Word of Honor (Knights of Valor Book 1) by Lauren Linwood Read Free Book Online

much he missed seeing them. Now he could gaze upon them
in person each day. Looking at Merryn would never grow old.
    He went to
the kitchens and snatched two apples from a barrel. Cook met him with a heavy
bag.
    “Everythin’
ye could possibly want, me lord.” Her eyes disappeared into slits as she
grinned at him.
    “I thank
you in advance, Cook. I foresee a pleasant day spent with my lady wife. And your
food.”
    Geoffrey
slipped the apples inside the sturdy bag, wondering what it contained. He
hurried to the stables and found Mystery ready to ride. His hands went round
Merryn’s waist as he lifted her into the saddle. He mounted his steed, and they
joined the large group gathering in the inner bailey.
    As they
rode out, Geoffrey breathed in deeply. It was as if the crisp air and warm
sunshine had been specially sent down from Heaven so they could soak up this
day. They followed the others, winding deep into the forest for an hour. He
hung back till they became the last riders in the party.
    Then he
motioned Merryn to follow him as he rode in the opposite direction of the
hunting party. He enjoyed seeing the quizzical look upon her face.
    They rode
close to half an hour in silence until they came to a clearing where a small
abode stood. He trotted Mystery over to it and dismounted, looping his reins on
a post to secure the animal. He pulled Merryn from her horse, letting her body
graze down his before he did the same with her reins.
    “What is
this place?” she asked.
    Geoffrey wrapped
his arms about her. “I know you don’t like to hunt and that you don’t like to
chase a beast.” He paused. “All I wanted to do today is chase you.”
    He loved
the blush that tinged her cheeks.
    “I’ve
brought you to what I hope will become our special place. ‘Tis a small hunting
lodge my father built years ago. I’ve brought food along for a meal. We can sit
under yon tree and enjoy this peaceful day and one another’s company.”
    “Oh,
Geoffrey!” She leaned up and kissed him with enthusiasm. “Let’s go see what it
looks like.”
    Hand in
hand, they walked to the lodge and went inside. It only contained one large
room on the bottom floor and two small bedchambers on the second. He had fond
memories of the place, which didn’t see much use.
    “I adore
it,” Merryn declared.
    He had a
thought. “Then why don’t we stay a few days? We can return to the castle for a
few items and have private time to ourselves.”
    “A few
days?” She twirled about, her arms wide. “I wish we could stay here forever.”
    He caught
her in his arms and danced her around the room. “You would grow tired of how
small the place is, my love. Especially with several children and a dog or two
underfoot.”
    She
stopped, a serious look upon her features. “I cannot wait to bear sons and
daughters that look like you.”
    “They must
have your spirit,” he said.
    “And your
honor,” she added.
    “Not to
mention your intelligence.”
    “And they
must possess your bravery.”
    He laughed.
“No matter what they are like, our children will be perfect in every way.” He
kissed her soundly. Then his stomach growled. “I planned on making love to you
here and now, but let us dine first on food before dining upon one another.”
    “’Tis a
beautiful day outside. You’re right. We can spread a blanket under the tree you
mentioned.”
    Geoffrey
did as she asked. He went to his saddle and pulled the apples out. “Cook
provided us with not only treats for our horses but for ourselves.” He handed
Merryn the sack.
    “Give them
their apples. I shall set out what we have.”
    He fed
first Destiny, then Mystery, their apples, telling them what good horses they
were and how pleased their master and mistress were with them.
    By the time
he returned, Merryn had the food spread out. They took turns feeding one another
until he thought he might burst. She yawned.
    Geoffrey
leaned back against the tree trunk and pulled her into his lap. He’d