Page 31 of Knight School Chronicles Box Set

E vie’s eyes flew open.

Her chamber was dark; the only light came from dying embers in the fire that had long ago gone out. She had no window in this inner bedchamber, and while it was safe enough, it did not allow sun or moonlight inside either.

She sat up, listening.

A knock at her door had Evie scrambling from her bed. She ran to it, certain something was wrong, as none should be awake at such an hour.

“Evie,” Amalia whispered frantically from the other side. “Open the door.”

She did.

“What in the heavens?—”

Amalia flew into her room and, putting the candle she held onto Evie’s nightstand, she grabbed her mantle. “Put this on. You will need slippers as well.”

As Amalia shoved her into the velvet mantle, she asked, “Why, precisely, will I need slippers?”

“To meet Sir Gareth.”

Evie caught Amalia’s gaze. “Pardon?”

“He waits for you in the stables. Quickly.”

How had Gareth come to be in Ashcroft’s stables? And how did Amalia know he was there? Ducking into dark corners and using a servant’s exit from the manor, they eventually made their way down the hill to the stables, where Gareth was, indeed, waiting for her.

The moment Evelina entered, her mare neighed in greeting. Gareth’s hand shot out, calming her. Something few could do, so it was somewhat of a surprise. Though not more so than Gareth being in Ashcroft’s stables.

“She is usually not calmed by strange men.”

“Mayhap she knows I am not a strange man to you,” Gareth said, his hand dropping as he came to her.

Their stable hands would be asleep now. Yet if the horses made too much noise...

“How did you come to be here?” she asked, hanging her lantern next to Gareth’s on a post beside them.

“A bribe, a squire from Knight School and your maid,” he said, pulling her toward him.

“I missed you,” she said, just before Gareth lowered his head to hers.

The kiss quickly spiraled out of control. With only a shift between them, the mantle now open at her front, his desire for her was evident. Evie wanted to be closer and tried to become so.

When Gareth’s hands moved to her hips, guiding them in a circular motion as his were doing now, something burned inside of her. Desire, most likely, but so much stronger than ever before.

“I want . . .” What words could she use?

“For me to be inside you.” Gareth lips were still wet from their kiss. She wished for him to do that again.

“Though I’ve been curious what it was like, making love to a man, this is the first time I wished to do so.” She could not resist asking, “Do you wish to make love to me?”

“You have no idea how much I want that, Evie.”

“But you would never do it,” she asked, hardly able to believe what she was saying. “You are too chivalric to take a woman’s maidenhood.”

“Some would say my conduct already, being here with you, would not make me very chivalric.”

“No man, or woman, is perfect.”

“And I am certainly not so.”

“You are, to me.”

Gareth pushed away slightly from her as if being so close were difficult for him. “I am far from perfect, Evie.”

“Tell me one of your flaws, then.”

She would keep him here all eve if she could, his arms around her, despite the risk.

“I attempt to prove my worth rather than accepting that I am worthy.”

Evelina didn’t expect such a raw or truthful answer.

“You’ve lost much,” she said, by way of explanation.

“But I will not lose you,” he said. “I came here for a reason, Evie.”

“Was it not to kiss me? To hold me, as you’re doing now?”

“A boon, aye. But not entirely. I came to tell you I am leaving on a mission tomorrow.”

He was sworn to secrecy about the details, and Gareth would not break that oath, even with Evie. But he had to see her one last time, to tell her of his leave-taking.

“You cannot tell me where or what you will be doing?” she guessed.

“I cannot.”

She sighed.

“But I can tell you that, if this mission is successful, one I’ve asked to lead, it will turn the tide on Empress Matilda’s campaign. If you agree, I will ask your father for your hand in marriage upon my return.”

“He will not give it.”

“He may after this mission. With your blessing, and our success, there is a possibility, Evie. And that is more than there was a day ago.”

“If my father does not agree?”

“I cannot wait until my family’s lands and titles are restored, not with his bid to betroth you to the empress’s son. This is my only plan.”

He was not being truthful. “Gareth? Please do not ever lie to me. One thing I love most about you is your honesty.”

“Love?”

She’d not meant to say that. They had not known each other for long, so it seemed premature. Yet, they were talking about spending the rest of their days together.

“Aye. Love.”

“Mmm,” he said, the back of his hand grazing her cheek lovingly. “I am glad to hear it. ’Tis for your love I aim to prove myself, once again. And to return to make you my wife. I’ve loved you from the moment we met.”

“’Tis not possible. You did not know me then.”

“I knew enough. And my instincts were right. You are as intelligent, and beautiful, and giving as I believed. We are meant to be together, Evie. I’m certain of it.”

As was she. “Then be honest with me, please.”

His hand dropped. She looked up at him, suddenly wary of what he might say. What he was keeping from her. “Gareth?”

“When the mission is a success,” he said, “if your father does not find me worthy enough to take as your husband, I would ask for you to marry me anyway.”

“’Tis all?” She did not hide her relief. “Gareth, I would do so this very night.”

“Give up your home? Your title? ’Tis not such a simple thing.”

“And yet, it is the easiest decision I will have ever made. You said no man will have me, Gareth, but no woman will have you either.” The thought of it made Evie’s insides turn to and fro.

“By all that is holy, I am in love with you, Evelina.”

“And I you, Gareth.”

He kissed her then, a more tender one this time. Full of promise and hope and love. She would have it continue into the night, but this time, when he stopped, Evie knew it would be their last.

He confirmed her fear. “I must go.”

“You will be safe?”

If a shadow crossed his expression, he reined it in quickly. “I will,” he said, his voice confident. She almost believed him.

“Gareth?”

“I did not,” he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead, “find you just to lose you.”

“Is the mission a dangerous one?” she asked. Such a silly question. Evelina already knew the answer.

“You asked that I never lie to you, and I will not do so now. It is, but I have trained my whole life for it.”

A battle, then, as Gareth excelled on mounted horseback. She’d likely learn of it soon enough. Perhaps she did not wish to know.

“Come back to me,” she said, standing on the tiptoes of her slippered feet. Gareth met her halfway. Their kiss felt . . . final.

“Go,” he said. “I would watch you safely return to the manor before I take my leave.”

Unwilling to say any more, as if they would be parting for a final time, she turned and left.

And never looked back.