An Uncertain Choice

I had to speak the words burning in my chest, filling me. Although I’d faced an uncertain choice these past weeks, I now knew without a doubt the course of my life. “I don’t wish to be anywhere else on this earth except with you.”


A slow smile spread across his lips. “Does this mean I won the competition?”

“Of course you’re the winner, you foul piece of dungeon scum,” Sir Collin called from where he was rounding up the wounded guards. “We never stood a chance once you actually started to make an effort.”

“I think we need to get you married to Lady Rosemarie as soon as possible,” Sir Bennet said from his spot next to the abbot as he pulled the dagger from the man’s chest. “Since you obviously can’t keep your hands off her.”

I tugged away from Derrick, heat stealing into my cheeks. But before I could move too far, he grabbed the rope still binding my hands, preventing my escape. With a quick flick of his dagger, he cut the bonds loose. He pulled me back to him and cupped my cheek with a gentleness that seemed contradictory to a man of his strength and valor. His thumb swirled soft caresses against my skin while his gaze dropped to my lips as if he had every intention of kissing me.

My stomach heated in anticipation.

“Soon,” he whispered, tearing his attention from my lips, his eyes alight with promise.

“The day is getting late,” the duke said. “I’ll find a priest and tell him to make his way to the church right away.” He’d scooped Trudy up into his arms and was already striding through the church, likely taking her to the infirmary.

Derrick’s brows furrowed into a scowl. “No.” He stood and assisted me back to my feet.

The three knights halted their work and stared at him.

“If I’m going to do this, I’ll do it properly.” His voice rang with defiance, and he glared at his friends, daring them to challenge him. “We have until midnight on Rosemarie’s birthday, don’t we?”

“Yes,” the duke said, cradling Trudy carefully. “But I think the sooner the better.”

“I agree,” Derrick said, turning back to me with a tender smile that made my insides flop. “But first I need to do this.”

He dropped to a knee before me, took one of my hands in his, and brought it to his lips for a tender kiss that made me suddenly long for so much more.

When his eyes met mine, I could see the swirling of that same desire within his. “My lady,” he said in a low voice that was raw with emotion. “I love you with all the life blood beating in my body. And I shall love you all the days of my life unto eternity.”

His declaration radiated through me and chased away all the agony of the past days.

“In front of these men, the best friends a man could ever have, and in front of God as my witness, I pledge you my devotion, my heart, and my life. I only ask for yours in return.” He peered up at me, his clear honest eyes beseeching me to return what I could not help but give him.

“It’s already yours.”

His smile broke free once again with a happiness that was uncontainable. “Then you’ll marry me?”

“Without hesitation.”

Sir Collin gave a whoop that echoed in the empty church, and Sir Bennet bowed his congratulations.

“You deserve better than a bridegroom covered in blood and grime,” Derrick said, threading his fingers through mine.

“You need your wounds tended, sir,” I agreed, frowning as I took in the spots of blood on his leg and arm.

“Only a bath and change of garments,” he rushed. “You deserve that at the very least.”

“What about a wedding back at the castle in my rose garden? After we’ve both had the chance to change?”

He hesitated, glanced at his friends, who nodded, and then tightened his grip on my hand. “As long as you guarantee it will be without any delays.”

“Without any delays,” I agreed, hoping my smile wasn’t too eager.




The pink of eventide began to glow in the west. The color matched the roses that surrounded me.

A soft breeze tousled the sheer gown of palest rose that I’d worn on the day I’d met the knights. One of my maids had brushed my hair until it shone, and now it hung past my waist in shimmering waves.

I wore a veil over my face that flowed from a crown of roses.

“You picked well, dear one,” the duke whispered as he walked me forward to the three noble knights waiting in my garden with the priest. They had cleaned up and now watched my approach with admiration on their faces.

“Did you know I’d fall in love with Sir Derrick, your Grace?” I asked.

“Yes. He’s the one I chose for you. I just needed the two of you to realize how well matched you were for each other.”

“We shall balance each other well, I think.” My gaze strayed to the man at the front of the three knights, stocky, scarred, and strong. His attention didn’t move from me as I made my way slowly toward him. “He’s strong where I’m weak. And I have strength that can likewise fill in his weaknesses.”

“You’ll do great things together.” The duke squeezed my hand.