It was not precisely how she had hoped to wed a man who loved her, but the end result would be thesame.
Whatever threatened him and their future would be her challenge toresolve.
Then his lips closed over hers, obliterating all such considerations from her mind. There was only her husband in the darkness, her husband and his seductivetouch.
Her husband and the pleasure only he couldconjure.
And for the moment, that was more thanenough.
* * *
Annelise had never believedin magic, but awakening to find her husband absent again compelled her to reconsider herperspective.
Where could he havegone?
Andwhy?
There was a new kirtle laid out for her, and her linen and stockings had been washed. She knew her husband had not done that—even if he had been inclined to do such labor, he had had no spare moment the night before. A meal awaited her pleasure, just like the day before, although once again, she could not detect another person in thepalace.
The servants might use hidden passages, but Annelise doubted they could remain so completely out of sight. Surely she would catch a glimpse ofthem?
The horses had been fed and brushed, and their stalls swept out. She was certain the weeds in the garden had been pulled and the dead blossoms had been trimmed. The palace was perfectly clean and organized—as if it had several dozenservants.
If there was a rational explanation, Annelise could not think of what it mightbe.
And why was his palace in such a location? There were no fields for crops, no villeins as at Sayerne, no road or bridge that might bring tolls as at Beauvoir, not even mines as were reputed to have been at Roussineau. As far as she knew, the palace was lost in the forest to the south of Beauvoir, just as she hadbeen.
He said he had won the palace from a lady. Why had she built it in this remote location? Had she been hiding from some vengeful individual or evading the consequences of some foul deed? Even that made little sense, since the lady was gone. Why had she bestowed the palace upon Annelise’s husband? It seemed a whim beyond all expectation, especially if she yet drewbreath.
Could her husband be responsible for his benefactress’ demise? Annelise paused in the act of taking a piece of bread, then shook her head. No. He was kind and generous. Notviolent.
She recalled his vehemence the night before and set aside the bread. She would believe the best of him until she had evidence to the contrary. His kindness to her had to have somereward.
If the lady had brought a fortune from Outremer, where had she found the craftsmen to build the palace and those high walls? Someone would have heard rumor of it. Annelise had to believe that Tulley would have known of it and come to see it forhimself.
She stepped into the courtyard and considered the clear blue sky. The weather was the most perplexing detail, and the one she could not explain at all. She knew there was snow on the other side of the gates, yet within the walls, it was as warm as a summer’s day. Even the most perfect location could not have ensuredthat.
No, there was something greaterafoot.
She could not dispel her own suspicion that a demon had been invoked. She had never given credit to the notion of them existing in truth, but here was evidenceaplenty.
If a demon held her husband in thrall, that would explain his heated reaction the night before. He had shown time and again that he was protective of Annelise, and it made sense he would fear for her welfare. Of course, he would not wish her to invoke the demon or be compelled to face hiswrath.
It would also explain why her husband had not been able to confide in her as he had promised he would. Yes, a demon might refuse to keep his word. They were reputed to beuntrustworthy.
But why was he so adamant that she not see his face? He was not scarred ordisfigured.
He must fear that she would recognize him. Annelise could not imagine that might occur, but if her husband feared as much, he must have good reason. Perhaps he recognizedher.
Annelise blinked. She knew few knights, to be sure, having spent so many years in the convent. But perhaps he had seen her at Tulley’s château or had ridden in the company of Yves. They did resemble eachother.
By the time she had broken her fast, Annelise was resolved. If there was a spell or a curse laid upon him, she would have to break it and free her husband. She would spend the day exploring the palace again, seeking hints that might be ofaid.
And she must see his face. If she knew something of his origins, that might aid in her quest. He could only be hiding himself from view because she might well recognize him, and Annelise needed every bit of assistance she could find to win her spouse’sfreedom.
* * *
Rolfe was more vexedthan he might have believed possible. Despite the fact that he had loved Annelise more thoroughly, he yet again found himself transformed into a wolf. He could have shouted in rage that day in the forest, but instead, his protest came out as a howl. He hated that he had been unable to keep his pledge to her and felt like a cur for deceiving her atall.
