"Aye. My lord, how will you keep the others from...?"
He held back a chuckle at the flush creeping into her cheeks. His cock hardened anew and he wondered if he'd survive this next course.
"'Tis being handled. Now eat."
She picked up her spoon and lowered it to the trencher, scooping stewed violets with a dainty and elegant motion. They ate in silence, and somehow the chaos of the room faded away. He supposed she would have liked some romantic gesture, but he found himself too distracted by studying her.
He slipped his hand under the table. She appeared not to notice the movement. He let his fingers brush against the ornate emerald gown. Her shoulders stiffened, but she didn't lift her head. Instead, she selected another piece of goose and bit into it. He admired her manners, her fingers and hand placed just so to conceal her mouth as she ate. She would do well at court.
Impatience left him agitated while he waited for her to finish her meal. She'd barely leaned away from the trencher when he laid his hand firmly on her leg. At the contact, she froze completely. Several seconds passed before she met his gaze.
"Go now, seek your maid."
The pink in her cheeks faded until she appeared almost ashen. He squeezed her leg. She flinched.
"Now." He gave another squeeze then released her.
"Aye, my lord." Her voice shook, near as much as her hands. Still, she rose steadily and made her way toward the stair.
***
Gillian tried to slip unnoticed through the hall, but knew she didn't succeed. The eyes of nearly everyone rested on her, making her feel as though she walked across the room naked. She silently thanked her husband for banning the bedding ceremony. She didn't think she'd survive that without being sick.
She caught the eye of one of the maids. The girl appeared envious. Gillian supposed her husband would be considered handsome by most. God's bones, she considered him handsome. More than he should be.
Edith awaited her in the chamber. She hesitated, pleased to see the bedding replaced with the earl's colors. The table and chairs near the hearth had been brought in from the solar, as per her instructions. The room no longer held any sign of her father. She lowered her head, sending his soul a prayer of peace.
"Edith, I... must prepare."
Her maid immediately set to helping Gillian out of her gown and undergarments. When nothing but the chemise remained, Gillian halted the maid.
"That is enough. Can you please undo the ribbons in my hair?"
"Yes, my lady. You are a countess now! Married to an earl. And the king will be here within a sennight. 'Tis the most exciting thing to happen to Lyndon in many years."
Despite her worries over everything Edith gushed over, the maid's excitement was infectious. Mayhap the past weeks of dark days were truly over.
The door flung open. The earl filled the frame. His dark tunic outlined the breadth of his shoulders and her gaze moved over him, her heart once again taking the same uneven rhythm his presence always sparked. He stood there several moments before stepping into the room. He strodearound the chamber, perusing the furnishings and the bed. He turned to her and gave an approving nod.
"I am pleased with the room."
"Thank you."
Royce's gaze settled on Edith.
"Leave us."
The maid lowered her head and hurried from the room, closing the door behind her. Royce strode over and slid the bar into place.
The hint of uneasiness bloomed into fear. She was alone with this man, her husband, and no one could save her.
He strode to the table and the pitcher of wine. He picked up one goblet and filled it. All the while, she studied him, noting the way his hair fell around his shoulders, the way his fingers gripped the pitcher. Her gaze moved lower, the sight of his powerful legs encased in hose hinting at his stamina.
The rush of lust that came over her left her breathless. She wanted to look away, but didn't. He turned and held out the goblet.
She shook her head. "Nay, I..."
He stepped closer, forcing her to tilt her head back. He did it apurpose, she knew, to try and intimidate her. She held her ground.
