Page 51 of Lord of Misrule

Her nerves got the best of her and won out. Kit decided she had no business being here and that she should turn right around and go back to the kitchen where servants belonged. Slowly, she lowered her fist, not knocking on the door after all. Just as she started to leave, the door swung open and Lord Tolin stood there looking more handsome than ever.

“Kit. I thought I heard something.” One hand on the door latch, he leaned his other arm on the jamb opposite the open door. “Well, aren’t you going to come in? That was your intention wasn’t it?”

“I—I,” she couldn’t find the words to speak as she drank in the sight of his toned, manly body.

He was dressed in a simple tunic that was open down to his waist. Her gaze swept down that sturdy chest with the dark curls of hair teasing her, making her want to reach out and touch them. At his waist, she saw he wore no weapon belt but only a pair of tight breeches. Her gaze slid down his long, lean legs until it got to his feet, which were bare. How, she asked herself, could she possibly even consider stepping into the room with this handsome, half-dressed man?

“Here. Let me help you.” He reached out and took the decanter and goblet, putting them both in one large hand. Then he took her arm and gently guided her into the room. “Why didn’t you bring two goblets?” he asked, closing the door behind her.

“I wasn’t sure, my lord, who all would be drinking the wine.”

“It’s for you. And me. Both of us,” he told her with a smile, holding up the wine. “I suppose we can share the goblet. It doesn’t really matter.” He walked over to a small bedside table and poured a goblet of wine.

“Share the goblet,” she repeated, feeling anxiety getting the best of her again. Her body started shaking.

“Are you cold?” he asked, looking over his shoulder. “I can stoke the fire on the hearth.”

“Nay. I’m quite warm,” she told him, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.

“You looked flushed. I hope you are not feverish.” He walked over with the goblet, reaching up to touch the back of his free hand to her forehead. “I’ve never been good at telling if someone is feverish from a touch. I can summon the healer if you’re not feeling well.”

“Nay, please.” She held up a halting hand. “I am fine. Just a bit...flustered, that’s all.”

“Flustered? Whatever for?” he asked with a deep laugh, taking a sip of wine. “Do I really make you that nervous?”

“I—I’m not sure. My lord,” she added quickly.

“I see.” He nodded slightly, drinking her in. “I do make you nervous. I didn’t intend that at all. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. My body always shakes when I’m near a handsome man.”

He was drinking again and stopped abruptly. His gaze lifted and he looked at her from over the rim of his goblet. “So you think I’m handsome?”

She bit her lip and squeezed her eyes closed. “Yes, I think you are very handsome,” she admitted.

“Well, I must admit that I am feeling a little nervous in the presence of such a beautiful woman as you. If that helps make things any easier.”

Her eyes popped open. Now that he’d called her beautiful, her knees shook uncontrollably too. This was more than she could handle. She felt as if she were going to fall.

“Please. Sit down,” he told her.

She looked back at the only chair in the room, but his weaponbelt and clothes were thrown over it. “There is nowhere to sit.” She became wobbly.

“Just sit on the bed.” He grabbed her arm and led her to his bed, guiding her to sit. This only made her anxiety worse. “Here, take a sip of wine. It’ll help you relax.”

Needing to relax, she did as instructed. She half-expected him to sit down next to her, but he didn’t. Instead, he removed the things from the chair and sat upon it, stretching out his long legs and plopping his bare feet on the bed next to her.

She took one more sip of wine before handing him back the goblet. “Thank you, Lord Tolin.”

“Please, just call me Tolin when we’re alone. Do have another drink of wine. I will refill the goblet.” He got up to do so.

“I think I will,” she mumbled, finding her attraction to the man growing. The firelight from the hearth flickered, causing his face to almost glow. He quickly retrieved the decanter, refilling the cup and handing it back to her.

“I should be refilling the cup, not you, Lord Tolin.” Kit held the goblet of wine with two hands.

“I told you, it’s just Tolin when we’re alone.” He put the decanter on the floor, sitting back down in the chair. “And you are off-duty for the night, so there is no need to serve me.”

“I’m afraid there is, my lord. I am a commoner and you are a noble. Nothing will ever change that.”