Ensnared (Knights of Brethren #3)(67)
“As I said, Your Majesty,” Gunnar said again, this time more formally, “she makes me better.”
The king cleared his throat. “I have spoken with the rest of the knights this morn after we received word you would be arriving. We all agreed that we want you to remain at the table among the Knights of Brethren, that we will no longer abide by the rule that marriage disqualifies a knight for service. If anything, when we men unite with the right women, we are only more qualified.”
The queen nodded. “Rest assured, you need not be apart. You have permission to stay together as much as you’re able.”
Princess Elinor nodded in agreement. The two sisters stood beside their husbands as equals, serving together. Was it possible Gunnar and I could do the same?
As though sensing my unasked question, Gunnar quirked a brow at me. I could see the happiness in his eyes in knowing he could continue doing what he loved. And I understood then that I’d been given even greater opportunities for making changes than I’d ever believed possible.
“I accept,” I said.
“As do I.” Gunnar’s voice rang true and certain.
The king finally smiled. “Then henceforth, I hereby declare that the Knights of Brethren shall consist of my knights and the brave women who serve by their sides. Together we are stronger.”
The knights and the brave women who served by their sides. I liked the sound of that. A lifetime of serving beside Gunnar was all I could ever ask for.
Gunnar leaned in and pressed a kiss against my ear before whispering, “Next time we see Rikissa and Renate, I’ll have another tale to tell them.”
At the touch of his lips and the warmth against my skin, my body tingled with pleasure. “And what tale is that?”
“The story of how a beautiful and brave woman defeated a jotunn with the aid of her daring knight.”
“What about the story of how the woman ensnared the knight with her wit and impertinence?”
“I like that tale even better.” He smirked. “But of course, methinks it wouldn’t be complete without the part about how the knight equally ensnared the woman with his charm and kisses.”
I laughed and stole a sweet kiss, not caring that everyone was looking on.
There was no place I’d rather be than with Gunnar. Ensnared.