Page 30 of Promise of a Knight
Epilogue
Ravenshelm Castle
Northumbria
3 weeks later
“Welcome home, my love,” Alaric whispered into Alex’s ear as he tugged her down from his massive mount.
When their wish to marry was propositioned before King James and Queen Margaret, they’d readily agreed, and Queen Margaret had quickly written a letter to her father, begging his agreement on yet another alliance between thistles and roses. Henry VII’s reply was quick and affirmative, and within that hour, they’d been married in a simple, small ceremony at St. Margaret’s Chapel—though not without plenty of complaints from Alex’s father. Her mother, on the other hand, was quite silent.
And Agnes? She and her husband disappeared from court shortly after the queen’s prized necklace was mysteriously returned to her little, wooden chest.
As soon as the ceremony was over, Alaric had whisked her onto his horse, ordered his things sent to England and they’d been off. Just shy of a week they’d traveled, stopping at inns to sleep.
They’d not yet consummated their marriage due to Alex’s more personal matter, which Alaric was very accommodating to ignore. But now that was over and they were here!
“I have never been so happy to be on English soil,” Alex teased, wrapping her arms around her husband’s neck.
“And I have never been happier to be so near a Scot.” He nuzzled her ear, flicking his tongue out to tease her skin.
Alex laughed and Alaric lifted her up, twirling her in a wide circle. The entire day had been a true test to their willpower. Her rear had been pressed indelicately to his hardened arousal. His hands had teased and touched, and she’d leaned back to nip at his chin only for him to claim her lips in a heady kiss.
“Welcome to Ravenshelm, my lord!” a male servant hurried toward them.
Alex jerked her gaze toward Alaric, who settled her onto the ground. “Ravenshelm? My lord? We are not at Castle De Garde?”
If not for the beaming smile on his face and the way his chest puffed with pride, Alex might have thought she’d been duped.
“I have a surprise for you.” His arm swung out toward the large stone keep and surrounding outwalls.
Alex gripped on to his arm, tugging. “Tell me.”
Alaric studied Ravenshelm, a satisfied smile on his face. “The king sent a missive to me along with his note of approval to Queen Margaret.”
“And what did it say?” Alex might have to pull the news from him with one of the blacksmith’s tools.
“Your husband is the new Baron Ravenshelm, and you are my Baroness, mistress of Ravenshelm Castle.”
“Oh, Alaric, this is marvelous news! Ye deserve such an honor for how ye have served yer king and his daughter. I am so proud of ye.” Alex wrapped her arms around his neck, ready to kiss him again until the servant cleared his throat.
Alaric grinned, ignored the servant and kissed her soundly. “An honor indeed. And I am proud to be able to share it with you, love.” Alaric turned his attention to the servant. “Have my things arrived from Castle De Garde?”
The man shifted on his feet. “Aye, my lord. Along with a few… people.”
“People?” Alaric frowned.
The man twisted his hands, looking nervous. “Your family, sir.”
Alaric nodded.
“Will there be anything else you require, my lord?”
“Aye. A bath in our chambers for my wife, a hot meal, some wine. Tell my family we will greet them on the morrow once we’ve rested. Our journey was overlong.” Alaric’s tone brooked no argument, and he gathered Alex up in his strong arms and fairly ran toward the castle, whispering, “I have waited too long for this moment, and if any of them dare to interrupt us, I will toss them from the window.”
Up the stairs he went, past servants doing their duties until they reached the first level of chambers. He pushed open the door of all three, finding them lacking in some way, then ran up the stairs again until he found a chamber suitable.
“Only the best for the Mistress of Ravenshelm.”
