Lark noted with amusement that several girls were vying for Will’s attention. Lucky Will, Lark thought and grinned, to be so young. The times of the equinoxes always elicited romance. Tonight, even the air seemed to shimmer. He counted it as a good omen.
It was the pause in conversation that made him turn toward the banquet tables. Though the backs of his companion guards blocked his view of the flowered archway, Lark knew that Anna had arrived. Warin and Tomas stepped aside to reveal Ailwen leading her to the space cleared for dancing. She was smiling at something he had said, and the music of her laughter carried all the way to where Lark was standing in the shadows. As she stepped into the soft glow made by the lanterns strung above the courtyard, Lark’s breath caught.
He’d always thought her beautiful; tonight she was radiant, and his blood stirred upon seeing her. She and her partner spun closer, and Lark’s eyes widened at the cut of her bodice. Jealous, he swore an oath and stalked toward the dancers, intent on cutting in.
The music changed, and Ailwen passed Anna over to Tomas. She was merrily enjoying herself now, perhaps a little too much. The music switched again, and before Lark could reach her, Baldric stepped in and took Anna’s hand. The dancing area was crowded, and Lark was forced to step back to the perimeter so as not to be in the way. He waited for the musicians to strike the next song.
Finally, Baldric and Anna made their way closer. The musicians paused, then struck their instruments again. Lark waited impatiently; unfortunately, fate had different plans. Baldric and Trian switched partners so smoothly that Lark missed his opportunity. And when the musicians struck up a new song, Anna was too far away. Warin, his rake of a friend, took her in his arms. Her laughter tinkled like bells in the clear night, infecting everyone with her happiness.
The latest dance was fast-paced. Warin spun Anna expertly through the other dancers; it was a miracle they didn’t collide with anyone. As they danced their way nearer to Lark, Warin winked at him, then twirled Anna a bit too fast. She caromed off the dance floor.
• • •
Anna was having a splendid time. She hadn’t had a chance to find Lark, for her surroundings were a blur as she and Warin wove their way through the dancers. Lady Elnoura had promised she would be engaged with as many partners as possible.
Warin was an exceptional dancer but was a bit distracted by her bosom, now heaving for breath. He put her into another fast spin. Too fast. She flew off the dance floor.
She held up her arms to protect herself from the looming oak tree. Someone stepped into her path, and she collided so hard that she immediately fell backward. Two hands shot out and grabbed her waist, pulling her back and saving her from a fall. It was Lark. He held her tight to his chest, and her arms, folded in front of her, were pinned against him. Anna gasped, trying to catch her breath. She lifted her chin and gazed into Lark’s eyes.
“Will you dance with me, Anna?” Lark asked, his voice thick with desire.
“We can’t.” She still hadn’t caught her breath. “The musicians have stopped.” Lark let out a curse loud enough to be heard by those standing nearby.
“It’s just as well,” she said. “I need to rest. It would be easier for me to breathe if you would loosen your grip.”
Lark leered playfully in the direction of her cleavage, not bothering to disguise his interest. He tightened his hold instead, and her pinned arms pushed her chest higher. Then, he released her, spun her around so that her arms crisscrossed under her bosom. “This is a lovely party, Anna,” he whispered close to her ear.
With her back pressed tightly against his chest, she could feel the strength of his heartbeat through their garments. “Everyone seems to be having a good time,” she squeaked nervously.
He pulled her crossed arms a little tighter, causing her breasts to swell even more, then craned his neck to better peer over her shoulder and down her bodice. She felt his exhalation, hot and moist along her neck, and a thousand goose bumps rose on her skin. She tried to stop it, had not even meant to do it. But a soft “mmm” escaped on a sigh. Anna felt the heat rising in her cheeks.
She focused on the musicians for a distraction. Carrick was pulling out his recorder to play an old tune. From another guest, a whistle joined in. Gilles brought out his dulcimer, and Will broke out his pipe. The different sounds tangled with one another until a beautiful collection of notes drifted up and over everyone in the courtyard. A couple of drums started up, and then Anna heard the lilting tones of a cross flute’s accompaniment. Moments later, the sweet sounds of Will’s pipe overlapped the other instruments.
No one musician led. All played together to make a beautiful harmony. At least twelve people were now performing, their notes blended and married, layer upon layer upon layer.
It felt wonderful to be held in Lark’s arms again. As her friends struck up another tune, this one faster and more complicated, she happened to glance across the dance area. Doreen, Grainne, Noura, and Claire were frowning at her. She remembered Doreen’s words about Lark wanting to be in control, and their scowling faces suddenly made sense. If she didn’t turn the tables soon, her planned seduction would fail.
Anna tapped her toe in time with the rhythmic beat of the drums. She pressed her back closer to Lark and, so that no one would see but Lark would definitely feel, she moved her hips in time with the dulcimer. It only took a moment before she felt Lark freeze. She dared a quick glance in the direction of her friends and saw them clapping their approval.
Lark’s heartbeat pounded through his shirt. A smile spread across Anna’s face when she felt his excitement. She rocked slightly forward on the balls of her feet and then bounced up and down, keeping in time with the faster-paced flutes and whistles.
“Do you still want to dance, Lark?” she suggested innocently, swaying against him. “The hired musicians will return soon, but I’m willing to dance to this tune.” Enjoying herself, Anna’s grin broadened. Finally, she had him!
“I don’t think now is a good time to dance, Anna,” Lark growled. “If you keep moving against me the way you are right now, we’re going to have a problem.” Holding her against his chest to disguise his excited state, he marched her to a nearby bench and table. Anna sat down facing outward while Lark sat down next to her, folding his long legs under the table.
Anna leaned back, putting her elbows on the weathered planks behind her, enhancing the fullness of her breasts. Lark cursed again, only to have matters worsen for him when Trian, Claire, and Elnoura joined them.
“Lark, are you all right?” Lady Elnoura inquired. “You seem a little flushed. Trian, pour some refreshment for Lark.” Anna turned around on the bench.
“This is wonderful party, Anna,” Lady Elnoura complimented her. “There used to be such a strong division between master and servant here.” Then, Noura winked.
Anna smiled gratefully at her newest friend. This was the cue for which she’d been waiting. “I was just going to raise that very subject with Lark.” Ailwen, Tomas, and Warin joined them.
Warin sat next to Anna. It must have been a little too close for Lark’s comfort, for he pulled her tighter to his side. “What was that about servants, Anna?” Lark prompted.
“Well, not servants exactly—rather, slaves.” She had not only Lark’s full attention now, but everyone sitting at the table’s as well. Measuring the interest of her friends, she settled on Warin and explained, “Months ago, when Lark and I sought refuge in a cave during a storm, Lark asked me a question about, erm, slavery, of a sort. I never had a chance to answer him. I’ve been thinking a great deal on the subject recently and believe I have my reply ready, if he’ll hear it.”
• • •
Suddenly wary, Lark dared to ask, “And what might your answer be, Anna?” He sensed that she was up to some mischief, but the fact that she was not throwing food at him told him that her anger had subsided. He would be better served to play along with her game.
“Well, all slavery, in and of itself, is abhorrent,�
�� Anna stated. She fluttered her lashes over her soft brown eyes and pressed further. “I suppose, though, it would not be so bad if the slave and master took turns.”
At the confusion that this conversation was bringing to the faces of his fellow guards, Lark began to laugh. No one here would comprehend that Anna was talking about the offer that he had made those first days they were together, when he told her that he desired to be her slave. They would probably guess, though, if he let Anna continue. She would never have the courage, he thought, and decided to call her bluff. “And how exactly would that work, Anna?”
She swept her eyelashes down shyly, then looked up again at their friends. Turning to him, she cupped her hands around his ear and leaned forward to whisper. Lark was feeling good about himself now that Anna was seated so close to him, their thighs touching, his arm still loosely draped around her.
Lifting his mug of beer to his mouth, he listened as she whispered, “I imagine, Larkin, that it would involve extensive use of my tongue.” To prove her point, she darted it into his ear and then ran it lightly around the edge of his lobe.
Lark had just taken a large swig of beer. With her hands discreetly obscuring her mouth from view, Anna murmured again, “And perhaps, my teeth as well.” She took his earlobe gently between her teeth and tugged.
Lark choked on his beer and knocked his cup over. Then, as he shot up, pulling Anna roughly to her feet, the bench crashed backward, and Warin with it. The others broke out into raucous laughter. Lark growled a curse before hauling Anna away from the table, away from the dancing, away from the party, and away from his friends.
Only Claire seemed nervous; he heard her question Trian in alarm. “Will Anna be all right?” she asked.
“I’m more worried about Lark at the moment,” Trian replied. Lark doubled his pace, pulling Anna along behind him.
“Lark. Lark. Slow down!” she begged, racing to keep up with his long strides. “Where are you taking me?”
Lark slowed long enough to lift Anna off the ground and carry her in his arms. He sighed wearily as this act, witnessed by his friends, was met with hoots and applause. Anna giggled and reached her arms around his neck as he rushed to the steps of the chapel. Only after they reached the doors did Lark rest and put Anna back on her feet.
He stopped and pulled her into the exterior alcove, pressing her back against the wall and out of view of the others. Taking her head in both hands, he lifted her face to his just before crushing his lips against her mouth. She answered his devastating embrace by plunging her own tongue against his. They kissed and kissed, his arms circling lower around her, pulling her to his chest, sealing his loins to her hips. He could not bring her close enough and groaned aloud. Coming up for air, they gazed at each other, neither able to speak.
Their gasping breaths slowed. Anna brought her hands down from Lark’s neck. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “You still have not told me whether or not you accept my terms to your proposal,” she reminded him, smiling innocently.
“Oh, not only do I accept your terms, I am looking forward to the arrangement.” He growled and lowered his head to kiss her again.
“And, it will be my turn first?” Anna asked, and he could hear the excitement in her voice.
“If that is your desire, then yes,” he offered. “Now, speaking of proposals…”
Chapter Sixty-Five—Second Chances
“Anna, will you marry me? Here? Tonight?”
The intensity of Lark’s expression robbed her of her senses, and for a moment she was unable to speak. She was lost as she fell into the depths of his midnight eyes, but he was there, waiting for her. She finally found that for which she’d been dreaming the whole of her life. “Yes, Larkin. Yes.”
He grabbed her hand and pulled her through the doors of the chapel. Suddenly, Anna realized that he was serious about marrying her right away. She dug in her heels. “Wait. Now?” she asked. “But we don’t have a priest. We need…”
“Don’t make me pick you up again, Anna,” Lark remonstrated. “You needn’t fret about the details. I have everything in hand.” Before she could protest again, he pulled her down the aisle.
She stared ahead, bewildered by what she discovered. The chapel was dark save for the area around the altar. A score of candles bathed the area in a warm, ethereal glow. Facing them was Lord Baldric, and next to Baldric, a priest. “I love you, Larkin!” Anna exclaimed.
The clergyman shifted and fretted, as if he were mentally checking off the requirements for a wedding. Bride, yes, Anna thought. Groom, yes. Someone to stand for the groom, yes. Someone to stand for the bride…who would stand for her? Anna worried. The doors to the chapel opened and Will, Trian, and Claire came down the aisle to meet them. Anna hugged her sister and then Trian. Finally, she turned to Will.
He grinned at her, holding out a small bouquet of lavender. He turned to the priest, his tone brooking no argument, and averred, “I’m here to give the bride away. She has my blessing to marry this man.”
Anna smiled at her friend; it was perfect. She could not have picked a better man than Will for the task. She stepped away from Lark and gratefully took the proffered flowers from her friend. Will made a display of properly handing her back to the groom and then stepped back to stand with the others. The priest launched into the recitation of marriage rites.
This time, Anna heard every word spoken and felt their full gravity. This was not an arranged marriage like the first. This was a union of love. Her eyes never left Lark’s as they repeated their vows, all the way until he said, “I will.” And then, he leaned in to kiss her. She tilted her head to meet him. It was the most natural motion in the world. Soft and gentle, their lips met.
“You may kiss the—oh!” the priest started, and Anna giggled. Lark’s arms circled around her waist as their lips nibbled and courted. They were soon oblivious to all present.
“Come,” Baldric ordered, putting his hand on the sputtering priest’s shoulder. “Let us all return to the celebration outside. We’ll give our newlyweds a few moments alone. And remember, not a word to anyone. They’ve earned the right to a little privacy.”
• • •
Lark heard the door to the chapel open and close. Standing together as man and wife, he was the first to remember that they were in a church, and with regret, he pulled his lips from hers. He clasped her hands in his and brought them to his chest. “We don’t have to tell anyone until tomorrow morning,” he explained, and saw apprehension in her eyes. “Anna, tell me. What is bothering you?”
“How do you do that?” she demanded. “How are you able to read my thoughts?”
“The same way you read mine. There is no other in this world who can do the like. Now stop stalling and tell me what is upsetting you.”
“Our friends will not be the only ones who will hear of our union, will they?” she asked.
Lark remained silent, one eyebrow arched, and waited for her to explain.
“The King and Queen will hear. Godwin told me that he has a list of suitable husbands for me. Well, for Stolweg, really. What if he’s angry because he wanted me to marry someone else? What if—”
Lark touched his finger to Anna’s lips to stop her from speaking further. “He won’t be angry,” he assured her. “I realized that the King would want a trusted man in place here, which is why I rode to King’s Glen first.”
“And?” Anna begged breathlessly.
“Apparently, the King’s list is quite specific.”
“Are you on it? Please, tell me you’re on it.”
Lark grinned. “Of course I am! I’m curious, though, Anna. Would it have made a difference to you had my name not been included?”
“Not in the slightest,” she answered quickly. “It just makes things easier, doesn’t it?”
From outside, a gale of happy cheering made its way through the doors of the chapel. “I am not looking forward to going back to the celebration,” Lark grumbled. “We’ve wasted so much time
, and I don’t want to share you with anyone else this evening.”
His bride seemed as pleased as a cat that had just caught a fat mouse. “Then don’t,” she said.
Chapter Sixty-Six—One Last Secret
“Don’t what?” Lark asked.
“Don’t share me,” she replied, and led him to the devotional candles. “One last secret,” she told him as she pressed the button that would give entrance to the tunnel leading to the west tower. From there, she used the passageways to take them unseen to her own chamber.
Once safely in her quarters, Lark made his way to the shuttered windows and cracked one open. Strands of a melody wafted through the air from the musicians below. He held out his hand and beckoned her to join him near the window. “You’ve made your people happy, Anna. They are so different from when I first met them. Look at Will. There’s a line of young maidens waiting to dance with him.” Lark wrapped his arms around her. “You spoke the truth to him in the stable today. Doreen and Gilles will have to visit you soon.”
“You mean they will visit us soon,” Anna corrected, leaning back against his solid strength as they took in the revelry in the courtyard. “Wait. You saw me in the stable talking to Will? I must have looked ridiculous, all those flowers. And the hat. Oh, no. And my hair. At least half of my hair had come loose from its braid.” She felt her cheeks flame red.
“You looked beautiful, surrounded by all that lavender. In fact, I’ve been thinking of naught else all day. Picturing you, naked, in a field.” Anna gasped, and he pulled her closer. “And it was not half of your hair. Three or four locks at the most.” Reaching up, he entwined his fingers into her loose curls, and tugged gently, pulling her back to him.
He took a deep breath and buried his face in her mane, murmuring into her ear at the same time. “I love your hair when it’s like this. I have since the first time I saw it down. Do you remember? It was still damp from your bath in the pool.” Unwrapping a long tress from his fingers, he gazed into her eyes. “I have spent many hours thinking up creative ways to—”
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