The Christmas Knight Quotes

“Didn't she know that she would always be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen,for she was the first to truly see him?”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Now all he could do was wait...and watch Bronwyn be entertained by every man who could make his way to her side.
Once again, a deep sense of possession consumed him.Until now, he had not had to compete for her attention and no one had been foolish enough to try. But as one and then another hour passed, the intensity of his jealousy grew and it mattered little that in his heart he knew that she was his. Each time a hand touched Bronwyn's waist or someone bent to whisper in her ear or her laughter tinkled throughout the Hall, Ranulf had to repress the mounting urge to go and pummel the man. He almost lost the battle he was waging with himself when some overly ambitious young knight refused to leave her side. Only the queen and her long-awaited announcement saved the young man from a fate that would have required the attention of a healer and several weeks in bed.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Have you decided upon my character, or do you need more time?”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“As long as you are mine, nothing else matters.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Ranulf,don't leave me."
"I'll never leave you.I am yours forever.Even in the next life. I love you.Wait for me.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“She wanted that lifetime. She would never leave him,and even better, he would never let her go.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Unable to stop himself, Ranulf buried his fingers in the dark gold and whispered, "With you,I just might have found the home I never had.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Who the hell ordered the servants to keep everyone out? You know better than most, Ranulf, the dangers of a hungry mob.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“How does one reveal a father’s death, a baron’s threats, and a new lord’s arrival?”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Who would have thought you had so many supporters?" she whispered.
"Not mine, my love. Yours. I had not a one till you started speaking and now I am the envy of every man present.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Eleanor reached over and stroked his foreman.
"Was I fair?" Henry whispered.
She nodded. "Very. Besides, I think our Ranulf gave you the justification for some of the changes you have been considering.Perhaps a court of law is needed."
"He did.And besides it was all highly entertaining.I had to bite my tongue when Craven started all that nonsense about Ranulf trying to kill him with an arrow."
"So you knew from the beginning..." Eleanor murmured in partial disbelief and admiration.
"That Ranulf was up to something? The man would never let anyone-even me-insult his honor without response. It was hard to wait until the oaf finished everything Ranulf needed him to say...and come to think of it...it was very convenient for Lady Bronwyn to be in disguise. How is it that you did not inform me earlier of what was to happen?"
"I did not know," Eleanor rejoined quickly. "I met with his wife, who never owned to her true identity...but I liked her and suspected she would enjoy the night much better as one of my ladies-in-waiting.It is a great honor,you know."
"And the idea of coming in masquerade?"
"Well,it has been dull lately."
"And you never knew who she was.Never thought to tell me you suspected Lady Bronwyn was not whom she professed to be."
"I only knew for sure that I liked her and that she was Laon's daughter. And as for the masquerade, I did it for you, my king."
"Me?"
"Mmm-hmmm," Eleanor purred against his ear. "I know how very much you like to be entertained."
"And that it was.Quite diverting. Never thought to see the day where Ranulf would be at ease in a crowd-or so demonstrative," Henry said, pointing at the joined couple.
"He's in love,my king.Just like I am. Perhaps someday I'll do something about your men and their rough-mannered ways. Maybe I will convene my own court-the court of love."
"I think that babe in your womb has made you soft in the head," Henry teased.
"Maybe," Eleanor sighed as she sat back in her chair with a smile that spoke of a mind whirling with ideas.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“And though I do not approve of your appropriation of the Bean King tradition"-he paused to find and issue a pointed glare at his favorite baker-"your scheme to reveal Baron Craven's true character worked.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“You are a fool,baron, and I hate fools.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“The conversation was dangerous for it was designed to incite physical violence and, if left to continue, might have succeeded. But the pain Ranulf first wanted to inflict was humiliation, and that could not be achieved with fists.
It required intellect.And maybe a slight emotional push.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Pasting on her most endearing smile, Bronwyn stood up and interrupted, "I must beg everyone's pardon for retiring early. I have been needing to speak with my husband all day. So, we will see you in the morning." She then looked down at Ranulf to ensure he understood that she was serious.
He arched a single brow, but said nothing as he rose to join her, ignoring the short coughs and snorts of laughter of his men. Bronwyn instantly froze as she realized what the small group-including her husband-believed she had meant. Mustering up the remnants of her pride,she forced herself to march on.
"It's nice to know you've been wanting me all day, but if you desire for us to be alone, there are more discreet ways of letting me know," Ranulf teased as he lifted the flap of their tent.
Bronwyn knew her already red face was turning an even more brilliant color, but she refused to let Ranulf believe he had totally won. "You,husband, are far more in need of a modesty lesson than I."
Ranulf let go the heavy material and then crossed his arms with a smug look of satisfaction Bronwyn wanted to both remove and indulge. "Don't believe in modesty.Never have.Kind of liking the fact that you don't either," he said, hinting at what he thought was about to come next.
Bronwyn took a step back and waved a finger. "I said I wanted to speak with you alone...about tomorrow.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“I cannot remember when I have had such good food," Ranulf said, with a smile of satisfaction bending his usually firm mouth.
"I'll be sure not to mention that to our own cooks.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Thinking it Ranulf, she tugged the garment down and beamed the incomer a smile. The smile changed to one of shock at seeing her sisters-both up and already dressed.
Seeing her initial jubilant welcome, Edythe snorted and rubbed her arms vigorously in an attempt to get warmer. Lily, on the other hand, laughed. "Sorry. You obviously hoped we were someone else," she mumbled, not meaning it at all.
Tyr poked his head in and, looking at Edythe, said, "We are to be leaving soon.Be ready."
Edythe issued him a scowl and rubbed her very red nose. "I heard you the first five times," she moaned. "The man does not believe in sleep and cannot seem to get it through his head that some do," she added, speaking to Bronwyn but keeping her gaze on him.
Tyr arched a single brow and stepped inside. "I sleep,just not all day."
Edythe sniffed.She wasn't feeling her best, but she was not about to let Tyr chide her without consequences. "You may have been the one standing beside me at the alter, but that doesn't give you permission to act like my husband."
"I know your husband well, and Garik's going to feel the same way," Tyr responded, crossing his arms.
Edythe lifted her chin and several locks of her red hair fell around her shoulders. "Not after I'm done with him. He'll be glad to have a wife. And the fact that I like to sleep in bed, he's going to consider a bonus." Then with a manufactured flair, she stepped around him and plopped down on the fur blankets with enough force that her hastily made braid came totally undone. Few outside of family had ever seen Edythe's auburn tresses completely free, but those who did were blessed with a sight that denied description.
Tyr just stared at her for several seconds. Every muscle in his body had gone tight and he looked as if he were struggling just to breathe. A second later,he pivoted and abruptly exited the tent, stomping off with no effort to hide his displeasure.
Edythe, who refused to look at him, could no longer pretend to be ignorant of Tyr's mood. "The man is a menace," she mumbled as she once again rubbed her nose.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“I'm sorry this trip has been so difficult."
"It could be worse.We could be enduring Father Morrell's celebration of the Eucharist."
Bronwyn's jaw dropped and she turned in his arms to see if Ranulf was serious. He was.
Ranulf framed her face in his hands and placed a soft kiss on her lips. He then stepped aside and pulled his tunic over his head. Seeing her still stunned, sea blue eyes follow his movements, he said, "Don't look at me that way. The aggravating priest confronted me when you were packing, telling me that I was damning all of our souls by taking you away on such an auspicious day."
Bronwyn bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing. "Father Morrell's just concerned. He believes that all should be given Holy Communion at least once a year and-"
"He has chosen the last Sunday of the Twelfthtide to be that day. I understand. But just as I told him, I've missed so many of what he considers critical celebrations in my lifetime, another won't matter. And since you've attended almost every one, forgoing one or two this year is just as trivial."
Bronwyn took a deep breath, exhaled, and followed his lead, freeing the restraints of her bliaut. "I've married a heathen."
Helping her pull the thick material over her head, Ranulf agreed, "I think that is exactly what Father Morrell concluded as well."
Free from the bulky winter garment, Bronwyn felt a surge of arousal and twisted around to kiss him full on the lips. "Then maybe I'll just have to reform you."
"Sounds tempting," Ranulf murmured against her lips, "but what if it is I who corrupt you?" he asked as he slowly edged her shift up over her hips, breast, and then head.
Bronwyn smiled and twined her arms around his neck.She felt no awkwardness for her lack of clothing.She had nothing to hide from this man.He thought her perfect. "You've already tried."
"And it's working.Just who is seducing whom, angel?"
"Oh,I am definitely seducing you, my lord."
Tomorrow she would ask him about his reasons for their impromptu journey south. She suddenly had other plans.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“I'm sorry this trip has been so difficult."
"It could be worse. We could be enduring Father Morrell's celebration of the Eucharist."
Bronwyn's jaw dropped and she turned in his arms to see if Ranulf was serious. He was.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Preparing to leave had been arduous, but it was nothing compared to the journey once it had started.
Traveling with men, in the winter, was hard. Traveling with women was difficult, but trekking through the winter mountains with females who had never journeyed anywhere was straining Ranulf's every last nerve.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Ranulf stared blankly into the campfire, trying to ignore Lily.
"White horses always look dirty," Lily told the young smitten soldier sitting beside her. "That's why I refuse to ride them.Brown ones may be just as filthy,but at least I cannot see the dirt. Black ones less so,but I have found that in general dark horses suit me better."
"You just think you look better on them," Edythe protested before succumbing to several seconds of coughing.
Bronwyn studied her redheaded sister for a moment.Tyr put another blanket around Edythe's shoulders and eventually the coughs quieted. Turning her attention to Ranulf,Bronwyn promised him softly, "You'll have to ignore them."
Ranulf grimaced and sent a reproving look to his youngest sister-in-law. It,just like the others he had sent Lily throughout the day,changed nothing. "I just find it hard to reconcile the child I hear now with the woman who appeared after your death. With you gone,she had to grow up.Now that you are back..."
Bronwyn snuggled up against his side with a sigh. "I admit I encourage it.Life will force Lily to grow up soon enough and I am glad it was not my death that thrust it upon her. In the meantime,you ignore her prattle and I'll just be amused it," she advised before planting a gentle kiss on his arm.
Ranulf,with his free hand, raked his fingers through his short hair. How had he gotten into this predicament? But it took only one look at the huddled form next to him to remember exactly how. Bronwyn. He had wanted to make her happy. After thinking her lost to him forever, he would have promised her anything, even the moon.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“But where are we going?"
Glancing back at her,he smiled a wicked smile. "Westminster."
"Westminster! Now? What about the Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord? I'm the First Footer! I can't just leave."
Ranulf came back in and gave her a comforting kiss on the forehead before placing a softer one on her lips.
Unfortunately, that is one tradition we must break.So pack only what is necessary and don your warmest gown."
Bronwyn's heart started pounding as she realized just who Ranulf intended to see and confront. "What are you planning to do to Luc?"
But the question was issued to an empty corridor. Ranulf was gone, and the next time she was to see him,they would be riding out of Hunswick at a speed she wouldn't understand for another three days.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“He loved and was loved in return.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“I am not about to send anyone after a missing tapestry just to pacify two women and a priest.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Shouldn't we get up?"
With unexpected strength,he grabbed her waist and rolled her over at the same time, poisitioning her so that she was astride him. "I don't think so."
Bronwyn licked her lips. "It is Saint Stephen's Day. The people will be waiting."
"For their pots full of money."
"So you know the custom," she purred, letting her fingers play with the hairs on his chest.
"Of course," he groaned. "I ordered the clay pots as soon as we got back after we went hunting.I'll pass them out tonight."
"Did you know that you,too,get a present?" Bronwyn asked as she leaned down to kiss his naval, smiling with delight as his stomach contracted.
Ranulf grinned back. "Really?And just what is in my clay pot?"
"Your present doesn't come in a pot," she purred, smiling as her hand slowly moved lower,making a trail for her mouth and tongue to follow. "And even more lucky,you don't have to wait until tonight either.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“This morning, he had been doomed for a dismal eternity,but instead, standing before him was a woman giving him everything he had dreamed of but never thought he would possess.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“I meant what I said, Bronwyn. I will never let you leave me. Never.So end your plans of Scotland and disappearing in the middle of the night,for I will hunt you down and claim what is mine. And you are mine.And I never let go of what belongs to me.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“He released her lips but did not pull back. Instead,he traced the lines of her jaw with his fingers. "Does that answer your question? For let me tell you now,I never have and never will desire another.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Know this,I won't let you leave."
"Oh,my lord," Bronwyn hissed back as she continued to fake a smile to those around her, "if I want to leave...I will."
"And then I will follow you and be most unhappy at the effort."
Bronwyn dropped her sham expression of bliss to glare at him directly. "I wonder if you would truly care or even notice."
"You are mine, Bronwyn.Now and forever. And I would notice."
"Why should I care?"
"Because you would be destroying everyone's Christmas.For if you try to depart from Hunswick without my approval, I will find you and use every able mad to do so."
Bronwyn openly gaped at him,realizing he was completely serious.
Father Morrell, in hearing distance of the conversation, made another one of his blaring coughs. He then gave them both a slicing look she hadn't thought possible out of the cherublike face and held up a bowl of spiced and scented water. "It is a time for quiet. A day for being with loved ones, and sharing love together..." The man had started his sermon, making further conversation just like everything else around her...impossible.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight

“Damn you to tell," she hissed.
With each struggle, the wires of her wimple poked his chest, causing him a surprising amount of pain. He was about to yank the horrid thing off when she came to an abrupt halt at Father Morrell's rebuke. "I am shocked, my lady.You have always been a girl of common sense.To use such language, on Christmas, and in the chapel!"
Bronwyn bit down hard on her bottom lip, her fury inflamed further. She forced herself to stand still and succumb to the proceedings. Ranulf may be keeping her here now,but that didn't mean she couldn't escape before night fell.
"And you,Lord Anscombe," Father Morrell huffed, "this is most irregular. How am I to know this lady comes willingly to this marriage carried upon your shoulder?"
"Father,you have one duty in front of you at this moment,and that is to wed me to this woman. The salvation of our souls can wait until tomorrow.”
― Michele Sinclair, The Christmas Knight