Page 54 of May Queen: May Day

Chapter 14

“Ido,” muttered Flora an hour later as she stood at the door of the church taking their wedding vows. She had just become Ricard’s wife. The priest closed his book and Ricard leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips. It was all over before she even knew what happened.

“I’ll buy you a ring when I get the chance,” Ricard told her. “All right, let’s get back to the castle now. Nash, get our horses. Lang and Dayton, get the villagers and head to the forest right away. This time, you’d better return with a tree if you know what’s good for you.”

Ricard headed down the stairs and Flora turned to see his brothers and squire staring up at her, looking just as confused as she felt.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Ricard asked the men. “Get moving!”

“Aye, my lord,” said Nash heading for the horses.

“Whatever you say, Brother.” Dayton headed away with Lang, both of them still staring over their shoulders at Flora.

“Lady Wellington, is something wrong?” asked the priest from behind her. At first, she hadn’t even realized he was speaking to her. Then the reality hit her, and she felt her knees go weak beneath her. The priest grabbed on to her to keep her from falling. Ricard noticed, and bolted up the stairs of the church. Sweeping her off her feet, he held her protectively in his arms.

“Are you feeling ill?” he asked her, carrying her down the stairs and toward the horses.

“Nay,” she said, feeling cheated out of the type of wedding that she’d been promised. She had no wedding gown, flowers, or even a maid of honor. It was all so rushed that she didn’t even have a ring. “I’m fine, now put me down. I’m capable of walking on my own.”

“Is that any way for a wife to be talking to her husband?” Ricard put her down.

“Why the rush?” she asked him. “I didn’t get the wedding I expected. My uncle won’t be happy about this when I tell him.”

“I honestly don’t think he’ll care,” said Ricard, escorting her to her horse. “I decided there was no need to wait. Betrothals can be so drawn out sometimes.”

“It would have happened in a few more days either way since my uncle demanded we marry within a sennight. I wanted it planned and with lots of people and a feast, not a rushed ceremony with no one here. How could you have done this to me? And why did the priest agree to it?”

“Father George is an old friend of my father’s. Besides, he owed me a favor, so it wasn’t a problem.”

“Will you be coming to the forest with us to get the tree?” asked Lang, riding toward them as Flora hoisted herself into the saddle. She didn’t want Ricard’s help, but he was right there to guide her.

“Aye,” said Flora.

“Nay,” said Ricard at the same time.

“Well, which is it?” asked Dayton. “Aye or nay?”

“You put me in charge of the May Day celebrations,” Flora reminded her new husband. “Therefore, I need to go along to make sure they choose the right tree.”

“We see how well that turned out the last time you tried to do that,” mumbled Ricard, getting atop his horse. “Nay, you’ll stay by my side from now on and never stray from me again.”

“Never stray?” she retorted. “You make it sound as if I’m naught but one of your hounds.”

“Nay, you’re not,” he assured her. “My hounds are much more obedient. Now, come, as you’ll help me plan a feast tonight to celebrate our marriage.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” asked Nash.

“Aye,” said Ricard. “Spread the word to the villagers and tell them they are all invited.”

“All of them?” asked Nash. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” said Ricard. “If I want them to accept me as Lord of Black Creek Castle, then I will have to win them over. This is a good way to do it.”

“Win them over?” asked Flora. “So this is all you care about? What others think of you?”

“Nay,” said Ricard. “I just want a feast. For you. To celebrate. Our wedding.”

“That sounds less than convincing,” she said with a sniff. “So tell me, Husband. Just how do you plan on winning me over?”