The Defiant Bride (13 page)

As befitted her station as the wife of a loyal earl, she and her retinue were permitted to cross into the inner court. The principal gateway had recently been rebuilt by the new king, who was anxious to put his mark on every aspect of his kingdom. It was as impressive as the castle itself. It made one feel safe and protected—unless you carried with you some threat, in which case it would hold you trapped within its walls. Dariana tried to breathe deeply and slowly to calm her pounding heart.

Suddenly, William was there, lifting her from Moonshadow’s broad back and into his arms. She melted against him and their lips met, the force of passion between them taking her breath away. For a moment, they forgot themselves. After all, such behavior was to be expected in a love match, as this was said to be.

Finally, taking a small step back, William tossed Moonshadow’s reins to a waiting groom and the two made their way toward the castle.

“You have forgiven me, then?” William whispered, for her ears alone.

“In truth, I
have
missed you, my lord. Forgiving is another issue altogether.”

“Missing me is enough for this day,” he responded, smiling.

“Pray, William. Tell me of the disposition of the king.”

“The king?” he questioned innocently. “Have you business with the king?”

Dariana narrowed her eyes as she thought of all the ways she could wring his neck. “My fate depends on this. And that of my father. How can you be so cruel as to tease me on this mater?” she hissed at him.

“Because your fate is to be my wife and serve me faithfully all the days left to you. Because the king declared you a most ungrateful baggage to not fall on your knees in joy at being wed to such as I.” William was clearly enjoying this.

Dariana swung at his broad chest, knowing he would barely feel her small attempt. “Then you have violated your honor by lying to your king. If the truth be but known to him, he would have your skin flayed from your bones for your deceit.”

“You are a bloodthirsty wench, talking of skin being flayed from bones. I must protect my flesh that you do not pull it from me yourself—in your passion.”

At the mention of their intimacies, Dariana felt the blood rush to her cheeks. She bowed her head so he would not see her embarrassment. He stepped in front of her and lifted her chin. He gazed into her eyes and kissed her lips. “The king has not only forgiven you, he has blessed our union,” he whispered against the softness of her mouth.

“He asked no punishment? No conditions?” She could not believe it.

“His only request was to meet you. He does not know of your passion for blood, so do try to control your ire lest he change his mind.”

She tried to strike him again in the chest, to no effect. “My point is made,” he teased. “Now, go and prepare. Your clothes are full of road dust and some even streaks your nose. I cannot have my king think I have not taught my bride some proper manners.”

Dariana was so happy, she did not even take exception to this last, but followed him down a stone corridor and up two sets of stairs to a chamber on the third level. William opened the door. Rich, colorful tapestries hung on the walls depicting ancient scenes of love. Against the right wall, a great oak bed surrounded by velvet draperies dominated the room. An intricately carved table and chairs graced one corner of the airy room and soft pillows filled the seats. A huge fireplace assured the occupants they would not suffer the chill of winter. On a small table nearest the bed, two goblets—made of silver and studded with emeralds—stood filled with wine. William explained that emeralds prevailed throughout the castle, as the king favored green.

Dariana did not even have a chance to react before William slammed the heavy wooden door and swept her into his arms, pressing her body full-length against him. An incredible warmth filled her as their lips melted together, the sizzling passion fair searing her flesh. William’s tongue parted her lips. She clung to him, emotions tumbling over one another. Only one thing was clear. Her body wanted his. Her own tongue sought secrets, spurring the flame ever higher. She arched against him, giving him greater access as he trailed a fiery path from her neck down her shoulders. Suddenly, her gown was gone. His hand reached inside her delicate embroidered chemise to hold her smooth, creamy breast.

She inhaled sharply as his thumb teased the pink peak to hardness, then moved to the other, his lips following his fingers. Dariana tugged at his doublet, which he fairly tore from his body, then pulled of the linen shirt beneath. She felt frenzied, transported. There was nothing in the world but this man, this moment. She would never get enough.

He carried her to the welcoming bed, her legs wrapped around his waist. His hard body pressed her into the coverlet. His tongue savored the sweetness of her mouth. His manhood stood proud
and he pushed her legs apart and slid into the warm wetness of her. Her hips arched to meet his, drawing him deeper inside. All possible thoughts of patience fled. They moved roughly, hard and fast, their need dictating the fervent driving of man into woman. All too soon, her world erupted into an explosion that left her both exhausted and fulfilled.

They lay together, the dampness of their skin molding them together and holding them tightly until their breaths slowed to evenness.

William rose on one elbow and gazed down into Dariana’s lovely face, so soft and yielding now.

“You truly did miss me.”

“Perhaps I missed—the pleasure.”

“Heartless wench! Is that all I am to you? A moment’s pleasure?” He tried to sound offended.

“A lady must have her dalliances.” She was grinning now, but he narrowed his eyes as if in warning.

“Do not believe even for a moment that you may ever be touched by another.” His humor was gone.

“I did but tease. You are hurting me, William.” He realized he’d taken hold of her wrist. He let go, shocked by the force of his jealousy. “Forgive me. The idea of you with another is more than I can bear.”

“One husband is trouble enough. By the saints, husbands have brought me naught but difficulties so far in my life. Why would I seek more of them? You are quite enough to handle.”

“Then handle me, wench.” He leered at her, his humor returning.

“You are but a lewd, lecherous beast. Will there never be sufficient to satisfy you?”

“You had better pray not.”

“Then I can only hope our children do not inherit your arrogance.”

“Children? You plan for the future? Then you have decided I will do as husband after all?”

“I said no such thing. I merely am worldly wise enough to know the consequences of such behavior as this.” A sweeping motion of her hand indicated their nudity.

“A son would not be a consequence, my lady, but a guarantee of my future happiness.”

“Oh, and your happiness is everything to me, my lord,” she replied sarcastically.

“I am pleased to hear such words from you. As for now, I am thirsty and wish you to slake my need.”

He reached for her before she could reply and pressed his lips to hers. This time their lovemaking was slower and more gentle, until their need dictated their movements and they rushed together into the white heat that showered them with sparks before releasing them to float back to Earth.

They dozed for a while, then realized it must be time for supper. William dressed, but Dariana hung back, the sheet covering her breasts.

“Get up, lazy girl. You must dress. We need food before I service you more.”

She did not respond to his cajoling, but looked out toward the darkness framed by the large window. “When do I meet with the king?” she asked.

He cocked his head at her, unsure of what she was actually thinking. She seemed nervous though there was no need to be. “This eve. We dine with his majesty. Why? There is naught to fear, you know.”

“It is not that. Just a woman’s silliness.”

“What is it, sweet?”

“It’s just that I fear I have no proper attire for an audience. And I wish to look my best.”

“Ah, is that it? Well, I have seen you in peasant rags and loved you all the same.”

“It is not the same,” she said.

“I see. So I have not the value of the king in your eyes. Thank you, my lady, for your merit of me.”

“That is not what I meant by my words.”

“Pray, are you using the wiles of a greedy woman to gain coin from your husband, so that you might buy a proper gown to be presentable at court?”

“Yes, I suppose that is indeed the case, since I belong to you now and am at your mercy.”

“Forget it not, my love, and we shall get on with no arguments.” With that, he smiled and moved over to a great, tall oak armoire
beautifully carved with flowers and leaves. He swung open the doors, revealing gowns and petticoats filling it near to bursting.

Naked, Dariana jumped from the bed, excited as a child at Christmas. William appreciated the view of her backside as she gazed at the rich fabrics. After several moments, she turned to him, smiling with her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered, tears coursing down her cheeks.

He nodded as her attention returned to the gowns so she could make her selection. Finally, she settled on a velvet gown of deepest green with intricate embroidery around the sleeves and square neckline.

“Shall I be forced to kill the king as my rival?”

Dariana gasped. “William, that is treason.”

“You chose his favored color,” he replied.

She shook her head. “And so I am ever to make my selections based on pleasing only you and no one else, lest I raise your ire?”

“Yes.”

“Then you are either a very silly man or one willing to risk his life daily.”

“Let us say I will fight to keep you and leave it at that.”

Dariana dressed quickly and William opened the door to step into the corridor. Before Dariana could follow, he reached into his doublet and withdrew a pouch. From it he pulled a necklace of emeralds set among diamonds that reflected the torchlight in the corridor.

Dariana’s breath caught; she was clearly awed by the gift. She feathered her fingers over it as he placed it on her neck. As if a thought suddenly struck her, she raised her eyebrows. “It is lovely, William. I thank you. But—how came you to know I would choose the gown of green? What if I had chosen the red?”

He simply shrugged, laughing inwardly at his cleverness. Of course, he failed to mention the necklace of rubies that still lay wrapped within the pouch.

Dariana and William made their way down to the great hall, where they were directed to the dais. The king dominated the table, his booming laughter filling the hall. The room was bursting with people, each one siting in a place assigned according to rank. Heads raised to view them as they entered. Dariana was
uncomfortable at all the eyes staring at them. Then a murmur broke out. It was obvious opinions were being exchanged regarding the new marriage and the wife the earl had chosen. There were two empty chairs next to his majesty. Dariana blushed with the honor of it.

She and William approached, then both bowed deeply in front of their king. Henry bade them rise with a flourish of his hand. When he looked into the smiling face of Dariana he nearly dropped the joint of lamb he had been eating. He indicated the empty chairs on his right. When they were seated, he spoke to William. “She is all you said and more.”

Then he turned his attention to Dariana. “You are magnificent, my dear. You delight the court with your presence. Nay, do not blush. We speak our mind since we are king. If others had our cheek they would say as much to you. Now, eat, for you have journeyed long. We have many questions for after the meal.”

The tables groaned under the bounty of food. Plates were filled with shanks of mutton, legs of lamb, and trays of eel in butter, whiting, and ling, all covered in delicious sauces. Goose, a delicacy at the home of most, reserved for holiday celebrations, was merely an accent to the lavish display of meats, fish, and other fowl.

Once the heavy meats had been consumed, they were replaced by plates of vegetables. Soon, sweetmeats were added: pies, cakes, tarts dripping with candied sauces and fragrant with ginger and cinnamon. The wine flowed freely, the goblets refilled by servants who ran tirelessly to and fro to see to the contentment of the king and his company. Partway through the meal, the king spoke to William. “I can see why you would fight the devil himself to possess such as she. But I fear your road will not be an easy one, though probably well worth the trouble.”