An Uncertain Choice(72)

“You deserve better than a bridegroom covered in blood and grime,” Derrick said, threading his fingers through mine.

“You need your wounds tended, sir,” I agreed, frowning as I took in the spots of blood on his leg and arm.

“Only a bath and change of garments,” he rushed. “You deserve that at the very least.”

“What about a wedding back at the castle in my rose garden? After we’ve both had the chance to change?”

He hesitated, glanced at his friends, who nodded, and then tightened his grip on my hand. “As long as you guarantee it will be without any delays.”

“Without any delays,” I agreed, hoping my smile wasn’t too eager.




The pink of eventide began to glow in the west. The color matched the roses that surrounded me.

A soft breeze tousled the sheer gown of palest rose that I’d worn on the day I’d met the knights. One of my maids had brushed my hair until it shone, and now it hung past my waist in shimmering waves.

I wore a veil over my face that flowed from a crown of roses.

“You picked well, dear one,” the duke whispered as he walked me forward to the three noble knights waiting in my garden with the priest. They had cleaned up and now watched my approach with admiration on their faces.

“Did you know I’d fall in love with Sir Derrick, your Grace?” I asked.

“Yes. He’s the one I chose for you. I just needed the two of you to realize how well matched you were for each other.”

“We shall balance each other well, I think.” My gaze strayed to the man at the front of the three knights, stocky, scarred, and strong. His attention didn’t move from me as I made my way slowly toward him. “He’s strong where I’m weak. And I have strength that can likewise fill in his weaknesses.”

“You’ll do great things together.” The duke squeezed my hand.

As I neared Derrick, the first stars twinkled overhead as if God himself had sprinkled diamonds across the sky for the occasion.

“Your bride, my son,” the duke said, placing my hand upon Derrick’s arm.

My groom straightened his shoulders. In a clean tunic and dark jerkin, with his freshly shaven jaw and hair combed into submission, he was still rugged in a way that sent my heart into a strange pattering dance.

“My lady,” he whispered. Slowly, almost reverently, he swept up my veil until he’d pushed it all the way back. “You’re beautiful.” He made a leisurely perusal of my face before focusing on my lips. This time there was a determination in his eyes that told me he wouldn’t be swerved now or ever again.

Heat unfurled deep in my middle.

“My lady,” he said again, this time raising his gaze to mine. “I’ve been waiting patiently to claim the prize you owe me. But today, at this moment, my patience has finally run out.”

“What prize did you have in mind, sir?” I trembled, knowing full well what he wanted.

“May I show you?” he whispered, bending nearer.

I nodded.

He lifted a hand to my cheek, brushing my skin with the softness of the wind. He bent closer until his breath hovered above my lips. After an immeasurably sweet instant, his lips came against mine, claiming me as his own.

I leaned in and gave myself to him. For a long, precious moment, I was on the brink of heaven with just him.

“You don’t need to rub it in,” came the teasing voice of Sir Collin next to Derrick, followed by the low rumble of chuckles from the others.

I pulled back, heat radiating over my cheeks, but I met Derrick’s proud grin with one of my own.

“Perhaps you shall have to claim your prize again later, sir,” I whispered.

His grin widened. “Whatever you wish shall always be my command.”





Epilogue




My pulse fluttered at the blaring of the trumpet signaling Derrick’s return.

“He’s home early,” Trudy said, tying the lace on my bodice. “And I haven’t even started on your hair.”

“My hair will be just fine.” I rose from the bench in front of my dressing table unable to contain my anticipation.

“But shouldn’t we pull it up, my lady? For the evening?”

I was already halfway across the room, my hair cascading around me in wild abandon. “I couldn’t bear to sit still for the time it would take to fix it.”

Trudy clucked, but then her face softened. After two months, the wounds from her ordeal with the tongue-ripper were finally beginning to fade. She shook her head, gave me a secretive smile, and then waved me onward. “Be off with you, then.”

I returned the smile. Although I hadn’t shared the news with anyone yet, I was sure Trudy knew, especially after consulting the physician that morning.

With my heart beating louder with each passing second, I stepped into the hallway. Due to the fading light of the autumn evening, the wall sconces had already been lit.

“He’s home, my lady.” Bartholomew gave me one of his gaping but endearing smiles.

I wanted to reward my old guard handsomely with riches and land for his part in helping Derrick escape from prison, but Bartholomew had resisted every reward, except one — ?my promise that he could continue to serve me as he’d always done.

“I didn’t think he’d be gone very long,” Bartholomew said, his eyes twinkling with mirth. “He just can’t be away from you, my lady.”