“That is all, Mistress Thomasin? A locked gate. A locked gate is like a poem, a riddle, a knot to be unpicked.”
Again, the contradictory impulse. Part of her wanted to roll her eyes and send his platitudes away, but the moonlight in his golden eyes made the other half of her linger. She had only discovered this weakness in herself lately, when she’d come to court, and it was a source of shame for her. From having thought herself a resilient woman, who disliked nonsense, Rafe Danvers’ saturnine good looks had taught her that she harboured this vulnerability when it came to beauty.
Nico’s eyes were drawn into the garden. “Do roses grow in there?”
“Not at this time of year. Primroses, certainly, and bluebells.”
“Are there no roses to be had, anywhere, for a price?”
“Not in the gardens here, I know for certain.”
“That is a shame.” He turned to her. “I would like to make you a gift.”
“That is not necessary; you have already given us gifts.”
“I meant you, and you alone, Mistress Thomasin.”
“And I said it was unnecessary.” She turned back to face the castle entrance.
“But I was hoping we might become friends.”
“Friends? Of what duration?”
“I may be leaving Windsor tomorrow, but I hope to remain in England.”
This was a new turn. “You do? To what end?”
“I could not say this openly before the others, but I seek a fresh start, a new country, perhaps a role at court.”
Maybe he was genuine. Maybe he was not seeking out a spy among the court, or a flirtation, or a little fool for the evening. Maybe he was truly intending to stay in the country. “What would you do?”
“I was hoping to charm the king or queen into giving me a position, perhaps as a scribe or clerk. My French and Spanish are good too.”
“The queen always values those who speak in her native tongue.”
“Perhaps you might be so kind as to put in a good word for me?”
“I will consider it.”
“Please do not take too long, dear lady, as I am due to depart on the morrow.”
“What if you spoke to the queen yourself? If you had an introduction.”
“If you think that possible.”
“You might see her tomorrow, as she leaves chapel.”
He reached for her hand, and this time, she allowed him to take hold of it. “Thank you, thank you for your kindness.”
Then, unexpectedly, he pulled her towards him and placed a kiss full upon her lips. Taken by surprise, and conscious of the group of drinkers not too far away, Thomasin pushed him away.
“Signore, you should not have done that! I must return at once. I bid you goodnight.”
Thomasin hurried past him before he could protest, along the side of the ward and in through the gate which led to the queen’s quarters. Hopefully no one had seen. Such misconduct in public could lead to her losing her position.
The antechamber was dark, and the draughty truckle by the door was the only bed left. She climbed into it, her limbs still chilled but her lips warm from the pressure of Nico’s mouth.
SIX
