She frowned. “Why should anyone blame you?”
“Why not? Otto will seek to blame someone once he gets word of the loss. And I rode away from the skirmish after the empty chest was discovered…taking along his daughter-in-law.”
“I see your point,” Angelet said, “but I am also your defense. I will explain that I kept the key the whole time, and that everything you did was to protect the chest, and me.”
Rafe gave her a skeptical look. “Women aren’t considered suitable witnesses in a court. Particularly not beautiful, rich, unmarried women who travel in the company of the accused man for days on end.”
“Oh.” He was right. “Then we’ll just have to ensure that doesn’t happen. We’ll both find somewhere safe.”
“And where in all England would that be, my lady?”
Angelet sighed. “I know not. But there must be a place, and we will find it.”
Chapter 15
They rode onward through the woods. Rafe had been quiet, occasionally checking over his shoulder as they rode. But he seemed pensive rather than worried.
At last he spoke. “Perhaps we’re going about this wrong. I’ll return you to Dryton, and…”
Alarm welled up in her. “No, please don’t! I beg you not to do that.”
Rafe looked surprised at her vehemence. “I know it wasn’t the happiest place for you, but you’ll be safe there.”
“I’m not certain of that.”
“Why?”
She shook her head. “It’s difficult to explain. But I have this sense that it would go badly should I return, if only because I’d have to explain a journey alone with you. Otto would lock me up in the closest nunnery to hand. And you’d likely not get a chance to explain anything. Otto isn’t the most temperate of men.”
“Then what? We can’t just wander.”
Angelet had been thinking of precisely that issue all morning. What she wanted was to get to her son. More than anything. If she had Henry safe by her side, she could face down Otto, no matter what. But she wasn’t sure she could tell Rafe that. Judging by how he’d spoken of his own parents, he wouldn’t understand the depth of her own need to find her son. She had to think of another plausible destination. Then one came to her.
“Would you escort me to my true home? That is, my family’s home in Anjou?”
“You want me to take you across the channel?” he asked in surprise.
“My family has the means to pay you for your trouble,” she promised recklessly. “And in any case, you’ve already told me that you have no plans.”
Rafe frowned, considering her request. “Even if I agree, there are obstacles, not least of which is who you are…of who your family supports. Any port city held by the king may not allow you to leave, even if you could afford to pay passage.”
“Then we’ll go to a port city held by the empress,” she said. “Like Wareham!” Wareham was in Dorset, near where Henry was being fostered. Once they got closer, Angelet could reveal her true plans to Rafe.
He shook his head once. “Wareham? That’s a long way, Angelet.”
She felt his resolve slipping, and pressed on. “I’ll pay whatever price you set for your services. From where we are, the fastest way to Wareham is through Shropshire, is it not?”
“Yes,” he said, looking displeased. “I don’t wish to travel that way.”
“Why not? Is it dangerous?”
Rafe didn’t answer directly. “I have to think on this. I’m not agreeing to do it yet. For now, let’s just find somewhere safe for the night.”
Angelet held her tongue after that. She wasn’t sure what else she could do to persuade Rafe to agree to her new plan, and from what she knew of him, he liked to come to his own decisions. But if only she could get to Henry! Without Rafe to guide her, she had no hope of doing so.
She had to persuade him somehow. She bit her lip. She knew of one thing that often made men more agreeable. If she accepted Rafe’s offer, he’d be more inclined to indulge her, wouldn’t he? And she had wanted to say yes long before, anyway. She’d just been too nervous to take the step. But with this added incentive, perhaps accepting his offer would benefit them both. She closed her eyes. Oh, be honest, she told herself. You’re dying of curiosity.
The day was quiet, with no hint of pursuit. A little after nightfall they reached another village, this one tucked into the bend of a river, running high from the previous early rains.
Rafe arranged for a room and food, and care for the horses, all while Angelet stood about feeling useless. She attracted puzzled looks from the patrons of the main room, and no wonder. She wore the same gown as she’d been wearing when they escaped the robbery, and now it was quite dirty from days of riding and negotiating forest paths. Her cloak fared no better, now sporting patches of mud and several rents she would have to mend when she had a moment’s peace. The quality of her clothing and shoes told the world she was a lady, but the state of them suggested she was little more than a beggar. She pulled the hood of her cloak a little tighter over her head. Before they entered the village, Rafe suggested she hide her hair, since the silvery-blond was so noticeable.
As if Rafe himself could escape notice! He stood there dressed in all black, commanding attention with his stance and his looks. His thick, black hair fell across his face, making her itch to push it back behind his ear, partly to reveal those deep blue eyes. From the way the barmaid kept staring open-mouthed, Angelet knew virtually all the women in sight felt the same way. And why not? He was by far the most handsome man around. And he could be hers, if she asked.
Her gaze drifted to his shoulders and arms, the outline of the muscles evident even under the thick knit fabric of his clothing. She remembered when he’d helped her down from the horse with those arms, and blushed to think how much she wanted to linger in that embrace. To be so close to him that she could simply wrap herself around him and forget everything that happened.
“My lady?” Rafe asked quietly.
She jumped, not realizing that he’d rejoined her, and now stood in front of her, those lovely eyes searching her face. “What? Excuse me, my mind wandered…” How it had wandered.
“You’re tired,” he said, putting a hand to her elbow to steady her. “The good news is that we’ve got a private room upstairs.”
“What’s the bad news?” she asked anxiously.
“The bad news is that the bath is in the innkeeper’s home at the back of the property, so you’ll have to walk a bit.”
“The bath?”
He smiled. “The innkeeper is named Sarah. She mentioned she had a bath and that you might want it. So I paid the fee for you.”
“Oh, that would be a marvel,” she said.
He chuckled at the feeling in her words. “I thought you would enjoy that. Let’s find the room first, though. Follow me.”
Upstairs, the room was one of the best they’d seen thus far. Sarah kept a very tidy inn. Angelet put her small bag down while Rafe walked around the perimeter of the room, in a ritual she now recognized as his usual security.
Then Rafe turned to her. “I can risk letting you go to the bath on your own, yes?” he asked. “There’s been no pursuit, and the village seems calm. Everyone I’ve seen appears ordinary enough, and no hint of unsavory types…other than me, of course.”
She smiled at that. “You’re not the rogue you claim to be.”
“I’m twice the rogue I claim to be,” Rafe said jovially. “But I’ve been acting honorably for you. Well, as honorably as a man like me can, anyway.”
“Rafe,” she said quietly. “About that. I have been thinking.” Oh, she’d been thinking.
“Yes?”
“Your offer to me,” she said, her voice trembling despite her efforts to sound cool and calm about it. “The one you made before all this happened. I would like…I might…we could discuss it further.” Lord, this was embarrassing.
Rafe was evidently enjoying her discomfort. His smile was slight, but unmistakable. “Y
ou mean my offer to be your lover, on your terms?”
“I’m not agreeing to anything yet,” she said hastily, heat coursing through her and no doubt making her cheeks cherry red. “I only meant I was…am interested.”
“Well, if you’re interested, my lady, then we can discuss it further. Tonight.”
“Yes. Tonight.”
“As you command.” His tone was mild, no more sensual than before. But she still nearly fainted at the promise in the phrase. As you command.
“I’m going to find that bath now,” she announced, as if the matter were closed. Too late she realized that talk of her bathing was hardly likely to distract him from the previous topic.
“Enjoy yourself,” Rafe said. “Sarah will meet you downstairs and show you where to go. And don’t take all night,” he added. “I’m looking forward to our discussion.”
She forced herself to walk slowly out of the room, instead of running away from that knowing smile.
Downstairs, Sarah led her though an inner courtyard busy with activity from the visitors and workers. There was a tremendous din, partly because a couple of dogs had been cornered by a large orange cat.
“Hark! Stop playing, you beast!” Sarah yelled toward the cat. “You’ve mice to be killing!” She turned to Angelet. “He’s normally quite good at keeping the mice down. But any tom will get diverted from time to time. You’ve been on the road a while.”
“It feels as though we’ve been traveling forever,” Angelet confessed. “But in truth, it’s only been a sennight. Or so. We ran into bad luck, and lost most of our things to thieves.”
“May the Devil pinch all thieves and brigands!” Sarah said. “At least you have your lives. I expect your husband made them run. I know a soldier when I see one!”
“Ah, yes,” Angelet said nervously. Was it a sin to allow someone to think that she and Rafe were a married couple? “He’s always defended me.”
“Would that I could have said that about my man, may he rest in peace. But all he defended was his wine and ale. Left me the inn, though, and I thank him for that.” By that time, Sarah had ushered Angelet into what must have been her own bedroom. A wooden tub sat near the fireplace and a maid was already filling it with steaming water. “We like to bathe on Saturday, before we all go to Sunday mass,” Sarah explained. “The town’s women can pay a penny for a bath. But this water’s fresh boiled, and Grisa here makes a good oat soap.”
The maid gave a pleased nod.
Sarah made to leave, but Angelet said, “One more request, if I may.”
Angelet needed a new dress, yet brand-new dresses weren’t laying about, waiting to be purchased. She had to either find a woman with a spare dress to sell, or purchase fabric to sew her own. Both options required time, which was not in abundance. Angelet had asked the innkeeper’s wife last night, but got a mere shake of the head. However, she was in luck this time.
“I’ve a gown that would fit your frame,” Sarah said. “It’s a plain one, to be sure.”
“I do not require ornament,” Angelet said. “Just a good, clean, sturdy outfit. For I’ve got more travel ahead. If you can give it to me to wear after my bath, I’ll get the money for it from my…husband.”
“You wash up and I’ll find it. Grisa, attend this lady, and don’t be saucy, for she’s a fine lady, anyone can tell. A lady is still a lady in rags, while gold cloth won’t make a churl into a king.”
Chapter 16
Back in the private room in the inn, Angelet stood alone, her mind leaping like a deer as she considered her options: be bold or be modest, risk all or retreat.
She heard a soft knock at the door. “My lady?” Rafe asked from the other side. “May I?”
“Come in,” she responded, turning to face him.
She had taken great care with her appearance. She had bathed, reveling in the hot water and soap. She had washed her hair and brushed it so it gleamed as it fell down her back. She wore the secondhand gown, but had added one accessory. Around her neck hung the moonstone necklace.
Rafe took it all in silently, his eyes roaming over her, up and down.
“I wanted to look…better,” she explained, feeling rather embarrassed.
“You look gorgeous,” he said. The admiration in his voice was direct, unhidden, and as arousing as a kiss. “Is this when we discuss my offer?”
She nodded, but said, “I haven’t made a decision.”
He took a step toward her. “Then tell me what you need to know. What would you have me do?” he asked.
“Everything I tell you, no matter what.” She tried to keep her voice from shaking. She was not used to giving orders or ultimatums. “The moment you disobey, we are done. Can you agree to that?”
“Yes,” he said. “So order me, Angelet. I’m yours to command.”
“I need to hear you promise.”
“I promise.” He watched her carefully. “You look unconvinced.”
She took an unsteady breath. “Words and promises are worthless,” she said, finally addressing the central obstacle. “You’re stronger than I am, you’re bigger, you’re…”
He took another step toward her. “Angelet. Think about it. I’ve had every opportunity to take you, had I wanted to. These last few nights, or on the ridge, by the pond, even the first night at Dryton.” He stepped closer still, his eyes locked on hers. “Yes, you’ve got grounds for suspicion. I did steal you, after all. I warn you that I’m selfish and—”
“Hush,” she said.
He stopped talking the instant she put a finger to his lips.
Angelet smiled a little. “So you do know how to take an order from a woman.”
“The right woman.” He caught her wrist in his hand and kissed her fingers. She nearly fainted when his tongue grazed her skin of her palm. “I wanted you the very first moment I saw you leaning out of the window, high above everything, just watching your world like a queen.”
“Hardly a queen,” she said. “I was a prisoner, with no say over my life or my destiny.”
“Then be a queen tonight. You’ll have all the say. I promise.”
She inhaled, dreaming of it. Queen Angelet, with a single subject.
“Let me go,” she whispered. He did.
She took a step back, partly to get a moment to build up her courage, and to take another look at him. “You’re always telling me you’re the handsomest man I’ll ever meet. Why not prove it once and for all?”
“Don’t I do that just by standing here?”
She crossed her arms, wondering if he was perhaps a little nervous as well, and just better at concealing it. Well, no more. “Your clothes. Take them off.”
Rafe laughed. “You don’t waste time. Very well, do you want to help?”
“No, I want to watch.” Queens weren’t maids, after all.
So Rafe stripped himself of his simple clothing, starting with his tunic, since he’d removed his armor earlier. When he was nearly naked, he hesitated, obviously not used to being on display. But the hose came off. And he stood in front of her, fully naked…and fully aroused.
Angelet experienced a thrill as she surveyed him. He wanted her. He wanted her enough to literally strip bare and stand in front of her awaiting her command. Angelet never knew what it was to have any power. If it felt at all like this, she suddenly understood the appeal.
“Well?” he asked, not at all ashamed. “Am I the finest man you’ve ever seen, or not?”
Angelet laughed in delight. “You are so arrogant.”
“But also correct…correct?”
She bit her lip against a laugh. “Yes! I admit it. You’re the very finest man I’ve ever seen naked, which is not saying much.”
“Of course it is. First place is first place. What now?” he asked, obviously eager to continue.
“Now you must stand there patiently while I undress.”
“I can’t undress you?” He sounded disappointed.
“No! I don’t wish it.” She had almost agreed, due
to the ingrained habit of acquiescing to whatever anyone asked of her. But she was afraid that she’d lose her tenuous control of the situation if she indulged Rafe’s very first request. She wanted one night where she ruled.
She turned away from him, shyness making her clumsy. She lifted the gown above her head, and let it fall to the floor next to her feet. She then gathered up the shift, slowly, from the hem, exposing her legs inch by inch. She could have pulled everything off at once, but she wanted to draw out the tension…and perhaps to hide under clothing a moment longer.
When the thin shift also lay discarded on the floor, she turned to face him again, and was rewarded with an intake of breath.
All that was left was the necklace. She started to remove it.
“Leave the moonstones on,” he said. He hadn’t taken his eyes from her, and the expression on his face was enough to make her flush. She wasn’t used to being admired like this.
She paused, her hands raised behind her head, her fingers at the clasp of the chain. “Why should I?”
“They suit you.”
“Even naked?”
“Especially naked. I won’t beg for anything else tonight. I swear it.”
She considered his words, unaware that the pose she was holding, with her arms raised and her breasts thrust outward, with the precious stones accenting her body, was challenging Rafe’s ability to hold still. She unconsciously let her fingers trace the chain downward and then petted the largest jewel in the center of the necklace, feeling the smooth, cool moonstone under the tips of her fingers. “I’ll keep them on. Your only request,” she reminded him.
“I’ll remember.” He half-clenched his hands, and in a moment of intuition, she knew he ached to touch her, and only the lack of permission kept him from doing so already. So Angelet touched herself, cupping her breasts lightly with her hands, lifting them up a little.
The strangled gasp he gave told her that her guess was right. She looked at him from under her eyelashes, watching his reaction to her moves.
His gaze was riveted to her, and every time she shifted or moved her hands, his eyes followed.
Raven’s Rise Page 13