Choosing Hearts - The Fighter's Passion (Gritty, Explicit Romance Novel) (A Lusty Stand Alone Story) Read Online Free Page A

his heavy arms in welcome as the tall
captain of his men-at-arms walked into the well lit courtroom. “What will fair
Kirk Falls do without you?”
     
    “You honor me
greatly, my Duke.” Rogan bowed low with a flourish, cutting a dashing figure in
his lime green tunic, dark brown leggings and russet jerkin. “Yet my men
deserve equal applause, for they risked their lives as much as I.”
     
    “Indeed, that they
have done and will be aptly rewarded.” The Duke smiled broadly, adjusting his
jewel encrusted tunic. “But without your leadership and skill to guide them, my
poor niece would have been lost to me forever.”
     
    The Duke was a
tall man, almost as tall as Rogan and twice again his girth. Dressed in the finery
his station demanded, the man cut an imposing figure. His large face was round
and pleasant, his blue eyes bright and cheerful, and he wore his long gray hair
in a loose ponytail. A man of wealth and leisure, he enjoyed the finer things
his position bestowed upon him to the full.
     
    “How fares her
ladyship?” Rogan inquired as he accepted a goblet of wine a serving girl
offered him. “I feared she may have come out the worse for wear.”
     
    “My little Gwen is
much better, all praise to your bravery.” Edenton beamed at him warmly. “She
has narrated most of the daring act to me… and however much I reward you, it
will be less compared to your selfless service, my boy.”
     
    “It is an honor to
serve you, my Duke.” Rogan bowed once more.
     
    “I consider myself
fortunate to have one such as you at my side.” Edenton summoned his attendant.
“And as promised, here is the deed to mark your own land. The large meadow by
the western river is yours forever more, Rogan.”
     
    “Much gratitude,
my lord.” Rogan’s hand trembled as he accepted his long sought after reward. At
last he would be a landowner in Kirk Falls; at last he would be wed to the
woman of his dreams.
     
    “And I also have
this for you.” The Duke handed the warrior a large leather pouch, tied tight
with a thong. “A hundred gold pieces, though I admit you deserve ten times
more.”
     
    “My Duke, your
kindness overwhelms me.” Rogan hefted the large purse with a misty gleam in his
eye. Now he had his land and enough gold to build his home on it.
     
    “As it should, for
one most deserving.” Edenton smiled. “And I also bestow upon you the title of
Sir Rogan, first knight of the realm.”
     
    “My lord…” Rogan
fought hard to contain his excitement. Three years of loyal service, of keeping
the dukedom safe and prosperous, were paying off very well for him indeed.
     
    “And your new
title gives you the privilege to ask for any noblewoman’s hand in marriage. I
hear there are quite a few Earls and Counts whose eligible daughters have their
hearts set on you.”
     
    “It is a day of
many honors for me, your highness.” Rogan laughed. “I may need a few days to
get my head to stop spinning before I consider making any wedding proposals.”
     
    “Yes, indeed… and
you have my leave, young knight.” Edenton raised his goblet of wine in salute.
“Take a week’s time to see to your lands and build your estate, the dukedom
will be safe enough for the time being.”
     
    Rogan bowed low
once more and took his leave. His head was truly spinning with unbridled joy. He
hadn’t expected to be receiving this many accolades. The land was ample reward
enough and the hundred gold pieces would do well to make him a house and a farm
along with his savings. The title he had not expected, but felt proud to be
knighted, nevertheless. Alicia would be shedding tears of joy for  days on end;
that he was sure of. He couldn’t wait to ride to her father’s farm and show the
older man the deed to his land and claim his love.
     
    It was getting
dark outside as he lightly ran down the steps of the Duke’s palatial manor. His
horse was stabled a few yards away. He ran on with a spring in his step. Life
was good and