Page 66 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

“You can come in, Jamie,” said Serena. “We are nearlyfinished.”

Jamie stepped through the door, hefting what for him was aheavy sword. He stood admiring the polished metal. “Did ye know, Serena, thatthe Red Wolf saved my life at Exeter?”

“Yea, Sir Geoffroi told me. How did it happen?”

“He took an arrow for me.” The boy’s eyes glowed withadoration as he spoke of his lord. Then with a sheepish look he added, “I wasin the wrong place.”

“You like him?” she asked, though it was clear from theboy’s face that he did.

“I do! And I am happy ye are to be his wife.” Jamiecarefully set the polished sword on the chest at the foot of the bed and walkedto where Cassie lay, obviously happy to see her awake. Taking her hand, heasked, “How are ye, Cassie?”

“Getting better,” Cassie said with a weak smile.

“Is not Serena beautiful?” he asked the bedridden woman ashe turned to stare at Serena’s gown.

“Aye, lad, she is.”

Then to Serena, he said proudly, “I’m to lead ye down.”

“Ye’re dressed for it,” said Aethel as she placed the cloakof purple velvet over Serena’s shoulders, securing it with the sapphire jeweledbrooch Renaud had given her. She would have expected the gift the morning afterthe wedding night, but Renaud had seen fit to place the gold circle set withsapphires in her hand as he rose from their bed that morning. The gesture hadcaused her cheeks to burn reminding her, as it did, of all they had shared. Butsince she’d given him her maidenhead, she supposed it was right that his giftshould follow.

Along with the brooch, he’d given her a pouch of gold coins,and told her she would also have title to one of the manors and its surroundingland. As a husband’s gift, it was generous, though she could not help butrecall that all of Talisand would have been Steinar’s save for the coming ofthe Normans.

At Renaud’s request, she had worn her hair unplaited andwithout covering save for the circlet of silver and gold her father had givenher which Eawyn placed on her head.

Dressed in her finery, the women pronounced her ready, andshe followed Jamie down the stairs.

* * *

Renaud watched his bride slowly descending the stairs to themanor’s entry where he waited surrounded by his senior knights. She is mine!

Once again, Serena appeared like a queen, this time in ashimmering gown of blue framed by a purple cloak thrown back over hershoulders, his gift of the gold sapphire-studded brooch secured at her neck. Hepreferred to imagine her as she was that morning when he’d left their bed:sleepy, naked and tumbled from his lovemaking. Never before had his soul mergedwith a woman, but he was certain it had happened with Serena when they joinedas one flesh.

He could hardly wait for his wedding night.

“My lady,” he said, offering her his hand. “You are a visionfor this humble knight’s eyes to feast upon.” Then his mouth twitched up in agrin. “I was half worried you would appear dressed as a lad.”

She laughed and placed her hand over his. “And embarrass myhusband? Nay, I would not.”

He was glad she could accept his teasing on this day thatwould see her wed to a Norman in the eyes of the church. Mayhap she no longerresented him. He could only hope.

His knights moved aside as he and Serena walked to the doorGeoff held open. Jamie, beaming a smile for his lord, took his place next tothe senior knight.

“The priest awaits us at the entrance to the chapel,” hesaid to Serena as he led her into the yard.

All of Talisand turned out to celebrate the marriage oftheir lady to the Red Wolf. The yard was filled with his men and the villagers.He well knew some of them came out of curiosity. But the averted eyes of otherstold him there were still some who were unhappy their lady had been forced towed a Norman. They should have drawn comfort in the knowledge that at least onemember of the thegn’s family remained to see to their needs.

The crowd parted as he and Serena proceeded through thevillage to the chapel where Father Bernard waited for them in front of thedoors. Renaud stopped before the priest, who covered their hands with his andbegan to speak.

Father Bernard talked of the Master of the Heavens’ love forhis children and the importance of the gift of marriage. They were simple wordsbut significant in their meaning. Then he blessed their union.

The ceremony concluded, Renaud slipped a gold ring on herfinger and whispered, “Seulement l'amour entre nous.” Only love betweenus. The words he’d had engraved inside the ring.

She looked up startled. He had never uttered the word “love”to her before. Mayhap he did not give his heart now, but he wanted no strife,no rancor between them. He was not certain there would be love. As Geoff hadsaid, only time would tell if she could be trusted. And for Renaud to lovewould demand his trust.

He turned and, with his palms outstretched, accepted fromMathieu the long Norman sword of his family, the hilt carved with intricatedesigns and decorated with rubies, emeralds and sapphires.

Looking into Serena’s eyes, more violet because of the cloakshe wore, he said, “I give you this sword to hold for our sons.”