Warwolfe (de Wolfe Pack Book 0)(132)

Gaetan had never felt more hollow, more devastated, in his entire life. He understood Antillius’ point of view; he simply didn’t agree with the man’s methods.

“So you would force me into a marriage with your daughter, knowing that I love another woman?” he asked, incredulous. “Surely there is another way.”

Antillius was deeply pained by the grief he’d brought about. “I wish there was. This morning, I asked you if you would be willing to marry your men to my daughters but you evidently refused and did not have the decency to tell me. Therefore, I must do all I can to provide at least one of them with a good husband and to ensure the survival of my family. Please forgive me, de Wolfe, but this is something I had to do.”

Gaetan simply stared at the man. As a warrior of consummate honor, Gaetan was a man who stood by his word. He had never broken his word, not to anyone. Even though he’d not made this bargain, Ghislaine had and, if he didn’t go through with it, he would be destroying her credibility and his right along with it.

Oh, God… is it really true? Must I do this?

He was, therefore, at a loss; he couldn’t even look at his men, knowing they heard the real reason behind the unexpected help they’d received against Alary. It was heartbreaking in so many ways because now they, too, knew his honor was on the line. They were watching him to see what he would do. Would he refuse? Or would he keep a bargain that would destroy his emotions as well as Lady Ghislaine’s? His honor, especially in front of his men, was the most important thing to him. His men had to know he was unbreakable, no matter what the cost.

Realizing he had no choice, he turned away from the group, still holding Ghislaine’s hand.

“Give me a moment, if you will,” he muttered. “I must speak with Ghislaine.”

Antillius watched the big man as he turned away, pulling a sobbing woman up against him. He almost called out to them to apologize again but he thought better of it. His apologies meant nothing. If he was truly sorry, he would have broken the bargain himself but he wasn’t willing to do that. As he stood there uncomfortably, listening to the lady’s weeping, a deep voice spoke.

“There is no need for Gaetan to marry your daughter, my lord.”

Antillius found himself looking at Aramis, the man who had defended his daughters against the Men of Bones. He rather liked Aramis, in fact.

“Unfortunately, there is,” he said to him. “Mayhap it is not the most savory bargain, but you will not interfere.”

Aramis shook his head. “I must,” he said. “If you are looking for a husband for Lygia, please consider me instead of Gaetan. I would consider it an honor.”

Antillius looked at Aramis in surprise. In fact, even Gaetan came to a halt, having heard his knight’s offer. “Aramis?” Gaetan said hesitantly. “Nay, man… you cannot do this.”

Aramis turned to look at Gaetan, his dark eyes glimmering with warmth. “Do what?’ he asked. “Marry a lovely accomplished woman? Are you so selfish that you would try to keep me from every beautiful woman in Mercia? I am quite serious, Gate. I spent time with Lygia and her sisters last night and Lygia is a lovely woman. I would consider it an honor to marry her in your stead.”

Gaetan’s mouth popped open in shock as he looked to Antillius, who was looking at Aramis with equal shock. But somewhere amongst the disbelief, hope and joy sprang forth. “Is this true?” Antillius asked. “You would actually… but why did you not say anything before now?”

Aramis cocked a dark eyebrow. “When has there been the opportunity, my lord? We have had very little time to speak that was not full of death or panic.”

He had a point. Antillius looked to Gaetan, who was heading back in his direction with his attention solely on Aramis.

“Truly, Aramis?” Gaetan asked, astonished. “You would do this?”

Aramis looked at Gaetan. “Aye, I would.” His gaze moved to Ghislaine, who still had tears on her cheeks even though her sobbing had come to an abrupt halt. He smiled at her. “Sometimes when you love someone, you would do anything to make them happy. Is that not so, Lady Ghislaine.”

Sometimes, when you love someone… Ghislaine understood what he meant immediately. Because Aramis loved her, he was willing to do what was necessary to see her happy. In this case, it meant marrying Lygia so Gaetan would be freed from the bonds of Ghislaine’s bargain. Rather than see Gaetan forced into marriage so he could sweep in and be a shoulder for Ghislaine to cry on, Aramis saw greater honor in seeing her happy.

Aramis was prepared to sacrifice himself for her joy.

“Oh, Aramis!” Ghislaine gasped when she realized the depths of his offer. “Thank you!”

She launched herself at Aramis, throwing her arms around the man’s neck as he stumbled back from the force of the blow. Momentarily surprised by her action, he began to laugh as he timidly put his arms around her to give her a squeeze. But not too much; Gaetan was watching. In fact, when he saw the expression on Gaetan’s face, he took his arms away from her to show that he wasn’t touching her at all.

“See?” he said. “I am not touching her. It is she who is holding on to me.”

Gaetan had to laugh. It was the most astonishing moment of his life, realizing that Aramis was willing to sacrifice himself for his and Ghislaine’s happiness. The man he’d known for years, the man he considered to be a brother, was displaying just how extensive his loyalty was. Gaetan was humbled by the gesture, touched beyond measure. As he pulled Ghislaine off of the man, he turned to Antillius.