A Daring Sacrifice (27 page)

His love for me made me speechless. “You've taught me what it means to sacrifice of myself,” he continued, “and I plan to spend the rest of my life sacrificing for you again and again.”

I could do nothing less for him. “Since you would like to sacrifice yourself for me,” I said, glancing toward all of our loyal friends who were still watching us. “Then why don't you start right now.”

“Anything, my lady,” he said so earnestly, I couldn't contain my smile.

“I know how hard it will be to give me a kiss,” I said teasing him again. “But perhaps you can make the sacrifice and give me just a small one?”

A light sparkled in his eyes. “It will be a very hard sacrifice to make. But since I've pledged to do anything, then I shall force myself to meet your request.”

“You're so kind, my lord,” I whispered as he bent nearer, his gaze fixed upon my lips. “You are indeed sacrificial—”

His lips cut off my words and met mine with the sweetness and promise of a lifetime of love . . . and sacrifice.

Epilogue

I perched on the high branch of the sycamore and
held myself absolutely still. The twine of my bow touched my cheekbone. My sights were trained upon my target in the distance through the fresh green of June foliage.

I tried to ignore a crack on the branch behind me and the warm breath that suddenly bathed the back of my neck. A soft brush of a kiss sent heat pulsing through my veins. The strong but gentle fingers of the man I loved splayed around my waist, burning through the linen of my bodice.

“Mmmm . . .” he whispered against my ear. “You taste like fresh-plucked strawberries.”

I knew what he was attempting to do. And it wouldn't work today. “You're not distracting me,” I said.

“We'll see about that.” His lips moved to the tender spot between my neck and shoulder blade. The warmth of his kiss made me suck in a breath.

I squinted harder at the target, pressed my full weight into the horn, pulled back the string, and then let the arrow loose. At that very same moment, Collin's mouth found the pulsing vein beneath my ear. As he laid claim to it, my hand slipped just slightly. It was enough so that when, a moment later, my arrow hit the target, I missed the center by at least a finger's length.

“I won,” he said, pulling back and peering at the target in triumph, a wicked grin alighting his face. “I'm the most irresistible.”

I leaned back into him and let him nuzzle my neck to his heart's content. I couldn't argue with him. He was completely irresistible. Every time he kissed me, I melted like tallow.

“You know as well as I do that the only way you can win our archery contests is by distracting me.” I shifted on the branch so that I was more securely within his strong embrace, facing him, letting him kiss my nose, my cheeks, and finally my lips.

For a long moment the world around us disappeared. I forgot about the servants awaiting us at the base of the tree, the judge standing near the target, and the new page boy who'd been assigned to retrieve our arrows.

Even though we'd been married since last fall and we'd spent all winter together, I never tired of Collin's kisses or the way he held me. And he never tired of kissing me every opportunity he could.

“You might be the most irresistible,” I said breathlessly when he finally pulled back. “But I'm still the best archer.”

“But my arrow hit the target in spite of your efforts to divert me,” he said with a grin. “So I think that makes me the most irresistible and the best archer both.”

Yes, in spite of my distractions while he'd taken his shot, he'd hit the center exactly. Although he'd shivered in delight at the tempting kisses I'd planted on his ear and jaw and neck, he hadn't budged from his exactness.

Even so, when I had both of my feet planted solidly on the ground without his nearness to distract me, I was quicker and more accurate than him every time.

I combed my fingers through his silky, windswept hair. “The only way you can beat me is by cheating.”

The bright green of his eyes matched the new growth that had turned the Goodrich lands into a lush wilderness. Although we lived in his castle, there were still many days
when I couldn't resist the call to be back in the woods, amidst the place that had been home to me.

“Admit it,” I teased. “You have to distract me in order to win. It's your only line of defense.”

His grin inched higher. “And just what will the fair lady give me if I admit it?”

A call in the woods behind us interrupted our tryst. The tone was urgent and I could feel Collin's muscles tense at the same time as mine. Although we'd had peace in our combined lands since my uncle's rule had finally come to an end, I was under no illusion that we'd be problem free forever.

“I've a missive for Lord Goodrich,” came the voice again, sharp and commanding.

Collin jumped from the branch and landed upright in the leaves below. He reached up and assisted me down. Although I didn't need his help, I relished it anyway.

When we were both on the ground, we faced an armed rider on a large warhorse. At the sight of his coat of arms, a white cross within a backdrop of silver, my heart gave a leap of recognition. The knight was riding on behalf of the Noblest Knight, the Duke of Rivenshire.

I expected Collin to flash a grin and his features to light up at the sight of his mentor's messenger. But instead the muscles in his face turned to granite. “What news do you bring me?”

The knight didn't dismount. Instead, he thrust a rolled parchment into Collin's hands as though in a hurry to be on his way. “The duke requests your assistance, my lord.”

Collin rapidly broke the wax seal on the letter, opened it, and began to read. When he was finished, his expression was grave. “How long has the siege been in effect?”

“At least four weeks,” the messenger replied. “And we've gotten word that the residents are near starvation.”

Collin straightened to his full, imposing height, the muscles in his arms rippling. He folded the letter and nodded to the knight. “You may tell your master that I shall join him just as quickly as I'm able to saddle my horse.”

The knight nodded curtly then spurred his steed away, disappearing the way he'd come almost as if he'd never arrived. However, Collin's changed mood told me that the situation was real and dangerous. And when his green eyes met mine, I knew I would lose him—at least for a short time.

“The duke has called for my help,” he explained, although I'd already surmised as much.

I nodded at him to continue.

“My fellow knight, Sir Bennet, is in terrible danger,” Collin said. “He and his family are under attack from a neighboring lord. They're being held under siege within the walls of their castle with no way of escape.”

I knew of whom he spoke—the dark-haired and handsome young knight who had come to help us during our time of need. He'd been one of Collin's best friends and closest companions while he grew up in and fought for the household of the Duke of Rivenshire.

“The situation is grave,” Collin said, his expression severe as though he were already anticipating the battle that was to come. “And the duke is calling me to ride with him to help save Bennet's life.”

“Is it even possible?” I asked, knowing full well that if Sir Bennet's castle had been under siege for some time, the fortress may have been weakened and possibly breached. Even as we spoke, Sir Bennet and his family could already have been taken prisoner or put to death.

The fear in Collin's eyes told me that he'd come to the same conclusion. “I don't know if we'll be able to save Bennet.
But I have to join forces with the duke and ride to Windsor land to Maidstone Castle in Hampton, and we have to try.”

I nodded my understanding. He had to go. There was no other choice. And even though I couldn't bear the thought of being parted from Collin and even though I was tempted to beg him to take me along, my presence would only bring him further worry. He'd be able to fight the battle more whole-heartedly and valiantly if he didn't have to think about protecting me.

“I'll miss you,” I said, watching him tighten the leather arrow pouch at his side. He'd already called for the servants to bring him his horse. For a moment he was distracted, and I knew he'd already switched into warrior mentality and was already preparing himself for the battle that was to come.

He took the reins of his horse and readied himself to swing up into his saddle. I had the sudden desire to fling myself at him and plead with him to stay, to continue our lover's games, to never leave me. Now that I'd had Collin and marriage and had experienced love, I didn't want to lose it.

But at the same time, I realized he could do nothing less than what he'd been born to do: be a champion and fight for those in need, even if it meant he might sacrifice his life in the process.

As though sensing the danger of what was to come, and sensing that he might not see me again, he dropped his reins and crossed to me in two swift strides. His arms closed about me, and he dragged me against him in a crushing hug that was followed by his lips claiming mine. His kiss seared me deeply. Each move of his lips against mine told me of how precious I was to him, how much he loved me, and that I would be his through eternity.

When he finally broke our kiss, we were both breathless. I had to work hard to hold back my tears. For in my heart,
I realized the kiss was also his good-bye, and that it could possibly be the last time I ever tasted of our love.

With one last, piercing look, he released me, leaving me cold and shivering in spite of the warm early summer sunshine. As I watched him mount, I prayed fervently that the kiss would not be the last, and that we would still have many more in the days and years to come. And I prayed that he would not only be able to return to me, but be able to do so swiftly.

“You take my heart with you,” I whispered in a choked voice as he spurred his horse away. “Godspeed.”

Discussion Questions

1. What are some of the characteristics that drew Juliana and Collin to each other? What are some of the qualities that they had in common? What made them a good fit for each other?

2. While physical attractions can be strong, why do you think it's important to be drawn to someone for more than their outward appearance?

3. Juliana and Collin spent time getting to know each other by immersing themselves in each other's world. Why do you think it's important for couples to spend time really getting to see the other person in their daily life (rather than always prettied-up on dates)?

4. Juliana was honest with Collin about his shortcomings. She challenged him to become a better and more caring ruler. How can couples be honest with one another without being hurtful?

5. Juliana and Collin first kiss was on the tower after she opened up about her past suffering. Why do you think we crave intimacy when we're hurting? Why is it even more important during those painful times to be careful about putting ourselves in risky situations?

6. When Juliana sees Collin's bare chest in the cave, the sight affects her. Usually, we think visual stimulation only affects men—but visual images can also stir up lust in women. Why is modesty so important for both men and women? And what does modesty mean for you?

7. Feeling physical reactions to the opposite sex is completely normal. However, it's what we do with those reactions that counts. Why is it important to set boundaries ahead of a situation, rather than waiting until you're faced with the temptation?

8. Juliana and Collin had chaperones most of the time, due to the historical time period. Should couples today ever be alone? When can being alone become dangerous?

9. Collin literally gave up everything in order to save Juliana from burning at the stake. In what ways did his sacrifice for Juliana resemble Christ's sacrifice for us? Would you have made the same decisions?