Free A Knight to Remember by Maryse Dawson Page A

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    "I see this castle still stands strong, Stephen," remarked the king. "Thou doth a good job of guarding its walls."
    "Aye, Sire. Although most of the time Devon remains a peaceful land."
    "Aye, not like Wales; 'tis an unholy place to be. The people fight constantly against change and ownership. Lewellyn, Prince of Wales, hath been summoned twice to pay homage to me, but, each time, he evades such a meeting."
    Stephen shook his head grimly. "I hath heard such talk of Llewellyn rebelling against England, Sire. 'Twould seem he doth disrespect thee."
    "Aye. Therefore, I hath forfeited his lands. I shall not hath these savages constantly waging war against England. I plan to lead a campaign to bring him to heel. Willst thou join me, Stephen?"
    "Aye, Sire. Thou knowest I would follow thee into battle anywhere!"
    King Edward slapped him on the back. "I knew I could count on thee. Come, let us eat, I am famished."
    The king sat at the dais with Jenny and Marguerite between him and Stephen, whilst the servants began to bring forth the food. Jenny relaxed somewhat during the meal. King Edward was a lively man and brought humour and mirth to the table. She watched Stephen as he laughed along with him, totally at ease in his company. Her admiration of him was growing. She couldn't help herself. He was gorgeous.
    She picked up a piece of bread and spread it liberally with some strawberry confit.
    "Thou will become as fat as yonder jester if thee devours so much," said Marguerite nastily in her ear.
    Jenny's eyes narrowed, but rather than let Marguerite know she'd annoyed her, she retorted sweetly, "Too late for you, then!"
    Marguerite's jaw dropped and she glared at her. Jenny smiled and took a bite of her bread, relishing the look on the other woman's face. She'd bet Marguerite was used to women simpering around her all the time and getting her own spoiled way. Well, this was one woman she wasn't going to talk down to!
    "Is something amiss, Marguerite?" the king enquired, seeming to notice the tension.
    Marguerite immediately smiled. "Nay, Sire. Methinks I may be a little fatigued from our journey, 'tis all."
    Jenny couldn't help a look of triumph flitting across her face as she licked the jam from her fingers.
    * * *
    Stephen watched Jenny's face and knew something she'd said had upset Marguerite. He understood Marguerite could be aggravating, but, even so, Jenny should watch her tongue in front of the king. He resolved to have a word with her later.
    She was delicately licking her fingers clean and Stephen felt his loins stir in response. She would make a goodly wife, even if she was a bit wild. He would enjoy the consequences of her misbehaviour when he had her bottom-up over his thighs, administering slaps to her lovely backside! Aye, he would soon teach her the error of her ways.
    His attention was diverted by Marguerite placing a hand on his sleeve.
    "Milord, I am fatigued. Wouldst thou show me to my chamber?"
    "Certainly, Marguerite." He turned and bellowed across the hall. "Annie, come hither!"
    Annie shuffled over and stared up at him. "Aye, Milord Stephen?"
    "Show Lady Marguerite to a guest chamber, and make sure she is made comfortable."
    "But milord, willst thou not show me thyself?" Marguerite pouted seductively, her hand gripping his sleeve a little tighter. "'Tis a verily long time since last we met and I hath sorely missed thy company."
    Jenny snorted under her breath, and Stephen turned sharply to look at her. Oh, aye, that wench was in need of a good talking to. Someone needed to teach her some manners. He glanced at the king, who was thankfully engaged in conversation with another knight. If he had but heard her derisive tone, she would have been made to retire from the hall at once. This time, she was lucky.
    He looked back at Marguerite, who was beginning to get impatient. He hadn't missed her at all; in fact, it had been a relief to be away from her. They had been introduced at court nigh on two years ago