A Knight to Remember (7 page)

Jenny nodded mutely. Huh...like she was going to obey
him
. She'd be civil to the king, but as for that bitch,
no way
.

"Now, get thee to bed. On the morrow, we shall rise early. The king hath requested a hunt."

She moved off his lap and waited for him to leave. He tilted her chin up and kissed her soundly on the lips. "Until the morrow, Jenny."

* * *

Jenny was woken from her sleep by Annie bustling into the room.

"Time thee was up and away, milady. The hunting party is beginning to assemble in the Great Hall. Thee doth not want to miss such an opportunity to go hunting with the king."

Jenny groaned and tried to cover her head with the feather pillow, but Annie stopped her. "Now, now, milady! What ails thee?"

"I don't like hunting!" That and the fact she was a poor horsewoman.

Annie looked aghast. "Every lady loves hunting, 'tis a wondrous pastime. Come, no more of this nonsense." She pulled back the coverlet and waited for Jenny to move.

Realising Annie wasn't going to take no for an answer, Jenny swung her legs off the bed and began to get ready. Annie had already placed a bowl of warm water, a small bar of soap and a clean linen cloth on the table, so she began to wash.

Halfway through drying her face with the cloth, she looked up to find Annie standing in front of her, holding up a dress. "I hath brought thee another dress of Mistress Flavie's. She used to wear this when hunting, as the cloth is heavier. Thee will look most handsome."

Jenny regarded the vibrant burgundy dress with gold sleeves and a gold braided bodice. It was pretty, if not a trifle overdone. Annie was clearly in awe of it, so she wisely decided against saying anything detrimental.

"It's lovely, Annie. Thank you for thinking of me."

"Oh, 'tis my job, milady. Come, take off thy nightgown and step into the dress here."

Jenny still wasn't used to having someone help her dress, but wearing medieval garments meant she had to have help, whether it was wanted or not. Some of the lacing was at the back, and one would have to be a contortionist to reach it. Oh, for the invention of the zip. She'd never look on the humble zip the same ever again. Assuming she ever saw one again.

Once dressed and fussed over by Annie, she made her way to the Great Hall where she found King Edward and Sir Stephen supping at the high table.

The king smiled pleasantly when she seated herself next to him. "Good morrow, milady. Art thou looking forward to the hunt?"

"Yes, Sire, although my riding skills leave a lot to be desired," Jenny replied, reaching for a piece of bread. "But I shall do my best to keep up."

"With spirit like that, Jenny, thee will fare well."

Jenny responded to his jovial mood with a wide grin, deciding that perhaps a ride out would do her good. She suddenly realised Stephen was looking at her, his hawk eyes watching her every move. She refrained from poking out her tongue at him – just! When he'd said he wanted her on her best behaviour, he hadn't been joking. Was that how it was going to be all day?

Cutting a wedge of cheese, she spoke to King Edward. "Will Marguerite be joining us on the hunt?"

"Aye, although she is not one for rising early. If she doth dally much longer, I will hath to send someone to fetch her."

As if on cue, Marguerite sailed into the hall, her nose in the air. Jenny pursed her lips.

"Ah, there thou art, Marguerite!" exclaimed King Edward. "Come and break thy fast. I wish to leave shortly and thou, milady, art late."

Marguerite smiled sweetly. "Oh, my pardon, Sire."

She sat beside Stephen and he poured a goblet of watered-down wine for her before passing her some bread.

"I trust thee slept well, milady?" Stephen asked politely.

"Nay, milord, I did not. My dreams were filled with terrible visions." She clutched his arm suddenly. "Visions of thee dying, milord, whilst astride thy destrier. Mayhap, it is a premonition!"

Stephen gave a wry smile. "Calm thyself, Marguerite. 'Twas just a nightmare. Push these thoughts from thy mind and enjoy the day's hunt. 'Twill be a good one today; the stag are aplenty."

"Nay, milord. Methinks thee should stay home and I will remain at thy side to keep thee company."

Jenny ground her teeth. Would Marguerite stop at nothing to get Stephen? She spoke quickly. "Don't be silly, Marguerite. King Edward will be with us and Sir Stephen will be perfectly safe. It was only a bad dream, don't be so dramatic!"

"Dramatic! I am realistic. He could die."

"So could we all. I suggest you stay here as you're so worried. We don't need you with us."

"Jenny!" Stephen's voice was full of reproach.

"What?"

"Do not be rude!"

"I wasn't! I was just saying..."

"Desist!"

Jenny knew when she was beaten and huffed aloud.

King Edward laughed, a low rumble deep from his belly. "'Twould seem we will hath our hands full with these two ladies this day. What say thee, Stephen?"

"Aye, Sire. I am in agreement."

King Edward stood up. "Come, let us make haste or the stags will depart and we will hath nowt to sup on this eve!"

Whilst Marguerite walked ahead with King Edward, Stephen pulled Jenny to one side. "Remember to behave, Jenny. I do not wish to punish thee again."

"Why don't you punish her...she's the problem, not me!" she hissed.

"Marguerite is a ward of the king. No one can punish her – she is under his protection. Thee, however, art not!"

Jenny's bottom lip thrust out as she looked back at him. "That's not fair!"

"Whether it is fair or not, thee will abide by my words." His eyes were dark and his jaw set. He meant business and Jenny knew that if she had any sense, she'd obey him. But could she bite her tongue when it came to Marguerite?

The outing was exhilarating to Jenny. She'd never been on an actual hunt, and even though her horse riding skills were poor, she managed to hang onto the saddle and gallop alongside the other hunters when they sped after their quarry.

The king himself shot an arrow straight through a stag, at which point Jenny looked away. It was all very well eating meat, but she wasn't so sure she could watch the animal's demise.

"'Twill not suffer, Jenny." Stephen manoeuvred his stallion alongside her small mare. "King Edward has a steady hand and the eyes of a hawk."

"Oh, good. They are such handsome beasts and it seems a shame to slaughter them."

"Aye, they make a worthy adversary but they also make a fine meal. We hath plenty of them on the land, and if we did not slaughter them, there would be too many to sustain. 'Tis a good thing we do." He rode away towards King Edward to watch the other knights whilst they prepared the stag for transport.

"In my opinion, thou art weak," a voice hissed next to her.

Jenny turned to find Marguerite no more than a few feet away, a derisive look upon her face. She'd obviously overheard their conversation.

Jenny gave a wry smile. "Do you know what they say about opinions, Marguerite?"

"Nay, enlighten me," she sneered.

"Opinions are like assholes – everybody has one!"

Marguerite gasped. "Thou art rude!"

"No, just honest. You can keep your opinions to yourself in future. I'm not interested!" She kicked her mare into a walk and began to move off, but Marguerite immediately followed and rode by her side.

"I will see thee ousted from Okehampton," she spat, "Thou must think me a fool to let thee stay under the same roof as Sir Stephen!"

"What are you gibbering on about?"

"I knowest thy plan. Thou intends to hath Sir Stephen for thy husband. Well, thee will not!"

"You're a lunatic, do you know that? Out and out, one hundred percent insane!"

Jenny shook her head and went to kick her horse into a canter, away from Marguerite and her spiteful words. But Marguerite quickly grabbed hold of Jenny's mare's reins and pulled them tight.

The startled mare reared back, poking its head in confusion at the mixed signals. Jenny clung to the saddle with one hand whilst slapping at Marguerite's hand to make her release the reins.

"Let go of my horse!" Jenny snapped angrily.

"Nay! I will go ahead. Thee can stay at the back, away from Sir Stephen!
I
belong by his side!"

"Oh, sod off!" Without thinking of the consequences, Jenny quickly shoved her hands against Marguerite's chest. Marguerite, caught off balance, shrieked aloud and after clutching wildly for the reins, fell off with a thud onto the hard ground.

Jenny smiled wickedly and looked down at her as she lay sprawled on her back, muttering unladylike expletives. "Now
you
can follow
me
!" With a smug grin, she kicked her horse into motion towards the rest of the group.

She hadn't gone far when a strange keening noise filled the air. She looked around quickly to see that Marguerite hadn't moved and was now clutching her chest, apparently pretending to be injured.

She spun round in her saddle when she heard the thundering hooves of Stephen's horse pass her by. He came to a halt next to Marguerite and quickly jumped down.

"Marguerite! Did thee fall?"

Marguerite sobbed dramatically and clutched his arm. "'Twas Jenny, milord. She pushed me from my mount!"

"Pushed thee?" Stephen frowned and looked over to Jenny, who swallowed hard and did her best to look innocent. Her eyes flicked to Marguerite just in time to see a smug expression that quickly vanished when Stephen looked back at the woman. "Why would she push thee?"

"She dislikes me. I know not why. I merely offered to ride alongside her, but she refused, saying she would not ride with...well, I dislike saying such a word...but she said I was a whore!"

"I did not! You liar!" Jenny exclaimed.

Jenny watched Stephen's jaw clench with anger. Great, he wasn't going to believe her!

"I speak the truth, milord." Marguerite continued, "Wouldst thou help me to rise? I fear the fall has made me a little fragile."

"Fragile! Ha!" snorted Jenny.

"Jenny! Enough!" Stephen barked at her. "We will settle this back at the castle. For now, thee will behave!"

King Edward rode up just as Stephen was helping Marguerite into her saddle. "What ails thee, Marguerite?"

Before she could answer, Stephen stalled her. "Lady Marguerite's horse unseated her, Sire, but as thee can see, naught is broken."

Stephen was staring hard at Marguerite, demanding her silence. Thankfully, she heeded him.

"I am glad thou art unharmed," commented King Edward. "We want no broken bones on our hunt, milady! Come, join me at the front, I will keep thee safe from harm!"

"Aye, Sire." Marguerite shot a look of hatred at Jenny before riding off next to King Edward, leaving Stephen staring at Jenny, a brooding look on his face. He walked up to her and held her horse's reins. "I will ask thee once, and if thee tells me false, then so help thee. Did thee push Marguerite off her horse?"

Jenny stared back at him, unsure of how to answer. If she told him the truth, he'd spank her for certain, but if she lied and he somehow found out the truth, then what? Would he punish her more? Either way, she knew her bottom was in for one hell of a roasting!

"Well, yes and no!"

"What foolish words doth thou speak? Did thee or did thee not?"

Jenny rolled her eyes and muttered, "Yes, but..."

"I do not wish to hear any more. We will discuss this on our return!" He released her horse's reins and walked away.

Jenny watched him agilely mount his stallion. He gave her a dark look before riding to the front. For a moment, she just sat and stared after him, wondering what to do. Should she go back to the castle and take what was coming or should she gallop off into the countryside and take her chances? She looked across the fields, staring at the hills in the distance. Dense woodland and moors surrounded them, with no dwellings to be seen. It seemed she had little choice but to return. With a frustrated sigh, she joined the rest of the party.

Back at the castle, there was much rejoicing to do. The stag was delivered to the kitchens and the hunting party retired to the Great Hall for plenty of wine and ale, accompanied by a travelling minstrel who was only too ready to entertain the castle for a coin or two.

For Jenny, however, things were a little different. Ordered to her chamber, she now paced up and down, wringing her hands and waiting for Stephen to arrive. Her stomach was in knots, but she also felt a strange excitement. The thought of going over his strong knees again left her almost breathless.

The sound of heavy footsteps in the corridor caught her attention, and she turned to stare at the door, a look of trepidation on her face. Her breathing stilled.

The door opened inwards and Stephen appeared, his big frame filling the doorway. She stared at him apprehensively as he closed it behind him, her heart beating ten to the dozen.

He leaned against the door and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "So, milady, yet again, thou hath misbehaved!"

She quickly stood up for herself. "I haven't! You didn't hear what Marguerite said to me."

"Didst thou say she was a whore?"

"No, I didn't, although I wish I had said it now! Bloody trollop!"

"
Cease!
If King Edward hears thee, he will punish thee himself! He will hear naught said against her. Watch thy tongue, Jenny!"

"So you keep saying, but she should watch hers! She started the whole bloody thing by snatching my horse's reins. I just pushed her in self-defence. It wasn't my fault that she fell off! She should've had a better grip."

"She could hath broken a bone in such a fall," he exclaimed, raising his voice. "Thy actions were careless."

He moved towards her so quickly that Jenny didn't have time to protest. He grabbed her arm and manoeuvred her towards the bed.

"Bend over. I will give thee six licks of the strap."

"W-What?" Jenny stammered. This wasn't as expected. What she'd thought would be a simple spanking over his knee was turning out to be much more.

Stephen pulled a leather strap from inside his tunic and dangled it in front of her. "The strap, milady! Doth thee recall our previous conversation?"

Her answer was to try and move away from him, but he quickly pulled her back.

"Nay, milady. Thou will take this punishment. Now...bend!"

He turned her around, and she quickly found herself thrust down over the coverlet. A sudden draught against her skin when he raised her dress made her squirm with dread, knowing whatever was about to follow was going to be extremely painful.

"You should be punishing her, not me!" Her voice was muffled against the covers.

"The Lady Marguerite is not my responsibility – thou art! I am certain, if she misbehaves, the king will punish her as he sees fit."

She felt him lay one of his large hands on her back to hold her down and she prepared herself for the pain, clenching her buttocks in anticipation.

Swish! Slap!

The quick lick of the strap on her bottom made her yelp with surprise. An intense burning pain followed.

"Aow!" she squealed, trying to twist away.

"Desist, else my aim be foul!" he said sharply.

Swish! Slap!

"Oh...that hurts!" She kicked her feet as she tried to overcome the stinging sensation, gripping the coverlet with both hands.

"Good! Then mayhap thee will remember to behave!"

Swish! Slap! Swish! Slap!

"Mmf!" Her head was now buried in the coverlet, her eyes tightly closed. She cursed herself silently. Why, oh why, didn't she ignore Marguerite? She must be a glutton for punishment! Marguerite should be getting this – not her!

Swish! Slap! Swish! Slap!

"Argh!"

"There, 'tis finished."

Jenny's moans quieted as the stinging ebbed away to a dull throb. God, that had hurt! She moved a hand round and tentatively ran her fingers over her bottom. She could feel raised edges where the strap had found its target. His fingers joined hers, running lightly over the bruised surface.

"I warrant thee will not sit comfortably at supper tonight, milady."

Jenny rolled over and glared at him. "It should be Marguerite getting this, not me!"

Stephen leaned over her and placed his hands on the coverlet, one on either side of her head. "Is that so?"

His eyes were dark with lust and Jenny couldn't help but respond. Her lips parted as she stared back at him. God, she wanted him. She placed her hands on his strong upper arms, marvelling at their thickness – arms that could easily knock a man down or just as easily administer a sound spanking to a naughty bottom.

His lips descended and all thoughts went out of her head when his tongue entwined with her own. She could feel his hard shaft pressing into her thigh through his hose. Lord, how she wanted him inside her. He broke the kiss and stared into her eyes. She was breathing heavily, her chest heaving with excitement.

"Thou hath bewitched me, Jenny Peverel." He ran a finger lightly over her bottom lip.

She sucked in a breath, her body responding to his caress. His thumb stroked her cheek.

"Thy lips entice me, thy eyes seduce me. Art thou a sorceress?"

She shook her head, not trusting herself to speak and break the moment.

"Methinks 'tis time to join the others afore I do something I wouldst regret!"

"I wouldn't regret it!" Jenny blurted out.

He stared at her oddly. "What of thy virtue, Jenny?"

Oh, fuck. She forgot about that! "Oh, one more kiss won't harm, surely?"

"I meant more than just a kiss, but thy innocence doth thee justice, milady. Come." As he stood up, he pulled her with him. Her skirts fell back into place, covering her bruised backside, which had now subsided to a dull ache. The strap was still lying on the bed and she couldn't stop the scowl that appeared on her face as she looked at it.

Stephen gave a wry smile and picked it up. He ran his hand the length of the leather, almost lovingly before replacing it back inside his surcoat. "Fear not its disappearance, sweet damsel, this will ne'er be far from my side."

"Can't you burn it?" she asked hopefully, crossing her arms.

"Nay, milady, for methinks it will be a mighty deterrent if thee chooses to misbehave."

He opened the chamber door and bowed. "After thee, milady."

With a sigh, Jenny left the room and headed for the Great Hall. Her bottom ached with every step, but she would be blowed if she'd let Marguerite know what had happened!

However, upon entering the hall, she knew just by looking at Marguerite's face that she had already found out. Her smug look confirmed it.

Jenny headed for the high table, hoping to avoid her, but Marguerite was already making a beeline for her. Gritting her teeth, Jenny held her head high and reached for a goblet, choosing to stand rather than sit. She waited whilst a serf filled it with wine.

"Wouldst thou not take a seat?" asked Marguerite, a knowing smile on her face.

"Not at the moment, no," retorted Jenny, taking a mouthful of wine. It was strong; just what she needed. Perhaps it would numb her senses – mentally and physically.

"'Twould seem Sir Stephen believed my tale, from what my maid hath told me." Marguerite almost purred with satisfaction, blatantly gloating over Jenny's discomfort.

"You shouldn't believe gossip, Marguerite. Your maid knows nothing."

"Oh, methinks she doth. Alice would never speak false, especially not to me." She leaned closer and sneered. "Thou received a spanking, and I would warrant Sir Stephen regards thee as a troublesome wench. Thy time at Okehampton Castle is limited."

Jenny took another draught of wine and glared at Marguerite, her temper giving way yet again. "You know, you have a really big mouth on you. You're way too opinionated, and you're downright devious. You may look pretty on the outside but let me tell you..." she paused to prod her finger in Marguerite's chest.

"You're an ugly, fucking troll on the inside! Whatever man finally gets lumbered with you will regret it for the rest of his life!"

Marguerite's jaw was practically touching the ground. "How dare thee speak to me in such a manner!"

"Oh, I dare, Marguerite! Now, piss off and leave me alone!" Such was the venom in her tone that Marguerite did just that.

For once, Jenny had the better of her. Exhausted, she found a chair and sat down gingerly. She didn't care if Marguerite went bleating to the king. She'd had enough! How long was the odious woman going to be here? she thought forlornly. How much more could she endure?

* * *

That evening...

Jenny watched Stephen whilst he sat with King Edward in front of the main fireplace. He was clearly amused by something the king was telling him. His head fell back and he emitted a hearty laugh that was soon joined by the king's. Jenny couldn't help but smile at the pair of them.

"Sir Stephen doth admire the king so." She turned sharply to find Marguerite at her side, a sly look upon her face. "He is verily handsome, is he not?"

Jenny knew exactly whom she was referring to, but chose to be obtuse. "Yes, I agree. King Edward is very handsome."

"I meant Sir Stephen!" her voice shrilled.

"Oh! Yes, I suppose he is."

"Thy charms do not work on him. He was ever mine. Thou wouldst do well to remember that!"

"Really? Has he asked you to marry him, then?"

"Nay! But he will, I knowest it."

Jenny couldn't help but sneer. "You know nothing. Believe me!"

Marguerite looked at her sharply. "What dost thou mean? Explain thyself?"

Jenny turned to leave but Marguerite's hand shot out and clutched her arm. "Tell me!" she ordered.

"No! You cannot order me about like you do your poor servants, Marguerite! Let go of my arm!"

"Not afore thou explaineth thyself or I shall tell the king I overheard thee speak treason!"

Jenny couldn't help her jaw from dropping. "You would go that far?"

Marguerite narrowed her eyes and hissed. "Aye, and more. Sir Stephen will be mine!"

It was clear that Marguerite was infatuated with him. Jenny wondered if Stephen knew how much, though. He would have to be blind not to notice her obvious admiration for him, but it went deeper than that. Marguerite had a serious case of obsession.

Jenny weighed up her situation. If she told Marguerite to sling her hook in earshot of the king, then she could find herself in serious trouble. As much as she yearned to go home and hadn't asked to be here, she also didn't fancy the idea of being flung in some rat-infested dungeon or worse. On the other hand, it was none of Marguerite's business what she and Stephen had discussed. Rolling her eyes, she decided to come clean.

"Sir Stephen won't be yours...he's already declared himself to me."

"Thou speak words of falsehood!" spat Marguerite, her eyes narrowing to mere slits.

Jenny shook her head. "No, I don't. It's the truth. I haven't given him my answer yet...but I will."

"Thou willst not marry him!"

"I might!"

"Nay...never."

"My ladies, I dislike to intrude, but the king requests thy presence." They suddenly found Stephen at their side. He looked from one face to the other, immediately sensing an air of disagreement. "Is something amiss?"

"No, milord, we were discussing fabrics, 'tis all," Marguerite lied smoothly. She quickly slipped her arm through his and moved in front of Jenny, barring her way.

Jenny immediately bristled. Did this woman stop at nothing?

Sighing heavily, she traipsed after them and took a seat at the hearth near King Edward. He smiled when she joined him. They spent the rest of the evening listening to his stories of the battlefield and life at court. Even though he was entertaining and his tales fascinating, Jenny couldn't help her mind wandering to wish that someone would arrive to cart Marguerite off. How peaceful life would be without her.

* * *

The next morning, Jenny awoke bright and early. The night before, she had lain awake for ages trying to think of some way of keeping Marguerite away from her side. The woman was driving her mad with her constant scheming to get close to Stephen.

She sighed contentedly, picturing his face. Every time he was near, her heart skipped a beat. He was all muscle, and several times she'd found herself wondering how he would feel, skin against skin.

She shivered, imagining his touch, remembering his hard lips grinding into her own. Oh, boy. She'd be as smitten as Marguerite if she wasn't careful. She chuckled to herself and threw the covers aside, sliding her legs off the side of the bed. She had a plan to put into action and the earlier, the better!

Once dressed, she silently slipped from her chamber and made her way to the infirmary. She knew where it was located as she'd been there once before, with a headache. The castle physician, Avrick, had mixed a weird potion up and even though it had tasted awful, it had actually worked. Whilst he'd been making the concoction, Jenny had had time to look around.