“That’s more than an eternity if I was stuck here alone. Come, you must give me your word. Promise you will stay at court.”
“I am here as long as the queen needs me.”
“No, no, no.” He pulled her a little closer. “You must make your promise to me, to stay for my sake.”
“Well, I have no plans to leave.”
“You know that is not the same thing at all. You are teasing me.” His hand crept about her waist. “Promise me.”
She felt a little reluctance, as if she was being cornered. It felt too soon to be making promises, but he had led the way, and he was so insistent.
“I promise.”
“Not good enough. Promise me more.”
“More? How can I promise you more than that?”
“With your lips,” he breathed, his face close. “Give me your lips in promise.”
Then, as she hesitated, he leaned forward and softly pressed his mouth against hers. He took her by surprise, but after a moment, she yielded and let him kiss her. It was different to that first, stolen kiss at Windsor; it was tender and gentle.
“There,” he said, drawing back. “Now you can’t leave me.”
“What should I tell the queen when she asks why I have not returned to her service?” she asked. “Why I am living in Cromwell’s quarters, and following you about like a shadow? I shall have to tell her I made you a promise.”
Nico threw back his head and laughed. “Thomasin, I had not realised you are such a wit, but in truth, you do amuse me.”
“But seriously,” she added, changing tone. “I must return in a moment, as I will be needed.”
“One more kiss, then,” he said, bringing his mouth down on hers again. “So that I have something to keep me warm at night. And I shall see you again. Tomorrow, at the tournament?”
The tournament. Hugh had mentioned it, but Thomasin had forgotten. “Yes, of course. Are you taking part?”
“A humble man like me? No, no. I can sing and dance, and fight if I need to, but such displays are not for me.” He smiled. “The king secretly knows I would outshine him.”
“Well, good night, then.”
“You must leave so soon? With nothing more?”
“I must. The queen will be needing me. What do you mean?”
“There is nothing else you wish to give Nico?”
He looked up at her slyly from under his long lashes, and she could see what he was driving at: a kiss, at least, or more, if she dared. But it was not the right moment, and she felt that it was wrong of him to have asked.
“I am already here on borrowed time.”
Still he held her gaze, then stepping forward, pursed his lips at her. She felt obliged to meet them, but retreated quickly, after a mere peck.
“Now I must go.”
Nico remained under the trees as she hurried away to the stairs.
“Good night,” he called after her. “Good night, good night.”
SEVENTEEN
Overnight the lists had been made ready in the new Palace Yard. The long, railed area where the competitors would perform was covered with a blanket of sand, and wooden stands had been erected ready for spectators. Buildings flanked them on all sides, with towers in the corner, and more faces thronged at the windows, watching as the court assembled below. It was still early, and there was a chill in the air, despite the autumn sunlight that played upon the ground.
