Even with Morag’s protests, Maira listened to her heart like Imanie had told her to do. She made her way to the forest to meet with Jacob as the sun rose on the horizon. As she approached the camp, she was stopped right before she entered. Villagers appeared on the road all aiming their weapons at her.

“I come in peace,” she said from the top of her horse, raising her hands in the air to show them she was not a threat.

“How do we know that for sure?” growled the man she recognized as Roger.

“Roger, it’s me, Lady Maira,” she told him, lowering her hood so he could see her face as well as her crown. Hopefully, seeing the crown would remind these people that she was the granddaughter of the late queen. “Please tell Jacob I am here to retrieve my sword.”

“He’s not here,” growled the villager named Gerald, holding a battle axe over his shoulder.

“Gerald, for Heaven’s sake, have you forgotten that I am the one who helped train you? And didn’t I tell you to never rest the axe over your shoulder? Hold it up steady with both hands and be ready to defend yourself at all times.”

“You left us, or did you forget?” asked Will, walking through the crowd of men with a sword pointed at her as well.

“Will? You don’t believe me that I mean no harm?” asked Maira.

“How do we know this isn’t a trap?” asked Roger.

“That’s right,” added Will. “When you left here you said you were going to reveal our plan to the High Sheriff.”

“I didn’t mean it. I was just upset,” she explained, feeling bad about her previous behavior. “Besides, I couldn’t have told the High Sheriff because he’s not even back from his trip yet.”

Will whispered to the other men and then nodded. “All right. You are free to pass and retrieve your sword, but then you need to go.”

“Nay, she will stay,” came a voice from behind her as two riders approached.

“Jacob!” she cried, happy to see him again. Then she noticed that the man with him atop the other horse was a priest. “Is that your brother?” she asked curiously.

“Aye,” said Jacob with a slight nod, stopping his horse in front of her. “This is my brother, Father Frank.”

“Hello, nice to meet you,” she said to the priest, wondering what he was doing here.

“Everyone back to camp immediately,” Jacob commanded. “We have no time to waste. The High Sheriff will be returning tomorrow and there is a lot to be done before then.”

“Can I help with more training while I’m here?” asked Maira, hoping Jacob wouldn’t turn her away.

“Nay, not now,” he said with no emotion at all on his face. “Since you are here, it saves me the trouble of having to abduct you.”

“Abduct me?” She shook her head and giggled nervously. “Jacob, what are you saying?”

“Maira, I am going to marry you, like it or not.”

“What?” she asked in confusion, not liking this turn of events. “Jacob, you don’t have to threaten me. I came here of my own accord to tell you I will marry you.”

“You did?” That seemed to surprise him.

“Of course, I did. I am sorry for not accepting your proposal of marriage yesterday, but I was confused and scared.”

“So what’s changed?” he asked as they rode to camp.

“I listened to my heart instead of my head,” she explained, knowing the best way to protect Jacob was to be his wife. “I think if we are married, then the plans to attack Durham can be canceled. If you are married to me, you can live as a nobleman as my husband. In time, I will speak with my cousin, the king, and ask him to talk to the pope. Hopefully, eventually, you can get the excommunication reversed.”

“And what about the High Sheriff?” asked Jacob. “Are you suggesting I just let him get away with all the corrupt things he’s done? Am I supposed to look the other way and let him keep the castle that should be mine?”

“I’ll talk to Richard about it. He’ll listen to me. I will ask Willow and Fia to help me. My cousins can be very persuasive. It’ll work out, you’ll see.”

This was the best plan for all involved, thought Maira. She would be able to help Jacob and not only protect him but keep him and his army from dying needlessly. Aye, she had found a way to protect them all.

Jacob felt like Maira had just driven a stake right through his heart. She expected him to back down and let the High Sheriff win this whole thing. Well, that was not going to happen.

“I will make no promises, Maira. But no matter what the outcome, my offer to marry you still holds true. I love you. But the question is, do you love me?”

“I – I think so,” said Maira, not at all sounding confident with her answer. But at this point, he didn’t have a choice. By marrying Maira, he would keep her from marrying Sir Gregory and living a miserable life. In the process, he would be stopping the High Sheriff from taking another of Jacob’s brides.

“That’s good enough,” he said, sliding off his horse as they approached the camp. “Frank, I’ll need you to marry us right away. There is no time to lose.” He reached up and put his arms around Maira’s waist and set her on the ground.

“Jacob, I am happy you finally came to terms with my decision to be a priest,” said Frank. He was a tall, thin man with dark curly hair and eyes the same gray tone as Jacob’s. “But tell me, Brother. Are you sure the reason you came to find me after all this time isn’t only because you have a personal vendetta against the High Sheriff?”

Jacob wished his brother wouldn’t have asked him this in front of Maira. Her head snapped around and her bright blue eyes scrutinized him as she, too, waited for his answer. He didn’t want to lie to a priest. Part of Jacob’s reasoning to bring Frank here was, indeed, to get back at Sir Gregory. But he also wasn’t lying when he said he loved Maira. Even in the short time that he’d known her, he had lost his heart to the fierce but petite lady.

“I told you, Frank, I love Maira. That is not a lie. Whether she loves me in return is yet to be determined.”

“Do you love Jacob as well?” The priest turned his attention to Maira, taking the heat off of Jacob.

Maira suddenly became fidgety. “Father, I must admit that I have never known love with a man before, so I am confused on the matter.”

“Do you feel an attraction to him? Do you think you can love him in time?” asked the priest.

Maira’s eyes met Jacob’s and he felt his heart flutter. No man wanted to be rejected. Jacob didn’t know if he could accept it if she were to say she didn’t love him and wasn’t sure if she ever could. Will, as well as all of the villagers, stood around watching and listening. It made Jacob feel extremely uncomfortable. Jacob didn’t want to hear her answer at this time and decided to intervene.

“Love is not a prerequisite for marriage and you know it, Brother,” he told Frank. “Now, enough of this idle chatter. Where do you want us to stand for the wedding?”

“Right here is fine, I guess,” said Frank, pulling his prayer book out from beneath his cloak. “I take it all these people will be witnesses to the marriage?”

“Aye, that’s fine.” Jacob wanted to move forward quickly before Maira changed her mind. He had never meant to abduct her or to force her to marry him. He only said it to sound strong around the villagers. He had, at one time, been the late Lord of Durham’s Captain of the Guard. Men feared and respected him at the same time. Lady Catherine loved him. It was hard for a man to go from that to being a thief hiding away in the woods wondering where he’d find his next meal. He was neither feared nor respected anymore and, at times, his confidence even seemed to be dwindling. His pride was hurt and it ate away at him every day. He would do anything to regain what he’d once lost. But he only hoped Maira wouldn’t hate him for it in the end.

Before Maira knew what had happened, Father Frank was pronouncing her and Jacob husband and wife.

“It’s a shame you don’t have a ring,” said Father Frank. “However, it isn’t necessary. You may kiss the bride, Jacob.”

Maira’s heart beat rapidly in her chest as Jacob leaned over in front of everyone and placed his lips upon hers. It was at that moment that she realized listening to her heart was the right thing to do. With his tall frame towering over her, she felt safe and happy in his presence. Looking up into his eyes, she smiled.

“We’re really married?” she whispered, barely able to say the words aloud. It had all happened so fast that she had no time to consider how she was going to tell her father about this. But with Jacob at her side, she was sure she could convince her father it was the right thing to do.

“We are,” said Jacob, bending over and scooping her up in his arms.

“Jacob, what are you doing?” She felt her cheeks flush as everyone stared at them and clapped.

“There is still one item to attend to that will solidify the marriage.”

“There is?” He headed to the tent, and that could only mean one thing.

“We need for the marriage to be consummated,” he told her.

“Now?” She suddenly felt very nervous. She hadn’t really thought much about this part. And she also never thought she’d lose her virginity in a tent in the woods either. She reached up and held her crown on her head as Jacob picked up his pace.

He bent over and entered the tent with her still in his arms. The flap to the tent closed behind him, blocking out the sun and leaving them in the semi-dark. As he kissed her passionately, she felt her body warming to his advances. He gently laid her down on a pallet that was covered with a soft blanket. There was one fluffy pillow there as well. For a pallet in a tent, Jacob knew how to be comfortable. She closed her eyes momentarily, feeling as if she were back in the castle, lying atop a plush bed surrounded by velvet curtains. She felt like a royal queen right now inside a castle instead of a rebellious bride marrying in secret in the middle of the forest.

“I’m sorry I didn’t have time to get a ring,” he told her, his deep, sultry voice causing her to open her eyes. He had already removed his shoes and was unbuckling his weapon belt. He was almost too tall for the tent as his head scraped against the ceiling. “I promise you, when this is all over and I have money again someday, I’ll buy you the grandest ring you’ve ever seen.”

“It’s not important,” she said in a small shaky voice, suddenly feeling very shy.

He quickly removed his tunic and breeches and stood before her in only his braies. The sun outside lit up the sides of the tent giving an orange glow to his skin. His chest looked broad and sturdy and his nipples were dark and flat with raised bumps in the middle. Her eyes roamed from his handsome face, down his chest and to his torso. His fingers fumbled with the ties on his braies. Mesmerized, she couldn’t look away.

“I hope you’ll like what you see,” he muttered, dropping his braies and exposing his aroused form. His long, thick shaft looked hard and ready for making love. She gasped, never having seen an aroused and naked man before.

“I – I . . .” She had no idea how to respond and kept staring at his engorged form. It made her feel randy.

“I think it’s time you remove some of these clothes, Wife.”

His use of the word wife and his naked body pressing up against her as he removed her crown made her realize that this was for real. “This is nice,” he said, inspecting the crown and putting it down beside the pallet. “I’m surprised the High Sheriff didn’t take it from you.”

She almost got upset that he’d mentioned the High Sheriff at a time like this, but forgot all about it when his hands brushed against the top of her breasts as he untied the laces of her bodice. “Sit up,” he instructed, helping her as he pushed the gown off her shoulders and unbuckled her belt and removed her weapons as well as her gown. Her shoes and hose followed. And then he slid his hands up her bare legs, leaning over and kissing her as he expertly removed her braies. Little by little, he pushed her shift up over her body, only stopping his kisses so he could bring it up and over her head. Then he threw her shift to the floor, kneeling next to her, perusing her naked body.

“By the Rood, you are perfect and ever so beautiful.” His breathing deepened, making his chest move in and out. “I’m almost afraid to touch you for fear you’ll break.”

“You needn’t be afraid, I won’t break,” she assured him and smiled.

“You are so fierce yet so tiny that it amazes me, Maira.”

Mayhap she should have been frightened, but Jacob’s presence made her feel so aroused that all she could think about was how it would feel once he entered her.

“Jacob,” she said, wetting her dry lips with her tongue. “I have never done this before. I’ll need you to instruct me.”

“There’s naught to worry about my angel.” As he kissed her gently on the lips, one of his hands slid slowly up her side and cupped one of her breasts. Then he repeated the action with his other hand, cupping her mounds and squeezing slightly. “Just relax and let your heart guide you.”

When his mouth covered one nipple and his tongue shot out to circle it, she arched up off the bed. A bolt of energy shot through her. She could feel vibrating all the way down between her legs.

“Do you like that?” he asked her, letting his hand slide down her torso and to her waist.

“I do,” she whispered, starting to feel a fire burning in her belly. And when he cupped her womanly mound and used the tips of his fingers to tease her, she just about shot off the bed.

“I need to ready you before I enter so it won’t hurt.”

“All right,” she said, not sure what he meant by that but also no longer caring. Her eyes traveled lower and rested on his manhood once again.

“Give me your hand,” he said, reaching out to take it.

“What for?” she asked, feeling naïve with his next action. He guided her hand to his stiff shaft and closed her fingers around it. “Oh!” she cried out.

“Play with that for a while,” he mumbled. “Stroke me as I stroke you.”

She did as he suggested, and found herself relaxing until she felt one of his fingers slip inside her. She jerked slightly in surprise.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked, as if he really cared. She liked that. Even though he was ready to burst, he cared about her comfort.

“Nay, it was just a surprise,” she told him as he thrust his finger in and out, guided by the liquid of love.

“I think you’re ready,” he said, spreading her legs and settling himself in between them. “I promise to be gentle,” he told her. “And I want you to promise to let loose.”

“Me?” she asked through ragged breaths. “What do you mean?”

“If you feel yourself wanting more, then say so. If you feel like screaming out in passion, I don’t want you to hold back.”

“Scream out? Whatever for?”

He cocked a sly smile and ran a loving hand along her cheek. “You will hopefully never have to ask that again by the time we are done.”

“All right,” she said, feeling a little apprehensive. Her eyes darted around the tent, wondering if anyone was going to enter.

“No one will disturb us,” he assured her as if he could read her mind. “Now, close your eyes and just bask in the pleasure you are about to feel.”

“Close my eyes?” she asked, not sure she wanted to miss a thing.

“Shhh, it’s all right,” he told her, moving between her thighs and reaching up to kiss her lips at the same time. “Just enjoy it.”

He kissed and caressed her for a few more minutes and then she felt the tip of his hardened manhood at her door. Jacob was extremely patient and took his time to slip into her little by little, waiting to make sure she was comfortable before he continued.

“I can feel you in me,” she whispered, excited to finally be coupling with a man. She hadn’t thought she wanted this, but now it was all she could think of.

“Don’t talk. Just . . . feel.” He slid his entire length into her then. At first it felt tight and as if he’d broken through a barrier. Then, with his soft kisses and caressing, she relaxed and felt something she wasn’t expecting at all. With each gentle thrust, he glided in and out, bringing her to life. It was as if he found a secret button to push and when he did, she felt herself liking the action and longing for more.

“Oooh,” she moaned aloud, keeping her eyes closed all the while.

“You like that?”

“I do.”

His hands slid around to her rear end and he guided her to move her hips as their bodies met in unbridled passion.

“Maira,” he whispered, his actions becoming faster.

“Jacob,” she answered, feeling more and more excited. Here was her husband, arousing her and bringing her to ecstasy with every thrust. And then she felt like her body was acting on its own as she met him in the dance of life and love.

A vibrating sensation became stronger between her thighs, the thought of him being one with her making her cry out in elation.

She moaned. He moaned, too. And then as if they belonged together, with their bodies joined as one, she found her release.

“Oh, Jacob!” she cried out. “Ooooh.”

Colors flashed behind her closed lids and she was brought to the brink and then fell over the edge. As if he’d been waiting for her to be satisfied, he held out for as long as he could. Then she shouted loudly like some kind of beast as he released his seed into her.

“Aaaaaah. Damn this feels good,” he shouted so loudly that Maira was sure everyone heard him, but he didn’t care. Then he collapsed next to her, holding her tightly in his arms. Only the sound of their breathing filled the tent.

“Have we consummated the marriage?” she asked, just to be sure.

He started laughing and pulled her atop him, kissing her on the head. “Aye, my rebellious little angel. The deed is done. We are now married in every way.”

She smiled as she snuggled up to his chest and closed her eyes, listening to his rapidly beating heart. It felt good to be married, although she never thought it would. Now, because they were man and wife, she had protected Jacob and possibly saved his life.

“We can go back to Rothbury or to Whitehaven now,” she told him.

“Whatever for?”

She opened her eyes and lifted her head. “We can live there until you regain your title. I’m sure I can talk either the earl or my father into letting us stay at one of their castles.”

“We won’t need to,” he said, staring up at the ceiling. “We’ll live at Durham Castle where we belong.”

“What?” She slowly sat up and looked down at him “Jacob? What are you saying? You’re not still thinking of going through with the attack are you?”

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I?”

She scowled at him. “Because we’re married now. You don’t need to attack Durham. I’ll go back and get Morag and Branton and we can leave for Whitehaven before the High Sheriff returns.”

“You’re suggesting I run? How could you? I never expected that from someone like you.” He sat up and stared at her, making her feel like some kind of traitor. “Just because we’re married, it changes nothing. I am still going to attack Durham Castle and take back what should have rightfully been mine.”

“Nay!” she shouted, getting up and putting on her clothes as well as donning her crown. “You don’t need to do that anymore now that we’re married. You promised.”

“I promised nothing,” he growled, getting dressed as well.

She thought back to what he’d said earlier and realized that what he told her was true. He never did promise not to stop his plans once they were married. Perhaps, it was only wishful thinking on her part that he would.

“I can’t believe this,” she spat, strapping on her weapons. “I am going to be a widow because you’re going to get yourself killed.”

“How little confidence you have in me, Maira. That hurts. But nay, I promise you I won’t die but I can’t say the same thing for the High Sheriff.”

“Jacob this is insanity. Now stop this nonsense and come back to Whitehaven with me. My father will help you regain your title.”

“I don’t want or need his help. I will do this on my own.” He finished dressing and strapped on his sword. “Now, you will stay here until after the attack on the morrow. We are moving in when the High Sheriff sends most of his men out on the hunt. It’s the only day he’s allowed to hunt in the king’s forest so he takes advantage of it. He is greedy and that’s why he sends more men than he should. I will sneak in with my army through the tunnels and before he knows what happened, I’ll be Lord of Durham and he’ll be dead. With a little luck, I’ll be able to claim the title of High Sheriff as well.”

“You disgust me,” she said, feeling now that mayhap she’d made a mistake in marrying him.

“What do you mean?” He honestly looked as if he had no idea what she was talking about.

“You fed me the lie of loving me so I’d marry you just so you could get what you wanted.”

“You’re not making any sense, Maira. I do love you. And now that you’re my wife, I am going to protect you. I don’t want you anywhere near the fighting during the attack, do you understand?”

“I thought you asked me to fight with you against the High Sheriff.”

“I changed my mind.”

“Well, mayhap I didn’t. Where is my sword? I demand you return it to me at once.”

“It’s right there,” he said with a nod. “Feel free to take it. But you still won’t be fighting with me during the attack.” She turned to find her sword lying on the ground in a dark corner. She picked it up and headed out the door, bumping into Will and Father Frank. Everyone was crowded around the tent, watching and listening. Then Will started clapping and the rest followed suit.

“Congratulations,” said Will. “We all heard the consummation and can vouch that the union has been finalized.”

“Nothing is final,” she spat, glaring at Jacob who emerged from the tent. “If you all want to risk your lives attacking Durham Castle and going up against the High Sheriff and his trained men, then don’t let me stop you. But I won’t be a part of this suicide mission. Nay. I will not stand by and watch innocent people die because of the stubbornness of one hard-headed fool.”

“If you mean me, then just come out and say it,” said Jacob.

“All right, I mean you Jacob Quincey. Because of your pride, these innocent villagers are going to die.”

There were mumbles of concern amongst the men. Jacob stormed over to her and took her by the elbow.

“Maira,” he said in a low voice so only she could hear him. “Don’t do this. I have worked too hard to throw it all away now. I am so close to getting everything I want. I don’t need you putting doubt into the heads of my men at this point. Now, stop it.”

“Let go of me,” she retorted, pulling out of his hold and mounting her horse.

“Where are you going?” he demanded to know.

“I am going back to Durham Castle to get my cousin, Morag, and Branton. Then we are leaving and going back to Whitehaven with or without you.”

“Maira, stay. You are my wife now.”

“Not for long.”

“What does that mean?” he asked.

“It means I will be a widow come the morrow and now I regret ever having married you at all, Jacob Quincey.” Maira rode back to the castle holding back her tears. She refused to be weak or to ever cry again.