A Knight for All

Chapter 1 Edward, Baron Rycliffe, pulled the hood of his cloak tighter around his face, praying it was enough concealment. He’d dressed in simple attire, more common to villagers than the noble clothes he generally wore—a plain brown tunic, braies and hose with ankle boots. None in the tavern would expect to see their lord there and therefore, at least Edward hoped, would not recognize him. From the corner of the tavern where he sat, Edward could easily see most of the patrons. He had a clear view of the entrance. It already seemed like he’d waited hours for the man to appear, though in truth Edward knew he had not been waiting long. He was nervous, jumping at every little noise around. Since his marriage to Lady Katherine three months earlier, Edward had dared not give in to his darker needs. He had fallen in love with Katherine when he’d met her last year when she’d been newly widowed. Each day he loved her more and their passion filled nights fulfilled his every desire. Almost. Edward had not shared with Katherine that he craved the touch of men also. He suspected she might know it because before they met Edward knew there was some talk amongst the noblemen of the court, though Edward had tried to quiet the talk as soon as he’d heard it. She had not brought it up, though, so he could not be sure. In any event, he’d tried very hard not to give in to those tortured desires. The door of the tavern opened with painful slowness. At least to Edward. He shifted on the bench, his c**k already half hard in anticipation. It might not even be him. Edward’s gaze stayed on the door as it swung in. A figure of a man appeared in the doorway, shadowed by the gloomy, barely lit entrance of the tavern. He held his breath. He could not quite tell just yet. The man took several steps inside, clearly turning his head left and right, looking for someone. Looking for him. Edward exhaled. Gregory had arrived. Though he, too, was cloaked to conceal his identity, Edward recognized the man’s broad back and a wisp of his blond hair sticking out from the hood. Edward’s entire body felt engulfed by fire. It had been so long since he’d seen his former lover. Years since they’d even seen each other let alone shared forbidden touches. He gestured to Gregory, who instantly noticed and made his way toward Edward’s table in the corner. Nearing him, Gregory dropped the hood of his cloak to his shoulders and flashed a beautiful welcoming smile at Edward. “Gregory, you came,” Edward said softly as Gregory sat on the bench directly across from him. They grasped hands over the table, for a moment allowing their affection for each other to shine in their gazes. The handsome blond man grinned, his blue eyes sparkling. “Aye, of course I came. As soon as I received word of the tournament held in your honor I knew I had to take part.” Edward’s face heated. He hadn’t wanted the tournament, but his wife had been insistent. “‘Twas Lady Katherine’s idea for my birthday.” “I know. A wonderful idea, too. In truth, I originally thought to surprise you and enter as an unknown knight.” Edward, though loathe to lose his grasp of Gregory’s hands, was conscious of those in the tavern watching them. Not wanting unnecessary speculation for either of them, he released his hold and folded his hands in front of him. “I am glad you sent word ahead. It has been too long, Gregory.” Gregory nodded and ordered a tankard of ale when the tavern maid stopped at their table. “I was not sure of my welcome after the way we parted, Edward.” Edward bowed his head for a moment. It was true they had not parted well. Edward and Gregory had fostered together as boys and had been lifelong friends before becoming lovers shortly before they both became knights. They’d been each other’s first lover. Afterward they’d both had women. Sometimes together, enjoying pleasuring each other as well as the lady they took to their bed. But they had their differences as well. Edward, as his father’s eldest son, expected to one day inherit the Rycliffe estates and also take a wife. In fact, he’d looked forward to that day. He loved women and wanted to build a household full of healthy sons. Gregory, on the other hand, was the third son of a minor nobleman. He expected to live his life as a mercenary or perhaps a guard to the king or even as a knight in the Crusades. Though he enjoyed the charms of the fairer s*x, he had made it clear to Edward he did not see the point in taking a wife when he could take to his bed whomever pleased him. Though they vowed to remain friends when Edward was called home to Rycliffe and Gregory left for adventure, it was a strained parting. Edward raised his gaze to Gregory’s face. “I welcome you gladly. I know you will do well in tomorrow’s tournament.” Gregory took a large swallow of the ale the barmaid set down. “Are you also going to participate?” Edward smiled. “Nay, I leave such things for younger men these days.” Gregory snorted. “You are not so old. You are of the same age as me.” “True, but I have allowed myself to grow soft while you have maintained an admirable body.” Gregory’s gaze turned serious and he studied Edward for several moments in silence. “You do not look soft to me, Edward,” he said after a while. “In fact, you are a fine man still. I…I hope you have asked to see me like this because—” It was Gregory who bowed his head and Edward noticed the twin red spots on his cheeks. Gregory growing bashful? It did not seem possible. Edward reached for Gregory’s hand under the table and grasped it in his once more. “Is there somewhere we can go where we might have our reunion more privately?” “God, yes. Let’s get out of here.”