Arissa could hear his heart pounding rapidly in his chest, his skin damp against her cheek. She could barely move, vaguely aware of her own pounding heart. The only matter of import was the feel of Richmond against her, touching her, within her. Her eyes closed, lulled into a doze by the rhythmic sound of his breathing.
Their satisfaction went beyond words; in faith, Richmond did not trust himself to speak. He could not imagine that verbal communication could enhance the experience of their lovemaking any more than his tender caresses were expressing against her flesh at the moment.
In his arms, she slept soundly, dreamlessly. Richmond found himself clutching her tightly, aware of the fact that he had neglected to use Mossy’s pessaries. The old man had been correct when he surmised that Richmond would protect Arissa’s life over the desire for an heir but, somehow, his lust had taken control of his common sense and he had been helpless against it.
He found himself praying that she had not conceived, cursing himself for his stupidity and weakness. He knew better than to allow his physical demands to overshadow his better judgment, but God help him, it would have taken the strength of Samson to deny her heated little body in the heat of passion.
The rain continued to pound outside the oil-clothed window as Richmond forced himself to push aside all thoughts of the neglected pessaries; certainly, now was not the time for those thoughts considering very shortly, he and Arissa would be facing a separation of unknown length. He wanted to enjoy her while he was able with little thought of anything else.
Pulling her more closely against his heated body, he found himself wondering how in the hell he was going to survive the painful division that faced them.
Already, it was killing him.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Welsh Border
One week later
Sir Charles deWorth sat motionlessly in the middle of the dimly lit tent of cowhide, the walls reeking of burning dung and molding animal skins. The cloying stink only served to fortify his mood; having ridden from Shrewsbury to the Welsh border in a little over a day, he was understandably fatigued.
But he had been compelled to obey the invitation cast by none other than Owen Glendower, and even now he sat with restrained anticipation of their meeting. Though the subject of their conference had not been mentioned in the missive received three days prior, there was little doubt as to the topic.
Fortunately for the aged knight, he was not kept waiting overlong. Owen Glendower, dark and average in height, entered the tent surrounded by a host of supporters. De Worth suddenly found himself encompassed by the core of the Welsh rebellion, eyeing the dark, weary men around him with a certain amount of distrust. To his right, Owen cast his hands over the dung-burning vizier in a vain attempt to ward off the Welsh chill.
“Captain de Worth,” Owen said in perfect English. “Thank you for coming.”
De Worth eyed the infamous leader of the Welsh resistance. “After the missive I sent to you, ’twas my duty to heed your summons. How may I be of service?”
Owen rubbed his hands together before planting himself in a small collapsible chair opposite the English knight. His darkeyes were sharp and appraising, his manner calm as he studied the man before him. Since pleasantries were dispensed and he had no desire to linger in incessant conversation, he moved directly to the point.
“I have certain questions regarding the missive you sent me pertaining to Henry’s bastard daughter,” he glanced at David, standing to his left, before continuing. “She was exactly where you said she would be. In fact, we very nearly had her within our grasp but, unfortunately, our attempts were thwarted. Tell me; why did you give me this information?”
De Worth swallowed uncomfortably, shifting in his chair. “Does it truly matter, my lord? The information was righteous.”
“Indeed it was, but I would know your motives just the same,” he sat forward in the chair, closer to the iron vizier. “What grudge do you hold against Henry that you would jeopardize his daughter in such a fashion?”
The English knight sat stiffly a moment before replying. “I believe I informed you in my missive that my reasons were my own. Why should they matter? Have I not provided you with accurate information?”
“Absolutely. But I am troubled by the fact that there was a terrible attack the day we attempted to abduct the princess and if I did not know better, I would think it to have been an act of treason on your part,” Owen’s voice was soft. “Are you somehow intent on manipulating Henry’s opposition to your own end?”
Charles’ brow furrowed. “Of course not. I had nothing to do with any attack.”
“But I lost a man, a very good man. Was it your intention to, mayhap, lure my men into a trap with information regarding Henry’s bastard, only to manipulate an attack that would damage my cause?”
De Worth drew in a long, heavy breath; he could see that the situation was rapidly growing sour and sought to dispel Owen’saccusations. “As I said, I gave you the information regarding Henry’s bastard to retaliate against Henry himself. I hold no grudge against the Welsh rebellion. If I were any younger, I would fight with you.”
Owen studied the man a moment before relaxing in his chair. His dark eyes glittered with thought. Truthfully, he did not believe de Worth capable of the substantial undertaking of damaging his rebellion. But he was curious as to the man’s motives; his cousin David had seen and spoken with Henry’s bastard, a woman of exquisite beauty who was apparently unaware of her royal relations. Combined with the mysterious clues to her whereabouts from the man seated in front of him, it was an intriguing mystery.
“Tell me why you divulged her whereabouts. My patience wears thin.”
De Worth’s ruddy cheeks flushed and he lowered his gaze. “As I said, my lord, my reasons were my own.”
Owen stared at the man. “Tell me or I will kill you for subversion.”
“Subversion?” Charles repeated, outraged more than frightened. “I never..!”
“Kill him,” Owen issued calmly, rising from his chair as if their business was concluded.
