Page 17 of May Queen: May Day

“Why would you say that?”

“I’ve got eyes. I saw how fast he dropped you at my doorstep and left in the middle of the night. I am starting to understand why.”

“Please, my lord, promise me you won’t post guards at my door and treat me like a prisoner in my new home.”

He stopped at the door to her chamber, looking deeply into her eyes. She smiled and tried to look coy, hoping if she flirted with him that he’d agree.

“All right. No guards,” he said, opening the door to her chamber. He motioned with his hand and she entered first.

“Thank you,” she beamed happily, already planning on leaving again as soon as he left her alone. “Good night.”

She heard the door close behind her and smiled. She’d give him a moment to get down the corridor and then she’d leave again. She turned around, planning on going but stopped and cried out when she found him still standing there. “My lord, why are you still here?”

“I am here, my lady, because, although I promised you no guards at the door, I am not foolish enough to leave you alone again.”

“What does that mean?”

He helped her off with her cloak and motioned to a small table and chairs in the room. “Have a seat. We’ll be sharing a meal together here instead of in the great hall. I had food delivered to your chamber as well as my solar.”

“Oh. All right,” she said, hoping to eat quickly so he’d leave.

“Tell me about yourself.” He pulled the chair out for her and she sat down. Then he reached over and poured a goblet of wine.

“There is nothing to tell. I think my uncle told you everything you need to know.” She reached out and broke off a small piece of bread and nibbled at it.

“He said nothing except for what you wanted him to tell me. He said your mother was his half-sister but he was very vague about your father. What is his name?”

“He’s dead,” she said quickly, not able to look him in the eye when she said it.

He reached out and lifted her chin until her gaze met his. “I can tell you’re lying because you can’t look at me when you say that. Now, I’ll ask you again. What is your father’s name? And don’t even think of lying, or you will be sorry.”

“Lord Debenham,” she told him, hoping that would satisfy him.

“What is his Christian name?” His oaken eyes drew her in, searching all the way down to her soul. Then his gaze dropped to her mouth and she felt an odd attraction between them. He was in the perfect position to kiss her. Part of her hoped he would. She felt now as if she had to tell him the truth. If she didn’t, he would somehow know it and punish her. But if she told him what he wanted to know, mayhap she would be rewarded with a kiss.

“Oren,” she whispered, her eyes closing in the process. Flora wasn’t even sure if Oren was an English name, a Celt name, or, perhaps, pagan altogether. However, this was the name her father went by, although Rosemunda had revealed to her that the Druids called him Belenus. If she wasn’t mistaken, that was the name of the Celtic sun god. “His name was Lord Oren Debenham.”

“Oren? Are you sure?” he asked, dropping his hand and causing her eyes to open. She somehow expected him to know it wasn’t his real name. But how could he? “What kind of a name is that?”

“I’m not sure, my lord.” She reached out for more wine. “I never knew him.”

His hand on hers stopped her from drinking. His long fingers curled around hers in warmth and protection. She felt a surge of excitement rush through her by the intimacy of his simple touch. “What I really want to know is why are you here?”

“Why?” She looked down at his hand and, once again, she found the overwhelming need to tell him the truth. Then, coming to her senses, she ripped her hand away from him before she said something she couldn’t retract. “It’s simple, my lord. I am here to marry you and become your wife.”

“Why?” he asked again, picking up the goblet and taking a drink.

“I don’t understand.” Her heart sped up. Was he on to her little mission? She hoped not. If so, he would see to it that she never completed it. “My uncle decided to keep the alliance with you, and that is why you are marrying me instead of Gretta. She’s pregnant.”

“So I’ve been told.” He took another sip of wine, staring at her over the rim of the goblet. “Why is it I don’t believe that story?” He handed the goblet of wine to her.

“Are you calling my uncle a liar?” She grabbed the goblet from him and chugged down some wine.

“I’m doing nothing of the sort. However, I am calling you a liar.”

Her motions stilled and her eyes met his over the rim this time. She slowly put down the goblet, licking her lips. “I know not of what you speak.”

“Your excuse for being in the forest. I know it’s not true.”