To Dream of You: The Royal House of Atharia, Book 1

by Gill, Tamara

  He wasn't sure what that something was, but he wanted to do it again, by God. More even. She tempted him like no one else ever had. Her ease with the estate's staff showed Drew what type of woman she was to her people. She listened as Joe, their head gamekeeper, spoke of poachers and the number of pheasants he had under his care. Holly held the older man's eye during the short conversation, listened, and questioned him, proving she was engaged.

  Drew doubted any lady of his acquaintance in London would care what the gamekeeper had to say. The women he knew may say they enjoy a stroll about the grounds, boating or horse riding, but sometimes he wondered if it were all a show—a play of words to merely get what they wanted—a duchess coronet.

  Holly was in no need of his title or his wealth. She was a crown princess and beyond wealthy. Indeed a heady thing, he knew, for he was sought after in London due to who he was and what he was promised to inherit. Not because he was cared for at all.

  They walked the grounds and stayed as close to the house as possible. Drew pointed to where the boundaries to his land lay. If he wanted to show her everything, they would have to travel by horseback, and at present, it was probably safer to remain close to the house and away from where others may see and recognize Holly from town.

  "Ah, here you both are," his father said, meeting them on the terrace as they walked up the large, flagstone steps, having finished the tour. "I had hoped to meet you here. Come indoors, there is a gentleman here to see you, Holly."

  She cast a startled glance at Drew, and he went to stand beside her, clasping her hand. "What does he look like, Father?"

  "Well," his father said, frowning. "Tall and muscular gentleman, dark-haired, bronzed skin, frowns a lot. He asked for Miss Holly Devereux. I, of course, corrected your name, my dear. No longer a miss but a marchioness."

  "Thank you," Holly said, smiling a little at his father, who seemed oblivious to the underlying currents of unease running through them both. "We shall go indoors and meet with the gentleman."

  They entered via the parlor and made their way to the library. Drew moved Holly to stand behind him as he opened the library door and sighed in relief when he recognized Niccolo's scowling face.

  "Niccolo," Holly breathed, striding past Drew and up before her guard. "Whatever happened to you? Where is everyone?"

  Niccolo flicked an annoyed glance at Drew when he closed the door but remained with them. "All are safe bar Lorenzo, who was killed. We have buried him on the Bainbridge grounds with a nice overlook to the lands. It has taken me some days to track you down. Why did you not wait for me at the shepherd's cottage?"

  "We did wait, but we fled as we had no food and nothing to keep us warm. We could not wait any more than one night."

  "And you thought to flee here?" Niccolo's words oozed condescension, his narrowed eyes on Drew telling him everything he needed to know about the man. Niccolo did not like him and nor, by the looks of it, did he trust Holly in his care.

  "Drew is Marquess Balhannah, future Duke Sotherton. I'm safe here with him and his father, the duke. We shall all be safe here until we leave for Atharia."

  "We need to contact Marco and have him procure a ship and men."

  "I have already done that," Holly said, walking about the desk and seating herself in his father's chair. Drew sat in the chair across from her, wondering if she even realized what she'd done. That without permission, she'd seated herself in a ducal chair, at his father's private desk where any manner of correspondence may be lying about.

  He bit back a grin, admiring her strong, commanding spirit. She was a marvel and one he was utterly and unashamedly able to admit to liking very much.

  Perhaps even too much.

  "We do not know that this man did not bring your uncle to our doors, Your Highness. How do you know to trust him? Why even now," Niccolo said, throwing Drew a scathing glance, "they could be on their way here. Ready to wreak havoc and kill those who get in their way."

  "Drew did not bring my uncle's men to our door. I know the reason why Lord Balhannah washed ashore on Lord Bainbridge's estate, and it is not because of my family. Please respect Lord Balhannah, Niccolo. He did not have to stay and keep me safe like he did. He could have fled and saved his own skin."

  Unconvinced, Niccolo set his mouth into a displeased line, before he said, "Your birthday is in just over seven weeks. If Marco receives your missive by next week, we shall have the boat here within a fortnight. I suggest we set sail for Atharia, leave England while your uncle is still searching for you and believing you here. By the time we have arrived, your birthday will be imminent."

  "What do you suggest I do upon my return? I cannot simply stroll into the palace and take the crown from my uncle's head."

  Niccolo paced before the desk. The man was all muscle, oozed anger and strife, and yet even Drew could see how much he respected his future queen and would die fighting to keep her alive.

  "The Medici family in the north of the island dislikes your uncle's rule. Reports you've read yourself state Alessandro Medici has been gaining support to overthrow the regent in favor of you, even before you come of age. We could travel to their estate, see if they would help us."

  "The Medici's have often disagreed with the crown. I would not read too much into having their support."

  "On the morning of the attack, word reached me regarding Princess Alessa. I was on my way to inform you of this news when we were attacked."

  A cold chill swept down Drew's spine, and he steeled himself to hear what Niccolo had to say.

  “What happened to Alessa?" Holly demanded, pinning her guard with wild, fearful eyes.

  "Rumor in the court has been that the princess was being courted by Lord Wyatt Cecil, Earl Douglas, visiting from England."

  "Wyatt was in Atharia?" Holly queried.

  "Yes, Your Highness," Niccolo said, nodding slightly. "Your uncle was furious when he heard that Princess Alessa was favorable to his lordship's interest. He shamed her before the court, called her a whore for men's lust."

  Holly gasped, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "And what became of Alessa after this shaming?"

  Niccolo glanced out the window, seeming unable to hold Holly's eye. "He has thrown her out from all accounts. We do not know where she is. Reports state that he is now doing everything in his power to sully Princess Elena too. The court of your father's day is no more, there is no loyalty or etiquette or morals. They are out to ruin your family, and your uncle will stop at nothing to ensure he keeps the crown."

  "He will pay for such cruelty. Poor Alessa, how she must be suffering."

  "I know Lord Douglas, he's an honorable man. He will marry your sister if that is what is required for her reputation to be saved. If he were courting her, I should think that his intentions were noble."

  "Like your own, my lord?"

  Drew frowned up at Niccolo. "What is your point?" he asked, not liking the man's accusatory tone.

  "I saw you this day, on the front drive, where anyone could have seen you, a commoner, kissing the Crown Princess. How dare you touch one hair on Her Highness’s head?"

  Drew stood, bringing himself eye level with the guard. "You may protect the princess, but you do not own her. She is her own woman with an independent mind. If she wishes to kiss me, I shall not refuse her."

  Niccolo's eyes narrowed. "You are not worthy of her."

  Drew stepped closer. "That is not for you to decide," he said, his voice hard with an edge of steel. He may not win a fight against this titan, but he'd give it a bloody good go before giving in.

  "Enough," Holly said, her voice clipped and stern. "I am here under the guise of Lord Balhannah's wife, Niccolo, and as such, I too must play my part. My actions here are my own, and for me to decide. Do not judge or interfere again. Do you understand?"

  Niccolo bowed. "Of course, Your Highness. Forgive me."

  Holly turned to Drew. "Do not argue with my guards, my lord. I do not need them to lose their patience with you and have y
our death on my conscience as well. My life at present is complicated enough without adding any more issues into it."

  Drew sat back down, not entirely sure he liked being scolded like a boy. Even so, he could see Holly's point and would not aggravate the guard any further. They had a job to do, a plan to put into place, bickering between themselves solved nothing.

  "We shall wait for Marco and the ship that will take me home. From there, we will travel to the Medici estate, secure men who will fight on my behalf, and engage my uncle."

  "And what of him?" Niccolo threw out, his voice mocking. "He cannot come with us."

  Drew narrowed his eyes on the man, his last nerve at the point of snapping with the fellow.

  "Lord Balhannah has offered to help. He may be useful with the English noble families who are visiting Atharia. My uncle may be less inclined to start a conflict if there are people who will go back and report his actions to others in high society and royal circles."

  Niccolo seemed to accept the explanation. Even so, Drew didn't give a shit what the man thought of him or his wanting to help keep Holly safe. He would see her returned home safely and crowned. If he were to do one thing in his life that was honorable, this would be it.

  The duke strolled into the room, stopping when he saw the three of them, Holly behind the desk, her guard hovering over them all, and Drew seated. Drew could only imagine what his father was thinking. Who was this behemoth of a man who had come to stay here? And why was Holly seated behind his desk as if she were commanding an army?

  Not too far from the truth, Drew mused.

  "I do apologize, I thought you were finished in here, my dear."

  "No, please stay, Your Grace." Holly stood, coming around the desk. Drew stood as well and stilled when she came over to him, wrapping her arm about his waist and holding him close. "Your Grace, may I introduce you to Niccolo, my manservant who was separated from us during our melee with the bandits. With your permission, I was hoping that you would allow him to stay for several days?"

  The duke looked over Niccolo, his eyes widening the more he took in the man's stature. "Of course, you're welcome to stay. I shall have a room made up for you in the servants quarters.”

  Niccolo bowed. "Thank you, Your Grace, that is very kind."

  "Nonsense," the duke said, waving the guard's concerns aside. "Whatever my new daughter-in-law wants or needs, we shall prevail to get it for her. Nothing is too much for our Holly."

  Drew felt Holly stiffen in his arms. He glanced down at her, taking the opportunity to kiss her before her aggravating guard. She started at first, but soon melted against him, her hands clenched tight on the lapels of his coat when he deepened the kiss.

  His father chuckled, and Drew was certain he hard Niccolo growl. Did the man want more from the princess than he was permitted? The thought gave him pause, and he broke the kiss, meeting the man's arctic, deadly stare over the top of Holly's head. Oh yes, he wanted more, and if murder had a face, Niccolo wore it.

  Chapter 12

  The following day Holly walked down to the beach with Drew, looking out over the emerald sea, knowing that within a week or two, a ship would sail into the cove to take her home. That Drew wanted to come with her, help her, was an honorable gesture she was happy to receive, but it was also dangerous. Her future, her life back in Atharia, was uncertain, and to place others in danger, people who had no claim in her fight, seemed wrong.

  "Drew, are you certain you wish to travel with me to Atharia? By doing so, you will be placing yourself in danger." To think of the man beside her being injured left a cavity in her soul. She did not wish to see anyone hurt. Drew was a gentleman, a man without too many cares. He could stay in England and live his life as if there was nothing to bother or naysay him.

  His life with her would be complicated, and at some point, he would have to leave. The idea of that left a sour taste in her mouth. To think of him returning to England, of going on with his life without her, hurt, oddly enough. The unfairness of it all when he courted, married, and eventually had children with a woman who wasn't her.

  She would not marry for love, but Drew could, and from the past few days having played his wife, the emotion coiling about inside her could be none other than jealousy. To be loved, kissed whenever one chose, touched, and conversed with without fear or reverence was a life she'd come to enjoy.

  Wanted more of the same.

  The waves crashed against the sand, reminding her of her location. "It is hot out today." Holly slipped off her slippers and carefully, without showing too much leg, pulled her stockings down, placing them in her boots. "Will you join me at the water's edge? I'm sure it will be refreshing."

  Drew, who was lying beside her, one arm draped lazily over his eyes, sat up. "If you wish to." He kicked off his boots, discarding his stockings somewhere to his side. He stood, reaching down to her. "We can swim if you wish. Although it is a deep cove, it is shallow for some distance out."

  "Oh no, I couldn't possibly." Even as Holly said the words, she liked the thought of the idea. She'd never been sea bathing before. She'd walked the shores of her home a million times, but to swim was not a pastime that a princess took part in.

  "Whyever not? There is no one here to see you, and I shall keep you safe."

  "I do not have anything to wear." She gestured to her light-pink muslin gown. "I will ruin one of the few dresses I have here at Sotherton."

  "I shall send for more gowns for you." Drew pulled her toward the shore. "Come, live a little while you can. I'm sure such pastimes will be forbidden to you when you return home."

  "Not forbidden, but certainly looked upon with disapproval." Holly took Drew's hand and walked toward the shore. The sand, warm under feet, tickled. The water washed up to her ankles and she laughed, jumping from the shock of the cold water.

  "It is chillier than I thought it would be." She smiled up at Drew. "Are you certain it is safe to swim here? I have never tried before, you see."

  "I will keep you safe," Drew said, staring out at the waves.

  Holly held on to his hand, nerves fluttering in her stomach. Drew paused when the water hit his knees, letting go of her hand and pulling his shirt up over his head, throwing it back onto the shore.

  Her mouth dried at the sight of him without a shirt. It had been two days since she'd seen him after his bath, but outside, the sun making his bronzed skin glisten, the muscles in his arms and stomach flexing as he walked and talked to her left her mind scattered.

  Did he know of the effect he had on women? On her?

  Holly tore her gaze away from the V that dipped beneath his tan breeches and studied the waves instead, jumping a little each time one rolled past them. The water lapped at her stomach, and she laughed, pushing down her gown when it bubbled up around her waist.

  "I think this is deep enough," Drew said, dipping under the water fully and coming back up before her, running his hand through his hair and giving her a sinful grin.

  Oh yes, the man knew the effect he had on women very well, and she was a fool to think otherwise.

  Holly studied him, made no pains of taking in every part of his perfect self. How many women had this man been with? One or many, or, if she were lucky, none at all? She didn't like the idea of him being with anyone. Somehow in the past two days, she'd become a little green devil who wanted to keep this lord, her feigned husband, for herself.

  A selfish action since he could never be hers.

  She supposed she could have him as a lover once she married, but that wouldn't be fair, and she doubted her husband would appreciate the gesture.

  A large wave crashed into them both, and Holly lost her footing, toppling over into the water. She fought to regain her feet, but her dress and the next wave halted her ability. Panic seized her that she would drown, leave her people at the mercy of her mad uncle before arms encircled her waist and hoisted her from the seabed.

  She gasped for air, coughing, her hands gripped Drew's shoulders, the lifeline t
hat he was.

  "Holly! I'm sorry, I did not see that rogue wave."

  She wiped the water from her face, blinking the stinging salt from her eyes. "I am well, thanks to you." Another wave rolled through them, and Holly noticed for the first time how far out they were, farther than she thought. She closed the space between them, wrapping her arms about his neck. "Thank you, Drew. You probably think me a fool for not knowing how to swim. A woman who grew up on an island and unable to swim seems a silly thing to be, doesn't it?"

  "I could never think of you as foolish." His voice dipped to a deep, gravelly tone. Her breath hitched as if she were under the waves yet again. Her mind screamed to move away, have him help her to shore and dress, but she could not. Her heart had other ideas, and there was nowhere else she wanted to be but in his arms.

  A wave pushed her against him, and her breasts grazed his chest. Goosebumps rose on her skin, his hands wrapped about her waist, holding her tight. Warmth speared between her legs, and for the first time in her life, her heart felt as if it would burst from her body.

  Something was different today. Their closeness, the feel of his skin, the smoothness of the water left an ache low in her core. Holly bit her lip, meeting his gaze. He watched her, his attention fixed on her lips. Her pulse raced. Would he kiss her again? Oh, dear Lord, let him kiss her again. She wanted him with a burning need, both foreign and welcome at the same time.

  Why not take what you want yourself? Why wait?

  The thought flittered through her mind, and without further debate, she closed the last vestige of space between them and kissed him.

  His mouth seized hers, and with a little nip, he teased her bottom lip. Holly gasped and Drew used the action to deepen the embrace, take her mouth, again and again, his tongue tangled with hers, sending her wits to spiral.

  This kiss was different from their first. Raw and with an underlying need she too felt and wanted to sate. He kissed her as if the action kept him alive, a kiss of life, full of fire and need. With a boldness she did not know she possessed, Holly wrapped herself about him, linking her legs behind his back and kissed him. Her tongue tangled with his, hot and slick their mouths fought for control, for relief.