Page 50 of Knight of Havoc
“I know you can but that does not mean I do not worry. ’Tis enough to make an escape with the empress. ’Tis another situation entirely to be dragging my wife along.”
“As long as we are together, I can endure anything.”
“You say that now when we are protected against the elements,” he grumbled, coming to a stand. He went to a table that held a pitcher of wine and poured himself a cup, thankful that there was even this remaining luxury. He took a sip deep in thought and did not hear Elysande when she came up behind him. She put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his back.
“I will not be a burden to you or the empress, especially since she asked for me to accompany her. I have spent the entire day working on our cloaks,” she said squeezing him tight.
He placed the cup down and turned, taking her in his arms. “I do not suppose I can convince you to stay here where I know you will be safe.”
Elysande gave him a look that spoke volumes. “We have had this discussion before, my love. How safe can I be with the usurper right outside these very gates?”
“He will leave and accept the surrender of those who remain once he learns the empress is no longer here.” He picked up his cup and took another drink.
“You cannot be certain of that. Already his machines of war relentlessly bombard the castle and the surrounding areas. He has blocked off everything and is slowly starving us out,” she answered. She waved her finger at the cup he still held. “And you best enjoy that chalice of wine for that is the last of it.”
He turned the cup and offered her to take it. “Share it with me.” He swore her eyes sparkled mischievously whilst watching him. She licked her lips before placing her mouth where his had been but moments ago. “A lover’s gesture…”
“Aye,” she whispered handing him the cup that he set down upon the table. Her fingertips began smoothing down the fabric of his tunic. “Mayhap instead of arguing about whether I stay here or go with you, we can do something else to occupy the time before we are to leave.”
“Does my wife have something in mind?” he asked in a husky tone.
Elysande tugged on his hand, leading him to their bed, not that he objected. “I’m sure we can think of something.”
He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her down with him. “I am yours to command, my lady wife.”
“Finally… you listen to me,” she teased before giving him a quick kiss and wiggling her body over his. He took hold of the back of her neck bringing her closer.
“Mayhap just this once…”
There was no further need for words when she kissed him thoroughly and he proceeded to make love to his lady as though it might be the last time. He did not know what the middle of the night would bring, nor come the morn, but whatever their fate, Reynard and Elysande would meet the challenge together.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Elysande pulled theedges of her cloak closer to her neck as she and the small company gathered around their empress whilst making their way to the postern gate. ’Twas the first time that she could remember where Hawke did not accompany her and she already felt the loss of his presence. Elysande had no notion as to the time of night other than ’twas late and no man or beast should be braving the bitter cold of this winter’s eve. But the brisk chill in the air and the snow that blanketed the earth fit in perfectly with the empress’s plans to make her escape.
Richard turned to address the group before opening the gate door. “Remember… your silence is imperative to this plan working. We must needs tread carefully once outside this gate as our enemy will be near at every turn.”
The empress took hold of Richard’s arm. “Let us proceed, Grancourt. We have a long journey ahead of us once we cross the river.”
Elysande gulped, thinking of the mighty Thames River and what might happen should the ice not hold. A freezing death in the churning cold water was no way to die and she shuddered at the possibility that they might not reach the other bank.
But there was no time to worry over the possibility of freezing in a river when they must first maneuver through the ranks of Stephen’s army. She took one last look at the keep before Reynard took hold of her hand, gave her a quick kiss, and thenpulled her through the gate. The last chance to change her mind was gone in an instant and she now had no choice but to follow her husband and the men who began tiptoeing through the forces that were surrounding them.
Elysande could barely breathe, terrified as she was that at any moment they would be discovered. She also couldn’t stop shivering, both from fear and from the bitter cold that began to seep into the hem of her gown as she trudged through the snow-covered ground. No man in his right mind would be out in weather such as this, and Elysande should not be surprised that they began to easily make their way around the camp of invaders. No doubt Stephen’s soldiers were huddled away in what shelter they could find.
And then the unthinkable occurred when a knight stepped from his tent, bumping straight into Richard.
“You!” a voice hissed.
Richard took hold of the knight and muffled the cry of alarm by placing his hand over the knight’s mouth.
The empress stepped forward. “This knight…he is known to you, Grancourt?” she softly asked before looking in every direction for another knight to jump out at them.
“Aye, my Empress, andheis ashe,” Richard answered, taking a firm hold of the woman.
Reynard pulled Elysande closer whilst they tried to reassess their dire situation. “Bloody hell,” he murmured.
The empress looked at the young woman who glared at those around her with hatred flashing in her eyes. “This changes our plans only somewhat. Take her back to the castle, Grancourt, since you are previously acquainted with this…lady. Norwood, you take the lead whilst Elysande stays with me. Kennarde and Goodee can bring up the rear and watch for threats from behind.”
