Chapter Twenty-Seven

E lysande snuggled closer to the warm body that held her close. The steady gait of the horse beneath them had gently rocked her into a slumber a short while ago. 'Twas only when the beast began to slow that she awoke. She peered into the darkening sky, knowing they would never arrive at Oxford before the gates were closed for the evening.

Reynard adjusted his cloak around her, and she clung to his body as though he was everything she needed to support her after her ordeal with Morcant. And he was… He had saved her just as she knew in her heart that he would. A smile formed on her face knowing she was safe in his arms.

"We shall have to spend the night either in the woods or in a nearby inn if you can manage more time in the saddle," he murmured softly.

"I do not care where we rest our heads as long as I am with you," she said playing with the edges of his dark brown hair.

"I doubt you would appreciate nothing more than my cloak and a pallet against the ground, Elysande."

"You will be here with me… as I just said, I care not if I am laying on a bed of rocks as long as I have you."

A chuckle left him. "I am certain I can find you a better bed than a pile of rocks. I believe there is an inn perchance another mile up the road. Can you make it that far?"

"Aye," she declared happily. "I could travel to the ends of the earth with you, Reynard, and never tire of the journey."

He lifted his chin off the top of her head to place a kiss there instead. "You are a marvel, my lady. Hold tight," he said as he kicked his heels into the side of his horse, urging it to pick up its pace so they might arrive sooner rather than later.

Elysande tightened her hand around his waist and returned her head to his shoulder. If there had ever been a person made for another then 'twas Reynard for her. True… there was still much for them to learn about one another but they had a lifetime for that once they were wed. She had no doubt the moment they returned to Oxford Castle, the empress would be calling for her priest. They would not have to wait to marry, especially not after spending the night alone together.

The sun had set by the time they arrived at the inn. 'Twas in better condition than the last one, from what she could tell. Yet there was still loud male laughter coming from the common room. The sound of it caused her to quake. She tried to calm her racing heart for surely she was made of sterner stuff and Reynard would protect her.

A lad came from the stables, and after Reynard jumped down, he handed the boy the reins. Turning back to Elysande, Reynard raised his hands toward her. She lifted her one leg over the pommel and placed her own hands on those broad shoulders. She slowly slid down his body much like she did when they had danced together. Tingling warmth spread through her, and her only thought was how much she wished for him to kiss her.

But her feet touched the ground, and the moment was gone, at least for now. Reynard went to his saddle and untied the satchel that hung there, tossed it over his shoulder and then took her hand.

He called over his shoulder to the boy. "Take could care of my horse and see that he's well fed."

"Aye, milord," the boy replied as he led the steed in the direction of the stable.

Reynard went to open the door. "Stay close."

Elysande could only nod before everything seemed to hit her at once. The smell of food, the warmth from a blazing hearth, being here with Reynard were all pleasant sensations, but there were other emotions that hit her too as they moved into the main room of the tavern. Unknown male voices who briefly halted their conversations to stare at them. Inspections from those closest who looked as though they would strip her gown from her in a moment if they could but reach her.

One drunk began to weave his way through the crowded room. "How much to spend an hour with yer woman?" he slurred.

Reynard pushed Elysande behind him. "Back off if you wish to see another day. This lady is my wife," he ordered, watching the drunk put up his hands in surrender and then grab the bottom of a serving maid who passed him by.

Elysande clung to the fabric on Reynard's back until she felt him relax, knowing they would not be accosted by any other fools.

"We need a room for the night," Reynard said to the man behind the bar. He went to the pouch at his belt and took out several coins. "A bath for my wife would also be appreciated.

"Up the stairs, fourth door on the left, milord. I'll have a tub brought up as soon as the water is heated," the man answered, calling out toward the kitchen to relay the request.

Reynard pushed Elysande ahead of him as they went up the stairs. No one followed them and soon they entered the bedchamber. She quickly inspected the room. The bolt at least in this room would hold. A screen sat in a corner and she assumed a chamber pot was there for their convenience. There was kindling and firewood sitting next to the hearth and as soon as Reynard set his satchel down, he went to build up the fire where only bright red embers were still burning.

"I know 'tis unseemly that we should spend the night together in one room but I thought 'twas best to keep up the appearance that we are wed. 'Tis safer that way," he said coming to a stand.

Elysande wrapped her arms around herself. "I will most likely need some time to adjust to not feeling like everyone is watching me like a prize for the taking. First the tournament, then Morcant, and now down below." She shuddered.

He came to her, taking her cheeks in his hands and bending forward to place a chaste kiss upon her lips. "I will not allow anything or any person to ever harm you again, Elysande, and that includes myself. Surely you know that."

She raised a hand to brush her fingertips over his own stubbled cheek. The shadow that had grown throughout the day was almost as black as the midnight sky. "Aye… I know I am safe with you."

He nodded and would have said more but a knock came at the door. Several servants began filling the room. Two men brought in a large wooden tub big enough for two whilst several more filed in bringing buckets of water and began to fill said tub. They set the extra pails for rinsing near the hearth to keep warm. They left just as quickly but not before several women entered with enough food and wine for the empress's entire army.

Once everyone was gone, there was an awkward silence until Reynard went to take the screen and place it in front of the tub to ensure her privacy.

"Your bath awaits you, my lady," he said motioning for her to enjoy this bit of luxury. "Best hurry before the water grows cold."

"But dinner—"

"—will be waiting for you once you are finished."

She took a hesitant step toward him. Could she dare ask him to… she could not even finish the sentence in her head so how would she voice it aloud?

"You and I will be married once we return to the empress," she stated as a fact and inwardly sighed in relief when he nodded his head and took her hand, bringing it to his lips.

"Aye. As soon as the priest can be called, 'tis my plan. And from your words 'tis your intent as well." His deep baritone voice sent shivers down her body, causing a warm blush to rush across her fevered skin.

"Aye, 'tis my fondest wish. You would have been my choice in a husband without the games," she declared stepping even closer.

"I do not know if the empress will reward me any monies that will help you restore Blackmore let alone add to your estate's wealth," he said with a frown.

She reached up to smooth the crease in his forehead. "I care not what monies you bring to our coffers."

"Your parents will think I wed you only for your land and any wealth the empress bestows upon you," he continued, appearing uneasy.

"I know better. Besides, Blackmore will be ours, together. My parents never cared for the place. It belonged to my grandfather, and he always told me it would belong to me once he was gone. My parents preferred our lands in Normandy, so they had no issue of letting me run the place when my grandfather began to age."

"I still do not see what advantage our marriage will benefit you. I am but a lowly knight in service to our empress," he admitted, showing his weakness.

A light laugh left her, causing the edges of his mouth to lift. "What advantage?" she said merrily. "Why, I will have you, my dearest Reynard. That in itself is the biggest reward I could ever have."

"You are like a bright star lightening up my life, Elysande," he murmured, taking her in his arms.

The sentiment warmed her heart and gave her the courage to state aloud the early unfinished thoughts that had swept into her mind. "That is why I propose we share the tub. 'Tis big enough for two and we can pull the table over to the edge and sup whilst we bathe."

His eyes widened at her proposal before a chuckle escaped him. "You must think I am a saint if you think I can disrobe, get into a tub with you, and then not make you mine in every way."

She pulled at the edge of his tunic until the linen went over his head. She looked her fill and she could not help herself from skimming her hands over his furred chest. Her fingers tingled at the contact.

"Then let our lives together begin this night for I have no intention of leaving this room a virgin. If nothing else, the deed will be done, and the empress cannot change her mind as to who I will marry."

"You seem to have thought this all out."

"I have had plenty of time to think everything out whilst I was tied up for the last two days. There is no sense in you waiting for me to complete my bath, not when we can accomplish two things at the same time. That is… unless you do not want to join me." She hid her smile as she moved the screen that had been intended to shield her from his view. There was no need for it now if Reynard was to join her.

A hoarse croak sounded and she looked over her shoulder to see for herself that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. The evidence? The bulge clearly outlined under his hose now that he no longer wore his tunic.

"I would have to be insane not to wish to join you, Elysande."

She nodded. "Help me pull the table over," she ordered quietly and together they moved their feast so it would be within reach whilst they soaked in the tub.

She had no regrets as she stripped her soiled garments from her body, nor could she miss the hungry look upon the face of the man she loved. He watched her every move and she could only pray that outwardly she appeared like she knew what she was doing in the art of seduction. Inside she was terrified she would disappoint him once he took her to bed.