Page 84 of King’s Knight

Once each man had been served, his father stood and lifted his goblet. “To a happy life and many sons!”

They all stood and drank.

“To lands in Normandy for Talisand’s heir!” said Sir Geoffroi.

They drank again.

“To the Black Wolf who has finally claimed his mate,” said Jamie with a wink.

Before they could drink to that, Rory added, “To the worthy bride!”

Another swallow followed.

“To Rhodri, who taught Merewyn to speak the Welsh tongue that saved our hides,” said Guy.

They laughed and imbibed more of the rich wine of Normandy.

Alex raised his goblet. “To Talisand!” His father and his friends echoed his shout and downed their wine.

* * *

Merewyn had waited, giving Lady Serena, Lady Emma and Lora time to get to the church. Now, she slowly descended the stairs, attired in the blue silk gown, her head covering graced with the silver and gold circlet Lady Serena had given her. Around her neck was the golden necklace Lady Emma had brought from York. And on her finger was Alex’s ring with the blue stone. She smiled to herself thinking Owain had been wrong about Alex not giving her a ring.

At the bottom of the stairs, Alex waited, his hand extended to her. “You look like a queen.”

“And you, my love, are not only the handsome favored knight of the king, but my champion for always.”

He took her hand and kissed it. She felt her cheeks heat. He had made love to her many times and still he could make her feel the shy innocent.

“Come, my own,” he said, “walk with me to the church where Father Bernard awaits.”

As they stepped out of the manor, a great crowd greeted them, parting like the flood waters in Moses’ time to allow them to walk the path through the village to the church. Cheers went up from the villagers who lined the way.

As they neared the church, on one side of the path she saw Lady Serena waiting with Earl Renaud, Lady Emma and Sir Geoffroi. On the other side stood Rory and Guy. Next to them was Lora with Jamie. Rory’s sister, Alice, held the hand of her younger sister, Cecily. Next to Cecily stood Tibby and Ancel. All them were smiling, their faces filled with joy.

Father Bernard waited in front of the door to the stone church. “My children,” he said, reaching out to take their hands. He crossed them over each other and then placed his hand over theirs. “May your days be long, your love strong, your children many. And may God lead you all of your days. In the name of the Father, Son and Spirit, I ask God’s blessing upon your union.”

When the good father was finished, Alex kissed her. Shouts erupted behind them. Then, taking her hand, he turned her to face their friends and the villagers gathered around them.

“I give you Lady Merewyn of Talisand and Fourneaux,” he said in a loud voice.

Cheers and good wishes surrounded them as they returned to the hall for the great feast that was to follow. Merewyn’s heart overflowed with love. She supposed she was a lady now, for the lands she brought to her husband had bestowed upon her that status. And this day, she would dance with the hero of her heart.

“Come, my love,” he whispered. “First we feast on duck and then I feast on you!”

EPILOGUE

Talisand, December 1092

Merewyn kissed the fine hair on the head of her young son. The babe already had Alex’s gray eyes and she assumed he would eventually have his father’s raven locks. Alex had named him “William Renaud”, after the king and his grandfather, but everyone called him “Rennie”. Born in the last days of May, Alex made sure all of Talisand had glimpsed the babe at least once. The memory of her proud warrior carrying his infant son through the village brought a smile to her face.

“Can I hold him?” Lora asked, reaching out for the babe. Rennie gave Lora a huge smile and lifted his little hands toward the woman who had become like a second mother to him.

“Aye, take the little rascal. He is getting sleepy and should give you no trouble. I must seek the privy. This second child I carry has me seeking the chamber pot often.”

When she returned, Lora asked, “Where is Jamie? I did not see him when I came in.”

“Showing Alex the King of Gwynedd’s gift, I think.”