Courtly Love by Lynn M. Bartlett

Gyles could admit that much to himself—feared for her life. He drew a deep breath and put a teasing note in his voice. "I shall race you to the shore, Serena. Are you game? You do swim very well for a woman, but.. ." He allowed his voice to trail off.
    Serena rose to the bait. "A challenge? But, m'lord, you must make the contest more interesting."
    Gyles raised an eyebrow. "A small wager on the outcome, Serena? Will that make the contest worth your while?" Serena nodded. "Very well, then, what do you wish if you win?"
    Serena's eyes danced with deviltry. "To be allowed to take part in the lists tomorrow."
    "What!"
    "I was going to anyway, but now I have risked my chance, for if I lose, I shall not participate." Gyles still wore a dumbfounded expression as she continued. "Since my wager is quite dear to me, m'lord, what will you wager that is equally dear?"
    Gyles stared at her and then shook his head as if to clear it "Serena, surely you are not serious about the lists! Even if you were trained in the art of combat you would stand no chance against veteran knights. Any of my men, even the weakest of them, could accidentally do you a grievous injury. I will not allow—"
    "The wager, m'lord, or the challenge is void," Serena warned. "And if the challenge is off, I participate as I planned, even if you deny me your permission."
    "Oh, very well," Gyles groaned. "For my wager, I choose—" His mind raced frantically. "I choose that you begin, as of the end of this race, to occupy your rightful place at Camden as my wife. And you will start by having Beda removed from the chamber next to mine and installing yourself in her place."
    Serena paled, and Gyles thought for a moment that the price was too high. Actually, if he won, Gyles would have accomplished two ends. He would be relieved—at least to some extent—of Beda's noisome presence, and Serena would be closer to him. The afternoon had caused Gyles to realize that he did, in fact, desire Serena as his wife. She would be his talisman against all that was ugly and sordid in his life. Her mere presence could bring him a peace of mind he had never thought to have. Serena still had not spoken and Gyles watched her closely. "Well, Serena, what say you? Do you agree to the wager?"
    Numbly, Serena nodded. The wager was more than she could have hoped for—to gain her rightful place beside Gyles! Yet, she also desired to participate in the mock battle. If Serena won, she lost; and if she lost, she won! Which course to take? "Aye, tn'lord, I accept your terms. Do you give the signal or do I?"
    "By all means, let us be fair. You give the word, Serena. 'Tis only just since I challenged you."
    Serena nodded. "Now!"
    Both struck out for the shore. Serena concentrated completely on keeping abreast of Gyles. As she had observed, he was a powerful swimmer, and he effortlessly began to pull ahead of her. Serena drew upon her reserves and once more was even with Gyles: The process was repeated again and again until Serena weakened and suddenly realized that Gyles only toyed with her, prolonging the game. He could easily have outdistanced her from the start, and could now be sitting on the bank if he so desired.
    A glance over his shoulder showed Gyles that Serena was lagging behind him, but her jaw was set in a determined line. "Yield, Serena! You cannot win!" Gyles called back.
    "Nay!" Serena shouted and for her trouble swallowed a mouthful of water. Damn but the man was irritating! Gyles's laughter floated back to her, and she saw that the long strokes of his powerful arms had already carried him to the shallows and he was now wading to the shore. Frustrated, Serena stopped swimming and let herself sink beneath the water. What difference did it make whether Gyles won? It had been a lighthearted contest, made in jest, and whatever the outcome, she gained.

    What was she trying to prove? And to whom, Gyles or herself? Why could she not feel content with the thought of being Gyles's wife? For