Page 42 of Knight of Chaos
As though the heavens were giving Ingrid a push in the direction her life would now be led, Theobald at last noticed her. He nodded to the knight he had been training with and crooked his finger for Ingrid to join him. She began making her way to her husband even whilst another knight went to Eden and began having speech with her. Ingrid shook her head wondering how fickle the lady was. One moment she was flirting with several men, the next implying she could have Theobald with a wave of her hand. Ingrid had no notion what to think of the woman, but she left that situation behind when Theobald sheathed his sword and took her hand.
“Come to train, my lady?” he asked in a husky whisper. His tone was one that belonged in their bedchamber. Her heart raced at the sound.
“With you?” Ingrid asked with a teasing grin.
“Of course. ’Twould be my pleasure to spend the day with my beautiful wife,” he said with a chuckle.
Ingrid stepped back, pulling out her sword and waving the weapon before her. “Then you do not mind being bested by a woman.”
Laughter erupted from her husband. “I see my wife is a wee bit cocky today. Let us see how you manage to defend yourself against me.”
“Then let us begin your downfall, husband!” she taunted.
The sound of their swords clashing together was barely muffled by their combined laughter. And as the morning wore on, Ingrid swore ’twas one of the best days in her memory. Theobald gave her his best and did not coddle her as they trained which was exactly what she needed. He had eyes only for her, and ’twas how their relationship could now begin again.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
For nigh untoa fortnight, Theobald did everything within his powers to not take Ingrid each night in their bed. ’Twas becoming harder, as the eves passed into the next, to keep his hands to himself and retain the vow he had made to her and himself. What had he been thinking? His promise had seemed like a good idea at the time. Win his lady’s trust and with it her heart. He had no notion that she would become such an enchantress, seducing him effortlessly with every look and every touch. Damn his sense of chivalry!
Their days together had found them on the training field. The Empress had voiced her displeasure to Theobald that he could not control his wife, but he in turn had politely informed the Empress that if he was to win his wife over, then he must needs allow her to do as she saw fit. If that included dressing in tunic, hose, and boots, then so be it. The Empress had waved him away with her bejeweled hand saying she would leave the taming of Ingrid up to him. ’Twas obvious his monarch disapproved and would rather have Ingrid dressed as the lady she needed to become.
Yet, Ingrid knew the role she must needs play and would change her attire accordingly each evening. She may have appeared the docile woman standing next to their Empress, and yet a person only had to take one look at Ingrid to know she was completely miserable. Her words in the forest haunted Theobald. How would she fit in at Calbridge as the lady of the keep? His only thought would be to give her more time here at court to accustom herself to the ways of the nobility. But while the passage of time had made her more adept at the tasks of serving the Empress, she remained entirely miserable in the role, showing no liking at all for life at court.
Thus far, the Empress appeared in no hurry to see them on their way to their new home, and Theobald was thankful. The more time he was able to spend with Ingrid, the more time he had to prove she could trust him. And so, they trained together during the daylight hours and dined and danced together in the eves. ’Twas a good way for them to get to know one another further and yet he was growing more and more uncomfortable that he could not have his wife completely whilst in their bed. ’Twas a conundrum of his own making.
He watched as Ingrid performed the intricate patterns of the dance with Oswin, of all people. The knight appeared to be more attentive than one should be of a friend’s wife and yet Theobald refused to intervene. After all, Ingrid had her own free will to choose with whom she would dance. Theobald had already had his turn several times, and Richard had teased him that if he did not allow Ingrid to dance with another, the men might think he was actually in love with his own wife.
Theobald had refused to take the bait causing Reynard and Richard to laugh until Theobald excused himself. He found his arm taken by Lady Eden and he had no recourse other than to allow her to do so. He would not wish to cause a scene nor anger the Empress by treating one of her attendants with discourtesy.
“How may I be of service, my lady?” he inquired, dreading her answer for she appeared as though she would ask more from him than he was willing to give.
She pressed herself into his body and looked up batting her eyelashes at him. “I thought I could do you a favor.”
“A favor?” He tried to remove her arm, but her grip was like a vise. This woman was on a mission, though only she knew for certain why she was acting in such a seductive way. He had never given her any reason to believe he might desire her company.
“Aye. To make your wife jealous, of course. Unless ’tis your wish for her to dance her way through the entire room of knights, excluding only you?” Eden inquired whilst running her fingertips across the front of his tunic.
“Ingrid may dance with whomever she wishes,” Theobald said with clenched lips. This woman was making him uncomfortable, and he had no desire to further their association.
She giggled. “Smile. At least appear as if I hold some appeal to you. Elsewise, this ploy shall not have the desired effect and will be a waste of time,” she purred stepping even closer.
Theobald looked down upon the woman and scowled. “I do not play the games of court life, my lady. There is no need to make Ingrid jealous.”
“Mayhap we can continue this in my bedchamber,” Eden said pressing on, undaunted.
“Nay,” he said firmly prying her fingers from his arm. “You may find another man to conquer this eve, for I am not interested in what you have to offer.”
Eden shrugged but once more took his arm, although her fingers now rested lightly upon the sleeve. “You cannot blame a woman for trying. Now, come… My offer to make Ingrid jealous still stands, and I am sure the result will be to your satisfaction.”
“You cannot promise anything where my lady is concerned,” he grumbled.
“Can I not?” she said taking one delicate finger and pointing across the room. “If you but take a moment to notice, your wife is about ready to tear my hair out. ’Twill not take much to push her over the edge. Mayhap a kiss…”
“Lady Eden… the only woman I will be kissing is my wife,” he replied giving her a short bow. “If you would excuse me.”
He left her there without allowing her time to comment but ’twas of no use. Somehow, the entire room of women appeared to be on a task to thrust themselves into his arms whether he wished them to or not. One after the other, they came to him, and he was becoming increasingly aware that Ingrid would not take much more. The fierce frown across her visage told him much.
The music of the current dance ended and Ingrid hastily excused herself from her current partner. Fleeing across the crowded room, Theobald caught up with her at the stairs to one of the turrets that led up to their bedchamber. He took hold of her hand in a firm grip.
