by Connie Mason
“Immediately, sire. Please follow me, my lord and my lady.”
“May I have a private word with you, sire?” Dominic asked.
“A moment is all I can spare,” John said impatiently.
“Go with Sir Wayland, Rose,” Dominic said. “I will join you shortly.”
Rose shook her head. “I prefer to remain with you.”
He gave her a gentle shove. “Go, Rose. Please.”
Dominic waited until Rose left with Sir Wayland before turning to address the king. “I would know the truth, sire. Is Rose your hostage?”
John shrugged and studied his fingernails.“A king does what he must to secure his vassals’ loyalty. Your wife will remain in my protection until you prove yourself worthy of my trust.”
“I have ever been your loyal subject, sire. Is my word not enough?”
“I trust no one, Dragon. I sent you to the northern marches to become my eyes and ears and had to learn from my warden that you were entertaining the marcher barons. I wanted you to earn their trust but expected you to report their activities to me. You let me down.”
There was naught to report.”
“So you say. I trust no one these days. I am well aware that my barons are angry because of my quarrel with the pope, and because England has lost most its empire in France.”
Dominic thought the barons had valid grievances but wisely held his tongue. For Rose’s sake, he feared to ally himself with the barons’ cause. He was a warrior, not a politician.
“Consider yourself fortunate that Dragonwyck is still yours,” John continued. He stared thoughtfully at Dominic. “You seem quite fond of your wife despite your initial reluctance to wed any woman but Lady Veronica. Prove your loyalty, and Lady Rose will come to no harm.”
“Do I have your word on it, sire?”
“Aye. Go fight my battle on the Welsh marches. Give me no reason to believe you have betrayed me, and all will be well.”
Dominic did not trust John. The man had no conscience. His cruelty and treachery were legend. The taxes levied on his vassals were unconscionable and his laws favorable only to himself. Dominic had pledged himself to England’s defense and sworn fealty to the king, but if John harmed one hair on Rose’s head, Dominic would sever whatever relationship he had with the king and become a rabid defender of the Articles of the Barons.
Rose paced the small bedchamber, waiting for Dragon to arrive. The thought of his leaving soon to engage in battle was painful. He could be wounded, or worse. Unfortunately, the king’s vassals had little say about where or when they were sent to defend England.
She stopped pacing when the door opened and Dominic entered the chamber. Rose whirled to greet him, but the words died on her lips when she noted his expression. What had the king said to make him so angry?
“What is it, Dominic? What did the king say to you? Were you able to change his mind about letting me return home?”
Rose sensed his desperation and ran into his arms. The king is adamantly opposed to your leaving, love.” He paused, his anger palpable. “He thinks I am lying about my involvement with the Articles of the Barons.”
“Are you?”
“Perhaps,” he said noncommittally.
“I still do not understand why he insists on keeping me here.” Her brow furrowed as a sudden thought occurred to her. “Sweet Virgin, am I his hostage?”
“Rose…”
She pulled away from him. “Tell me no lies, Dominic.”
He dragged her back into his arms. “Very well, the truth. Aye, you are John’s hostage. You are to remain at Westminster until I earn his trust.”
“How long?”
“I know not. The king refuses to believe there is naught I can do to stop the barons from marching on London. He thinks that sending me away will stop the momentum, but I am in no way involved in that decision. King John trusts no one, least of all his barons.”
Rose shuddered. “I never thought I would admit such a thing, but I am afraid. My animosity toward the king and my father’s involvement with the articles have already proclaimed me his enemy.”
“I warned you about holding your tongue, but I should have realized that I was asking too much of you. I have long admired your spirit, but I fear it will get you in trouble. Keep to your chamber except when you are summoned to attend the king. I am leaving Raj behind to protect you.”
“Has he agreed?”
“I spoke to Raj after I left the king. He tried to change my mind, but it did not work this time. I can protect myself; you cannot.”
Rose bristled.“You face an armed enemy; I do not.”
“Let me worry about that, love. ‘Tis settled. Raj stays. Can we speak of more pleasant things now?”
Rose stirred against him. “Like what?”
“Like making the most of our time together. I leave at dawn.”
“I will pray for your safety,” Rose whispered. Her arms crept around him.“Let us not waste time talking. Make love to me, Dragon.”
“Endlessly, until the moment I must bid you farewell.”
He undressed her with speed and expertise, rendering her naked in a matter of minutes. Then he picked her up and carried her to the bed and laid her down. With an emotion bordering on despair, she waited for him to disrobe and join her. Dragon would be facing death, and this might be the last time they would be together.
She reached for him as he stretched out beside her. She lifted her face for his kiss, and his mouth seized hers with heartbreaking anguish. The kiss was more than physical; there was desperation that ignited the love burning in Rose’s heart. She gave herself to it completely.
Her hands slid over his hot, damp skin. He kissed her everywhere: her lips, her neck, between her breasts. When he returned to her mouth, her lips opened to the gentle prodding of his tongue, and she cried out at the sweet ecstasy of it.
Dominic was so hard he feared he would explode before he was even inside her. He touched her between the legs; her cleft was weeping sweetly for him. He shifted to enter her, but she pushed him away and squirmed out from beneath him.
He gave her a quizzical look. “I thought you were ready.”
Her evocative smile nearly stopped his heart. “I am, but I want to make love to you this time.”
He gave her a startled look. Rose was not Veronica; he doubted she knew how to go about it. She had been an innocent before he had taken her virginity.
“‘Tis not necessary, love.”
“But it is,” Rose insisted. “Just lie back and let me give you pleasure.”
Dominic’s protest flew out the window along with his doubts as Rose bent over him and ran her tongue down his throat to his chest, pausing to tug and nip at his flat, male nipples. He moaned when her tongue traveled down the furrow of dark hair and delved into his navel. He arched upward as a shock of pleasure shot through him. It was so intense that he clasped her head and buried his fingers in the lush mass of her hair to hold her in place.
To Dominic’s dismay, he soon learned that Rose was not finished with him. Her mouth strayed downward.
Through a haze of shock and excitement, he suddenly realized what she intended to do. Brilliant flashes of light appeared before his eyes when she touched her hot mouth to the tip of him, then swirled her tongue over the taut, aching head.
He gave a choked curse and tried to push her away. “You said you wanted to make love to me, not torment me. You are the embodiment of sweet seduction and I am your willing slave. Where did you learn that?”
She smiled coyly.“You tasted me; why can I not taste you?”
Without warning, she clasped his buttocks in both hands and kneaded, then lowered her head to feast upon him. He flung his head back, his eyes squeezing shut, his fists clenching. She was driving him mad! He muttered her name hoarsely when her tongue found a particularly vulnerable spot.
“Enough!” he shouted, lifting her away and rolling her beneath him. “Have done with tormenting me,‘tis my turn.”
/> The heat of her skin scorched him as he used his mouth, tongue and hands to bring her body to a fever pitch of excitement. Her moans and cries were music to his ears as he flicked his tongue over her cleft and delved inside her sweet sheath.
“Now, Dragon, please!” Rose cried, writhing beneath him. “I can wait no longer.”
“Neither can I, love,” Dominic growled as he moved into position, flexed his hips and thrust inside her until she was fully impaled. He pulled out, then filled her again with a single hard stroke. He heard her inhale sharply and deliberately slowed his movements,making them more seductive, more erotic. Pleasure expanded, swelled, filling his senses completely.
Dominic drove his cock in, then out, each penetrating thrust carrying them higher and higher. He spiraled out of control when she wrapped her legs around him and took him deeper. He felt her body begin to vibrate, felt her sheath tighten around him, felt her heat surround and conquer him as she climaxed. In the moment before he spilled his seed in a violent rush, he had the illogical thought that he and Rose had bonded into one being.
Dominic shifted and rolled to his side. His eyes were closed and he appeared to be sleeping. She stared at him, memorizing his features: the aristocratic line of his jaw, the arrogant slash of his nose, the chiseled perfection of his parted lips. She wanted to remember every flawless detail. I love you, Dragon.
Chapter Thirteen
There is nothing sweeter than a rose in full bloom.
—Anonymous
Dragon was gone when Rose awakened. A wail of despair left her lips when she realized she might never see him again. The cry had no sooner left her throat than the chamber door crashed open and Raj rushed inside.
“What is wrong, mistress? Are you ill?” His gaze darted about the room. “Has someone harmed you?”
Rose sat up in bed, hugging the coverlet to her bare breasts.“Twas a dream, Raj. Has Lord Dragon left yet?”
“Aye, mistress, hours ago.”
“He did not awaken me,“Rose lamented, wiping away a tear.“I fear for him, Raj.”
“So do I, mistress,” Raj admitted.
“Mayhap you should follow him.”
Raj appeared to consider her suggestion, then shook his head. “I cannot. I gave my solemn oath to remain at Westminster to protect and serve you. If you are all right, I will return to my post outside your door.”
“Were you there all night?”
“Aye, as I will be every night. Shall I summon a maidservant to help you dress?”
“A bath first, Raj. Do you think you can arrange it?”
“Aye, mistress.” He exited the chamber in a more leisurely manner than he had entered.
The maidservant assigned to Rose was a plain-faced, brown-haired young girl named Lillian. She was sweet and compliant but knew little about being a lady’s maid. Rose liked her immediately and assumed the inexperienced girl had been assigned to her because the king thought Rose was not important enough to warrant a more experienced maid. Rose was satisfied with Lillian and her willingness to learn, however, and did not complain.
Rose remained quietly in her chamber that day and for several days following Dragon’s departure. No one questioned her request to take her meals in her room, and Rose supposed it was due to Raj and his daunting presence. After several days of solitude, Rose was so bored she asked Lillian if there was a private garden in which she could walk and enjoy the fresh air.
“There is a small herb and vegetable garden behind the kitchen,” Lillian said after a moment of thought.
“No one but the kitchen staff and gardener goes there. There is even a bench where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine. I sometimes help out in the kitchen and gather herbs and vegetables for the king’s table.”
“Perfect,” Rose said, clapping her hands. “I am bored with naught to do. Mayhap some fresh air will clear my head.”
“I will show you the way, for I doubt you can find it on your own.”
When Rose told Raj of her intention to walk in the kitchen garden, he protested. “My master said you were to remain inside your chamber unless summoned by the king.”
Rose immediately became defensive. “I shall go mad if I cannot leave this chamber. Surely you can understand that, Raj. I need fresh air, and the weather is warm and mild, too nice to remain inside. Besides, Lillian said no one but the kitchen staff ever goes into the herb and vegetable garden. I shall be perfectly safe there.”
“Very well, mistress,” Raj said in a tone of disapproval. “I will accompany you.”
Rose was delighted with the small garden and its peaceful setting. The scent of herbs seemed to soothe her worry about Dragon. She had heard naught from him since he’d left a fortnight ago, and even Raj could learn nothing about the skirmishes along the Welsh marches. All she could do was wait and worry.
Rose’s first excursion out of doors went so well that she made a daily habit of strolling about the walled garden. One day Lillian came for her early with a summons from the king.
“The king wishes to see me?” Rose asked.
Lillian nodded vigorously. The palace guard said you are to attend him immediately, my lady. I came straightaway to get you.”
Rose exchanged a worried look with Raj and left the peaceful surroundings of the garden. For all she knew, it might be the last peaceful moment she would enjoy.
“I will accompany you, mistress,” Raj said as he fell into step behind Rose.
When they reached the reception chamber, a guardsman stepped between Rose and Raj. “I will escort the lady to His Majesty.”
Lillian made a hasty exit, but Raj remained, apparently undaunted by the guardsman’s dismissal.
“You,” the guardsman said, pointing his lance at Raj. “Return to your duties.”
Raj straightened to his full impressive height. “My mistress goes nowhere without me.”
The guardsman started to protest but gave way beneath Raj’s fierce expression.
Rose entered the king’s privy chamber, approached the throne and executed a passable curtsy.“You wished to see me, Your Majesty? Have you heard from Lord Dragon? Is he well?”
“I have heard naught, so I assume the Welsh are still harassing my army. I summoned you for a reason that has naught to do with Dragon.”
Rose’s heart pounded erratically. “Whydid you summon me?”
“It has come to my attention that you have not joined us at meals nor attended the games and dancing enjoyed by my court.”
“I prefer to sup alone. Tis unseemly to enjoy entertainment while my husband fights your war.”
King John’s eyes narrowed. “Beware, mistress. Choose your words wisely while speaking to me.” His gaze shifted to Raj, and his eyebrows lifted. “Why is Dragon’s man still here?”
“My master wished me to remain behind to protect his lady,” Raj said, not waiting for leave to speak.
“Lady Rose is under my protection; she needs no champion. I give you leave to join your master on the Welsh marches.”
“I obey no one but my master,” Raj maintained.
John half rose from his chair, and Rose feared for Raj’s life.
“Your Majesty, please forgive Raj. He is unfamiliar with our ways. He knows only one master and obeys none but Lord Dragon.”
Somewhat appeased, the king sat down. “Consider yourself fortunate, foreigner, that your mistress spoke so prettily in your defense.”
“Is there a reason for your summons, sire?” Rose asked, adroitly changing the subject.
“Indeed there is. I wish you to attend me at the feast during Rogation Days. I am certain you will enjoy the three days of feasting and entertainment I have planned. While the meals will not be as sumptuous as those we enjoyed at Christmastide, I am confident you will find something to tempt your palate. Mayhap you will meet some old acquaintances, as well as make new ones.”
“Highly unlikely,” Rose murmured.
“What did you say? Speak up.”
“I know no one
in London.”
“Nevertheless, your presence is required. Do I make myself clear?”
“Perfectly,” Rose answered, making an effort to harness her temper.
The king waved her away. “You are dismissed.”
Rose started to back away, then paused. “Are you certain you have heard naught from the Welsh marches?”
“Have I not said so?” John thundered.“You sorely try me, madam. Go, before I forget my promise to Dragon.”
Rose fled, grateful for Raj’s bulk behind her. She heard laughter following her out the door but cared not what the king’s lackeys thought about her, for she thought even less of them.
Lillian helped Rose dress for the feast that night. Rose’s baggage had arrived from Dragonwyck, and she was grateful that she had thought to include finery to wear at court.
“You look lovely, my lady,” Lillian said, stepping back to admire Rose. “Your scarlet over-gown suits your complexion particularly well. Did you bring any jewelry?”
Rose had little jewelry of her own. Her mother and Starla had taken most of it with them to the convent. She did, however, have the jeweled tiara Dragon had given her. She removed it from her coffer and handed it to Lillian.
” Tis all I have.”
Lillian took a moment to admire it, then set it atop Rose’s head to hold her linen veil in place.“There,” she said. ” Tis perfect. Can you find the banqueting hall on your own?”
“Raj will take me down,” Rose said.
Raj was waiting outside Rose’s door. Rose smiled when he nodded approval after a brief inspection. Then he turned solemnly and escorted her to the banqueting hall. As she negotiated the staircase, she made a valiant attempt to control her trembling. Mingling with members of John Lackland’s licentious court was not Rose’s idea of a good time.
A hush fell over the crowd as Rose swept into the hall. Then, as if on cue, conversation resumed. A page ushered Rose to a seat well below the salt, and she sat demurely, relieved to have escaped the king’s notice. But when she happened to glance across the table, she was startled to see Veronica of Wynwood, Dragon’s former mistress, staring at her.