The Bride Tournament Read Online Free PDF

enameled collar and short velvet tunic, placing them on his wood chest.
    “Look at that. Let’s see what else he’s got beneath those hose,” a woman said.
    The other women laughed.
    “What about the beauteous bride? Is she naked under there?” More laughter.
    Eleanor clutched the sheets to her neck, hiding as much as she could for as long as she could. She couldn’t stop trembling. How mortifying to be forced to display yourself to everyone you knew. Yet when the time came, she’d stand proudly before them all.
    The earl, clad now in his silk pourpoint, approached the bed. His shoulders were truly broad, not enhanced by padding as she had assumed. The contours of his chest were impressive. His hose outlined powerful thighs.
    His physical perfection changed nothing. If their marriage were consummated, having it annulled would prove even more difficult. But what were the consequences of refusing him? What had he meant earlier by “defiance leads to hardship?” She licked her dry lips.
    “See how the bride hungers for the groom!”
    “Eleanor wants to eat him up.”
    The men cheered.
    The earl studied her. He turned to the crowd, hands poised to untie his hose from his undertunic. Some women were like to drool, their mouths hung so far open. He undid one tie.   “Our thanks for your friendship. But you have seen all you’re going to see. Return to the music and drink. Enjoy.”
    “I need some good luck. Her garter is mine!” A portly man stumbled forward, arms outstretched.
    Eleanor recoiled.
    Richard stopped the man with a hand to his chest. “Out. Now. Every last one of you.”
    Disgruntled moans and groans ensued, but in the face of his hard stare the onlookers slowly took their leave. With a sympathetic smile, Alyce closed the door behind her.
    The silence after the revelry was both welcome and strained.
    Richard’s back flexed as he untied his hose. “I received training to be a knight and land owner. You were taught how to be a chatelaine. Some information on how to be husband and wife would’ve proved useful.”
    She relaxed a bit. “You’re right. I was told only to be obedient. And that by law, advantages convey to the husband. Not very encouraging.” Had her mother lived, would she be better prepared for this moment? Being alone with a man while disrobed, husband or not, and carrying on a conversation felt awkward to say the least. If they’d had time to know each other, better yet, being in love, would mitigate such things.
    “I suppose each couple learns together. And makes their own rules.”
    “A nice thought. If both members of the couple wish to remain wed to each other. You didn’t want to wed me. Nor I you.” Nakedness left her feeling uncomfortable and insecure. Weak. With the sheets still clutched to her, she reached for the silk robe draped across the bottom of the bed. She slipped it on. “The new king needs powerful lords to support him. He aims to have our lands united, not you and I. I fear my father has misled you about the size of his coffers. If you release me, you can seek a trustworthy father-by-law.” She slid off the bed and walked to him. “Would that suffice?”

    The rich, well-sauced foods Richard had eaten churned within. So much for his good fortune. On his wedding night his bride asked, nay, begged him to release her. To another man.
    If he complied, he’d lose all he’d just gained. If he didn’t, she could resent him for the rest of their days. He couldn’t survive that.
    “I understand your confusion and dismay over all of the sudden changes.” She wasn’t rejecting him personally, so his manly pride should remain intact. Her insistence on dissolving their union rankled nonetheless. Yet in a strange manner, it also bothered him that he couldn’t accommodate her. “But the answer is no. The king gifted me with more than your holdings. I don’t need them, or your father’s coin.”
    Delicate fingers clung to her linen night robe. Her flowing