Because of Chivalry

Chapter Eight

Hayllen helped Chivalry get ready for bed. It had been a long day for her. The poor dear was exhausted. Chivalry sure did put up a good fight though. She didn't believe Holland's stories for a second. 

Hayllen wasn't too happy with Holland either. When she told him she couldn't do her job any more he had injected her with something that made her pass out. When she woke up she was tied to a chair with tape over her mouth. 

Holland was sitting in front of her. He told her that he understood that she had a kind heart and he was willing to forgive her for thinking of bailing and would give her another chance. Her new job was to make sure no one noticed him taking Chivalry out of the hospital. 

She had hated keeping Chivalry asleep for two months. But to be close to Holland she had followed his orders. It didn't matter that he had drugged her or tied her to a chair. She loved him. 

After Chivalry fell asleep she went down stairs to face Holland.

"How is she?"

"As good as can be expected. he fell right to sleep. She's exhausted after what you put her through today."

"I know it was a big day for her but she will have to get used to it. Until I have her convinced that there is no Daton Farefall and that I am her husband she will have a big day every day."

Hayllen instantly became frustrated. This whole situation was nuts. She was nuts for going along with it like everything was okay. 

"Tell me Holland, just why have you chose Chivalry? She's a married woman and you can have your pick of women. So why her?"

Holland was lost in thought. He was thinking back two months ago when he first laid eyes on Chivalry. He owned Bedside Hospital and was roaming the halls making sure everything was in order and running smoothly when he heard someone talking very loudly. A man was begging a doctor to save someone. Curiosity got the best of him so he followed the man and doctor to a room. 

He spotted a beautiful woman lying on a hospital bed asleep. In that moment he knew that she belonged with him. He went home and told his maid, Hayllen, everything. Together they had formed a plan to keep Chivalry asleep until Daton gave up on her. Then Holland would claim her for himself. 

Those two months were pure torture for Holland. Daton just wouldn't give up hope. He was by his wife's side every moment. 

Hayllen became frustrated again. Holland had a goofy grin on his face and she had a good idea why. "Holland! Snap out of it! Did you hear a word I said?"

Holland blinked and looked at Hayllen. "I'm sorry. Did you say something?"

She let out a frustrated sigh. "I said why Chivalry?"

"Hayllen we have been over this several times. I chose Chivalry because we belong together."

"You are going to fall in love with her if you aren't careful."

The look on Holland's face said it all. She gasped and put her hand over her mouth. Her heart was unraveling. She was in love with Holland and had been for years. 

"You're in love with her already."

Saying it out loud made it more real. Her eyes instantly filled with tears as she realized what that meant. 

"Hayllen why are you about to cry?"

"Oh Holland! You are so dumb! Why do you try to change a married woman's life when you already have another woman's heart?"

Holland had a puzzled look on his face. He had no idea what she was talking about. "What other woman? All I know is that I have never believed in love until now."

So Chivalry was the one. He was in love. She didn't stand a chance. "I'm tired. Goodnight Holland."

Holland was too tired to argue with her. It had taken a lot of energy to deal with Chivalry today. He went upstairs and checked on Chivalry. She was fast asleep. He was tempted to lay down with her but figured that would scare her. He had to take things slow.

He sat on the side of her bed and just watched her sleep. He stroked her cheek with his finger and found it as soft as silk. 

"Oh Chivalry you have no idea how much I love you. I don't care who you think you are married to. By the time I'm done proving my love you will have forgotten all about Daton Farefall. I will make you happy. I will be who you fall for."

He kissed her on the forehead. "Goodnight my love."

Holland stood and went to his own bed. He tossed and turned but couldn't fall asleep. Thoughts of Chivalry kept racing through his mind. He stared at the ceiling and his thoughts turned to Daton. 

"Chivalry is mine! You can't have her!"

After saying that out loud he felt better. He fell asleep dreaming of Chivalry.