A Knight With Grace: Book 1 of the Assassin Knights Series (19 page)

“Aye,” Richard agreed. “She was a good child.”

William nodded again. “I’ll miss her.” Grace came up beside him, placing her comforting arms about his waist. He lifted his arm to drape it around her shoulders and draw her closer. He exchanged a loving glance with her. “Have you met Lady Grace? My wife.”

Hugh’s mouth dropped open. “Your wife?”

Richard’s eyebrows shot up as he looked Grace over appreciatively.

“How? I mean... Does she know?”

“She knows,” Grace said, gazing at William with appreciation. She lifted on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek.

William looked down at her. How had he gotten so lucky? Sometimes, anguish rose in him as he held her in his arms late at night. He didn’t deserve her. He was amazed that she looked at him with such tender devotion. And then he grew fearful. What if he awoke and discovered it all a dream?

“How did you marry? What priest would risk the Pope’s wrath?” Hugh asked.

William grinned. “A friend. A very good friend. We are keeping this quiet. Not because I don’t want to yell to the top of the mountains, but because I will have no one else hurt because of me.”

Hugh and Richard nodded in understanding.

“Congratulations,” Hugh said sincerely.

“You are one lucky bastard!” Richard added with a laugh.

“Come, m’lords,” Grace called. “You look as if you’ve ridden nay on a month. We have warm rooms and good food for you.”

“Finally!” Richard called. He followed her toward the manor.

Hugh hung back as Father John walked toward the church, mumbling about fallen stones. “Any word about Reginald?” he asked softly.

William shook his head. “I haven’t heard from him since Jerusalem.”

Hugh nodded. “It’s good to see a smile on your face.”

“It’s good to have a reason to smile.”

“Come m’lord!” Grace called to William. “It is time to relax with your friends.”

Hugh chuckled as he followed William to Grace’s side. “You’ve found your redemption.”

Shocked, William stopped to look at him. “I suppose I have.” He hurried after Grace, who was waiting for him, and took her into his arms, holding her tight against him. “More correctly,” he told Hugh while gazing into those large blue eyes that had captured his heart. “I’ve found my Grace.”

A Note from Laurel

Dear Readers -

This novel is based on fact; there were indeed four knights who killed Archbishop Thomas Becket. William de Tracy was one of these knights. Not much is known about them after they were excommunicated and went to fight in Jerusalem as penance. I hope that each of them were truly sorry for the horrible act they committed. In my story, William is forgiven and he does finally find peace.

The next book in the Assassin Knights series is A Knight With Hope. Please subscribe to my website - 
www.laurel-odonnell.com
 - so you won't miss the upcoming release.  

Thank you for reading William and Grace's story!

About Laurel O'Donnell

Critically acclaimed novelist Laurel O’Donnell sold her first book,
The Angel and the Prince
, to Kensington after being a Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart finalist. She has gone on to win many more awards including the Holt Medallion Award for
A Knight of Honor
and the International Digital Award for
Angel’s Assassin.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Laurel began writing in junior high school when she carried a pen and paper around wherever she went. In college, she took fiction writing classes to further her skill. Her love of the medieval time period led her to work at King Richard’s Faire in Wisconsin where she learned stage combat and sword fighting. The Faire fed her insatiable appetite for the medieval era.

Laurel has many books yet to write and hopes you will join her on her journey to bring the medieval era to life!

Please visit Laurel at her website
www.laurel-odonnell.com
for the latest information about upcoming releases, contests, and to contact her.

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