The King's Champion

The King's Champion
Catherine March

Groomed to be the wife of a knight of good standing, nothing is more alluring to Eleanor than a powerful, courageous man.And she has found him in Troye de Valois, one of the king's own elite guard. Now, with Ellie's reputation unwittingly compromised, King Edward commands her marriage. She's overjoyed that her husband is to be none other than Troye.He has long lived in her heart and dreams. But those dreams are soon shattered when he reveals his anger at this forced marriage, and the emotions she is reawakening in him. . . .

“Are you indeed a wanton,

Eleanor?” he demanded in

a rough voice.

“I did not mean—” she protested, but her words were cut short.

“I can see it in your eyes, as they follow me about the hall. Is this what you want?” Troye grasped her chin between his fingers and tipped her face up.

He lowered his head and his mouth came down on hers. His rough jaw scratched her tender skin, and she could smell and taste musky maleness laced with wine. Suddenly his hold loosened and his arms slid around her waist.

“I had forgotten,” he murmured, as he pressed his lips to her neck and for a moment breathed in the soft, sweet smell of her skin.

“What had you forgotten?”

“The feel of a woman.” His fingers smoothed down the curve of her back and she gave a little cry, her fingers clutching at his tunic. Troye realized her shock, that she had no experience of men, that this was no doubt her first real kiss, and cursed softly.

The King’s Champion

Harlequin

Historical

Praise for Catherine March

“A good study of medieval England during William’s invasion, this tale will appeal to both genre fans and those looking for a bard-like tale of knightly love.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews on My Lady English

Author Note

During the years 1296–1305, Edward I mounted his first campaign to subdue Scotland and force Scottish loyalty to the crown of England. It was just the first of several campaigns over several decades. The events of this story are, therefore, only loosely based upon the events of the first campaign. The King’s Champion features characters you will have already met in The Knight’s Vow.

CATHERINE MARCH

THE KING’S CHAMPION

TORONTO • NEW YORK • LONDON

AMSTERDAM • PARIS • SYDNEY • HAMBURG

STOCKHOLM • ATHENS • TOKYO • MILAN • MADRID

PRAGUE • WARSAW • BUDAPEST • AUCKLAND

Available from Harlequin

Historical and CATHERINE MARCH

My Lady English #822

The Knight’s Vow #234

The King’s Champion #906

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For the Quartermaster

With love

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven