Page 42 of Knight of Havoc
Reynard was surprised at the good wishes coming from the man who was once his rival. “My thanks, Warin. May you find your own fair lady soon.”
The empress rose. “If the two of you are done making friends with one another, we have a wedding to attend.”
Reynard bowed. “What about Morcant?”
“He will be dealt with later once I determine exactly what his punishment will be. In the meantime, he can rot in my dungeon and be thankful he is not residing in the pit.”
Reynard went to the door and opened it for the empress, who left them. He inspected what he was wearing and realized he best change and quickly. He would hate to be late for his own wedding.
Chapter Thirty
Elysande inspected herblue gown one last time. Beatrix adjusted the flowers she had woven into a crown that sat upon Elysande’s head. A necklace of blue gems with diamonds had been placed around her neck with the largest of them all nestled just above the cleavage of her breasts. A gift from the empress, or so she had been told by Lady Eden.
Petula stepped forward, placing a kiss on Elysande’s cheek. “You are so lucky to be marrying a man you actually love.”
Lady Eden agreed. “’Tis a luxury we can only wish to find. We will probably not be as blessed. I am certain that I, at the very least, will one day have an arranged marriage.”
Beatrix huffed. “The fact that the empress would allow a tourney to find a husband for one of her ladies does not bode well for the rest of us. At least Reynard was the winner at the end of all the havoc.”
Rovena took Elysande’s hand. “You look lovely. Be happy.”
Elysande could only give a weak smile. Inside, she was quaking in fear that something might happen to cause Reynard to change his mind.
Beatrix took Elysande’s hand. “Stop worrying over nothing, Elysande. I know for a fact that Reynard is inside and has not deserted you. If he had, no doubt Richard would have dragged him back by his ear.”
A half laugh, half snort escaped her at the vision and she quickly covered her mouth. But there was no mistaking her moment of merriment and the women around Elysande joined in her laughter.
Lady Eden clapped her hands together. “A smiling bride! So much better than what you had plastered on your visage a moment ago. Be happy, Elysande. You are about to be joined in marriage to the man of your dreams.”
Petula gave a heavy sigh at such a thought and Elysande could only nod as the women left her, leaving only Beatrix.
“You are lucky to have one of the Norwood brothers love you. I have never met more loyal men than them, mayhap with the exception of my brother. Reynard will never let you down. You can trust him with your heart,” Beatrix said squeezing Elysande’s hand.
“I never thought I would find someone that I could love like I love Reynard,” Elysande whispered, squaring back her shoulders. “I thought I was destined to wander the halls of Blackmore alone for the rest of my days.”
Beatrix put her hand on the handle leading to the interior of the chapel. “I cannot imagine such an existence for you or any of the empress’s ladies in waiting. I hope love will find me but I will adapt to whatever my fate has in store for me. Now, put a smile back on your face and let us get you wed before Reynard starts yelling to ask what is taking you so long.”
Elysande agreed and entered the chapel. The empress sat in the front row with her ladies seated next to her. Reynard stood by the altar with the priest looking splendid in a blue tunic with dark hose. A ceremonial knife was tucked into an embroidered belt at his waist and a chain holding a cross with a dark blue gem hung from his neck. She sighed at the sight of him and could barely contain her joy knowing he was waiting for her.
Her eyes traveled to Hawke sitting next to the rest of Reynard’s friends. He nodded his head as she walked past him and Elysande returned her attention to the future that waited for her. Hawke would always be loyal to her but Reynard would now become the center of all she held dear. She stepped forward and gave the man she loved a bright smile.
Reynard took her hands into his warm palms and raised them to kiss the tips of her fingers. “You are beautiful,” he murmured whilst those mesmerizing grey eyes held the promise of forever in their depths.
“And you are most handsome, Reynard,” she declared, smoothing the fabric at his shoulders once he released her hands.
They turned as one and sat in the front row opposite the empress with Richard, Beatrix and the remaining knights who had come to her rescue directly behind them. Lord Constantine was noticeably absent.
The priest began to drone on about the weakness of the flesh and Elysande peeked at Reynard who was doing his best to hide a smirk. She turned her attention to what the priest was saying. She could not help, however, the memories of their night together that flashed through her mind. At least she knew what their coupling as a married couple this eve would entail. She blushed thinking on the matter and knowing she should be listening to the priest’s sermon.
Reynard leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Are you also thinking about tonight, my dear?” he asked in a low sensual tone that caused her body to tingle in delight.
“At least I know what to expect.”
“You were more than Ieverexpected to drop into my life.”
She tore her gaze from the priest to look upon Reynard. “Complaining already, my love?”
A chuckle rumbled in his chest. “I best not. No sense starting our marriage with a fight.”
