Page 97 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

Corbett glanced over to Jonathon and then back to Raven. “If you two really feel this strongly about each other, then this is what I’ll do.”

Chapter 23

Jonathon couldn’t imagine what on earth Raven and her parents were talking about for so long. He was excited to have actually been made a master at his craft, but suddenly it didn’t seem as important as it had before. His one true dream was no longer bettering his occupation. Now Jonathon’s dream was only to be married to Raven.

“Jonathon, it’s settled,” said Raven with a big smile, walking over with the others to join him.

“What’s settled?” he asked.

“You will have your own shop right here inside the castle’s walls, and it is going to be expanded to give you plenty of room to do everything you want to do,” she told him.

“Plenty of room for us, too,” said Gerold, looking over at Avery.

“Now, Raven, I don’t think that is a good idea.” The last thing Jonathon wanted was to be watching Raven with her new husband, never able to get away from his agony of seeing them together.

“Of course, you’ll be living inside the castle during the construction of your new shop,” said Corbett. “And afterwards too. Although Gerold and Avery will have to live at the smithy.”

“Excuse me?” asked Jonathon, trying to be polite. “I have no idea what you mean.”

“Father, tell him,” said Raven, looking as if she were about to burst.

“Jonathon Armstrong, I have decided to agree to let you marry my daughter, even if I know I’ll regret it later,” said Corbett.

“What?” Jonathon’s brows raised. “I don’t understand. She already has a betrothed. Whitehead.”

“Not yet. Not really,” said Corbett. “I haven’t signed a contract with Whitehead, so nothing is in writing. Besides, as my family pointed out, he didn’t really win the tournament because you had to withdraw from the competition.”

“I don’t understand, my lord. I am a mere commoner, not a noble. How am I allowed to marry your daughter?”

“You will be my new weapons advisor, as well as the castle smith and my master armorer. For that, you’ll need a title, so you will be Lord Jonathon Armstrong from now on, even if you are not really a noble by blood.”

“A-a courtesy title?” asked Jonathon, not believing his ears.

“That’s right. Plus, I won’t allow anyone married to my daughter to be called anything but a lord.”

“Jonathon, this is wonderful, isn’t it?” asked Raven. “Now we can be married, just like we wanted.”

“Not to mention you’re a master now and will have your own shop,” said Avery. “Father will be so proud.”

“Everything is happening so fast my head is spinning,” said Jonathon. “What about Sir Whitehead?” he asked. “Won’t he be angry?”

“Nay. I will be able to handle him,” said Corbett, clearing his throat.

“Dear, tell them the rest of it,” said Devon.

“The rest of what?” asked Raven.

“Oh, let me tell her, please,” said Rook.

“Go on.” Corbett nodded.

“When Sir Whitehead saw you knock Sir Nevar off the horse and try to break his arm, he wanted nothing to do with you,” said Rook, with a chuckle. “I can’t say I blame him.”

“Really?” asked Raven. “He said he didn’t want to marry me?”

“That’s what he said, dear,” answered her mother. “However, your father was ready to hold him to it.”

“Whitehead was frightened off by you, Raven,” explained her father. “He only really wants the money awarded for winning the tournament. He told me he wouldn’t have a bride who might try to kill him in his sleep.”