‘As you do mine,’ I reply.
‘Most certainly.’
We are silent for a moment; and I boldly tighten my grip, enjoying the feel of his strong arm through the quilted doublet and the sudden flex of muscle designed, I am sure, to arouse my curiosity about his strength and stamina—under the bedcovers.
‘Did you admire the play, Lady Hester?’ Sir Darius enquires.
I cough, my thoughts heating.I admired only what was in your hose ...But I cannot tell him that! And I cannot lie. ‘No, I thought it was terrible,’ I say bluntly.
Sir Darius chuckles. ‘But something kept your attention. I noted that you weren’t asleep like the rest of the audience. Perhaps my stunning performance, hmm?’
‘I—’ The words I am about to utter are cut off by the feel of Sir Darius’s cool lips brushing mine. Lightly at first. Then more insistently as he presses me up against a tapestry. He kisses down my neck, his hands stroking my bodice.
‘Let us go swiftly to your chamber. And I shall give you some private “acting” lessons.’ His voice rumbles huskily with desire, and a fire froths in my belly—whether from all the wine I’ve drunk or the huge member pressing against mythigh, I’m not entirely sure.
‘Yes, let us make haste,’ I rasp, taking the chance to squeeze and fondle his firm buttocks. ‘If the guards catch us, they may report me to the queen. She likes her ladies-in-waiting to remain as chaste as her.’
Sir Darius scoffs at that but says nothing further as I grab his hand and pull him hurriedly along the passage to my chamber.
As soon as the door is closed and a candle is lit, he lavishes my bosom with kisses while I squirm and sigh, running my fingers through his inky curls. Oh, how I wanted this! My prayers have been answered.
‘Her Highness is not chaste,’ he murmurs idly, squeezing a breast with one hand while his other moves to the flare of my hips. He guides me slowly backwards, kissing my mouth with slow dips of tongue that make my senses reel. But still, I cannot let him think such things.
‘You should not say that about the queen,’ I admonish as Sir Darius lays me gently down on the coverlet and gracefully climbs up beside me.
‘It is the truth. She is having an affair with Robert Dudley. Everyone knows it.’ He removes the pins from my hair, and it tumbles around my shoulders. ‘Mmm, your hair is the colour of fire.’ He lifts a handful and sniffs at the fresh lavender rinse I used, then runs a hand down my cheekwhen he sees me gazing at him. ‘And your eyes, like emeralds. So beautiful,’ he murmurs. ‘As soon as I saw you sitting by the queen’s side, I knew I must have you.’
‘In truth?’
Sir Darius nods. ‘My desire has not abated since that moment and has only grown stronger.’
He places my hand on his hose, and I gasp. While I feel my way around his manhood, which is the size of a log of wood, he thrusts a hand up my skirts. But my thoughts wander to the queen, wanting to protect her.
‘You must know that it is hearsay. What you said about the queen ... She enjoys his company, but that does not mean—’ I bite my lip as Sir Darius’s stroking fingers tickle my inner thigh, creeping ever upwards, seeking my cunny. No man has ever touched me there, and I am curious to know what it will feel like. ‘Besides, Lord Dudley is married,’ I add. ‘There can be no union.’
Sir Darius gently rubs at a sensitive spot between my legs, and I stifle a groan. Now I know. It feels wonderful!
‘Mark my words, he will not be married for much longer. Are you enjoying that, Lady Hester?’ he whispers. ‘And more importantly, shall I keep doing it?’
I nod fervently. ‘Oh yes, please do. May I ... touch you in return?’
Wordlessly, Sir Darius undoes the flap on his hose, andhis eager manhood springs free. My mouth waters at the sight of his girthy shaft with its velvety soft tip, quivering in the candlelight.
But yet I am distracted by his remark.
‘What did you mean about Lord Dudley not being—’
There is a sharp rap on the door, and our groping hands freeze.
‘What is it?’ My voice rings out with resentment. Dear Lord, do not tell me the queen is having a nightmare this very minute!
The knock sounds again. ‘Forgive me, but it may be important,’ I whisper to Sir Darius, wishing instead that I could ignore it.
He nods. I blow out the candle to conceal him and answer the door, smoothing my hair. There is no time to plait it.
Opening it a crack, I yawn fakely to the hulking guard standing there. ‘You woke me. What is your business—’
I squeak as his hand flies through the gap and lands on my arm. ‘You are to come with us, Lady Hester,’ the guard says gruffly.
