“Nice ring.”
With that, The Dark Knight turned on his heel and moved down the dim corridor, heading for his chamber. Matthew stood there a moment, watching the massive figure disappear from sight. Only then did he turn on his own path, his mind full of their conversation.
He knew that Mark had no particular liking for Alixandrea and he furthermore knew why. But Mark was his brother, and they had seen much life and death together over the years. He loved his brother, and he knew him well. He simply could not believe that Mark would deliberately allow her to come to harm.
Or could he?
*
Alixandrea was dressedand waiting for Matthew when he arrived back at their chamber. It was warm and cozy inside, the fire blazing brightly in the hearth now that the sun had gone down. Clad in a soft white shift with a heavy and elaborate gold brocade surcoat, Alixandrea looked absolutely magnificent. The sight literally took Matthew’s breath away when he walked in the door and saw her.
“My God,” he breathed. “You are a glorious creature.”
Standing by the cluster of fancy chairs, she grinned humbly. Mary Joan had curled her hair with a heated iron and cascades of spiral curls tumbled down her back while the front of her hair was secured off her face with a shell comb. Her face was scrubbed clean and rosy and her lips were saturated with the lip ointment she always used. She could see by the look on Matthew’s face that her efforts had been worth the results.
“I hope you like it,” she said. “I wanted to give a proper appearance our first night here.”
“Have no doubt, lady, that you do,” he moved towards her, drinking in the sight. “I will be the envy of every man in the room.”
“Will you not dress?”
“I am,” he held out his arms; in full armor, he looked every inch the fearsome warrior, not the elegant diner.
She frowned. “You intend to go like this?”
“Of course. How else would I go?”
She thought a moment and realized she really did not know. She had never been to a feast at the Tower and the knights she had known over the years had practically lived in their armor. It was common for them to dine in pieces of mail and protection.
“I suspect not all men will be dressed for doing battle with their beef knuckle,” she said. “Or do you expect a military offensive tonight in the great hall?”
He laughed at her. “One never knows in this place. The Tower is known for its turmoil and treachery and I would rather be prepared.” He took a step towards her, towering over her petite size. Taking her hands, he held them tightly in his own, bringing them to his lips for a kiss. “But for this night, I can guarantee that every eye in the hall will be trained on you. I have never seen such beauty.”
She blushed delightfully. “You flatter me, my lord.”
He moved down to kiss her but she turned her head and he ended up kissing her cheek instead. “I have ointment on my lips,” she smacked her lips together. “Can you not see it?”
He lifted his eyebrow at her, disappointed. “I see it.”
“I do not want to rub it off.”
“You mean that you do not want me to kiss you.”
She smiled, putting her soft hand against his bristly cheek. “I always want for you to kiss me,” she murmured. “But if you do, you shall come away with red lips. That would not do.”
“I shall take my chances.”
She giggled as he swooped down and kissed her deeply, tasting her sweetness with his unrelenting tongue. When he came away, it was to wipe his lips with his fingers and look at them.
“You still retain your red lips, madam, for I seem to have escaped them.” As she laughed softly, he collected her wrap from the nearby chair. “If you are ready, Lady Wellesbourne, we should depart. A plethora of gluttony and extravagance awaits.”
She allowed him to place her matching wrap over her shoulders and escort her from the room. The corridor outside was dim, lit only by occasional iron sconces spaced in intervals along the wall. She also noticed that there were several Wellesbourne soldiers lining the hall. As they drew near one end, John and Luke were waiting.
The youngest Wellesbournes rushed forward, pushing each other aside until Luke gave the final hard shove and managed to take his place on Alixandrea’s free side. Dejected, John straightened his askew armor and his backbone and followed.
“My lady looks beautiful tonight,” Luke said smoothly.
Before Alixandrea could reply, Matthew growled. “What did I tell you about flattering my wife?”
