Eliza Knight - The Rules of Chivalry by A Knight's Victory Read Free Book Online

of his own regarding her new husband . Sure enough, there were rumors that Kent was an evil man, even that his previous wives may have died at his hands. From then on, Michael knew he had to come. He had to protect Elena. If nothing else, make good on his promise to her.
    She looked much thinner than when he’d been banished from her home. Her skin stretched taught over her cheekbones, and her plush lips which used to smile and laugh so often, looked as though they rarely moved from the thin expressionless state they were in now. Shadows of pain and despair marred the delicate skin beneath her eyes.  She looked sad, defeated—and yet somehow still devastatingly beautiful to him.
    As he gazed on her, she turned in his direction, emerald eyes raised to his, and a spark lit behind them. Michael’s stomach plummeted and then rose high in his throat. The moment was here. He dared not break out into a broad smile. Ballocks! Why hadn’t he put his helmet on? He was sure everyone on the list field could see how he felt about Elena. Taking a deep breath, he rearranged his features, hoping they resembled the calm, collected and lethal knight that he was.
    Her eyes flickered with excitement turning an even deeper shade of green, as he approached, and she nervously licked her lips. For a fleeting moment their gazes locked, until she broke the spell by glancing quickly at Kent. Fear washed over her face, and then her expression blanked. The old man seemed to be oblivious, until Michael stood in front of them.
    “My lord.” He bowed his head in Kent’s direction, all too aware of the man’s furrowed brows and curled lip. Michael swept the sourness of the earl’s distaste from his mind and turned to the object of his affection.
    “My lady.” He reached out and grasped the delicate hand she offered him. So light. Her bone s were easily felt, even thr ough her gloves. He wished he could remove the barriers on both of their hands and feel the silky smoothness of her skin against his own sword-wielding rough ones. He pressed his lips fleetingly to the skin of her wrist, brea thing in her essence. Honeysuckle , and orange, a fragrance he would cherish. “Sir Michael Devereux of Wexford, at your service.”
    “Sir Devereux,” she whispered. Her face was a mask of serenity but her eyes nearly lit his soul aflame, such was the depth of their emotions.
    From the corner of his eye, Michael observed as Kent looked him over, rolled his eyes and turned away, apparently not worried in the slightest for his wife’s affections traveling elsewhere.
    "I'd be honored for a token, my lady." He held his breath as he pulled away.
    Elena smiled at him, not saying a word. She flashed a look in her husband’s direction.
    “My lord?” Her voice was whisper soft, but Michael could still detect a faint hint of fear.
    Kent waved his hand in their direction without bothering to look.
    Elena visibly sighed in relief and then took the sheer gold scarf from around her neck and tied it to the tip of his lance. Not wanting to overstay his welcome, or cause a stir with Kent, Michael bowed his head in their direction. With the feminine piece shimmering in the sun, Michael headed for the starting point in the lists, trying to ignore the soaring in his heart.
    *****
    When Michael had looked at her, his hand held out for hers—it’d been like in the romantic novel she’d kept hidden from Kent and even her parents. Indeed, her husband wasn’t even aware she could read. It was a secret she’d kept well hidden from him. No need to add further fuel to the fire of his fury. But Michael—he was proud of her skills and education. He r heart soared, pounding so loud, she was sure it could be heard over the clanging of metal and pummeling of horse hooves. Without thinking, she’d placed her hand on his. Even with his chain link mufflers covering, she could feel the warmth emanating through. Elena’s face grew hot as she remembered several timid, innocent touches