He smiled faintly, kissing Arissa loudly on the cheek in spite of her somber expression. “Not only am I going to marry her, she’s going to bear me a dozen sons and we will live happily ever after.”
Regine thought on that a moment, still stunned by the news. “Does father know?”
Richmond’s light demeanor vanished. “He does not. And neither does anyone else, Regine. This is why you must adhere to your pledge of silence. Were you to allow our intentions to slip, the consequences could be devastating, not only for Arissa but for me as well. Do you understand this?”
Regine nodded solemnly. “I swear it, Richmond, I shall not say a word.”
Even if Richmond was convinced she was sincere, Arissa remained leery. But she kept silent, not wishing to provoke her sister into breaking her promise. Knowing Regine, it would take very little for her to attempt to seek revenge against the implication of distrust.
“If you do not mind, Regine, I should like to retire for the night. And Richmond must be leaving,” she rose from his lap, allowing him to stand. Regine stood, moving obediently for the door. Arissa and Richmond watched the young girl as shecrossed the room, noting her submissive manner and lowered head.
But when Regine reached the old iron latch, she suddenly paused; turning, her eyes sought her elder sister with a quiet intensity. “Was it really wonderful, Riss?”
Arissa met her sister’s gaze. Slowly, a smile creased her lips. “Aye, Regine. It was.”
Digesting the reply, Regine quit the room. When the door closed behind her, Arissa turned to Richmond.
“I did not lie. It really was wonderful.”
He took her in his arms, embracing her tightly. “And for me, kitten. Until Regine’s intrusion, it was a taste of heaven.”
Arissa sighed against his chest, hearing his strong heartbeat. “I do not know if I trust her to keep our secret.”
“We have little choice. But do not forget; even as she knows our secret, we know a few of hers and that knowledge alone should keep her lips sealed.”
“I hope so. If my father were to find out what has happened, he might turn you over to Ovid de Rydal with good riddance.”
He snorted softly. “I doubt he would allow Ovid the pleasure of punishing me. William would gladly take the duty himself.”
Outside, a fog was beginning to descend and the shouts of the sentries could be heard upon the battlements. Lambourn was full of visiting houses and soldiers, the sounds of merriment and gaiety spilling out into the massive bailey as drunken guests perused the grounds.
Richmond heard the noises, knowing Gavan would be wondering what had become of him. His second in command had been busy all day shouldering the security of Lambourn and was no doubt weary. As Richmond had promised hours earlier, he would take the night duty. But the thought of spending the night up on the battlements as opposed to Arissa’s warm bed was discouraging.
Discouraging, but necessary. He knew very well that he couldn’t stay and night duty was an excellent deterrent. Kissing the raven-hued hair beneath his chin, he sighed loudly.
“I must be going,” he said. “I have drawn the night watch along with Daniel.”
“Daniel is probably with Penelope,” she said softly, looking to him with pleading eyes. “Do not leave yet. Stay with me a while longer.”
He shook his head, smiling. “Nay, kitten, I would most certainly be missed when I did not show up at my post. Someone would come looking for me.”
She gave him a wistful smile. “Very well. Will I see you at the morning meal?”
“I will be at your door before the sun rises. But for tonight, I must protect you while you sleep.”
They meandered to the door, arm in arm. When Arissa reached for the latch, Richmond drew her into a fierce embrace. She grinned, a delightfully seductive gesture, as his lips descended upon her honeyed mouth.
“You are making me mad for the want of you,” he murmured against her lips. “I shall never have enough.”
She laughed softly, returning his kisses with equal passion. “I do not want you to ever gain enough. I want you to crave me, need me, lust for me.”
“I already feel all of those things and more. How cruel you are to wish torture upon me.”
“‘Tis torture for me as well. I doubt I shall sleep tonight, thinking of your wonderful kisses and magnificent touch.”
He kissed her one last time, tenderly, before disengaging himself. “I want you to sleep,” he said quietly, the warmth in his eyes reaching out to stroke her like a gentle caress. “I want you to sleep and dream of me.”
The door opened and he took a step into the corridor. Arissa’s soft voice made him pause, turn towards her.
