by Karahkwa Ross
Looking at the red-haired woman beside him, the young knight followed
her gaze. "There by the horse statue? That is Sir Walter, the King of
England's great-grandson."
"The Crown Prince's oldest is only ten. That knight is older than
that."
"The King's son was the last of his children. His oldest daughter was
married at ten and two. Her daughter born a year later; she herself is
the Prince's age. Walter is her son."
"So he will never be King?"
"Perhaps if the Prince and all eight of his children die, but no."
"He carries himself like a king."
He took in the straight square shoulders, the straight neck, and proud
face. "He does."
"And how do you know him, Sir Alexandre?"
"We have jousted in the same tournaments and have traveled together in
between. Why do you ask, Lady Dana?"
The woman sighed, drawing Alexandre's attention back to her. "My father
thinks I should find a husband. He suggest a landless knight so that
when he dies my husband will not have to split his time over his
holdings and my father's."
"I see. And you think Sir Walter is your choice?"
"I know not. But he appeals to me most." She made a gesture to take in
all the gentlemen at the feast.
Alexandre nodded. He didn't think much of the other men here.
However... "He is English, my lady. Your holdings are deeply contested
between the French and the English. King Philip may feel your loyalties
are not with him."
"True. Should I choice you, Lord Krycek, in Sir Walter's stead?"
Alex shook his head. "Nay. I fear I have all ready lost my heart to
another, Lady Dana. I much doubt you would find me a pleasing husband."
Dana looked surprised. "You didn't tell me you fallen in love, Alex."
He reached over and patted her hand. "I don't tell my cousin
everything. No matter how close we are."
"Who is she? Do I know her?"
Alex's eyes trained on Sir Walter as he walked across the room to a
group of young ladies. "My love is an angel. Beyond even my reach."
"Is she promised to someone?"
"No, but we could never be together." Alex sighed as Walter met his
eyes and smiled. "Our families would never approve."
"Surely you could convince Grandfather—"
Alex ruefully shook his head. "Not this time, Dana."
"Alex..."
Alex shrugged and then smiled. "It's all right. I know my love is
returned in full measure and that—is—enough. Now, I'm going to retire
to dream of my love and leave you to the search for a husband. Get
names and I will discuss them with you tomorrow."
"May you have pleasant dreams, Alex."
Alex made his way to the door. At the last moment he turned. His eyes
swept the room pausing only for a moment before continuing. Slipping
down the steps, he continued to the stables where he stopped to lean
against the wall in the shadows.
Moments later, a figure came through the door and stopped. Alex stepped
from the shadows and touched the figure on the shoulder. The figure
spun around ready to fight. The fist fell to his side.
With a grin, Sir Walter took Alex into his arms. "I've missed you."
"And I, you." Alex pulled Walter's mouth to his for a long, chaste, but
emotional kiss. "Never leave me again."
"I would never leave you by choice. I love you."
"I love you."
Alex Krycek felt a rough hand on his shoulder.
"Alex, wake up. You're mumbling in your sleep again."
"Wha—" Bleary eyes opened to see a beloved face look down upon him. The
soft light from the lamp cast a halo of light around his head.
"You were talking in you sleep. I thought you might be having a
nightmare again."
Alex shook his head. "Never a nightmare. I was dreaming of you."
Walter Skinner smiled and leaned down to kiss his lover. Just before
their lips met, he heard a soft whisper, "I love you, my knight angel."
ray tell me who is that gentleman?"
