The Untamed Warrior's Bride by Michelle Willingham

Author:Michelle Willingham
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-11-24T17:02:51+00:00

Chapter Eight

It took all day to find a priest, though he’d started searching at Colford Abbey. Piers was exhausted from the journey, but he had no intention of stopping to rest. He’d learned from the monks that King John was travelling north to Scotland, and likely his brother Robert would go to plead his case there soon.

When he’d asked for a priest to come with him back to Stansbury, Father Oswald had voiced his disapproval of the marriage. Most of the other brethren followed suit. There was only one priest from a nearby village who was willing to wed them, and the man was so drunk, he swayed on the ancient mare he rode. His robes were dishevelled, and he had two drinking horns strapped to the mare. Piers wasn’t entirely certain the priest knew what was happening, but the man was his only option.

Even then, he wasn’t entirely certain this marriage to Gwen would be legal. Without a formal betrothal and with only Robert and Morwenna as witnesses, he didn’t know. But it was better than nothing, and he wanted her to feel safe again.

He’d sworn to tell Gwen the truth about his past, but the shame of it weighed upon him. Despite her claim that she was willing to wed him, once she learned of his lies of omission, she would hate him for the ruse he’d played. She’d believed he was the heir to Penrith, not Robert. And no explanation could justify what he was about to do.

It was growing dark when they arrived back at Stansbury. Although Piers was hungry, he’d been unable to eat during most of the journey back. Gwen would not look at him in the same way after tonight, and he couldn’t relinquish the guilt. The priest dismounted from his mare and stumbled before righting himself.

But the moment they arrived Piers couldn’t take his eyes off his bride. Though her silk gown was rumpled, Gwen’s hair was braided and there were small wildflowers tucked between the strands. A soft flush upon her cheeks revealed her shyness, and his apprehensions tripled. He had no right to marry someone like her. She deserved the life of a noblewoman, one where she ruled over her people.

Yet, when she reached out her hands to his, he could not deny her. If she was willing to give him a chance, so be it.

The priest took another drink and began speaking Latin words Piers didn’t recognise. Though he thought they were part of the marriage rite, he could not be certain. Gwen was smiling at him, but he sensed a slight strain in her eyes. Something was troubling her. But whatever it was, she was still going through with the marriage.

They spoke their vows, though he was fairly certain the priest had left out the entire marriage Mass. And when it was done, Piers leaned in to give Gwen a kiss of peace.

Morwenna and Robert clapped, and within moments they were bringing out a feast that they’d prepared while he was away.

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