Ensnared (Knights of Brethren #3)(64)
I breathed her in and let her presence soothe my pounding pulse. “Henceforth, whatever we do, we’ll do it together. Can we agree upon that?”
“I can agree.”
I didn’t realize I was shaking until that moment, when my trembling ceased.
“Gunnar?” Her voice was grave. “I fear you will face overmuch criticism for being with a woman of my low status. If Bernhard refused our union, surely many more will shun you for it.”
I shifted so that she could view my face and my sincerity. “My friends will see what I do, that you make me a better and stronger man. And they will heartily welcome you because of that.”
She pushed against me lightly. “You’re jesting with me.”
“’Tis the truth. I’ve sensed something was missing inside me, but it wasn’t until I was with you again that I realized when you’re by my side, I’m finally whole, complete.”
She studied my face, seeking the truth.
“I need you.”
A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “What exactly do you need most? My wit? My intelligence? My inner fortitude? My sweetness? My—”
“Your kisses.” I bent down and fused my lips with hers. I meant for the kiss to be light and teasing, but as soon as we touched, the heat that always simmered below the surface rose swiftly, flowing through me, turning me on fire, and making me only want to keep on kissing her.
I loved that she met me with as much desire, melding into me and moving as though she would kiss me forever too.
As much as I wanted to revel in this bond between us, we needed to be on our way. For the time being, staying was too dangerous. I would take her away, and we would make our way to Vordinberg and the king, where we would find refuge from Bernhard’s schemes and gather reinforcements.
I broke the kiss but rested my forehead against hers. “Never forget. We are meant for each other.”
“Are you sure?”
“We always have been and always will be.” No matter what would happen in the days to come, I would relish spending the rest of my life showing her just how true that was.
We rode all afternoon, through the night, and well into the next day. Though I kept a fast pace, I didn’t want to overtax my horse bearing two riders instead of one. At midday we reached the remote fortress of Lindseth within the Moors of Many Lakes. ’Twas the home where I’d lived and trained during my years as a page and squire. I respected Lord Lindseth and knew I would find an ally in him should Bernhard send his men after me.
As the Lord welcomed me inside, I drew Mikaela into the shelter of my arm and body. The day was cloudy and cold, and though I’d tried to keep her warm, she shivered. She’d slept off and on during the long ride, but I could see the weariness in her features. I was exhausted, too, and couldn’t recall the last time I’d slept for any length.
“My home is your home,” Lord Lindseth said after I gave him a brief explanation of my current circumstances and the danger I faced from Bernhard. “You will stay here as long as you have need, and my fighting men will keep you safe.”
He looked pointedly at the young men in the front entryway. From their dusty tunics and padded gambesons, I guessed they’d been outside training but were now taking their meal in the great hall.
I nodded my thanks to Lord Lindseth. I’d served him well for many years, and he was repaying me for that. It also didn’t hurt that I’d earned prestige and prominence as a Knight of Brethren and was a close companion of the king.
“I will have my servants deliver more food to the head table.” He motioned to a nearby manservant, who scurried away down a passageway that led to the kitchen.
Before I gave way to refreshment and slumber, there was one thing I needed to do first. “First, if you would allow me the use of your chapel and priest, I would be grateful.”
“Certainly.” If Lord Lindseth was puzzled by my strange request, he hid it well.
“My brother interfered with my wedding yesterday.” I drew Mikaela closer. “I would that we complete our marital vows today, anon, before anything or anyone else can interfere again.”
Lord Lindseth’s attention shifted to Mikaela. As his keen gaze swept over her, I could feel her stiffen. I knew she was worried about what the nobility would think of me marrying a bondservant. Even though the Norvegian law had changed last year allowing for royalty and nobility to marry commoners, Mikaela, as a slave, fell outside of the new law.
I hoped my buying her freedom changed her status and allowed for the legality of our union. Either way, I intended to marry her and have her for my wife no matter the repercussions.
As Lord Lindseth’s gaze returned to my face, I guessed he could see my resolve, for he nodded. “I and my wife shall stand as your witnesses.”
Within minutes we found ourselves at the front of the chapel with a priest leading us through our vows.
I faced Mikaela, holding both of her hands. Lord Lindseth, his wife, and several other knights stood nearby and acted as witnesses so that no one—especially Bernhard—could call into question the validity of our union.
“I, Mikaela, take thee, Gunnar, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance. Thereto I give thee my troth.”