Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 39383 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 197(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39383 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 197(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Still I didn’t trust him not to try spiriting her away back to the country. My sister and her new husband were already on their way to her new home. Nicholas the old reprobate had suddenly decided he didn’t want his wife at the court any longer than was necessary. Apparently he had noticed others paying attention to her beauty.
“Are you well pet?” What was that look on her face? Was it the child? She smiled but it did not reach her eyes. “Hold.” I called a halt to the men and took the reins of her mare, leading her into the trees away from prying eyes and ears.
I helped her down and kept my hold on her. “Tell me what ails you Cecile.”
“It’s nothing my lord. The ride has tired me some I think.” That didn’t make sense. I knew her to be an excellent horsewoman and we’d gone but a few paltry miles.
Clasping her cheek in my palm I studied her eyes. Something hid behind her usually bright irises but I wouldn’t force the issue here. Instead I drew her in and kissed her forehead. “I know what ails you, you didn’t have me last night. Not to worry as soon as we reach the inn I shall remedy that.”
I got her first true smile then and after a kiss that we both needed like air, I sat her back atop her horse and found my own again before leading her back to the others.
We came upon the inn not many hours later. “We stay here tonight.” Had she not been with me I would’ve gone on until we reached my holdings, but she needed her rest it seemed.
“Go up to your room my pet, I will have your supper sent up and join you later.” I whispered the words in her ear before sending her off with her maid and returning to the inn’s tavern where my men were already getting into their cups and making sport with the serving maids.
“Your majesty, we’ve caught you a right pretty bird.” Lord Percy called out, indicating the buxom lass on his lap. My answer was a dismissive smile as I made arrangements for her meal to be sent up.
I was offered any manner of delights as I sat down to my meal, all of which I denied amidst pouts from the lasses and ribaldry from my courtiers.
I engaged in conversation, but my mind was up the stairs with her. What was it that plagued her I wonder? Had her sire gotten to her? If he’d said anything to upset her I’ll have his bloody head.
“So your majesty, a little birdie told me that the delightful lady Georgina is with child.” Percy the ass sniggered next to me. The words had no real affect. She wouldn’t be the first to bear my child, but she was of noble birth, which may cause a stir if her sire chose to make a ruckus. But I knew something my dear friend didn’t and wasn’t about to share. Whatever she was, she was still a lady of my court.
“You don’t say. I wonder which lucky young knave she’s caught in her web.” Make of that what you will. I listened diligently for any word of my dalliance with Cecile, but it appeared our luck had held thus far.
I didn’t fool myself that things could go on thus much longer. Already I was sure her maids and my man were aware of the situation and Nicholas that ass had made some cryptic remark before leaving court that led me to believe he suspected.
I stayed below stairs for as long as it took for my companions to become sotted before making my way up the stairs. I’d arranged it so that my lady and I had adjoining rooms of course, and our servants had their own quarters. My guards were stationed at the bottom of the stairs and out of the way.
She was fast asleep on the feather bed when I walked in in the dark. The only light was the flame from the fire grate. Walking to the bed, I stood over her sleeping form. This was one of my favorite times, watching her when she was like this.
“So innocent.” Even with all I’d done to her in my bed or hers, she still bore that air of innocence that was so endearing. How could I ever give her up? How could I let some other man have her? “Never!”
“Julian.” She whispered my name in her sleep and I begun to smile until I saw the tear that escaped the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek. What is this?
I hurriedly got out of my garments and climbed into bed with her. “Sweetheart, open your eyes.” I brushed the hair back from her face and kissed the tear from her cheek.