“A fine thought,” she replied as she darted ahead of him and gathered the fullness of herpelissonin her hands.“And I shall race you there!”
Alienor layback against the clean bed linens, her hair brushed out and strewn across the pillows, her body at ease from the hot bath Giselle had brought her this night.This life was too luxurious, and she marveled anew that it should be hers.Dagobert chewed before the fire burning in the brazier and she watched him through her lashes.
She noted the falling darkness and felt a tremor of excitement despite her exhaustion.She had so many questions for her husband, so much to tell him, so much to give him.On this night, she would remain awake to see this shape-shifting—if indeed, it occurred.
Yet Alienor’s eyelids grew steadily heavier despite her resolution.
Alienor awoketo teasing kisses against her lips, recognizing immediately the musky scent of her husband’s skin.The fire had burned low and the room was dark as it had been the night before.She reached up to Dagobert and felt him smile against her lips, the solidity of his rings falling against her breast as she moved into his embrace.His hand slid up her back to grasp a fistful of hair at her nape, his other hand cupping her breast as he deepened his kiss, and Alienor trembled against him.
“There will be no pain on this night,” he whispered in her ear.She shivered at his breath there, already knowing that she had naught to fear this night.
“’Tis not fear but anticipation,” she confessed softly, grateful that the darkness hid her flush when he chuckled under his breath.
“I would strive to please you, my lady,” he growled, nipping at her earlobe and making her smile before his fingers slipped between her legs.Alienor sighed at the surety of his touch.She reached to stroke his face, wanting to know him even better.
To her disappointment, he moved quickly to trap both of her wrists in his grip.She might have protested, but he stretched her out across the mattress and caressed the slick heat between her legs once more.Alienor began to tingle as he teased her, and she arched toward the shadow that loomed over her in the darkness.She could almost see the glitter of his eyes in the night, then he kissed her and there was naught but the magic he could conjure beneath her own skin.
“Dagobert,”she murmured some hours later as he tucked her tightly against his side, his fingers fanning out around her shoulder.Fighting her exhaustion, Alienor struggled to one elbow, her tangled hair falling over her bare shoulders and against her husband’s chest as his hand slipped to the indent of her waist.
“I would talk to you,” she protested when he would have pulled her back down beside him, and he stilled immediately.Alienor felt the weight of his gaze upon her in the darkness.“I have so many questions,” she admitted, wishing he would speak, surprised when the pad of his thumb pressed against her lips and silenced her words.
“Hush,” he insisted, his thumb moving slowly across the softness of her lips in a rhythm that made her forget all but his seduction.
“I do not know who to trust in your house,” she managed to whisper before her response to his touch overwhelmed all else, not knowing why those words should rise to her lips before all others.
“Trust those I trust,” he murmured before his mouth closed over hers possessively.She reached for his shoulders, savoring his strength, tangling her fingers in his hair, inhaling of his scent.Dagobert groaned, his thumb and forefinger closing around her nipple as she opened her mouth to welcome his tongue.Alienor sighed in capitulation, the battle against sensation already lost, and he rolled her beneath him yet again.
Chapter 3
“Iwill take my leave this day if you are settled here,” Guibert said as he and Alienor broke their fast together the next morning.
It proved that Alaric had guessed aright, for many of the guests had left the previous day.On this morn, the fortress’ usual routine must have been restored, for the meal was a casual affair.There was leftover stew for those who desired it, but Alienor was relieved to note that most took only bread and cheese, as was her usual fare.
Guibert had beckoned her to join him in a quiet corner when she entered the hall and she had expected this news.He had never been able to remain long in one place.
“Too long at one hearth?”she teased, relieved to see him smile.
“Indeed,” he agreed.He was restless, which reminded her that he liked to be on his way with the first rays of the sun.If only she had known he was chafing to go, she would not have taken so long with her toilette.
“Back to Perpignan?”she asked.
To her surprise, Guibert shook his head.“Nay, child.There is naught in Perpignan for me these days.”
“But the house...”
Guibert shook his head again.“’Tis sold,” he informed her.“I would not return to a cold hearth there.I will turn to Montsalvat now.”He had always said that it was people who mattered most, especially those held close in the heart, and Alienor blinked back her tears at his gruff words.She hugged her foster father impulsively, knowing what it cost him to speak of his emotions at all.
“And you will always be welcome here,” she assured him.
His smile seemed almost sly.“I should hope so.My blade is sworn now to your lord’s service.”
“Guibert!”Alienor felt her mouth drop open in surprise.“You told me naught of this!”
He colored slightly under his tan and looked discomfited.“A fine man you have wed, straight and true.I would see his cause win the day.”
Alienor frowned in confusion.What cause?Before she could ask anything further, Guibert rose suddenly to his feet, looking as if he felt he had said too much.
Alienor felt he had not said nearly enough, for she was mystified by his words.
