Page 44 of Knight School Chronicles Box Set

E velina, Gareth and Eamon left Ashford Manor in much the same way they arrived. None spoke until they were a fair distance from the keep. Though people continued to mill around about them, near the stable was fairly quiet.

It was there that Evelina turned to the men and broke into a smile.

“We can stay.”

“What do you mean?” Eamon asked.

“He will not challenge the marriage.”

They were as surprised as she. “He does not wish for me to denounce him as my father. In exchange, he will not challenge our marriage.” She addressed her father. “Part of me had hoped it did not work. Our relationship?—”

“Will stay exactly as it always has. I know the truth, as do you. ’Tis all that matters.”

“Evie.” Gareth shook his head back and forth in disbelief. “What did he say?”

“He has not made a decision on my inheritance, and I do not believe he’ll be offering a bride price.”

Her father laughed.

“But neither will he contest the marriage.”

“He believed you would not budge.” Her father stoked his beard. “And without the ability to marry you off...”

“I hold no more value to him.”

Gareth pulled her into him. “I am sorry,” he said, kissing the top of her head.

“Do not be sorry. It was a better outcome than I could have wished for. Yet, I still do not know where we will go. Or what our future holds, precisely.”

“I may have an idea.”

This time, it was her father who was being coy. Still surprised at the baron’s words— So be it —followed by the revelation he would not challenge them; Evelina was unsure how many more surprises she wished to endure this day.

“I did not know if it would be possible, but I’ve spoken to Lord Stirling about your situation,” he addressed Gareth, “and we had a thought. If Ashcroft will truly leave the two of you in peace, and you wish to remain at Castle Blackwood...”

Evelina held her breath, waiting.

“We need a horsemanship instructor. Preferably, someone skilled in mounted combat.”

“An instructor.” Gareth was no less surprised than she. “For how long will the Guardians be needed if Matilda takes the crown?”

“A question for another day. What say you?”

Gareth looked down at her. “I would discuss it with my wife.”

“You will have private quarters, of course. Oh,” he addressed her now, “and without the baron’s interference, you will still be willing to aid Lady Elara in Strategies? I’ve spoken with her privately already, and she would be extremely pleased to have a companion.”

“Me? An instructor too?”

“If you wish.”

She nearly said yes, of course she wished. Until she remembered Gareth’s answer. Evelina was married now, and they would make decisions together.

“You seem pleased by the possibility,” Gareth ventured.

“Very pleased. And you?”

“Are pleased that you are pleased.”

“There are a lot of pleased people.” Her father laughed. “I will assume you both agree?”

“Aye,” she said. “We agree. We very much agree.”

“Good. Your chambers have already been prepared.”

“How is that possible? You could not have known?”

“Indeed?” her father countered. “I know you well, daughter. The moment you and Gareth came to Blackwood, I could see easily the determination in your eyes. And,” he said to Gareth, “the steadfastness in yours. I guessed correctly, even while doubting Ashford, knowing how inflexible he could be, and had rooms prepared.”

Evelina had no words to offer back. His faith in her was unshakable. Her love for him, complete. Leaving Gareth’s side, she tossed her arms around him.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“You are most welcome.”

When he went inside the stables to fetch their mounts, she turned to Gareth.

“It seems your days as a Guardian are not yet ended.”

“And it seems yours, just beginning.”

“A worthy position, for certain.”

Gareth smiled. “I can think of a few additional worthy positions. Perhaps I will show you this eve.”

“Will you?” she teased.

Gareth placed his hand across his chest. “On my honor, as your husband and a respected member of the Guardians of the Sacred Oak, I will.”

Evelina very much looked forward to it.