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“And how does the king know that?” Anne asked.

“My cousin was sending a man to investigate Russell’s castle and finances. It cannot look good for him. Since it is only a matter of time before the contract is invalidated, I have decided that to protect you, it is best if I decline guardianship of you and offer marriage instead.”

Elizabeth poked herself with a needle and tried not to wince.

Anne stopped pretending to eat. “You may offer marriage, my lord, but that does not mean⁠—”

He interrupted her, and his smile seemed forced. “Offer is the wrong word. I intend to marry you, Lady Elizabeth. Russell is a scoundrel unworthy to serve my royal cousin. I will present the king with our marriage. He will void the betrothal contract negotiated by a dead king. What bishop would stand against him?”

“You cannot force me to wed you,” Anne said.

Her voice was shaking now. What would happen if she were pushed too hard? Would she betray herself by looking to her lady’s maid for guidance?

Bannaster smiled. “I won’t have to force you to marry me.”

Anne rose to her feet. “And I will not let you…touch my person, as if that would convince me to marry you!”

“I won’t do that either,” Bannaster said calmly. “Russell is in disgrace, and his unworthiness will already be apparent to the king. I have told the parish priest that we wish to be wed on the morrow, and that I have already purchased a special license to be married without the banns being read.”

He had planned for this a long time, Elizabeth realized in growing fear.

Bannaster stood up, and Anne just stared at him, her fear apparent.

“I suggest, my lady, that you prepare yourself for a beautiful ceremony. And stop looking as if I mean to harm you!” he added with distaste.

After he’d left the room, Elizabeth closed the door behind him and crossed to Anne, who sat still, looking ashen.

“I won’t let it come to this,” Elizabeth said fiercely.

“I know you won’t. But I fear for what you will do.”

“He put it out of my hands,” she answered softly. “I think I might have only one option.”

“Elizabeth, you’re frightening me.”

“You don’t need to be frightened anymore.”

* * *

By that night, John had already overheard the news—Bannaster planned to marry Lady Elizabeth on the morrow. A feast had been ordered, and servants moved about too quietly. John had to wait to go to Elizabeth until the sounds of supper overhead faded away.

He “borrowed” a cloak, and used the hood to hide his face. By now he knew the corridors well, and understood where to hide when he heard someone coming. At last he was able to knock softly on her door, and when she opened it, he slipped inside. Immediately, he drew her into his arms.

To his surprise, she melted against him, pulling his head down to kiss him. He froze, not sure if he understood what was happening. Even as his cock hardened and his brain grew fuzzy, he broke the kiss.

“Elizabeth, I heard what Bannaster plans to do. We have to go forward with my plan⁠—”

She dropped the dressing gown that she was wearing to reveal her nudity. He lost his voice in confusion. He stared at her breasts that fit so perfectly in his hand and mouth, as he already well knew. He swallowed.

“No words, John,” she whispered. “I’ve been thinking of this all day. I need you.”

He pulled off his garments and picked her up off the floor as they kissed. She writhed in his arms and moaned, wrapping her legs about his waist. When he carried her to the bed, he turned and sat down with her in his lap, running his hands up her smooth back, gripping her shoulders to arch her away from him so that he could taste her breasts.

As their hips pressed even harder together, he groaned as his erection was trapped between them.

She suddenly straightened up, her arms about his shoulders. “We can make love like this?”

He nodded. “Think of me as your mount, my little captain.”