Book Three of The Knight Shades Trilogy by chart-topping erotic romance author Toni Sands
Gavin’s destiny beckons as he fights for the Jupiter cause. Lady Amara has a baby son and pledges love to her husband, though she dreams of her lusty young knight. Gavin, still hungering for her, contemplates chastity but is tempted by an exotic dancer who rescues him from jail, so he can help quell the rebels before confronting the enchantress. After a freak accident kills their liege lord, Gavin and the others rally around Amara and the young prince. When she receives a marriage proposal, will the child’s true father, his future set within the Jupiter stronghold, make his opinion clear?
On the morning of Gavin and Tev’s departure, Sarum pranced past Lady Amara’s mare, noble nostrils flaring, to display what Topaz would be missing in his absence.
‘Yeah, yeah,’ said Gavin as the knights clattered over the cobbles leading to the outside world. ‘You’re off to be a star again.’ He patted the stallion’s neck.
‘I feel the same,’ said Tev, saluting the soldier on duty. ‘Can’t wait to get to Catalina and show those rebels what we’re made of.’
‘Zebal says it’s three days’ ride if all goes well,’ said Gavin.
‘With precious few places where we can beg shelter,’ Tev pointed out.
‘I’d sooner camp in the forest than get entangled like I did last time I rode away from the castle,’ said Gavin.
‘I’m getting mixed messages. You told me your betrothed’s given you up for lost, so why be coy about getting your leg over if the chance arises? Hmm?’
Gavin snorted. ‘It’s the way I’m catapulted around that gets to me.’
‘You must be committed to Tiernan’s cause if you’re prepared to ride to battle for him. But you did the same for your liege lord on Ertha. Do you still hanker for home?’
Gavin sighed, looking around at the swaying, silky, silvery foliage and realised they were approaching the ford he’d first crossed with Amara after Tiernan requested he escort the First Lady on her afternoon ride. Images flashed through his mind. Quickened his heartbeat. The lady’s shapely rump, swaying while she rode Topaz, a mare spirited like her owner. The barn where Amara led him, her slender hand shooting the bolt across, shutting out a world bound to disapprove of their love.
The sight of her disappearing up that ladder to the hayloft had lit Gavin’s simmering desire. Unable to resist any longer, he’d climbed after her. Now he closed his eyes, anguished by the thought of never again caressing the curves and contours of her sweet, accepting body. Knowing she shared his feelings prevented him from sitting comfortable in his saddle. In his mind, his hands cupped Amara’s breasts, weighing their warm firmness.
In reality, his hands gripped his stallion’s reins. Such treacherous thoughts must be quelled. His emotions had caused him to betray his new liege lord and for that he’d always castigate himself. But this world possessed attributes that spoke to him. Yes, there were outlandish practices but many of the people were kind, friendly, and wise. Even though he could never claim Arcandos’ First Lady for his own, he’d miss the Jupiter brotherhood if he landed back on Ertha.
‘I owe Sir Tiernan my loyalty above all else. If I’m completely honest with you, not counting Sibilla’s crazy ways, I like this weird and wonderful realm of yours. But I envy you having Gilda to go back to. That must be a great feeling.’
‘Which tells me you didn’t have that feeling about your betrothed. You’ve never shown signs of a broken heart to me, anyway,’ said Tev.
‘You’re right,’ said Gavin, flashing a rueful smile. ‘She’s a lovely girl and I wish her well but I don’t think I’d have easily settled down after the shenanigans on Arcandos and Skalda.’ He spoke lightly, as if making light of his exploits. Amara had become his world, but no one save he and she could ever know that.
He turned, signalling to the other riders to slow their horses for the crossing of the ford.
‘But I think I’ve had my share of frolicking with foxy females for now, thank you,’ he continued. ‘Although that doesn’t mean I fancy moving into a monastery.’
‘Funny you should say that,’ said Tev as their horses splashed through the shallows.
Gavin shot him a curious look. ‘What do you mean?’
‘You’ll see. Come on, let’s give these two a chance to let off steam. Once we cross these fields, we’ll reach woodland again. Let’s crack on and show the men we mean business.’
Gavin urged Sarum to gallop after his companion. The buzz he felt resulted from having an important purpose but, for the life of him, he couldn’t imagine what Tev meant about the monastery.
