Page 54 of Knight of Chaos
His hand wound around her neck and into her hair. “I would rather you fight beside me on any occasion just as long as you wish it, dearest wife,” he declared before leaning down to seal his words with a kiss.
Her hands inched up his chest and clutched at the fabric of his tunic. A soft moan for his ears alone left her, and Theobald wished they were already behind a closed door. They had a lot of time to make up for. Besides, there was little to pack since they only just returned from the journey to Ingrid’s farm. They broke apart when someone cleared their throat, and Theobald’s brow rose in annoyance at his brother.
Reynard chuckled. “I suppose we are to separate once more. I had prayed we would continue to remain together.”
Theobald slapped his younger brother upon his back. “I am certain our paths will cross again soon, but married life will rule me now, Reynard.”
A growl left his brother’s lips. “First Wymar and now you… God forbid if some wench crosses my path and expects me to marry her. I have better things to do than be saddled with a woman for the rest of my life.”
Richard laughed. “Said every man who is now contently married.”
“I certainly would not change anything given this particular lady is now my wife. But mark my words, brother, your time will come. ’Tis only a matter ofwhenthe right lady crosses your path,” Theobald replied whilst his hand rested on his wife’s back. He watched her intently when she took the few steps forward to face Oswin, Blake, and Kingsley.
“’Twould appear that our service together is at an end,” she murmured softly. “’Twas an honor to fight beside you all.”
Oswin bowed low. “The honor has been ours, my lady.”
Theobald went to clasp the arm of each man knowing they would someday meet again. He wrapped his brother into a fierce hug and whispered a quick word to take care.
Theobald took hold of Ingrid’s hand and together they went to their bedchamber to collect their few remaining things. The night was spent in each other’s arms—and with the rising of the sun, they began making their way to their new home.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Penhow Castle
Ingrid slid offValor’s back and gave the horse a pat on his neck. He neighed and pushed his nose against her body looking for a treat. She reached over to her saddlebag, pulled a bright red apple from the sack, and offered the fruit to her horse. He had earned it and more with the number of miles they had traveled. She had been through so many changes these many months. She would have never thought she would be married at the start of her journey to join the Empress’s army.
But that was all behind her now. She would no longer need to lift her sword to protect herself, although Theobald had stated he would train with her any time she chose. It would keep her fit, if nothing else and she looked forward to the time when she could enjoy her husband’s company in the privacy of their new home. She was still apprehensive about what awaited her at Calbridge, but she would deal with it as she must. She gazed upon the rolling green countryside. This region was lovely and would be the perfect place to raise a family.
Her eyes went to the four-story sandstone tower house with its stone-tiled roof. The place was far simpler than what she had been expecting. Ingrid’s conversation with the Empress flashed through her mind. Penhow may have belonged to Ingrid, but they were only stopping briefly at this property where the steward lived. Ingrid and Theobald would learn all they needed before traveling the rest of the way to Calbridge Castle.
Theobald came up to her and took her hand. “It needs a curtain wall,” he mumbled in apparent concern.
“That and most likely other improvements as well,” Ingrid replied before gazing up into her husband’s eyes. “Do you think Calbridge will be in need of development in its defenses, too?”
“We will find out soon enough,” he said shrugging. “What do you think of the place?”
“I have the notion that this simple keep will be more to my liking than whatever grandness awaits us at Calbridge,” she answered honestly. “But I suppose we will make the best of things.”
“As long as we are together, then that is all that matters. I will not allow anything to drive us apart again,” Theobald vowed.
“I will hold you to such a promise, my love,” Ingrid replied raising her hand to caress the stubble on his cheek. Her finger traced the white scar and she realized he was lucky he had not lost one of those gorgeous green eyes. “You never did tell me how you got this scar.”
“Later, my dear, but ’tis not hard to guess given I have been a trained knight for most of my life,” he answered, before a chuckle from Richard had Theobald looking uncomfortable.
“Is that the story you tell all the ladies fawning over you?” Richard finally asked.
“’Tis better than the truth,” Theobald replied with a sheepish look at his wife.
Ingrid crossed her arms over her chest. “Now you have my full attention. Tell me what happened.”
Theobald growled a curse. “’Twas a silly mistake.”
Richard chuckled again. “Aye, and one that almost cost you your sight!”
“I was attempting to prove my worth at catching a blade whilst it flipped end over end…”
“Aye… to a group of pretty maids if my memory serves me right,” Richard interrupted.
