My Gay Knight

By Collin White

Being gay in medieval times isn't easy, but when a hot, dominant knight takes a liking to a younger man there's no force in the world that can stop him from getting what he wants...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Salacious Stories
• Release date: Mar 27, 2023

Book preview

My Gay Knight

Collin White

Prologue

Welcome to the Late Medieval Age, where finding love was very rare. You may ask why, if you are not familiar with Medieval history, and here is one of the reasons. Parents, especially of high-born or noble origin, used the alliances created by the marriages of their children as a means to gain standing in society, larger quotas of land, and wealth.

Title was everything, and a noble woman had to marry an equal suitor, or a man above her own standing, and ‘falling in love’ was of little consequence. The daughters and sons were betrothed, often at a very young age, arranged by their parents and family, and had little or no say in their own marriage.

You could well imagine the uproar in society then, when a headstrong young man rages against this fate, disobeys his father, and causes scandal amongst his peers… This is the story of Sir Robert of York, Sir Thomas of Kent, and the love no one saw coming, and no one could stop.

Chapter 1

Pauline gazed across the small table at her husband, the Duke of York, her Daniel, and smiled quietly to herself. He was deep in thought about their Robert, and frown lines creased his forehead deeply. She knew him well and knew what sat most prominently on his mind at present. Darling husband, what do you think on so deeply? she said, reaching for his hand, which lay atop a thick white envelope bearing a familiar wax seal.

He shook his head and turned it toward her, his pale blue eyes holding a far-away expression until he blinked and focused on her. Sorry my love, I am just thinking about Robert. He is now twenty-five and a widower for a year and he is not yet remarried. He needs to produce an heir. He sighed and with his free hand rubbed at a jumping nerve under his left eye, He is such a wild child, so unlike his sisters. Why could he not be like Susanna and Jane? They were compliant about their marriages, and they were good, well behaved girls all along.

With a soft laugh Pauline squeezed his hand, soft under hers, and said, Heavens Daniel, we can’t have an easy time of it with all three of our children, surely? Every parent has at least one cross to bear. He has not mentioned any prospects for his hand as yet, has he? She looked suspiciously at the envelope.

At her very specific comment, Daniel raised an eyebrow at her. Did you know about this letter, Pauline? he said slyly. She shook her head and said sweetly, No, what is it about?

He took a deep breath stating, It is from our neighbour, David, the Duke of Lancashire. It’s a marriage proposal. When Pauline frowned, but didn’t comment, he continued, As you know, his daughter’s husband died three months ago after taking a terrible fever, and she is still, well, quite young. She is the perfect age for bearing an heir, so he has been searching for a suitable young husband for her, and she can bear him a child. It has come to his attention that Robert is a widower and is as of yet unattached, and he suggested we make an offer for his daughter’s hand. He looked down at the envelope, and to avoid the awkward silence from his wife, he fidgeted with it.

She opened her mouth to speak, considered her words and closed it again, taking a deep, steadying breath instead. She took several minutes to think before finally saying anything, Darling, do you think it fair to marry him to a woman who is seeking merely to replace a dead husband for an heir? Pauline watched him frown, and then sighed, I see what you mean, but her father offers a great deal of land, and a very good price. But she will also gain for herself the title of Duchess. I think Robert could do worse. The family is in good standing. Pauline did agree with her husband. It was a good match as far as land, wealth and title went.

And I suppose she isn’t a bad looking woman, a bit on the round side, but she could sort her cook out and fix that. She has a mean temperament though, I’ve heard talk… You don’t think she would mistreat Robert, do you? Pauline asked. Daniel flared up at this. Do you really think I’d tolerate Robert being mistreated by anyone? I’d sooner die! he exclaimed.

Pauline again squeezed his hand and said, I know darling, I know. So, do we accept his offer then? Daniel nodded at her in answer, and stood. He was on his way to his office to write the Duke of Lancashire. The sooner they notified him of their acceptance, the less chance he’d search any further for another candidate for his daughter.

When he returned twenty minutes later, he carried an envelope of his own stationary, bearing his personal seal, to be sent with their messenger. He stood behind her and placed the envelope on the table, and then placed his hands on his wife’s shoulders before stating, I’d forgotten, but next week we have to put up with the horror of the jousting tournaments. The flowery poofs. I can’t stand the Knights, strutting around as though they own every town they set foot in. He blew out a breath. When Pauline’s shoulders shook with soft laughter, he asked, What is so funny young Lady? Do you enjoy the spectacle then? She shook her head and said, No, but I have a feeling Robert might. This will be the first time he’s seen the Knights, jousts, and all the other madness and tomfoolery that goes along with the tournament atmosphere.

Daniel clapped a hand to his forehead. My worries, they never cease. I can’t protect nor discipline my children! he cried in mock horror, and left the room, off to who knew where, leaving Pauline alone with her thoughts in the morning sun.

****

That evening Pauline sat down in the parlour to pass the hour before dinner, and picked up her embroidery hoop, working on the edging to a tablecloth to add to her daughter’s trousseau, a collection of fine linens and family heirloom porcelain’s she would add to her current collection. She was hopeful that Edward would one day soon accept the offer from the Duke of Lancashire to marry his widowed daughter. The candlelight in the room flickered softly against the walls, and bathed the entire space in a warm yellow glow.

As she sat daydreaming about the wedding that she was to plan soon, she heard heavy footsteps enter, and her son Robert joyfully greeted her. Mother! Rushing to kiss her on both cheeks and give her a half-hug where she was comfortably sunken into her chair. "Good evening, my love, where have you been all