“I want to worship your body,” he murmured, trailing fervent kisses from her trembling lips to her tingling breasts. As he sucked and tugged on her nipples, the throbbing between her thighs became unbearable. With long, adept fingers, he parted her tender folds. And drove her wild with his wicked, wonderful tongue.
Cardin climbed over her, nudging Ulla’s legs apart with strong, impatient knees. Calloused hands slipped under her bottom and tilted her hips up to receive him. As his penetrating gaze pierced her soul, he plunged into her empty, hollow ache. With relentless rhythm he pounded her, like the savage ocean crashing onto a cliff. And when the irresistible waves of release washed over them both, Cardin inundated her with his copious seed.
Sated and euphoric, she exhaled in bliss as he lowered himself to her side. He cradled her head over his thumping heart and kissed her tousled hair. “Come sleep in my arms.”
Nuzzling the dark hair on his chest, Ulla inhaled his musky scent deep into her lungs.
She wanted to capture his essence inside her. Keep a part of him with her forever.
As she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, enveloped in his protective embrace, Ulla made a fervent Yuletide wish.
That Cardin would change his mind about returning to Aquitaine.
And stay in the Forest of Brocéliande with Lukaz and her.
****
In the alcove off the castle kitchen, Cardin sat with Laudine, Gaultier, and Lukaz, watching his son pour honey over the cinnamon oatcakes fresh from Maëlys’ oven. In a few minutes, after the boy had eaten his snack, the two men were planning to take him out to the lists for practice training with the knights of Landuc.
A breathless Jehan abruptly appeared in the doorway. “Pardon the interruption, my lord, but a royal message has arrived fromle Château de Beaufort.” With a reverent bow, the dutiful servant handed Cardin an official document sealed with a crown and three ermine symbols—the royal emblem of King Guillemin of Finistère.
Pulse thundering in his ears, Cardin rose from the oak table and accepted the document with damp palms and shaking hands. He held his mother’s intense gaze as he unsheathed the knife at his waist. With a deep, calming breath, he broke the seal. Read the letter. And whooped for joy.
At the inquisitive look on Lukaz’ curious face, Cardin decided to choose his next words very carefully. He wanted to ask Ulla for her hand first. If she agreed to marry him, then she and Cardin could tell Lukaz the wonderful news together. If she refused his proposal, Cardin would inform his son when the time was right that he would remain in Bretagne and live hereafter with Lukaz atle Château de Beaufortin Finistère.
Cardin grinned at his eager, expectant child, divulging the contents of the letter that were safe to share. “Uncle Bastien will be here for your birthday on the Winter Solstice. He and King Guillemin will arrive on the eighteenth of December.TatieGabrielle and your cousins will be coming here, too. We’ll celebrate your birthday—and the entire Yuletide season—with the royal family of Finistère!”
Beaming with delight, Lukaz finished the last bite of his oatcake and licked the honey from his fingers.
Cardin made eye contact with his brother. “Uncle Gaultier, will you please take Lukaz out to the training field? I need to speak with Mamie. I’ll join you both later.”
“Of course,” Gaultier replied as he rose from his chair. “Come on, Lukaz. Let’s get our gear and strap on our swords. I’ll help you with your leather armor.”
Lukaz kissed his grandmother’s cheeks and hugged Cardin goodbye. “Au revoir, Mamie.See you soon, Papa.À bientôt!”
Once his brother and son had left, Cardin handed the royal document to Laudine and waited with bated breath while she quickly scanned it. “King Guillemin has reinstated my position as royal archer atle Château de Beaufort. He’s also given me permission to bring my wife and son to live with me at the castle.Maman…now that I have a home to offer, I can ask Ulla to marry me. Pray that she says yes!”
Laudine stood, skirted around the table, and pulled Cardin into her loving arms. “Why wouldn’t she? She’s as besotted with you as you are with her.” Amber eyes brimming with unshed tears, she kissed his bristled cheek. “I have something to show you. Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
A few moments later, his mother returned, clutching a small, intricately carved wooden box with an elaborate metal hinge. She opened it to reveal a pair of golden wedding rings, glistening in the afternoon sun. One was a simple band, etched with a trio of ermine symbols. The other displayed a dazzling, faceted ruby, glittering in the gilded light.
“These were my parents’ wedding rings.” Laudine’s voice was a reverent whisper. “I want you to have them.” She placed the box in his trembling hands. The tip of her finger traced the facets of the flawless scarlet gem. “A ruby represents love. Perfect for your beautiful bride.” She gazed up at him with a generous maternal smile. “The castle will be filled with love for the holidays. Our whole family will be here.” She reached up to stroke the side of his face, her amber eyes aglow. “Bastien and Gabrielle were married eleven years ago on the Winter Solstice—the start of the holiday celebration. We could have your wedding to Ulla here at the castle on the sixth of January.La Fête des Rois. Twelfth Night—the culmination of the Yuletide season.”
Cardin crushed her against his chest, momentarily too overwhelmed to speak. He gulped in gratitude, kissed her soft cheek, and whispered in her ear. “Merci, Maman. De tout mon coeur.Thank you— from the bottom of my heart.” He tucked the jewelry box inside the leather sheath belted at his waist. “I’m going to the cottage to ask her now. If she accepts—can I bring her back to the castle tonight? To announce our betrothal and celebrate?”
Exuberant joy illuminated Laudine’s bright face. “Absolutely. I’ll have Maëlys prepare a feast!” She turned his shoulders, hastening him toward the door. “Go now. And bring your betrothed back with you.”
****
Ulla was sitting at the kitchen table, sewing the fur lining inside the dark green cloak she was making for Cardin as a Yuletide gift, when she heard an unexpected knock at the front door. Lukaz and Cardin had recently gone back to the castle after the archery lessons and morning hunt. From his wagging tail and enthusiasm, Vill obviously recognized the visitor at the door. But Ulla cautiously peered out the window to see who had come to her cottage.
And was stunned to find Cardin standing on her doorstep.
Dashing back to the kitchen table to cover the cloak with a quilt—she didn’t want him to see the gift she was sewing for him—Ulla opened the front door and welcomed him in.
Apprehension and elation warred on his scarred, handsome face.
What has he come to tell me? It can’t be bad news, for he seems excited. Yet I sense fear in him as well. What on earth could it be?
