Annelise liked that sound well. She propped herself up on one elbow and touched his shoulder, peering down to where she knew his face had tobe.
What would she have given to have seen his eyes in this moment ofmoments?
On the other hand, it was easier to ask bold questions when she did not have to look him in theeye.
“Is that how other people consummate their marriages?” sheasked.
“That has always been my understanding,” he confirmed, amusement in histone.
Annelise leaned over him, pressing her breast against Rolfe’s ribs. The tumble of her hair landed on his chest and she felt his hand move into its length. She liked that he was not immune to her charms, such as they were, and dared to ask an even bolderquestion.
“Can we do itagain?”
He laughed more heartily than he had yet and Annelise smiled at the sound. “It would be my pleasure, my lady,” he replied and rolled her to her back before he claimed her lips oncemore.
His kisses proved to be more powerful each time. Annelise was breathless when he raised his head and her heart was thundering. She stroked his broad shoulders and smiled with satisfaction. “Perhaps it would be mine, sir,” she replied and he laughedagain.
“I wager we will both be well pleased, myAnnelise.”
“I would not wager against you on such terms,” she said, prompting his laughter once again. His kiss was quick andthorough.
“Then you have no complaints, myAnnelise?”
“Not about this, sir,” she began but had no chance to continue for her husband kissed her tosilence.
And within a heartbeat, Annelise did notcare.
* * *
Rolfe awakened before the dawn,eager to begin his first day free of the curse. He would be a man in daylight again and could explain all to his marvel of a wife. They could decide whether to remain in the palace or ride forViandin.
The fountain tinkled merrily in the courtyard and the chamber was still dark. Annelise burrowed against his side. He could feel her hair strewn over her shoulders and savored her sweet warmth pressed against him. He eased a tendril away from her cheek with a fingertip, affection swelling withinhim.
What a wife this palace had brought to him! Rolfe was jubilant that they had sent his curse on its way in such a resounding fashion. He would never have anticipated finding a woman of such passion as Annelise simply by chance, much less having such a woman as hiswife.
The bottle truly had made his dreams come true. He had a palace, a wife and obvious wealth. They could raise a family within these walls, if she desired. They might like to return to Viandin, but it was a relief not to be reliant upon Adalbert’s good will to build afuture.
On this morning Rolfe would eliminate the secret between them and share his truth withAnnelise.
It was possible that she might hold a small grudge. Rolfe considered that her eyes might flash that he had not initially confided all of the tale. He kissed her forehead and decided he would ensure she was in a receptive mood for hisconfession.
Flowers were a well-established path to a woman’s heart. Reluctantly, Rolfe slipped from the warmth of the bed. The palace was filled with the warm air of a summer morn but it was his wife he did not wish toleave.
He walked to the garden without donning a chemise. In truth, there was advantage in having no servants or others in the palace. He cut more of the same red roses that had perfumed her bath. Their scent already evoked the sight of Annelise’s smile to Rolfe and the taste of her skin. He smiled in anticipation of the aftermath of hisconfession.
Their celebration might be an exhaustingproposition.
Rolfe could hardly wait. Even the memory of Rosalinde’s scorn could not color his optimism this morn. Annelise was different, Rolfe was certain. They would make a good life together, here in this remote palace. He would invite friends and artisans, perhaps establish a village with a mill. Their children would prosper in thisplace.
He hurried to arrange the roses in the chamber where Annelise slept, determined to surprise her when she awakened. Rolfe surveyed the result and decided he needed more blooms. The dawn drew near as he hastened back to the garden one lasttime.
The first rays of the sun lit the roof of the palace and Rolfe watched the sky lighten in the east. For the first time in over a month, he could savor the dawn without fearing the curse. He smiled as the sky lightened and took a deep breath of the morningair.
He savored his first day as a managain.
Then the morning breeze slid through histail.
Rolfe spun around and his heart sank when he saw thetruth.
