Page 12 of One Knight
“You’ll thank me in the morning.”
“If I don’t catch my death before then.”
“Hush. You didn’t ride all day at the pace of a knight to die from some cold water in the evening.”
“But it’s frigid.” Her teeth were chattering now.
“A few more minutes. You’re doing fine. Be grateful it is nearly summer.”
“Please, it’s so cold.”
He moved closer to the stream, careful not to look at her as he squatted down to pick up her shawl.
It would barely cover her naked form, but his cloak would swallow her while she warmed herself in front of the fire his men were building even now. He waited as long as he thought she could tolerate. And truly, he was amazed she obeyed.
“That’s long enough. Come out. Dry off.”
The sound of her clicking teeth and shivered breathing nearly had him turning to help her, but it wasn’t until she shrieked that he spun. It was pure reflex that had him bolting to catch her as she slipped.
“There now. Get your footing.” He held her naked body away from his armor as he attempted to avert his gaze.
Henry had misspoken. Her form wasn’t like every other naked woman he’d ever seen. Because none of those women were going to be his wife. Still, he hadn’t lied when he said he couldwait. He wasn’t a fresh-faced youth. He was a battle-tested knight, trusted by King William himself.
As soon as she was steady on her feet, he turned, holding out her shawl. “Dry yourself. Then you can have my cloak.”
“This was a horrible idea.” Her teeth chattered as she spoke.
“You’ll never know how horrible it could have been on the morrow had you not done it.”
“Please, the cloak.”
He pulled it off his shoulders and held it out to her.
“You can dress before sleep.”
“You can turn around now.”
He spun on his heel and took in her tiny form, completely swathed in his black cloak. Her blonde hair was wild from the wind, and in the golden light of the setting sun, he wasn’t sure if he had ever seen a more becoming woman.
Henry admitted to himself that part of this mission was to hunt down the missing daughter of the baron to determine if she would make a more suitable bride. But the other part of him knew there was a reason this woman had been the one waiting for him within Rosewyn Manor. God didn’t make mistakes. And in the glow of the sunset, he was reminded of that fact.
“Come. Let’s get you in front of the fire. There will be hot food. It will warm you from the inside.”
One of the soldiers had taken several rabbits as they rode.
“But I’m naked beneath this,” she said, and it was a fact of which Henry was well aware.
“It covers more than your dress, my lady. Just don’t let it fall open.”
She said something under her breath.
“What was that?” he asked.
“You seem quite comfortable with the possibility that your men could see me unclothed.”
He turned in front of her, blocking her way. “You misunderstand, my lady. In no way, shape, or form do I intend for anyone but myself to ever see you unclothed.”
Her green eyes lifted. “Are you certain? Because this feels wildly improper.”
