Page 23 of Knight of Chaos
“Of course,” Richard replied before he gave a slight bow to Ingrid. “My lady…”
There was a moment of silence before the two remaining men began yelling over each other.
“What are you doing here?” Theobald began.
“What if de Payne had come back to do her harm again?” Oswin continued with clenched fists. “Do you think she is well enough to even lift her sword to protect herself?”
Ingrid came to stand between them. “Enough! Both of you. By the Blessed Virgin Mary, I have had enough of the two of you squabbling over me like two roosters in a hen house.” She swayed, and Theobald came to steady her.
His arm wound its way around her waist. “Ingrid, should I fetch the surgeon?”
“Nay. I am fine, Theo,” she whispered, “just tired.” They both turned to stare upon Oswin waiting for him to take the hint to leave.
“Obviously, I have outstayed my welcome,” he grumbled. “Ingrid, please send someone to find me if you have need of my company.”
“She will not,” Theobald answered for her before she swatted him.
“Behave…” Ingrid said. Making her way to Oswin she gave him a small smile. “I thank you for your concern for my welfare but as you can see, I am mending perfectly well.”
Oswin nodded, his gaze traveling to Theobald before he returned his attention to the lady. “And mayhap, your heart is not as yet spoken for…” His words trailed off as though he knew what her answer would be.
“I believe it may have already been claimed. I hope we can remain friends,” she replied shyly.
“Friends? Aye, I suppose if there is no chance for me to win your favor, I must needs bow out. One can never have too many friends to watch your back, eh Theobald?” Oswin jested. “Mistress Ingrid… Norwood…”
Oswin gave a short bow and left leaving an awkward silence in his dwelling. ’Twas clear Oswin wished to claim the lady whereas Theobald had the same notion. But she told Oswin that her heart may have been claimed and this was a promising sign giving Theobald hope. When he gave Ingrid his full attention, he noticed her steadying herself whilst leaning on their table. A basket sat upon it and he lifted the linen covering over the wicker hamper. The remains of a meal were inside. He flicked the fabric closed and noticed a small book. Apparently, Oswin was not the only one who had visited Ingrid this day.
“You have had company,” he complained bitterly.
“But not the company I desired. At least until now,” she answered with a bright smile.
He went to Ingrid, placing his hand at her waist. She stepped closer, reaching up to wind her own hand around his neck. Her fingers massaged his neck. He pulled her closer.
“Who else besides Oswin has been visiting you this day?” he asked as morbid curiosity ran amuck inside his head.
“Must we talk about them? They are your friends and now mine, I suppose.”
“Friends?”
“Aye. They have no hold over me beyond friendship. They only came to see to how I fared. Can I assume you were also concerned, and this is what took you away from the battlefield?” Her voice held a silky tone that went straight to his pounding heart. “Also… did I not see flowers being thrust into your brother’s hands when you thought you were interrupting something that to me was of no import? I assume they were for me.” Her hazel eyes twinkled mischievously.
The flowers! He had forgotten all about them when jealousy had overtaken him seeing Oswin on bended knee. Theobald tried to turn to fetch them, but she held firm. “I should retrieve them from my brother. I thought you might like them.”
“I love them, but please wait to fetch them later…” Pressure from her hand had him bending forward until his lips were but inches from her own.
“Are you certain you wish for this, Ingrid?” God help him if she suddenly changed his mind.
“Aye. Now kiss me, Theobald, and give me what I have been missing my entire life.”
’Twas as though the heavens shined down upon them at her words. He brushed his lips over hers giving her small kisses and allowing her the last chance to change her mind before things went any further. But far from pulling away, she pulled him closer until their chests rose as one. The breaths mingled together until Theobald could stand this sweet torture no longer.
His lips overtook hers in a hungry possession. His tongue swept into her mouth to dance with her own until he lost all common sense. His heart beat fiercely, consumed by the sensations of finally holding this woman against his body. A soft moan escaped her, and Theobald held back one of his own. As much as he wished to stay with Ingrid and finish what they started, he was still needed to fight for their cause.
“Theo…” She whispered his name as if her soul was reaching out to his own. It was almost enough to cause him to change his mind about returning to the battlefield.Almost…
Reluctantly, he pulled back from her. Desire sparkled in her eyes like the brightest star in the sky. “Ingrid, we cannot continue what we have started just now,” he said, placing a quick kiss upon her forehead.
“But I thought…”
