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“I’d have hoped,” she pauses. “I’d have hoped to speak with my mother, or even my maid, before a wedding night I’m little prepared for.”
I’d thought of that as well.
“We are husband and wife. There is naught you cannot ask me, naught you need be shy to say”—I smile—“or do with me. This night or any other. Do you understand?”
It is not the same, I realize that. But I will have to do, as both her husband and her confidant.
She nods.
“But first I must tell you.” The look on her face reminds me that the boldness of her youth has largely been stolen from her, replaced with a fear I wish I could take away. “There are two river crossings, as there were on your way here, and another which is bridged. I will be by your side each time. You may ride with me, or on your own if you’d like. You will be safe, Reyne. I give you my word.”
Although she licks her lips in distraction, not as an enticement, I cannot help but stare, growing more and more uncomfortable with each passing moment. There’s no help for it but to look away, and to bide my time until this eve.
When Reyne becomes my wife in every way.
21
Reyne
How is it possible I am here, in a bedchamber of a castle I’ve never heard of before, in a place I never knew existed, waiting for a man who is now my husband?
Was it just this morn I walked into the great hall at Ledenhill and said the vows that saw me wed? After bidding goodbye to Warin and my father, who promised to send my belongings to Breywood Castle, we set off for Rymerden. Everything is moving impossibly fast, but Erik promised we will return home to see Mother as soon as it is safe.
After the wedding, we had a long day of travel, punctuated by a terrifying river crossing that had me clinging to Erik. Once we arrived, the maid who was sent to help me was kind enough to have a bath drawn, but that was long ago.
I expected Erik long before now.
The bedchamber is pleasant enough—decorated with two large blue wall coverings bearing the Tree of Loigh and an overly large, ominous-looking bed—but is nevertheless as foreign as the one I slept in last eve.
Nothing since I’ve left Blackwell has felt familiar. Perhaps that is the nature of marriage, of tying your life to someone outside of your home. It is to be expected, I suppose, but it is jarring nonetheless.
The door opens, and Erik enters just as I place my wooden brush back into the trunk along with my other belongings. It is the first time we have been alone all day, and even in the candlelight I can see he is glad for it.
Before I can utter a word, Erik strides toward me. He does not pause before hauling me to him, his head swooping down to mine. My lips open of their own accord, and just as he did before, all those days ago, he persuades me to open for him with his tongue. I have fretted over this decision a thousand times in the last few days, but every last doubt flees with his kiss.
I can feel his desire. His hips press to mine as a flutter in my stomach moves lower. Erik groans, his hands suddenly everywhere. At first, they are pressed flat against my back. But then one moves toward my waist, grasping the material there before sliding up the front of my shift.
His hand covers my breast, his skillful thumb rubbing my nipple through the material until it peaks. Through it all, he is kissing me, claiming my mouth. Already he is making my body answer to a new master, one I never expected to want or need.
Desire, full and fierce, encompasses every bit of me. I grip the material of his shirt with both hands, fisting it tightly as he continues his exploration. The kiss is like a dance. It started slowly, growing in confidence, and now there is no thinking. No hesitation.
I am engulfed in his embrace and enjoying each and every moment.
When Erik pulls away, his lips wet and his breath uneven, I marvel at the thought that I did that to him. This champion of the Tournament of Loigh and commander to a queen is as beholden to me as I am to him in this moment.
“I’ve longed to kiss you that way,” he says, lowering his head to my neck this time. Erik moves my hair to give himself greater access. “To feel you.” He presses his lips to the sensitive flesh there. “To make you mine in every way.” His kiss drifts toward the back of my ear. “You are so beautiful, Reyne.”
He stops and stands tall, my arms having to reach high to continue to cling to him.
“Apologies,” he says, “for my delay in coming tonight. I’ve learned some interesting news.”
Erik’s second hand follows the other’s lead, and now both breasts receive equal treatment.
“Aye?” I manage as my hands slip to his shoulders. Erik steps back just slightly. When he looks down to his hands, still cupping my breasts, and smiles, my core clenches again. My body is preparing for him.
“The lord here is a distant cousin to the queen.”
I attempt to ignore the twinge in my chest at his mention of her.
