by Ruth Kaufman
Harry pulled his black hood further over his face just in case Amice turned, then waited until she had made her way back to the castle before following her inside.
Getting here had been more difficult and taken much longer than he’d planned. But at last he’d found her.
“Smile while you can, my dear,” he muttered, closing the castle door.
Chapter 12
Partaking of evening meals at Westminster had become like living in a monastery where monks were sworn to silence. Had pious King Henry been aware, he’d have appreciated the hall’s hushed atmosphere. But Amice knew fear of the unknown prompted the quiet, not reverent respect.
When someone dropped a knife, everyone jumped as though a cannonball had smashed through the wall. When someone entered, everyone looked up in uncertain anticipation as though a horrendous announcement was forthcoming.
Amice’s nerves were on edge as she pondered her evening plans. What had she done, throwing herself at Nicholas and kissing him? She was no better than Belinda, whom Amice knew had worked her way through many men serving Henry.
Had he been able to see the love she’d felt for him almost since the day they met?
This morning, she’d been exactly where she wanted to be. In Nicholas’s embrace.
His hot mouth had moved on hers, tasting, teasing, then melding for a deeper kiss as he clutched her close. This was what she had been waiting for. From the tips of her fingers to her toes, she loved him.
But their differences were still too great because of her work for York and his for Henry. They might not have a future, but they could have right now.
Some of the strain had left his face after their kiss, perhaps because she didn’t blame him for William’s death. Perhaps because he knew she still cared. He’d told his truth at last, and now she had to reveal hers. But how? How could she blame him for not coming forward when she, too, had thought to protect him, protect their brief time together, by remaining silent? Even if England plunged into civil war, Nicholas had finally told her he cared. Though she’d stood in the cold, she’d felt warm and safe for the first time in a long while.
Yet while part of her heart rejoiced, part feared his reaction when she told the truth. And another part wept for the downfall of her country as she knew it.
What they were going to do was a sin. The Church proscribed lovemaking outside the bonds of marriage. Why was it more acceptable to make love to someone just because you agreed to marry him but felt nothing, yet wrong when you truly cared for a man, though no words had been spoken by a priest?
The answer had been drummed into her all her life. Because any fornication not for the purpose of creating children was wrong.
She knew the tingling in her body, the yearning in her blood should embarrass her, but it didn’t. Wanting Nicholas was as natural to her as breathing.
Yet she couldn’t meet his gaze during this meal, though she knew he often looked at her from his seat several tables away. Would he change his mind about meeting with her?
Could he read the struggle in her eyes? Did he fear she had second thoughts? She took a deep breath, concentrating on the rather bland fare on her plate.
Finally, without even a glance in Nicholas’s direction, Amice excused herself. She knew Nicholas would return to his quarters to keep gossiping tongues from wondering why he headed off with her. Neither wanted their names bandied about.
The moon was high when Amice heard the soft knock at her door. Anticipation coursed through her as she opened it.
Nicholas walked in. Firelight brought out the red in his dark hair. His welcoming smile sent a thrill up her spine. Any lingering doubt melted.
Would he hold her? Kiss her?
“I’m so glad we have this time.” He took her hand, running his thumb over the backs of her fingers. A shiver more delicious than the food ran up her arm.
“As am I. I’ve missed our friendship. I’ve missed you.” Challenge enough to confess that. How would she tell him more?
“I’ve missed you, too. I wish we were at Castle Rising.”
She wished the same with all her might.
They sat in contented silence, as if they’d agreed traveling down this rocky path couldn’t yet lead to a discussion of the future, their future, as if there could be one. There’d be too many questions with too few answers. For once, instead of worrying about what would be, they’d enjoy each other.
Amice mentioned the latest book she’d read. Nicholas replied, and put his arm around her. She leaned back, fitting perfectly against him. How wonderful to enjoy such closeness, share simple moments. But she wanted to be even closer to him.
The curtains on the high bed were open. She stood, facing him, motionless, her eyes wide. Boldly she started to untie the sash on her robe.
Nicholas sucked in a breath. Holding her close had been appetizing torture. But this…he needed to touch her.
He moved to her, then touched her face, using only the light pressure of his fingers on her cheek to draw her closer. He bent nearer. Her head fell back, her lips slightly parted, waiting. How beautiful she was, how sensuous. After a few seconds passed, she opened her eyes in surprise. He bent still nearer, until his lips were a scant inch from hers, delaying the moment, knowing there could be no going back.
How he desired her. His erection pushed against his hose. But he had to find restraint, so he could enjoy every moment that was to come.
At last he kissed her, pressing her soft body against his muscled one, his arms pulling her tight against him. She put her arms around his neck, twining her fingers in his hair.
His tongue delved into her mouth. Her eager response sent need surging. She untied her robe, offering him access to what lay beneath, glowing underneath his heated gaze. She pushed the robe off her shoulders.
Nicholas drew in his breath as she revealed herself, admiring her white skin, the curve of her hip, the fullness of her breasts, the proud look in her eyes. He had to hold her, had to feel her flesh against his. He tugged off his tunic.
His anticipation was so great, his need for her so tangible, how could he wait another minute to have her?
“I want to do that,” Amice breathed. Sliding her hands under his shirt, she smoothed her palms against the heat of his chest, exploring the contours of his muscles and following the path of his hair from his chest to….
He stilled her hand, desiring her touch but knowing in his present state it might be his undoing. After helping her remove his shirt, he tossed it to the floor. She put her nose to his chest, inhaling deeply, then kissed him, pressing her body to his.
She sat on the bed, at just the right level for him to explore the wonders of her breasts.
“Ah, yes,” he breathed.
He lowered his head and relished her gasp as his mouth found her nipple. Her hands grasped his hair, drawing him closer. As he proceeded to lavish kisses on her other side, a loud growling noise rumbled in his ears.
“What was that?”
Embarrassment flooded her. Amice tried to hide it with a nervous giggle. “My stomach. I hardly ate anything at dinner, so I had this tray sent. I thought I could eat, but….”
He smiled, a cunning look in his eye. “We’ll eat something now, then.”
“Now?” she cried, fearing the mood broken, fearing he wouldn’t continue to make love to her.
When he kissed her breasts, the power of his desire poured into her. She’d never felt anything but mild distaste with Edwin. Now she knew she was on the verge of experiencing the heights of passion. She’d hoped so long for this moment only to eat cheese?
He smiled, reaching for the large platter of bread, cheese and fruit on the table beside a jug of wine and two cups.
“What have you been doing while we’ve been apart?” Nicholas asked as he tore off a piece of fresh white bread.
Amice started, her haze of desire fading. She felt exposed, and had a sudden urge to cover herself.
“Waiting with Margaret.” Copying docume
nts for the king’s rival. Furthering York’s cause, easing his way to power, she thought as he cut a slice of cheese.
She couldn’t tell him that. Guilt sopped up her appetite. Though it had taken a while, he’d been honest to a fault with her, yet she concealed her involvement with York.
She swallowed. She’d tell him, soon. Selfish, perhaps, but she wanted a few hours with him. Nothing, nothing, would come between them this night. Not her omissions, not concern for the king.
This night was for her and Nicholas to share.
Gently, he pushed her back on the bed. Tearing off a small piece of bread and one of cheese, he placed the remainder of the food on her stomach.
“Open your mouth.”
Gazing at him, she complied. He placed the morsel of bread and cheese on her tongue. She chewed, licking her lips, not the least bit shy in front of the man she loved. There was no denying it, she loved Nicholas and would give him and take from him as much happiness she could. She swallowed, then smiled. A sensuous smile, she hoped. A smile of love.
Nicholas enjoyed this test of his will. Clearly Amice was aware of how the sweep of her tongue affected him. He’d see how long he could hold out.
He took another piece of cheese and fed it to her. She closed her lips around his finger and proceeded to lick off the remnants. The rhythmic, sucking motion of her warm, wet mouth augmented his already intense desire.
“Now I’m thirsty.” Smiling, she sat up and reached for the jug of wine, pouring some into a cup. Her curls slid seductively over her shoulder as she handed it to him.
Taking a sip, he bent toward her, letting the liquid trickle into her mouth. When it was gone, his lips replaced the wine and they shared a deep kiss. He gave her the cup, and they repeated the intimate drink.
Next he stroked her from the inside of her pretty thigh upward, enjoying her body’s soft yet firm feel, admiring the undulations of her breasts as he caressed them. She arched against his hand, silently urging it lower. He trailed his fingers across the dark triangle, venturing into the folds of her heated flesh. The wetness that greeted his probing sent a surge of need to his erection. She was ready, too.
His desire reached a fevered pitch.
Amice gasped with pleasure as his fingers found her. “More. I want more. All of you. Nicholas, now.”
He was happy to comply. As he adjusting his position, her gaze raked his body, from his chest to his flat stomach, then lower still. As her eyes widened at the sight of his hardness, need consumed him. He wanted to go slowly, to savor their first joining, but the instant he felt his flesh meet hers he lost control. He slid into her, deep and smooth. Both gasped. A powerful thrill coursed through him.
Amice gasped again and again, her pleasure increasing his as he joined her at the height of sensation.
They lay entwined as their breathing slowed, neither wanting to break the mood by speaking. What words could describe the passion they felt for each other, the overwhelming need, the incredible surge of feeling?
“I love you.”
“I love you too, Nicholas.”
He propped himself up on his elbow and stroked her face. One by one, he arranged her long curls into a fan on the sheets. There was no reason to say anything else. Further words would inevitably lead to a discussion of the future, their future, if there could even be one. There’d be too many questions with too few answers.
Had his heart ever been so full? He wasn’t the writer Amice was, and lacked eloquent words to express his sentiments. But he knew he wanted to look at her until his eyes were tired and then look at her some more. And then stop looking and start touching. He wanted to make love to her, help her, just be with her. No other woman had ever made him feel this way, satisfied beyond release, so at peace. And to feel at peace even in a time of turmoil was a great thing.
He wouldn’t let his awakening into love be marred by thoughts that she might be given to another man.
“Ah, Amice, I must go. It’s too late already,” he said.
Amice clutched him. She hadn’t had nearly enough.
She’d clenched his shoulders, overjoyed at his intensity, feeling bereft each time he temporarily left her, only to be renewed each time she was filled. Excitement vibrated through her. She didn’t want the waves to end. She’d spiraled ever higher, holding her breath as the peak washed over her. How would once be enough?
“Stay a little longer. How can I go on as though everything is the same? Everyone who looks at me will surely see the way I feel for you shining in my eyes. They’ll know. I can’t dissemble as they do.”
Slowly, with obvious reluctance, he eased himself out of her grasp. “Fortunately, everyone has other things to worry about.”
“Yes and no,” Amice said. “Of course they’re worried about Henry. But he’s been ill so long, people are starting to grasp at any diversion. The gossip would be worse than before.”
“We mustn’t give them anything to gossip about,” Nicholas decided. “We’ll have to take things a day at a time. Henry could recover, and then there will certainly be war.”
“Do you really think he’ll be himself again?” Amice asked.
“I have to.”
As he left her with a lingering kiss, as the moon waned, she couldn’t stop smiling. She’d finally brought some of her feelings for Nicholas out in the open, and they were returned. This was better than she, Joan and Maud had imagined all those years ago when they played at being married. A shadow dimmed her smile, because of course she and Nicholas weren’t married, and it was highly unlikely they’d ever be. She felt married to him in her heart. And knew she would love no other.
The thorn in her roses was her work for York. She’d have to stop, giving up something she enjoyed that made her feel valuable, and that served a great cause, or bring herself to tell Nicholas the whole truth.
On his way to break his fast, Nicholas recalled how Amice’s scent had washed over him as he entered her room last night. How beautiful she’d looked in the moonlight, in that thick robe that masked her lithe figure, motionless, eyes wide. Her hair had been down, tiny ringlets tumbling past her waist gleaming red in the glow of the many candles augmenting the firelight. If only they could be together more often.
Whispers and giggles from several women grouped in the corridor ahead caught his attention.
“I wonder when she’ll tell Amice. It’s about time something interesting happened around here,” one said softly. Margaret’s attendant, Eleanor Roos, he thought, but couldn’t be certain.
He tucked himself behind an open door.
“The queen said she couldn’t endure the somber atmosphere one more day,” whispered a second woman, Rose Merston. “She’s been lying-in for weeks. Though the baby could…any time, she is so bored, so frustrated. Even though she can’t attend, what better than a wedding to liven things up? To give people hope.”
Nicholas strained to listen, but could barely hear her. Had he missed anything of value?
“How fortunate we were to be in the room when Margaret made up her mind.” He recognized the third voice instantly. Belinda’s. “We’re the first to know! Who else shall we tell? Shall we go tell her now?”
Nicholas’s heart raced. Amice to wed, so soon. He’d lose her if they couldn’t find a solution, fast.
They’d been lax, thinking the queen had a lengthy list of far more important issues to handle before finding Amice another husband. Impending childbirth, Henry’s illness, deciding who should govern, to name a few.
The footsteps stopped in front of his hiding place.
“No, let’s relish our secret,” the first woman said.
“Besides, Margaret would be furious if we told, and she’d know it was us because we were the only ones there,” Rose added. “I know! We could tell some of our friends…and tell them not to tell.”
Another series of giggles.
“We must find out when the announcement will be.” Belinda again. “And be in attendance. I don’t want to miss
the look on Amice’s face when she finds out who it is!”
Still more shrill giggling. Margaret’s ladies were so exasperating.
Nicholas clenched his fingers and tried to breathe quietly, fighting the urge to move. Go away…. I don’t want to know any more! If you say his name—
“A member of the House of York, no less. Margaret will do whatever she can to stay in power, even if it means pacifying a few enemies.”
“Such urgency, to hold the wedding in a week. I think she worries Amice will try to run away like I heard she did when her first husband’s cousin wanted to marry her, if you can believe that.”
The voices faded as the three continued on their way.
Nicholas let out his frustration in a loud grunt. He leaned his back against the cold stone wall. Amice was to marry a Yorkist…in a week. Margaret must have gotten a dispensation to move things along so fast.
How could he go to Amice now, knowing what he knew? How could he tell her? How could he not? He’d thought they had more time to work out a solution, but Margaret had surprised him.
Nothing had really changed, not yet.
This new knowledge shattered the contentment that had been his only moments before.
Now that he’d admitted his feelings to her and more to himself, losing her would be all the more painful. Jealousy had soared when he watched her with William. How would he handle the agony of seeing her with this new betrothed…and wed within a week?
A vision of her lying in bed washed over him. Memories of making love were wonderful, but not as good as the real thing. Nor were they enough. But memories might be all he would have.
Amice couldn’t stop smiling. Her time with Nicholas was the best thing that had happened to her. The comfort of his heat remained with her and her body still tingled from his touch. So this is happiness, this is love. Even a summons to visit Queen Margaret in her lying-in chamber didn’t dampen her good mood. Surely the queen was too focused on the birth of her first child to think of arranging marriages.