Karl nods. He seems to share my logic in this. “I will seek out Gerhard immediately, your grace.”
“Thank you. And please ensure we are not disturbed. Lady Natalia is fatigued and we are retiring for the night.”
“Of course, my lord. Please convey my good wishes to milady. I trust she is not too uncomfortable.”
“I will. She has been hurt but she will heal. She wants to thank you for your assistance today.”
“It was my pleasure, sir. Good night.” He saunters off into the gathering dusk, in search of ale and other female company, I daresay. He has earned it.
I return to my bed and gaze down at my bride. She watches me, apprehensive but quiet. I will settle for that. I remove my leather belt and woollen chausses, choosing to ignore Natalia’s maidenly gasp as her eyes are drawn to my cock. I have been hard since she regained consciousness, and this state seems set to persist. In time my lady will become better acquainted with just what that means for her. For now, she may look her fill.
I slide under the blanket and lie next to her. The bed is small, she is pressed against me.
“Let me hold you, Natalia.”
Again, she hesitates. But then comes obedience as she curls her slim body against mine. I wrap my arms around her, my cock hardening yet more at the feel of her soft breasts pressing against my torso. Tomorrow will prove an interesting day.
“I have you, my lady. Sleep now.”
Chapter Five
I open my eyes, my brow furrowing at the sudden onslaught of bright wintry sunlight. I am momentarily perplexed. Where am I? This is not my chamber at Hohenzollern. This place is too—warm.
The source of heat shifts, and I become aware of the living, breathingmalepresence beside me. The events of yesterday come clamouring back into my mind.
The castle is taken, conquered. The royal family are captured, imprisoned, or have fled. Or, as in my case, been claimed as brides. My husband-to-be is sleeping at my side, his huge, naked form both warm and vibrant, and utterly terrifying.
I am also nude, and as the events of yesterday rush back at me I recall why this is. I attempted to escape, believing I might make my way back into the castle by way of one of the underground passages. I had planned to return to Sophia, to be assured of her safety. Instead, I almost lost my life. I owe my very survival to the duke of Richtenholst, the powerful presence slumbering beside me.
I really should not be snuggled up to him in this manner. Even were we properly wed, it would not be quite seemly. Certainly I never shared a bed nor any other such intimacy in either of my previous marriages.
I shift, intending to ease myself away from his solid body. At my first movement he tightens his arm around me, holding me secure against him.
“Where are you thinking of making off to now, my lady?”
His voice is rich and deep. I sense the vibrations in his chest as he chuckles.
“I was, I mean, I thought… I am sorry, my lord. I did not intend to wake you.” I do not usually stammer, but he seems to bring out such nervousness in me I find it hard to string two sensible words together.
“I don’t doubt that. But since we are both now awake, shall we get on? We have much to accomplish this day. Starting with your spanking.”
I stiffen, press my lips together. I knew, of course I knew this was coming.I remember full well his words of last night. But I had wondered in some optimistic corner of my brain if he might forget. Or relent. It would seem not.
I am not above begging if that might help my plight. “My lord, please. This is not necessary. I am truly sorry for what I did yesterday and for all the trouble I caused you. Such will never occur again, I swear that.”
“It pleases me to hear this. I accept your apology, and your promise.”
Thank heaven.
“So now we have only to deal with the matter of your suitable chastisement, then it will be done with.”
Oh. Oh, no.
He continues. “Unless of course you remain too fragile following your exertions of yesterday. You took quite a battering. How are your ribs this morning?”
My lord the duke eases himself up into a sitting position, his back propped against the headboard. I peer up at him from my safe haven among the blankets and furs. Despite my dire circumstances, I have to confess he makes a magnificent sight.
I had little opportunity to study his features yesterday, but as I view him now in the clear morning light, I confess the duke is an uncommonly handsome man, though his features possess a certain severity. I suppose that comes with his station, and his profession as a soldier. His dark blond hair reaches his shoulders, and is both thick and wavy. It looks soft too, and I suppress an unaccountable urge to run my fingers through those tawny locks. His eyes are blue, a piercing, deep shade that puts me in mind of the kingfishers that inhabit the banks of the river flowing along the borders of Hohenzollern. His azure gaze is now locked on mine. His lips are full, and they curl in a friendly enough smile. Despite his intent, his demeanour toward me seems pleasant.
