Free A Gathering of Knights (The Northern Knights) by Amber Dane

 
     
    Renald Castle
     
    ‘The chase had been one of surprise and lasted longer than all had expected. But in the end the sweet maiden won.’
     
    Birthing their child had made the Lady of Renald even more stubborn.
    Or so thought Darc as he watched his exhausted wife cross the room to instruct the servants who worked diligently in arranging and decorating the trestle tables in the formation she wanted. The woman had given birth less than a month ago and refused to listen to him. Annoyance shot through him along with desire when his eyes dropped down to her full hips easily outlined in her simple green gown. He cleared his throat loudly. He knew she heard him and the fact that she outright ignored him angered him even more. Darn woman!
    Young Melbert appeared next to him with word about the arrival of more guests. Darc gave his wife’s slim back one last look before he exited the hall. He would put his energy elsewhere for now and to those who were willing to listen.
    Caroline turned and watched her husband walk out the great doors. A tired smile turned up the corner of her mouth. She shook her head slightly and handed the serving girl next to her more flowers wrapped in twine.
    Darc had argued with her the entire week to remain abed to get some rest before their guests arrived. She heeded his words at first, well, in part, tolerated it for as long as she could. In truth, she’d been reluctant to leave their chamber and their daughter’s side.
    Audri. They had named her so for noble strength. The precious time of nursing and bonding with her…Caroline enjoyed the moments so much, especially when Darc came in to watch.
    Each time ‘twas as if he were seeing them both for the first time. She wanted to cherish these moments for she knew the time would come when it would eventually come to an end.
    She had slacked not one bit in her role as lady of the manor since the birthing despite protests from her Norman husband, Mildred and Laur.
    Seeing their arguments were futile over the last few months all in the castle worked even harder to make things all that much easier for her. Caroline smiled as she thought of all the attention and care their actions spoke of to her. They did not think she noticed but she had.
    There was much to be done and she wanted to make an impression over the coming weeks.
    For the first time since their daughter’s birth, she was looking forward to some alone time with Darc. She hoped during the seven day celebration of Goran’s upcoming nuptials she would have some time to share deep intimate moments with her husband. She ached for the intimacy they shared and welcomed the coming moments.
    His constrained passion she read easily in his eyes. It matched what she was feeling. Just yestereve the midwife had said all was well and sound and she could return to her wifely duties. Caroline had not said a word to Darc for she wanted to surprise him.
    She was on pins and needles all day as she moved about the castle in preparation for the festivities.
    After all she’d heard of this Goran she eagerly looked forward to meeting this man that her husband thought so fondly of. She’d heard plenty when Rourke, Lord of Westlan had visited them.
    She had left Mildred to look over Kelbie and Cal whilst she saw to the last minute touches for the afternoon festivities and the approaching ceremony on the morrow. Caroline was looking forward to learning more about the wives of her husband’s comrades.
    Guests had been arriving all week with some coming late into the eve.
    Aric, Lord of Gravane, and his wife had arrived during the late hours of last night. Caroline had missed meeting the baron and his travelling companions for she had thought to shut her eyes for a brief moment after Audri’s feeding. But instead, she had fallen asleep only to be awakened by a soft spoken Mildred that the hour had grown late and the guests had been shown their quarters which had been arranged for them.
    Feeling guilty for shirking