“Thither wilt come a time when thou wilt not apologize for everything thou dost perceive hast irritated me?” Still fully clothed save his boots, her husband stood, raked his hair, walked to the washstand, splashed water on his face, dried himself with a towel, and then strolled into the solar. He took two steps, paused, and then closed the doors.
Alone, she flew from the four-poster. After tugging on her hose and garters, she exchanged the nightgown for a chemise and then pulled a cotehardie over her head, just as Arucard returned. “Who was it?”
“The King’s guard.” His harsh expression gave her cause for concern. “His Majesty demands proof I have claimed thy maidenhead. God’s bones, what art we to do?”
To Isolde, the answer seemed simple, yet she trembled at the prospect. “Then thou must do the deed.”
“My dear, I shall abide the Crown’s request, soon enough.” With a heavy sigh, he peered toward the floor, or so she thought. “But as of this instant, it is a physical impossibility, and the additional pressure does not help matters.”
“Oh.” Despite her virginal state, she understood his meaning, given the ribald behavior of her brother William, who seduced every pretty maid in their home in Rochester, producing more than one by-blow, which was wherefore Father hired either older or younger servants, thereafter. Then a brilliant idea shot to the fore. “We need blood presumably on the bedclothes?”
“So it seems.” Arucard nodded in agreement.
“All right.” Quickly, she yanked the sheet from the mattress. “If thou wilt stoke the blaze in the hearth, please.”
“As thou dost wish.” Arching a brow, he scratched his temple and then stomped to the fireplace.
Before she lost her nerve, she rolled up her sleeve and then retrieved and unsheathed his sword. The heavy weapon presented quite a conundrum, as she could not wield it, so she ran her forearm along the blade. As crimson oozed from the small wound, she staunched the flow with the linen, achieving the necessary stain. “Thither, it is perfect.”
“What is thy—what hast thou done?” Her knight yanked hard on her wrist. “Thou hast injured thyself.”
“How else can we fulfill our duty, if not by the usual activity?” When he tore a scrap of cloth and bandaged what she considered a mere scratch, she laughed but treasured his show of disquietude. “Now drape the sheet over the chair near the fire, so it will dry, and then we should ready ourselves to depart.”
“But I would have taken care of it, hadst thou told me what thee planned.” While she buttoned the front of her cotehardie, he pulled on his boots. “And it is my responsibility, as thy husband, to preserve thy welfare and to sacrifice when such action is needed.”
“Thou art most chivalrous, sir.” And she remained unaccustomed to such concern, as her father cared not for her well-being. “My lord, if the Sovereign wants my blood, then he will have it.”
“Whilst I commend thy courage and resourcefulness, I would argue the King would not know mine from thine, and I will not permit thee to harm thyself for my sake.” To her surprise, he brought her knuckles to his lips and pressed on her a chaste kiss, which gave her a strange sensation, neither flirtatious nor serious, but nonetheless potent, in the pit of her belly. For several seconds, Arucard did naught but gaze into her eyes, and he managed to touch her without touching her. Then he cupped her cheek, bent his head, and set his mouth to hers. Just as fast, he retreated. “I am sorry, Isolde. But thou art quite honestly the most beauteous creature I have ever beheld, and thou art mine, thus thou dost present temptation as I have never known, yet I will try to restrain myself until we art better acquainted as I would not frighten thee.”
“Husband, I hope thou art not displeased, and I mean no offense, but methinks thou art the last man I would ever fear, after thy solicitous behavior on our wedding night. And I would ask thee to cease thy apologies, in the same spirit, as we art married.” And she would never forget his kindness, when Margery had imparted horrid tales of all manner of dreadful possibilities, given their unfamiliarity prior to their nuptials, so she had anticipated the worst. “Know that when thou dost choose to demand thy matrimonial rights, I will bear it without complaint.”
“How romantic thou dost make it sound.” Again, to her amazement, he drew her into his arms, and she fought rising panic, as Margery ranked as the lone person to ever hug Isolde. To her delight, she found her husband strong and comforting, in spite of his size. Although his hands were twice the breadth of hers, he was gentle with his caresses, and she sank into his tender embrace. “I prefer we enjoy the consummation of our vows, and that is wherefore I delay the inevitable, as I would celebrate the portentous occasion—not simply tolerate it.”
“A very noble gesture, my lord.” Without thought, she clutched him at the waist and pressed even closer, until he ran his palms over her back, which irritated her injuries, yet she reveled in the solace he offered. When he flinched, she withdrew. “Did I hurt thee?”
“Er—no.” Yet a telltale hue spread from his neck to his face, and she suspected otherwise. “Now we should garb ourselves for an audience with His Majesty, as our presence is requested in the great hall, along with the proof of bedding, which should be sufficiently dry.”
“Pray, a moment, as I must braid my hair.” In haste, she completed her morning ritual, as Arucard shaved. “Dost thou groom thyself every day?”
“Aye, as it is a sign of discipline.” He brushed his short hair.
“Hast thou never pondered growing a beard?” She tugged on her leather slippers and smoothed her skirts. “As it is the fashion, and thou would wear it well, my lord.”
“I am not partial to such frivolous embellishments.” In that instant, she decided she rather preferred his austerity. When he stripped to trade his lawn shirt for a fresh garment, she could not stop herself from ogling his muscled back and broad shoulders.
“Perchance a mustache?” she inquired, with a grin, as he seemed so virtuous she could not resist teasing him.
“Nay.” He wrenched on a blue tunic, which bore an unusual insignia with a wind-star design at center. “Art thou trying to tell me thou dost not like the way I look?”
“On the contrary.” After repacking her meager belongings, she waited in the solar for her husband. Anon, she checked the sheet, and the stain had dried, so she folded the linen. When the escort arrived, Arucard joined her.
“I wish I could spare thee the spectacle, Isolde. And I do not approve of such vulgar practices.” In the passage, he took her by the elbow. “Remain at my side, and say naught unless thou art addressed. If the King questions thee, give short and direct answers, and if thou art unsure how to respond, defer to me.”
“Yea, my lord.” Something in his demeanor changed, and palpable tension invested her nerves, given his cryptic warning was the first sign of unrest since their wedding.
In the great hall, they neared the dais. As customary, she curtseyed, and her husband bowed.
“Sir Arucard, we trust thou passed a pleasant night?” A guard carried the sheet to the Sovereign. “And thou hast fulfilled our edict, though I suspect thou should thank us, as the Lady Isolde blushes.”
“Thou hast my eternal gratitude, Majesty.” In a bold display of affection, Arucard kissed her hand. “And never have I slept so little.”
A chorus of laughter filled the cavernous chamber, and various nobles gathered at the table, shared whispers, and traded hearty guffaws at her expense, but she cared not.
“And is Lady Isolde happy with our choice?” the Crown asked, with a snicker.
Gazing at the plush red carpet, she dipped her chin. “I am exceedingly happy, Sire.”
“We art delighted to hear it,” the King replied. “And now thou art to depart for Chichester, as we have signed a bill of attainder, and we bestow upon Sir Arucard the earldom of Sussex, whereupon thou shalt establish the garrison we require.”
“Gramercy, Majesty.” Arucard squeezed her arm, and she followed his lead. “By thy leave.�
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“Wait.” To her chagrin and trepidation, her father rounded the buffet. “I would bid my daughter farewell.”
Reluctant to relinquish her husband’s protection, she held tight to him, until her father drew her into an awkward embrace. “Take care, Father.”
“Read this missive when thou art alone, and do as I instruct.” He slipped her a sealed envelope, which she promptly tucked in the fitchet of her cotehardie. With that, he patted her back, as if to remind her of the consequences should she defy him, and she emitted a bare whimper. “Never forget I will be watching thee.”
“I will miss thee, too, Father.” She gritted her teeth against the pain, as he knew well the damage from his last beating had yet to heal.
“Come, Isolde.” Then Arucard did not speak until they entered the palace yard. “Wilt thou long for thy family and London?”
Pondering the contents of the mysterious message, which portended nefarious enterprises if she knew well her father, she could not put the city behind her soon enough. “Nay.”
ARUCARD
CHAPTER THREE
With his hands at her waist, Arucard lifted Isolde into the four-wheeled wagon, which had been outfitted with substantial comforts. And for the second time that day, he struggled with unfamiliar and discomposing activity below his belt. As a virgin unaccustomed to physical enthusiasms, he knew not how to control the strange, but not altogether unpleasant, sensations emanating from his unusually active crotch region.
“Art thou settled, my lady?” Just a glimpse of her shapely hose-covered calves elicited an uncanny tension in his muscles, and he bit back a groan. “As I prefer thee enjoy our journey.”
“Brother, the Lady Isolde has a visitor.” Averting his stare, Demetrius shuffled his feet and frowned, as his fellow Brethren of the Coast had yet to adjust to a woman in their midst.
“Margery?” With a gasp, Isolde descended from her perch. “And Anne? What art thou doing hither?”
Lingering in his wife’s wake, Arucard peered at Demetrius. “Is everyone prepared to depart?”
“Aye, sirrah.” Demetrius rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, did the mountain stag stir her waters?”
“I knew thee would ask.” As his bride conversed with her acquaintances, he admired her swanlike neck, imagined running his tongue along the gentle curve, and a vicious erection roared to life in his braies. How would he manage a long ride on horseback with a loaded trebuchet? “Art the soldiers assembled?”
“Thou dost avoid the question.” And knowing Demetrius, the interrogation would not end until he was satisfied. “So how was it?”
“Have I not told thee that thou dost talk too much?” In that instant, Isolde glanced over her shoulder, and he spied distress in her expression. “Something is wrong.”
“Thou dost seek an escape.” Demetrius chuckled, as Arucard approached the three women.
“Shall I beg an introduction?” Then he noted the tears. “Wherefore dost thou weep, my lady?”
“Oh, Arucard, I have such dire news.” Her chin quivered as she clutched his hand. “My father terminated the employment of two of the most faithful servants from his household, and I cannot abandon them. If thou wilt not—”
“Then let us take them with us to Chichester.” It seemed the obvious solution, and they could use the additional attendants. “In fact, thou mayest consider them another wedding gift.”
“Wilt thou do that for me?” she inquired in a small voice, as if he had just handed her the world. In that moment, he realized she had not exaggerated when she stated she had known little if any kindness in her life, and he vowed to correct the injustice. “When I have given thee naught in return for thy generosity?”
“Would it make thee happy?” Without thought, Arucard traced the edge of her jaw in a shocking demonstration of familiarity. “Because I do so wish to make thee happy.”
“Thou hast, my lord.” For the glow in her countenance, he would purchase a thousand such luxuries, if only to see her shimmering smile. “Mayest Margery and Anne ride in my wagon?”
“They art thine to do with as thou wilt.” The knowledge that his pleasure inextricably intertwined with hers perplexed him, even though it was right, given they had taken the sacrament. And their nuptials forever fixed her as his property, which both repelled and fascinated him, and he had yet to reconcile the two. “I charge thee with their supervision, my lady wife.”
“By thy command, my lord. Margery, Anne, wilt thou stow thy belongings, as Sir Arucard requires we set out, with undue haste.” As she spoke, Isolde never broke their contact. To him, she said, “And might I impose upon thy assistance, again?”
“Thou art no imposition.” In a repeat of his earlier moves, he made to heft her to the bench, but she stayed him when she wrapped her arms about his neck.
“Given I have no money or property, as my dowry is thine, I have but a single meager offering to bestow upon my valorous knight.” And then she did something he never would have predicted. She kissed him.
The taste of her lips, sweeter than any confection, posed an alluring enticement doubled by the knowledge that she initiated the diverting interlude, and his man’s yard grew hard as stone, while the ground seemed to pitch and roll beneath his feet. But when she parted her sumptuous flesh, mingled her tongue with his, and moaned, he well nigh spilt his seed in his braies. A hunger like no other charged his nerves, and uncharted heat simmered in his muscles. Somewhere in the deep recesses of his mind, a jolting understanding occurred to him then—he desired his wife.
On the heels of the thought, he lifted his head. “It appears we have reversed positions, and I am now in thy debt, as thither was naught meager in that incomparable reward.”
“What a lovely thing to say.” With an adorable giggle, she rubbed her nose to his, and instinctively he pressed his hips to hers. As she gave vent to a gasp, she peered between them and favored him with an expression of wonder. Had she noted his aroused state? Had he shocked her? “My lord, fear not, as I will not wait too long to come to thee.”
And how he suddenly looked forward to the exceptional event, which represented a drastic shift in his perspective in a short span of time.
At first when they slipped between the sheets the previous night, whilst they cuddled abed, his lower territories had remained stubbornly dormant and impervious to her influence. But at some point throughout the wee hours, when she cuddled close, and her warm soft body caressed his frame, he decided the marital condition posited unforeseen benefits, chief among them his bride’s beauty, which he savored in the dim light from a single taper. Thither, beneath the clear blue sky, the sun’s bright rays, and amid a throng of servants, soldiers, and knights, Arucard could have taken his wife in the wagon, with all present as witnesses to the deflowering. However, he had no intention of baring his backside to a mixed audience.
“As I said, I will not pressure thee.” With care, he planted her safely on the bench and winked, as he squeezed her ankle. “But at this moment, I am infinitely grateful to the King.”
“Oh, so am I.” A rosy hue about her face bespoke the truth of her much-cherished declaration, and she brushed the back of her knuckles to his cheek. “May I confess, when we took our vows, I knew not what to expect, but I am not so afraid, anymore, and I have thee to thank for that?”
“Then let us away, as our new home awaits.” And the future seemed bright, indeed. Humming a flirty little ditty, Arucard turned—and halted.
Standing in a half-circle, with rigid postures, arms folded, and impressive scowls, his brethren formed a formidable line of resistance and disapproval, and he guessed at their objection. Their long-held beliefs proscribed overt displays of affection, yet their credence had not accounted for a papal betrayal, a hasty exile, an impromptu commission under a new monarch, and an unplanned union. Not to mention, he had yet to divulge the fact that the Nautionnier Knights had been commanded to take brides chosen by His Majesty, on a date to be named. But he would fight tha
t battle at the appropriate time.
“Not a word, brothers.” In a few steps, he climbed into the saddle of his destrier and grasped the reins. “Now gain thy mounts, as we have much to achieve, and the day grows old.”
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The evening sun danced on the horizon, and a cool wind lashed the cover of her wagon, as the procession pulled into an open field for the night. A copse of trees formed an informal border, of sorts, and from her bench seat, Isolde peered at her knight and smiled, which he returned in equal measure. For the better part of the journey, thus far, she had passed the time in idle reflection, admiring her husband’s glorious physique and patrician profile. Instead of riding at the front of the line, in a position of prominence, Arucard remained near; casting haphazard glances, always accompanied by a grin, which she found infectious, in her direction, as though he guarded a most precious cargo.
“My lady, thou hast not said much, but I would ascertain thy condition that I might serve thee.” With her head bowed, Margery averted her gaze. “I have soothing bath oils and an acopon for the pain, should thou need to recover from thy consummation.”
“Thither is no need for such potions and balms, old friend.” Mulling her restful night, Isolde chuckled. “My husband is a thoughtful and considerate man, and he granted a deferment until we art better acquainted.”
“What?” Panic invested her tone, as Margery wrenched Isolde’s arm. “Dost thou mean ye hast not sealed thy vows?”
“Wherefore dost thou worry?” Given her husband’s patience and noble nature, Isolde covered the housekeeper’s hand, as thither was no cause for alarm. “Really, thou must calm thyself, else thou wilt give thyself a terrible megrim. And Arucard is the kindest and gentlest spouse. What have I to fear?”
“Dost thou not see the danger of thy position, child?” With a half-sob, Margery bit her bottom lip. “My lady, what the archbishop hath done, thy father can have undone, on a whim. Until thou dost surrender thy maidenhead to Sir Arucard, he owns thee not. And though I hesitate to speak of it, as the earl employed me, I suspect Lord Rochester doth conspire against the Crown.”
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