Suddenly Reina started as something brushed against her thigh. Just barely, she saw a small dark shadow move on down the stairs. Lady Ella? But she had closed the door to the antechamber. How, then…?
Reina tensed, her senses finally aware that her husband stood on the step just behind her. Now was the time to apologize, to beg him to forget this morn’s silliness, but no words could get past her mortification. It seemed to be becoming a habit, humiliating herself in his presence, though she could not reason why. But this time was the worst, and she was loath to imagine what he must be thinking right now.
“Do you come back willingly, or do I carry you?”
She stood up and turned to face him. All she saw was his silhouette, no expression to discern his thoughts by. His low-pitched voice gave no clue either.
“What does that mean?” she asked hesitantly.
“It means I concede, little general. I would prefer it did you try and tolerate Lady Ella, but if you cannot, you cannot. Henceforth she can sleep with Lanzo.”
Reina should have been magnanimous and said she had not been serious, that he could keep his cat wherever he liked. But she had won, and without guilt to aid her. The feeling was worth savoring without concessions.
“Thank you.”
“For what? You left me no choice.”
She smiled to herself, for that was not exactly true. He could just as easily have dragged her back and forced her to accept his will regardless of her feelings on the matter.
“You are not angry?”
He did not answer that, but stepped aside for her to pass. Better she count her blessings and leave the subject be. He had not sounded angry, though by rights he ought to be. Men did not usually like ultimatums of any kind.
She tightened her robe against the chill of the stairwell and moved up to his level—and found herself scooped up into his arms. “I thought—”
“Be quiet,” he interrupted. “I had not realized you were barefoot.”
What could she say to that? Her feetwereterribly cold. He had had sense enough to put shoes and chausses on to come after her. She had just barely thought to grab her bedrobe. This chivalry on his part was unexpected, but nice. She would savor it, too, while it lasted. Besides, she rather liked being held in his arms.
Lanzo slept on, undisturbed by their comings and goings through the antechamber where he nightly spread his pallet. He was attuned to Ranulf’s voice raised in summons, but Ranulf had not once raised his voice this morn.
The bedchamber had lightened up considerably since Reina had left it, dawn giving way to sunrise. Ranulf did not put her down until he reached the bed, where he could set her. Only then did she glance at his face to determine his mood. His grin was self-explanatory.
“So that is why you are not angry. You found my behavior amusing?”
He sat down next to her but avoided looking at her, staring instead at his feet stretched out before him. “I have had women fight over me before and throw jealous tantrums, but never over my cat.”
“Is that so?” she replied indignantly.
The laughter he had been holding in burst forth. He fell back on the bed with it. He rolled from side to side with it. He roared with it. Reina glanced about for something to hit him with.
“I swear,” he gasped out, clutching his stomach now, but still laughing, “I have never seen…or heard anything so funny…as you accusing a cat…of farting just for your benefit!”
Had she really done that? ’Twas not even logical. Animals could not control such things any more than people could.
“I will allow I may have been hasty in that accusation. I should have said she would have done it apurpose if she could have.”
That brought on another paroxysm of laughter. Tears were now streaming from his eyes. Reina had to bite her lip to keep it from curling. His humor had become infectious.
“Enough, Ranulf,” she said in exasperation. “So I behaved like an idiot. You do not have to rub it in.”
“Nay, not an idiot.” He pulled her down next to him and leaned over her, smiling. “You were utterly delightful.”
“And silly,” she said, feeling warmed by the way he was now looking at her.
“Silly, aye. Know you that I have never before laughed like that? I am glad you are so silly, little general.”
Her hand came up to wipe the moisture from his cheeks. “I am sorry.”
