Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19262 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 77(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19262 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 77(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
“My friend and I need a room for the night,” I replied.
“It’s a penny a head,” he replied, “Double if you want heat.”
I nodded and placed four pennies on the countertop. “And I’d like food and fresh clothing brought to the room as well.”
“I’m not a tavern wench, nor am I a chambermaid,” he grumbled, but his eyes widened when I slapped a gold shilling on the counter. “I’ll bring those right to you. You’re in room four.”
I bowed my head in thanks before winding my way through the tables, with Leo on my heels. We walked through a corridor to reach the guest rooms, and I pushed open the door marked with a ‘4’, ushering Leo inside before me. I closed it behind us and threw the heavy locking arm across the doorframe.
I took a quick look around the room and nodded my approval; it held two beds (though I was planning on only using one so that I could hold my sweet prince all night), a privy chamber, and a fireplace, which was already filled with roaring flames.
I turned to Leo to check his approval, and found his forlorn expression as he looked at the floor. “What’s wrong?” I asked, stepping toe to toe with him and cupping his cheek in my hand, lifting his gaze to mine.
“I’m quite tired,” he replied quietly.
Though I was sure that was true, I already knew him well enough to know he wasn’t giving the full story. “You can tell me anything,” I urged.
Leo gave me a little shrug and answered, “I know it’s silly because it’s what you had to say to the innkeeper, but…we are not just friends.”
I smiled in understanding and caressed his cheek. “It is not silly. I feel the same way; I am proud and honored to be yours, but this world does not understand. I don’t hide our relationship out of shame or embarrassment; it is only for your protection.”
“I know. You just make me so happy and I wish I could tell everyone.”
“I know it’s hard, but take heart; one day we will be able to tell the world. Thayla gave her word that we may wed, and there will be many more who follow."
"Wed?" Leo repeated, his eyes bulging.
"Only if it is your wish," I assured. I would never push him too far or too quickly. Just having him in my life was enough.
But my heart swelled when he replied, "It is my greatest wish." Leo wrapped his arms around my neck and pulled me down into a deep kiss. Our tongues tangled and Leo’s hands explored my chest, before his fingers recoiled at the feel of dried blood.
I backed away and took his hand to lead him to the fireplace. In front of the flames was a pail filled with water, with a cloth draped over the side. I bent down and dipped my fingers into the liquid, finding that it was the perfect temperature.
When I stood upright, I smiled at the hopeful expression on Leo’s handsome face. I barely nodded and he stuffed his hands beneath my tunic. He slid his fingers up my torso as he pushed the fabric up and over my head. I took a deep breath as he examined my thick body, including the multitude of scars that covered my flesh.
When his gaze finally met mine, Leo’s eyes were dark and full of need. His voice was gravely when he whispered, “You’re breathtaking.”
I sighed in relief and insisted, “I need to see you too, my prince.” Leo’s cheeks reddened, but he nodded his agreement, so I tucked my hands beneath the hem of his shirt and slowly lifted it, savoring every moment.
His skin was fair and pale, as it had never seen the light of the sun. Freckles scattered across his chest and abdomen, which were tight and smooth. We were nothing alike, but I couldn’t mean it more when I told him, “You’re perfect.”
I dipped the cloth into the warm water before wringing it out over the pail. Although Leo was not covered with blood as I was, he had some dirt on his torso from the tree I helped him into. Plus, I thought that being cleansed would help him feel at peace.
I dabbed the cloth over his upper body, wiping away specks of dirt. He sighed gently when I massaged his muscles, relaxing them from our long journey. When I finished with his torso but before I could remove his trousers, Leo took the cloth from my hands and submerged it into the water as I had.
My prince humbled himself by cleansing me, taking the time to gently scrub the dried blood from my flesh. He smoothed the rag over every scar, treating each blemish as though it was something to be revered.
Once my upper body was glistening with water droplets, Leo looked questioningly into my eyes. I gave a single nod and he swallowed hard, making his jaw ripple.