The duke could but watch as King Alfred led his wife away. Every muscle in his body bunched with the desire to go after her, to protect her. A murmur rose over the crowd. The king took her to the curtained area where the soldiers slept. Stopping, he turned to the two nobles and ordered, “There will be no fighting while I speak with Lady Eden in private.”
Eden’s heart fluttered nervously as the king led her toward the knights’ pallets, guiding her behind a hanging curtain and then another, until they were far from the dining area. Catching a glimpse of a straw mat on the floor, she shied away from the man. “I’m true to my husband, Your Majesty, I cannot lay with you.”
Alfred chuckled and glanced at the pallet, a smile lining his lips. “I’m glad to hear it, m’lady.”
Eden relaxed as the king didn’t move to follow her small retreat from him.
“You’re with child?” His kind eyes smiled at her. He was a young king, boyishly handsome and fit, yet his bearing was such that he looked older.
“Yea, Majesty,” Eden answered dutifully. “I am.”
“I knew Luther. I believe what you say about him for I have heard well the tales that surrounded the man,” Alfred said after some thought. “How did you decide to marry Vladamir? He doesn’t appear to be such a choice for someone like you.”
“Like me?” Eden gasped in offense.
“Nay, I didn’t mean to insult you, m’lady. I’m merely trying to ascertain what happened.” The king smiled politely. “I have no wish to embarrass you in front of the knights for if you stay here as duchess, you’ll still have to command their respect. I won’t have you humiliated beyond good reason and things were starting to be said of a most personal nature.”
“Your Majesty, my husband is an honorable and noble man and he has treated me kindly.” Eden relaxed, appreciating Alfred’s thoughtfulness.
“To hear your father tell it, he viciously ravished your maidenhead. Are you sure you’re not just vulnerable to his…charms?” Alfred scratched his bearded face and gave her a skeptical look.
“Nay, Majesty,” Eden denied with a small laugh. “As you might imagine, the duke’s charms are quite unique. Methinks that they are not such that they could persuade a woman against her very nature.”
“Well put.” King Alfred nodded. “So he has treated you well?”
“He has been gentle with me, Majesty. He didn’t bed me until after the vows were spoken.” Eden blushed, knowing that the king wouldn’t stop questioning her until he’d the whole truth. She held his gaze bravely. “And he gave me the choice to marry him. He didn’t force me in any way. All he did was ask me what I wanted. I decided to marry Lord Kessen by my own free will.”
“I see.” Alfred nodded his head thoughtfully. “Then he is a kind lover?”
“Yea,” she answered, embarrassed. Heat flamed her cheeks and she was forced to turn her eyes downward. She wrung her hands nervously.
“I don’t mean to be personal and embarrass you with such things m’lady. You must understand that there is a lot at stake and I must make the best decision. This is not only between two households. This is between two kingdoms.”
“I understand.” Eden nodded, still refusing to look at him in her discomfiture. “I’ll do my best by my husband and country.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” he said gallantly. “Now, has Vladamir ever treated you unkindly? In any way?”
Eden swallowed, unsure as how to answer. Sure, her husband had been prone to his moments. “He hasn’t been unjust in his treatment of me or the people here and though his emotions are well hidden, a quality very becoming of a leader, he has treated everyone within his power with fairness if not kindness.”
“They think he is a monster,” the king insisted. “Do you not agree?”
“Nay, Majesty.” Eden’s eyes shot up in defense. “I won’t deny those of a superstitious mind tend to believe the worst in him but he’s not a monster. He’s a man—a good, loyal, honorable man—and he has only acted justly both toward me and you, Majesty.”
“What of the blood on the bridal linen? ‘Tis said there was an ungodly amount.” The king watched her carefully and she knew he was waiting to see if she would lie about it to him.
“Because Lord Luther had beaten me senseless, methought that he might have violated me in other ways. Without being sure Vladamir gave me a vial of blood so if I wasn’t a maiden no one would know of it.” Eden swallowed nervously. “M’lord was sweet enough to let me sleep that first night without pushing himself on me. The next morning, I spilled the vial on the bridal linens so my father wouldn’t take me away. I’m afraid I didn’t know what I was about and must have done it wrong.”
“But the marriage is now consummated.”
Eden nodded.
“And as to your maiden status?”
“Intact, my liege. At least it was.”
Alfred nodded again in thoughtful contemplation of her answers. “Continue with your story then. How did you decide to wed Vladamir? Had you met him afore your visit here?”
“Nay, I heard tales of him, ‘tis true, but I had never met him. I couldn’t wed such a man as Luther. He would share me with others. When I met Vladamir, he was so kind and so handsome.”
The king chuckled but said nothing.
Eden demurely bowed her head, ignoring the king’s skepticism. “When he asked me to marry him, I agreed. It seemed a good decision at the time and methinks ‘tis still a wise decision.”
The king still said nothing.
“Majesty, if I may?” Eden questioned, moving her gaze boldly to him.
“Please,” Alfred said.
“This is a good alliance between two noble households and what better way to ensure peace than to align two prominent families together. Surely you know of the ties my husband has with King Guthrum’s family. Vladamir’s daughter is King Guthrum’s own grandchild. What better reason for a marriage is there? Luther is gone and his money lost to my father. Vladamir is titled higher than Luther and I’ll wager he is just as wealthy. Besides, I already carry his heir. Would you see me shunned and my child called bastard to assuage the anger of one man?”
“You speak wisely for one so young,” the king said quietly.
“Then why not choose the side of wisdom,” Eden persisted. “You have the power to make my father see his error. My father is a good man and he is loyal to Wessex. If you decree it, he’ll obey.”
“That you love him there is no doubt. It is truly an extraordinary, albeit strange, match. But why is there so much hatred between the two men?” King Alfred slowly held his hand to her. “For I feel there is more here that I’m not being told.”
Taking a deep breath of air, she held back the tears that entered her eyes. With much hesitation, Eden said, “‘Tis because of his daughter, Lady Gwendolyn.”
* * * * *
Vladamir waited with Clifton in charged silence. The warring nobles refused to acknowledge the other. The hall was quiet except for the occasional whispers of the men. He wondered what was taking so long. He trusted the king to be honorable, but for the first time he doubted his instincts. Jealousy ignited in his chest as he imagined the king taking royal advantage of his wife. Just as he was sure he could wait no longer and was going to storm the curtains to rescue her, he heard their footsteps approaching.
Eden’s face was pale and drawn. By the king’s urging, she walked silently to her husband. Vladamir searched her face for a sign of what transpired. He read nothing there. She moved to her place between her father and husband. She quietly took Vladamir’s arm with her hand and squeezed nervously.
“I have not made a decision,” the king announced solemnly. “I desire time to reflect on what I have learned. I’ll also need to question a few people afore I make my judgment.”
“My castle is yours, Majesty,” Vladamir stated.
The king smiled briefly at the irony of the statement and nodded. “I wish to speak with Lizbeth. I understand she was present when m’lady le
arned she was with child. Also, I’d see the midwife.”
Vladamir nodded. Eden loosened her hold on her husband’s arm. She motioned to a nearby soldier to go and retrieve the servants.
“I’d also speak with your man Raulf,” the king stated simply. “I have questions for him also. Methinks he would be of great assistance to me.”
“Yea,” Vladamir agreed a bit hoarsely. Eden closed her eyes.
“My lord earl, ride back to your camp and await me there. Today the gates to the castle will remain open. There will be no aggression on either part.” The king stepped up on the platform and took his seat. Taking a drink of mead, he announced, “I’ll give you my decision tonight. That is all.”
* * * * *
The king wished to question the servants and soldiers alone, so they left him in the hall. Eden followed behind her husband silently. Her eyes strayed lovingly to the dark stone walls of their home. She wanted to live forever at Lakeshire with her husband. She knew the king listened to her, but he didn’t give away what he thought his decision might be. She knew Raulf was still in bed and was just now beginning to get his voice back. When she’d dared a brief visit to him, he’d been asleep so they hadn’t spoken.
Raulf, the king sent you here. Please be evenhanded in your discourse with him.
Vladamir sent Gwendolyn to her chamber to relax and ordered that Haldana attend her. As he escorted Eden abovestairs, they heard the child telling the servant everything that had happened in the hall. Her childish voice filled with excitement as she could be heard bouncing about her chamber. She didn’t miss a single detail.
When they reached their bedchamber, the duke silently shut the door behind them. He turned to her, his dark eyes disclosing nothing. “Did the king hurt you?”
“Nay, he only wanted to ask me some questions.” Moving to the bed, Eden sat down. “I hate this thing. I cannot breathe. Methinks I’d much prefer to be a servant right now. Everything is so much easier when you’re a servant.”
Vladamir sighed in understanding. He went to the bed and leaned against the poster. He too pulled at his overtunic’s neckline. “What did he ask that couldn’t be said in the hall?”
“My father said that you ravished me. Methinks the king thought I was being persuaded or threatened by you.” Eden looked up into Vladamir’s hard face. “But I told him you were kind and gentle with me and that we didn’t lie together until after the marriage. Methinks he wanted to be sure I wasn’t forced to wed with you. I said I wedded you by my own free will and that I’d stay married to you by the same.”
“What of the babe? Why did you not tell me of it yesterday in the garden?”
“I…” Eden stood and moved timidly away from him.
“I have the first of my three questions. I expect you to be honest. Why did you lie to me?” he persisted, not going after her. “Did you think the midwife wouldn’t tell me of it when I questioned her? Did you not think she would tell me what was ailing you?”
“You knew?” Eden gasped, spinning around. “Why didn’t you mention it to me?”
“I was waiting for you to tell me of it but you didn’t. Not even after I entrusted you with the truth of Lurlina’s death. Why?”
“I was afraid.” Eden’s eyes welled with tears. “I was afraid you wouldn’t want me anymore and you didn’t. Lizbeth said noblemen didn’t like to touch their pregnant wives and that you would no longer have a use to bed me. And she was right.”
Eden spun away from him in embarrassment. Her thin shoulders shook. Vladamir went to her in two long strides. Taking her by her frail arms, he turned her gently to his chest. Wrapping her in his embrace, he pulled her close to his heart and held her tightly. He rested his chin on the top of her perfectly coiffured hair.
“I hate when you bind up your hair like this,” he said softly, tugging at the ribbon. Eden sighed, but didn’t answer as her tears wetted his tunic. It felt so good to be held by him. The heavy length loosened about her shoulders. Vladamir caressed her back in loving strokes as he pressed her to him. “M’lady, you really need to stop receiving advice from the servants. They fill your head with such nonsense.”
“But you didn’t come to me last eve and I waited all night. This morning you didn’t even try to wake me.” Eden sobbed into his chest.
“I didn’t come last night because I knew you were not being honest with me. If you’d have told me the truth I’d have carried you to bed myself.”
“But,” she lifted her head to look at him, searching his face. “I’m with child now. You’ll get your male heir.”
“Mayhap it will be a girl.” Vladamir smiled, trying to make her laugh. She weakly hit his arm at the attempt and he moved to wipe her tears. “Begetting heirs is too noble a reason to bed you. I wish you understood, wife, I’m not so noble.”
“Then you won’t cast me aside?” Eden asked, brightening. “You won’t replace me with another?”
“Nay, I could never cast you aside.” Vladamir laughed with a mischievous glint to his eyes. “Besides, in several months you’ll be too big to cast anywhere.”
“And the child? You’re pleased?”
“Yea, m’lady.” Vladamir sighed as he ran his hands over her arms. Lightly, he touched her flat stomach. “Greatly.”
Eden grinned. Running her hands over his chest to his neck, she peeked demurely up at him. “What will we do about the king?”
“We will await his decision.” He moved to sit on the bed, taking his wife with him. Tugging at the laces hidden on her shoulder that bound her tunic together, he set about undressing her.
“I told him the truth. I told him that it would be in the best interest of Wessex and peace if he let the marriage stand. Methinks he’ll make my father agree to it.” Eden closed her eyes before looking longingly at him. “But I have to confess something. I don’t want you to be mad at me or at Gwendolyn. She truly didn’t mean harm.”
“What?” Vladamir questioned warily, only pausing fleetingly in his task.
“I know she is my sister. I haven’t told her nor did I tell her of her mother’s deceit. She believes her mother died trying to save her. Methinks ‘tis best if she continues to believe it.” Eden sighed but rushed on before Vladamir could speak.
Vladamir listened to her words but wasn’t deterred from his purpose as he discovered another knotted lace and set to work.
“The king wished to know why there was bad blood between you and my father. I had to tell him. How could I not?” She hoped he understood. “He won’t say a thing. I made him understand that Gwendolyn is your daughter, our daughter, and the granddaughter to a king. I told him Guthrum wouldn’t want the news of Lurlina’s transgression about the countryside. Methinks the knowledge is best kept hidden.”
Vladamir nodded his head. “You did right. I was trying to tell you last night. King Guthrum is the only other person, save Haldana and Ulric, who know of Gwendolyn’s real parentage. He wished to save the embarrassment of Lurlina’s unfaithfulness becoming known. ‘Tis part of the reason I was chosen to come here and given the title of duke. He wished me gone but he also wished for his granddaughter’s lineage to be secured. We made an agreement.”
“But I wanted to hear no more of it yestereve,” Eden finished for him. “That is why you didn’t tell me.”
“Yea,” he admitted.
“I’m glad he sent you here to me for you have saved me.”
Reaching up to cup her husband’s handsome face, Eden moved her fingers into his hair. Pulling him to her, she whispered, “Kiss me.”
Vladamir was already intent on doing just that. He stroked her cheek before pulling her softly to his lips. He swung her into his arms and laid her tenderly on her back, pressing her into the soft mattress with his weight. There were no more words between them on what was happening. There was no need. The future was uncertain but promising. The past was over. There was only the present and presently Vladamir was intent on making love to his wife.
His lips captur
ed hers for a long time, kissing her slowly. She savored each sensation, loving the way his tight body molded to hers. Moaning softly, she ran her hands through his long hair, caressing his face and neck.
Vladamir pulled back, gazing deeply into her eyes. “You’re so beautiful.”
“And I think you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.” She smiled, running her hands over his face as she gazed at him. It wasn’t a lie. Eden didn’t care about a few scars. “Make love to me. Please, Vladamir.”
He grinned, the devilishly handsome look that made her body shake with lust. His tongue flicked over her mouth, licking along the seam, teasing her as he adjusted his body. “Mm, there is one thing I’ve been longing to do.”
Eden’s eyes widened in surprise. She thought of his shaft in her mouth, her pussy, her backside. What else was there? “More than we have?”
“Oh, yea, much more,” he nodded. “I want to taste you as you come against my mouth, but first let’s get you out of these clothes.”
Eden squirmed as Vladamir insisted on undressing her. She tried to help, but he shooed her hands away. He took his time, lightly kissing almost every inch of flesh as he exposed it—working up her legs, her hips, her breasts. By the time she was lying naked before him on the bed, her sex was so wet and hot she thought she would die from it.
“Now you,” she urged, again trying to reach for him despite his order to hold still and let him have his way with her. With a wicked look, he pulled off his belt. Her eyes watched his hands, eager to see his beautiful body. Eden parted her thighs, so ready for him. Instead of continuing to undress, he took the belt and fingered it.
Straddling her legs, he ordered, “Give me your wrists.”
She hesitated, eyeing the belt. What was he doing?
“Trust me,” he said, smiling. “Now, give me your wrists.”
Crossing them, she held them out. Vladamir wrapped the belt around them and then tied her to the bed. When her hands were trapped, he grinned.
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