Ertemis caught Jessalyne up in an embrace and kissed her soundly, inciting another swell of cheers and well wishes.
“I’ve never kissed a queen before,” he whispered in her ear.
She smiled as she answered him. “Time to practice, don’t you think?”
The feast in the great hall was followed by dancing. Jugglers entertained out in the courtyard and stilt walkers amused the crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
The day wore away and Jessalyne realized hours had passed since she’d spoken to her husband. She’d seen him at his father’s side across the great hall talking with some duke or being introduced to yet another noble. As exciting as it was, holding court at the head table wore her out. All the names and faces of the noblewomen presented to her blurred together. With a whisper in Shaylana’s ear, she excused herself and escaped into the kitchen to catch her breath.
“What’s wrong?” Fynna followed along, a great hunk of wedding cake in each blue fist.
“I cannot bear to meet another person. I’m tired and I just want to see Ertemis alone, away from all this noise.” She frowned. “If this is court life, I’m not cut out to be queen.”
“Nonsense,” cook chimed. “Your ladyship’s just worn thin, poor thing. After all you been through, it’s a crying shame for you to be thrown into that rabble out there and expected to endure. Sit and have a cup of tea.”
“That sounds wonderful. Thank you, cook.”
Fynna winked at her. “You’ll be alone with him soon enough.”
“Fynna, behave yourself.” Jessalyne laughed and bit her lip. Being alone with him was, quite frankly, daunting. She’d never been so nervous about anything in her life.
“You’ll be fine. Better than fine. You’ll see. I need more cake.” Fynna flitted back into the horde of revelers.
She had drunk less than half her cup of tea when Fynna returned. Valduuk followed a moment later. Both had icing smudged in the corner of their mouths.
“It’s time, it’s time!” Fynna twirled in the air.
Valduuk held out his arm. “He asked us to fetch you. He’s had enough as well.”
Jessalyne slipped her hand over Valduuk’s massive forearm and let him walk her into the great hall. The massive candelabras, lit at sunset, suffused the hall with a rapturous glow. The crowd dissolved around them and knowing smiles met her every glance. Her cheeks warmed.
Ertemis stood between his parents, the circlet of gold gleaming against his obsidian brow. He held out his hand and, with a bow, Valduuk backed away. Jessalyne reached for her husband. Their fingers meshed. The subtle pulse of blood beneath skin filled her ears. The sound of her beloved’s heart.
He kissed her hand, pressed it to his cheek, his eyes never leaving her face. “I have a surprise for you,” he whispered.
She tilted her head, a slight grin belying the fresh surge of nerves she felt. “What have you done?”
“You’ll see soon enough.” He turned his attention to the waiting crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen of the court, you have honored us with your presence on this most memorable day.” Jessalyne’s heart swelled as Ertemis spoke. He had become the king before her very eyes.
The cheering drowned him out until he raised a hand. His dark gaze met hers and he held it as he spoke. “As I’m sure you will understand, the events of the past few days have worn us out. Your queen and I will be retiring for the evening.” He kissed her hand again. “Please, stay and celebrate as long as you like. Tonight our home,” his voice caught at the word, “is yours.”
Again the crowd cheered, turning back to the revelry with renewed passion. The musicians struck up a new tune and dancers partnered off. Wine flowed and servers carried silver trays of sweets throughout the hall.
Raythus clapped him on the back. “Well spoken, son.”
Shaylana kissed Ertemis on both cheeks, then Jessalyne. “I cannot imagine greater happiness than what I feel today.”
“Nor I.” Ertemis nodded, a grin spreading across his face. “Don’t expect us for meals tomorrow. I’ve already left orders with cook to send ours up.”
“Ertemis!” Jessalyne cuffed his shoulder, the crimson flush in her cheeks undoubtedly visible even in the candlelight.
With a laugh, he scooped her up in his arms and bid his parents good dreams. He took the steps two at time until he reached the first landing. Leaning back against the wall, he set her down only to enfold her in his arms. Without a word, his mouth found hers in a deep, hungry kiss.
She draped her arms around his neck, luxuriating in the press of his body. His hands slipped to the small of her back as he nibbled the side of her neck.
“Mmmm…” she laced her fingers through his hair, loosening the plaits at his temples. “You’re very good at that.”
Hot breath tickled her ear as he whispered promises of things to come. “My love, tonight you will find I’m good at many things.”
His words shot heat through her at and she shivered, her hands slipping from his hair to his shoulders. “I fear I cannot offer you the same guarantee.”
“Your virtue is a great gift, not something to be ashamed of.” He smiled reassuringly. “My life started anew today. Nothing else that came before matters. I want no other woman but you for the rest of my life.”
Footsteps sounded on the stairs behind them. Ertemis drew his cloak around them and hid them in the shadows. “I’ve had enough idle chatter with well wishing nobles.”
“I agree.” Jessalyne huddled against him, watching the torch shadows flicker through the spot where her feet should be. The clean leather scent of him delighted her. “We’re invisible,” she whispered.
“Aye, but not mute.” Shifting, he quieted her with a kiss.
The voices of Raythus and Shaylana echoed in the hallway as the pair made their way hand in hand.
“If I had a few less years on me, I’d carry you in my arms as well. I’ve half a notion to try it anyway.”
Shaylana laughed. “You are a silly man. Sweet, but silly.”
“Unfortunately I’m also an old man, my darling. I wish—”
She silenced him with a kiss on his cheek. “I have a thought on that subject…” She paused as they passed the landing, staring straight at Ertemis and Jessalyne. “You two haven’t made it very far.”
Ertemis threw off the enchantment. “I thought you were guests. I’ve had my fill of small conversations.”
Raythus chuckled. “Your mother used to hide from me like that.” He tapped the side of his nose. “I had other ways of finding her.” He slipped his arm around her waist, holding her close.
Shaylana clasped his hand, her pale green eyes stayed on his face. “We should be off, lelaya.”
He kissed her forehead. “Indeed, we should. Good dreams, children.” Nodding at Ertemis and Jessalyne, the pair continued off down the hall entwined like young lovers.
Ertemis dipped slightly, catching Jessalyne beneath her knees and lofting her into his arms again. “They set a good example. Besides there is the small matter of the surprise I promised you.”
Her fingers laced behind his neck. “I cannot imagine what you’ve been up to. Is it a new dress? New slippers? A book of spells, perhaps? A kitten? I would so love a kitten.”
“Sweeting, close your eyes.”
“I don’t think I can. I’m too excited to keep them closed.”
“Please.”
She covered her face with her hands, leaving large gaps between her fingers.
“Close your eyes or I’ll pull your skirt up over your head and do it myself.”
She clamped her fingers together. “I swear I cannot see. Where are we going?”
“Patience, love.”
She listened to his footsteps on the stone floors. They went up another flight of steps. She smelled the oily tang of chain mail and a male voice greeted them as doors opened. Tallow and floral scents filled the space as the same doors shut behind them. Ertemis put her down.
“M
ay I open my eyes now?”
“Aye.”
They were in a small foyer. Similar to the king’s quarters, it had the crest of Shaldar inlaid on the floor. Tall candelabras, dripping in crystal, stood on either side of two sets of doors. The candlelight lit a path of white rose petals leading from the foyer into the doors on the right.
“Where are we? I don’t recognize this place.”
“This used to be the queen’s quarters but as my mother is not about to leave my father’s side, I have had it refurbished for us. Unless you would prefer your own chambers.”
“You did this for us? When did you have the time?”
“Actually, it was my idea, but Valduuk took care of the details.” He held her hands as he backed through the doors to their right. “There’s more.”
The trail of petals led into the massive bedchamber. Candlelight muted the mural of blue skies and wispy clouds decorating the high ceilings. Two enormous armoires flanking one of the tall windows dressed in ivory silk.
Jessalyne kicked off her slippers and wriggled her toes into the luxurious wool carpets. “This room is so beautiful. And this bed…” she stared up at the thick carved posters and snowy damask curtains.
“It reminds me of another bed.” Her fingers trailed across the silk coverlet as she walked back to Ertemis.
“I know how much you liked that bed, and I thought it would be a good reminder to me.”
She slipped her arms about his waist. Crinkling her brow, she tilted her head. “A reminder of what? That was not exactly the most agreeable evening we spent together.”
“I resolved that night that any woman who could put up with me at my worst surely deserved my best, although in truth, I had no reason to believe you’d want me at all. When I left Elysium and realized how much time had passed, I was afraid your heart would belong to another.”
“Why would you think that?” She shook her head at his admission.
“Beautiful women aren’t alone for long, although you’re so much more than beautiful. You’re strong and brave and you fight for what you believe in.”
She leaned into him. “You see all of that in me?”
A wicked grin lit his face. “Aye, beneath that tempting bosom beats a heart of fire and I’ve been cold too long.”
Her hands traveled lower to cup his backside. “You don’t feel cold to me.”
His brows shot up. “I thought I was marrying an innocent maid.” He lifted her, slipping his hands beneath her buttocks and pulling her hard against him. “Seems I have wed the sauciest wench in all of Shaldar.”
Wrapping her legs around his waist, she captured his mouth in a restless, hungry kiss. Her tongue danced against his and he moaned.
He walked them to the bed, resting her on the thick mattress to free his hands. Without breaking their kiss, he loosed the ties on her gown and eased the silk up over her thighs. Suddenly, he backed away.
Her brow furrowed nervously. “What’s wrong?”
His words came out husky with need. “I want to see you.”
Tentatively, she stood and slipped out of her gown. His hungry eyes grazed over her. The white silk undergown hid nothing. He kneeled at her feet and slid his hands up her calves, under the white silk, and along her heated thighs.
“You’re as supple as warm honey and twice as sweet.”
She closed her eyes, struggling to balance the fire ignited by his touch.
“Look at me. I want to see your eyes, lelaya.”
Shaking her head, she whispered, “I’m afraid.” Images from the past swirled in her head as she opened her eyes. Would the past always haunt her?
He lifted her onto the bed and lay beside her. “I would never hurt you.”
“I know.” She wove her fingers through his black locks. “I’m afraid of hurting you. I fear I’ll lose control and burn you like I did my father.”
“I held you the entire time you fought Sryka and nothing happened.”
She pursed her lips. “Your ears were smoking. You consider that nothing?”
He traced a line across her collarbone and down between her breasts. “The risk is worth the reward.”
“No, it isn’t.” She’d almost killed her father. Had killed Erebus.
“I’m not worth it?” He pulled back.
“No. Yes. What I mean to say is that nothing is worth hurting you.”
“You can’t hurt me. You might singe me a bit, but I’ll heal.” He winked.
“Stop jesting.” Stubborn, handsome, impossible oaf.
He leaned to whisper in her ear, brushing his lips tenderly over her skin. “I’ll set the bed on fire myself if you make me sit here any longer without touching you.”
She nestled her head on his shoulder. “It doesn’t frighten you?”
“The only thing I’m afraid of is that my wedding night will be spent talking.”
Heat spilled over her cheeks. “That will not do.”
“Nay, it will not.” He stood, his hands working the buckle on his belt.
She reached for him, pushing his hands away. “Let me.”
Grinning as he dropped his hands, he watched her nimble fingers unbuckle the clasp. “You do that as though you’ve undressed a man before,” he teased.
She smiled to herself. A taste of his own medicine might cure him. She dropped his belt to the floor. “I have.”
“What?” He scowled. “Who? When did this happen?”
“It was you, my love, before I even knew your name.” She giggled a tugged at his tunic. “Such jealousy! Perhaps the Green Death is a better name for you.”
The muscles bunched in his shoulders as he crossed his arms over his chest, thwarting her attempts to remove his shirt. His black eyes gleamed with amusement. “Shall I remind you of a rather buxom tavern girl by the name of Dalayna? As I recall, you flew into quite a fit over something that never even happened.”
“That wicked trollop provoked me apurpose and if you mention her name again, I’ll do more than make your ears smoke.” She threw her hands onto her hips, daring him to repeat the girl’s name. The white silk strained across her body, and his needy gaze dropped lower. He swallowed.
“Now I know I have married the right woman.” A familiar silver glitter sparkled in his eyes. “I cannot resist you when you’re cross. Kiss me, wench.”
She climbed onto the bed, kneeling on the coverlet. “No.”
“No?” He moved toward her, but she put her hand out to stop him.
It would be good for him to wait. “You will not say her name again?”
“Nay, it shall never cross my lips again.” He promised with his hand over his heart. “Now, please, before I succumb—”
“Tell me you love me,” she insisted.
“I love you madly.”
He leaned in to kiss her. She scooted back and smiled coyly. “Take your shirt off.”
Far too eagerly, he stripped off his tunic. His skin shimmered in the candlelight. She wanted to devour him. “Now have I earned a kiss?”
She shook her head and pointed at his trousers, her face burning at her own boldness. She stared brazenly, waiting for his reaction.
Without hesitation, he yanked his boots off and tore at his trousers, disrobing in a blur. She shrieked and hid her face behind her fingers. She hadn’t expected so much of him so fast.
“Is this what you desired, your highness? To see me bare before you?” Need thickened his voice to a deep, smoky syrup.
She nodded without looking at him.
“Look at me, lelaya. I’m your husband. It’s your right. And if you’re bold enough to ask, you should be bold enough to look.”
He’s right, he’s my husband. I have every right to look. She dropped her hands. There was so much more of him than she remembered. So much dark skin and curved muscle and…“Your eyes are glowing.”
He grinned wickedly and crooked his finger at her. “Come closer. Sit on the edge of the bed.”
“Turn around and I will.”
<
br /> “You’ve seen me twice in my skin already, haven’t you? Why is this any different?” he asked as he turned.
“Because I didn’t intend to see you those times.” Her gaze traveled up the steely contours of his legs to the rounded curves of his backside. Every inch of him was hers and hers alone. The thought made her giddy. Light-headed. Wanton.
A shuddered sigh escaped her throat. Her fingers itched to caress his velvet skin. She slid off the bed and went to him, softly stroking her fingers up his thighs, flattening her palms over his hips.
He sucked air in through clenched teeth. The thick muscles in his back constricted as she explored the silver trail of runes tattooed on his spine. Blazing kisses followed as her arms wrapped around him. Her fingers splayed over the ridges of muscle leading to his groin.
“Jessalyne, please,” he hissed. “You torture me.”
Need had long ago overwhelmed any remaining shreds of shyness. With a shush of fabric, her gown pooled around her feet. She tugged his hand and turned him around.
* * *
In the candlelight, her skin seemed drenched in new cream. Words failed him. The long ago glimpse of her dressed in the dampened sheath by the pool faded, replaced by the unadulterated vision before him. Her gracious curves captivated him, enslaving him to the marrow. Her power flared around her softly, as if moonlight shined through her skin.
She studied him openly, the pale luminescence surrounding her increasing the more she looked. Obviously, she’d overcome her inhibitions.
“Am I to your liking?” He watched her gaze travel his body.
“The fairest man I’ve ever seen.”
“Aren’t I the only man you’ve ever seen?”
She nodded, laughing softly, but her eyes never strayed from him.
He’d known that much, but her admission filled him with prideful possession. She was his and only his. Now. Always. Forever.
She hesitated, her voice a whisper. “Are all men so…” She gestured with her hands, not knowing how to put words to her question.
Heart of Fire Page 32