“Love? We cannot all be so lucky to find love as you have Wymar,” he said, “but I will try.”
“You should also find a woman to love, Richard. Trust me when I say you shall not regret it.”
Richard mumbled something under his breath. The minstrel’s song ended and Reynard began escorting Ceridwen across the hall in his direction. Wymar held out his hand to her, pulling her to his side and placing a kiss upon her cheek.
Reynard chuckled. “I believe your lady would much rather be dancing with you than anyone else in your hall, brother.”
Wymar looked down upon his wife; her eyes sparkled like jewels from the torches that lit the room. “Would she now?”
