The proprietor of the tavern was already moving toward them, a small man with little hair. He knew a well-paying customer when he saw one.
“Welcome, my lord,” the man bowed at the waist. “A room for you and your daughter this night?”
Arissa felt as if she had been struck, a physical blow that took her breath away. Richmond did not react outwardly, but his eyes took on a most peculiar gleam. “Mywifeand I have already secured two rooms in your stench-cloaked establishment. The name is le Bec.”
The innkeeper’s eyes widened and he stumbled back a step as if to escape the huge man’s fury. “I…. I apologize, my lord, I meant no offense,” he stammered quickly. “Your wife is so tiny, such a perfect little female, I assumed…. pray forgive, my lord.”
Richmond’s gaze was deadly, but he allowed the infraction to pass. It would only upset Arissa if he were to punish the man for his ignorance. “Where are our rooms?”
“Up the stairs, sire, the last two doors to the right.”
Richmond, clutching Arissa against him, moved to mount the steps. “My officer will be here shortly, a massive man bearing a trunk. You will direct him to me.”
The landlord nodded eagerly. “Of course, sire. I shall send your meal to your rooms immediately.”
Richmond did not reply as he took the stairs. As they entered the dim corridor of the second floor, the acrid smells and noise seemed to fade rapidly. By the time they reached their designated rooms, the clutter from the common room was a muffled roar.
Arissa moved to open one of the doors, peering inside. Richmond opened the second door, scrutinizing the room. “Too small,” he commented, moving to the door Arissa had opened. “Ah, this will do nicely. Let Gavan struggle in the small bed. This one is more my size.”
Arissa giggled as he escorted her into the room, glancing about the small chamber with indifference. “It smells in here, too.”
He pulled the oiled cloth off her shoulders. “Would you rather sleep in the rain?”
She smiled, a devilish gesture. “Of course not. But you promised me that if our room smelled, you would order the innkeeper to scrub it until it met with my approval. Well?”
He tossed her protective cloak onto the chair. “I lied. If you do not like it here, you can sleep out in the rain with my horse. As for me, I am going to enjoy a warm bed and a hot meal.”
She tried not to grin. “Richmond le Bec, do you mean to say that you deliberately deceived me? I shall…. I shall go sleep with Gavan. His room smelled better.”
“How do you know? You did not smell it.”
“Anything is better than this.”
Richmond removed his helm, running his fingers through his damp hair. “Go then, you ungrateful wench. I shall not listen to you complain all night.”
Her grin broke through and she went to work on her cloak, removing the thick garment with the rabbit lining. Underneath, she wore a surcoat of burgundy wool, a magnificent shade against her striking coloring. Richmond cast her an appreciative glance as he removed his gauntlets. “Well? I thought you were going to go and sleep with Gavan.”
She turned to him, her glorious breasts emphasized to the extreme in the clinging wool. A gold belt graced her slender hips, accentuating her bosom further. With the high neckline and long sleeves, the picture was consuming.
She cocked an eyebrow, noting his lustful gaze. “Are you sure that is where you want me to sleep?”
“Hell, no. Come here.”
She giggled, gliding across the floor and into his arms. He kissed her deeply, fully, smiling as he listened to her whimpers and gasps of delight. But as her fingers raked through his dark hair, he pulled his lips away.
“God’s Teeth, woman, let me remove this armor before I explode,” he grunted, unfastening pieces of plate and allowing them to fall to the floor.
Arissa stood back, watching him undress with a great deal of anticipation. Down to a damp tunic, thick hose and boots, he smiled seductively at her.
“There,” he said softly. “Now, as I said. Come here.”
She cocked her head. “Aren’t you going to take all of your clothes off?”
He laughed, deep and hearty. “God’s Teeth, Riss, control your lust. I do believe I have created a wanton woman.”
Her cheeks mottled with a faint flush and she smiled shyly. “Not at all. ’Tis just…. well, I thought…..”
“I know what you thought, my shameless little tart, as my thoughts are exactly the same. But we must wait for two reasons; one, Gavan will be here shortly with your trunk and, two, our meal will arrive at any moment.”
