“You are too kind, my lord,” she said. “Everyone had been so kind to me. I am most happy to be here.”
Adam smiled broadly, something he hadn’t done in years, and tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. Witnessing this, it occurred to Matthew that he would not be permitted to escort his betrothed into the great hall for everyone to see. His father would do it. But he made sure to walk directly behind her as they entered the pungent, brightly lit hall.
Wellesbourne Castle harbored something along the lines of five hundred men at any given time. With the troops that Alixandrea had brought with her, that number was nearly doubled. The feasting hall was reserved for senior soldiers, officers and knights, and there were about a hundred of them, all gazing at Alixandrea as she entered the room on their liege’s arm. A group of traveling minstrels had sought shelter for the eve and stood in the corner, playing for their supper. But even the musicians silenced when the lady entered the room. It was the very same reaction that those in the tavern in Newbold had suffered; the moment she set foot in the room, no one could take their eyes from her.
Adam led her up onto the dais. A massive table was set upon it, full to bursting with food. The enormous hearth, at least eight feet tall, was directly behind them blasting heat in their direction. The brothers took their usual places at the table while Matthew took up a seat on Alixandrea’s right side. Usually he sat at his father’s right, but tonight that privilege was reserved for his future wife.
The introduction of Alixandrea was short and to the point. There wasn’t much Adam could say that wasn’t already obvious. Every man in the room was gazing hungrily at her. Matthew felt like a dog guarding his bone; he could see that thissituation could potentially become deadly if he did not establish the rules from the beginning. “I would add one thing to my father’s introduction of the Lady Alixandrea,” his voice boomed when Adam was finished. “As you love and respect me, love and respect my wife. Know that she is mine and, as such, will be given all due reverence. Any transgression against her, no matter how small, will be forcefully dealt with. That is my word.”
The men knew Matthew well enough to know exactly what he meant. He was quite fair and, on occasion, congenial with his men. He would interact with them where other knights of his stature would never dream of it. He had been known to roll the dice with them while on campaign and inquire on the health of even the lowliest soldier when warranted. For that, he was unique and for that, he was very much loved. He inspired a loyalty that most men could only dream of.
On that note, the meal was brought forth without further delay. Matthew offered to share his trencher with her before his father could make the suggestion and the old man glared at him. Matthew glared back. The dogs, having been relatively quiet in the corner of the hall, suddenly came to life as the food came out. Alixandrea watched the great platters being set forth across the table as Matthew reached out and grabbed the nearest knuckle of beef.
He laid it upon the trencher and handed her a knife. “My lady?”
She turned to look at him, seeing that he was offering her the first of the food. With a smile, she took the knife and cut at the well-browned meat.
“I hope this is to your liking,” Matthew said.
“It looks wonderful,” she pulled off a succulent piece and popped it into her mouth. “It is very good.”
He smiled at her and ripped off his own hunk of beef. But there were more dishes being set down and Alixandrea studiedeach one with great interest until Matthew took the hint and began pulling all of the dishes across the table.
“This is peacock,” he ripped a browned bird leg off of the body and put it on their plate. “And this,” he tugged at a smaller bird leg, “is waterfowl. Swan.”
She nibbled at the peacock. “Do you always eat this well?”
The corners of his blue eyes crinkled. “Only when we have very special guests.”
Chewing, she watched him with a smile on her lips until he turned to look at her. “I am a guest, am I? I thought I was to be a resident. Was I wrong?”
He lifted his eyebrows as he reached for the wine. “Nay,” he poured some sweet red liquid into her cup. “But your arrival is certainly an occasion.”
“A happy one?” she teased.
“Aye.”
She swallowed her food. Leaning in his direction, she put on her best serious expression. “Are you sure? We are not married yet, after all. I suppose you could still delay the marriage if you had a mind to.”
Thoughts of her supple body silhouetted through the sheer robe by the firelight crossed his mind. “I have no inclination to.”
“Surely?”
He sighed heavily and leaned into her just as she was leaning into him. Their faces were mere inches from each other. As she held a mock serious expression, he matched it.
“You are never going to forgive me for delaying our marriage, are you?”
“Eventually. But not today.”
He could see humor playing in her eyes. “Are you always this vindictive?”
Her eyes narrowed, though it was in good fun. “This is nothing, my lord. You should see me when I am rightly angry.”
“I do not ever wish to see you rightly angry,” he assured her. “And in private conversation, you will call me Matthew. Or Matt. I will answer to whatever you choose.”
A moment of jest had turned into a genuine moment of warmth. “As I will answer to Alixandrea,” she said quietly. “Or wife. I will answer to whatever you feel is appropriate and worthy.”
“Alixandrea is a very long name,” his voice was low; he was enjoying her closeness. “Were you never called anything else? A nickname, perhaps?”
