Velvet & steel (17 page)

Royce took the steps two at a time in long, purposeful strides. He made his way to their chamber, and was pleased to find both Lynette and Cerise there. He knew Lynette was afraid of what Beltane's invitation meant.

He answered Lynette's question before she voiced it, and saw the relief in her eyes. "'Tis naught for you to worry over, an invitation only, and it will provide me a chance to press the king on our marriage."

He turned his attention to Cerise, admiring the bright ribbons Lynette had woven into her braids. He calmed Cerise's fears, then turned his full attention to Lynette.

He could see she had been watching him closely.

"Robert and I both think Beltane wishes to settle the score between us, with you."

"Royce!"

He went to her and caught her to him, holding her tight and smiling down into her eyes. Lynette smiled and put her arms about him. He was not going to allow her to worry unduly.

"He can do us no harm, Lynette, as long as we do not forget that he is not to be trusted."

"And so we honor this invitation?"

"Aye, I would know what kind of game he plays, and ... I would show the king your impatience to be my wife." He laughed softly. "And my impatience to have you," he added, his voice a caress.

"I wish we could eliminate the days and hours until we can return to Creganwald and begin our life together."

"I wish the same. I cannot be gone from here soon enough. I am weary of court and battles. I would find peace at Creganwald and forget my roaming."

Her eyes grew moist with happy tears, and she drew her arms tighter about him. He would not have denied her invitation had not a fascinated Cerise reminded them of her presence.

"Papa?"

Royce released Lynette reluctantly and went to his daughter, kneeling beside her. "You have a question, Cerise?"

"Can I go to this 'invitation' with you?"

"I am afraid you cannot, but you will be richly entertained. Maida tells me she has any number of new games to teach you, and she also has several new stories. Besides, the hour of our return will be late, and you could not stay awake."

She seemed satisfied with this, and Royce did not look in Lynette's direction, for he did not want her to know his real reason for the refusal. Royce sent Cerise to her own chamber and turned again to Lynette.

But Lynette had not been taken in for a minute by his excuses. "You see more threat in Beltane's invitation than you have admitted," she stated rather than asked. "Why did you refuse Cerise?"

"The truth of it," he said seriously, "is that I do not much like the idea of the three of us being in the same place at the same time. I put little past Beltane, and even less past Tearlach."

"And you advise me not to worry."

"Lynette, we must find what is in their minds, and we cannot let them have access to the king without our being there to prevent his hearing untruths. It is for our own good that we go." He came to her again and took her in his arms. "I would have a day chosen, and this wedding over. Once we are safely at Creganwald, they can offer no threat."

"Then"—she smiled up at him— "I must charm the king, and lay my dearest wish before him."

"Your dearest wish?" he repeated, but already his gaze was warming her.

"Aye, that you will soon be my husband."

He bound her tighter to him and savored a long kiss that brought a sound of contentment from her. He would have carried it to the completion he wanted, but a knock on the door interrupted. He cursed under his breath, and heard her muffled laugh as he reluctantly let her go. Lynette realized her own desire was as hot and intense as his.

They were called to a meal, which turned into a happy and laughing affair. Only Giles seemed withdrawn and thoughtful. Both Lynette and Royce knew he had his sister's schemes in mind, yet neither knew what had transpired between them after Beltane's leaving.

Giles had gone directly to Oriel's room and had entered quietly, without knocking. She was seated before the hearth, brushing her hair and humming lightly to herself. She looked completely satisfied.

He thought of their childhood days, and the number of times he had gotten her out of trouble, not to count the number of times he had taken the blame for things that were her fault.

She had always been unruly and a bit wild, and yet she was his sister, and he could do no less than see to her care since the untimely deaths of their parents.

He had been overjoyed when Royce asked her to care for Cerise. Giles knew that Oriel would have had an honored place in Royce's life if she had seen to her duties, and not sought what was not hers.

Giles loved her, and that was why she could arouse his anger so easily. He did not want her to reach for trouble, and eventually heartbreak, with both hands as she always did.

"Oriel." He spoke her name quietly. She spun about in her chair, surprise on her face.

"Giles, you frightened me. I did not hear you knock."

"I did not knock." He came to stand close to her. "Oriel, the truth of it. Why did you go to Tearlach's?"

"Why do you question a short visit with friends 9 Or are you more distressed to see me return?"

"Why do you speak thus? It is my concern for you that brings me to you now. I have tried to warn you."

"Your only concern is for Royce and that bitch he beds."

"Stop it, Oriel!" His voice cracked with anger. "She is to be his wife, and she is a lady of gentle nature and kind heart. You know well that I care for you, sometimes more deeply than I should. I cannot see you hurt, even if it is by your own hand. I owe Royce more than my life, and you owe him yours as well. Who was there to take care of us when we were left with nothing? It was not Tearlach, that is for certain. He would have left us destitute and begging on the streets."

"I do not know why you choose to remind me of this now. We are comfortable because your arm is strong, and your abilities make you of value. If they did not, you would find yourself on the street soon enough."

"If you believe that, then you have no understanding of Royce's heart. He would never turn his back on us, and neither would his lady."

"His lady ... his lady. Why should she be his lady? It was I who cared for the child when he would not receive it in his presence! It was I who would have made a proper lady for his home! It is I who am of the same blood! Why choose a Saxon slut over a lady of finer ways?"

"You are blind! And you will be led to your own destruction if you listen to Royce's enemies. Oriel, listen to me. For the first time in your life, listen to someone who has your good at heart, and not someone who would use you to cause hurt."

"Giles, I do love you, brother, but this time you are wrong. I have done nothing to warrant your anger, and I plan nothing. Why must we quarrel over things that exist only in your mind? Do you see me as evil?"

"Of course hot. But I know well you will play with fire, and that it is you who will be burned."

"I will not be the one to cause Royce trouble. I will remember my place, and yours. Will that suffice?"

"You speak the truth?"

"Aye, the truth."

"You will accompany me to Tearlach's tomorrow night?"

"Yes, I am looking forward to it. I want the Saxon witch to see the way Norman ladies conduct themselves. It will teach her well. Mayhap she will scuttle back to her hole and forget her ambitions."

"Oriel, let it be. For now let us agree. You will not hear the suggestions of those who mean Royce and Lynette harm."

"No. I will whisper any words of hostility I hear in your ear." She laughed softly, and was suddenly the younger sister he had known in childhood. She came to him and embraced him, kissing his cheek and taking his hand in hers. "Leave off, brother. Let us enjoy the festivities to come."

"Well enough, I take it upon your word." He smiled, for this was the sister he knew. At times like this he saw the child's face superimposed on the woman's.

They talked for a while, and laughed together over times past, until he was assured, and left her. Only then did her smile fade, and for a minute tears glistened in her eyes. Then she brushed them away and returned to her chair to continue brushing her hair.

***

The evening grew long for Royce, and he chafed under the continued pretense of laughing conversation, when he wanted only for everyone to find their beds.

He might have thought he had himself in complete control, but there was no one present who did not see and understand his impatience: indeed, Robert and several others had a silent wager that he was not going to last much longer.

Royce maintained his self-control until Lynette bent near him and laid her hand on his thigh. He could feel her touch burn through him, and her husky voice pressed him to the limit.

"My lord," she whispered, "the hour grows late, and it is long past the time for Cerise to find her bed. I will go and see to her."

Cerise had found a comfortable place on Robert's lap, and had enjoyed hearing the talk swirl around her. She had never been so cosseted or felt so wanted. She liked to watch her father talk, liked the low rumble of his strong voice, and the warmth of his laughter. She wished this night could go on forever.

Royce watched Lynette take Cerise and climb the stairs. The seductive sway of her hips held his attention until he realized that Robert had spoken to him twice.

"It will be a good day when we put this city behind us and find our way to Creganwald. My days of fighting are over. I would find other comforts now."

"Aye," Royce said. He did not miss the smiles that surrounded him this time, and he had to laugh in return. "I will admit that the days before this wedding are long. I would be off for Creganwald tomorrow, had the king set the day."

"We shall force an answer tomorrow night." Robert laughed. "Or the king will risk forcing you to abduct the lady."

"You have hit on it, my friend. One or the other will take place soon, I can promise you that. Good night. And let us have no search parties in the morning .. . in case anyone is lost." Their laughter and a few pointed remarks followed him up the stairs.

Royce went first to Cerise's room, where he found her sound asleep. He stood over her bed for a minute and looked down at her. The thought of their lost years stirred a poignant feeling of regret. He had lost them but he would fill the rest of her years, and hope she filled his. Suddenly his life seemed so full and promising that he found it hard to believe how short a time it had been since he had wanted to end it. Now he had everything in the world to live for. He bent to kiss her lightly, and drew the covers closer about her.

Lynette's room lay directly across the hall from Cerise's, and he crossed to her door to push it open. But the room was dark. Then he smiled and pulled the door shut.

He mounted the stairs to his chamber with winged feet, and paused only a moment before he pushed the door open, stepped inside, and closed it behind him.

Lynette was a vision. She sat in the middle of his bed, with nothing but her smile and the golden mass of her hair between them. He crossed the room and stood by the bed. He could have spent a long time just drinking in her beauty, but Lynette would have none of that.

She smiled and lifted her arms to him, instantly winning the reaction she wanted. He laughed with her as he tossed aside his clothes and joined her on the bed.

Her parted lips met his with a fire that shot through him like lightning. Her hands moved over him as if she were memorizing every taut muscle under the warmth of his flesh.

Her feverish kisses left him gasping in pleasure. Her slim body was molded to his, and she was doing marvelous things with her hands, spiraling his senses upward.

But he could not lie there passively when his body and senses were so alive that each breath was a whisper of her name. He bound her in his arms and rolled until she was beneath him. Now his hands began to work the same magic on her. They caressed, searching out the most sensitive places and tormenting her until he sensed her urgency. But he did not want this to end quickly; he slowed his caresses to allow his lips to follow the path of his hands. The curves and valleys of her body felt the heat of his searching mouth, and she arched against him.

When she felt she could bear it no more, he came into her and she met him with welcoming passion. They moved as one. With a knowledge given woman from the beginning of time, she knew he was completely hers. The fiery culmination came like an explosion, and they rode it to its fullest completion.

Lynette woke slowly. She lay quiet, for there was no light but the rays of the slowly descending moon, which seemed to leave the room in a gray white mist. She felt the delicious warmth of Royce's body pressed close to her, and heard his soft, relaxed breathing. One of his arms lay across her, as if he must hold her near even in sleep.

She lay recalling the hours just past and the exquisite passion they had shared. Wrapped in a cocoon of warmth, she rested against him and thought of the day he had come to Creganwald, and how resistant she had been.

She thought of all she knew of him now, and how each new piece of knowledge seemed to draw her closer to him. Gently she let her fingers stray over the flesh of his ribs, and linger against his chest. She felt the stir of love deep within her, and considered the days and nights to come at Creganwald, and the moments they would have to share.

With a sigh she turned more fully into the length of his body and nestled against him. Only then, when his arm gently tightened, did she know he must have been awake for some time.

"Where were your thoughts?" he whispered against her hair.

"With my wishes."

"And your wishes?"

"That word had not come from the king to delay our wedding, or that we had been wed before it arrived. Then we would be home now."

"It is my wish also, but our wedding will come to pass quickly now."

"It cannot be too soon. I do not like the thought of remaining here in London overlong."

"We have the day ahead of us. Would you like to see more of the city?"

"Nay, I would close myself here with you if you have no duties to attend. Cerise needs our attention as well. I would join with you to give her all."

Royce turned to face her, and the breaking dawn cast its light so that he could see her face clearly. He smiled down into her eyes, and she was warmed by the regard she saw in their golden depths.

"You have opened doors in my heart and in my spirit that I had thought closed for all time. I have erred, and you have led me to a new path. Cerise and I have much to thank you for."

"Then I must rise and see to the day's work." She stirred, but his arms would not release her.

"There is time for that. For now let us remain away from others and have this moment for ourselves."

"You would make me a lazy wife." She smiled up into his glimmering eyes.

"Nay"—he grinned—"I would show you where your duties lie, and help you meet them."

"It is nearly daylight." She tried to wiggle free, her cheeks flushed. But he held her to him.

"All the better. I want to see your face, and look into your eyes when you are deep in passion. Do you know they darken like stormy skies? And you make a sweet small sound when the fullness of it is upon you."

"Royce." Her voice was pleading, for her body-had long since begun to grow heated. She was surprised at herself. But his hands and mouth had begun to waken her, and she responded. His touch ignited that fire whenever he reached for her.

Soon she was lost in the feel and touch of him. His mouth claimed hers, and set her head spinning.

Time sped by, but they did not care, for the moments were preciously spent. It was late in the morning before they went down the stairs to break their fast.

The entire place seemed wrapped in their happiness. Knight greeted knight with smiles, and laughter flowed like a river. All were caught up in the lingering looks and gentle touches shared by Lynette and Royce. It was clear to see their entrancement with each other.

In fact, the day seemed to have wings now, and the time to leave closed upon them. Reluctantly, Lynette finally retired to their chamber to prepare for the evening.

Royce joined her, and when the tub was brought and filled for her bath, he sent the maids from the room so he could enjoy watching her. He remembered the day he had come upon her and Cerise and the clinging wet linen she had wrapped about herself then. It was added to all the sweet memories he was storing away.

He could smell the springtime scent of the soap she used, and remembered it well from the times he had inhaled its heady fragrance. He meant to see that there was no end to her supply of it.

Too soon the bath ended, and she began to dress. The gunna she wore was of a shade of blue that matched the color of her eyes, and her hair was combed into a more gentle style; still, he liked it loose and free about her better.

His bath was quick, and soon he, too, was dressed in finery, and receiving her warm and approving look.

Robert and Giles would attend also, and when Royce and Lynette went down the stairs, they were already waiting. She smiled brightly at their compliments and glowing approval.

The ride to Tearlach's dwelling was no short distance, yet they arrived some time before the king. All the festivities would await William's arrival, but they were offered no end of tasty foods and drinks.

Tearlach seemed in a jovial mood, which set alarms ringing in Royce's mind. Tearlach smiled at Robert, acknowledged Giles with a warm welcome, then turned his attention to Royce and Lynette.

But Lynette was watching Beltane, who had just seen their arrival and was walking toward them. She could feel again the heat of his gaze, and actually felt unclothed. This man's beauty of face and form was more perfect than Royce's, who bore the scars of his hard life and the battles he had fought. Still, Lynette thought Royce the more handsome and powerful looking.

"Lynette." Beltane breathed her name, and smiled the smile that had captivated more than one unsuspecting heart. Lynette smiled, but moved just a step closer to Royce and was grateful for the comfort of his hand at her waist. "Welcome."

They had hardly had time to move about the huge room when the king was announced. Lynette welcomed the sight of him, hoping he would put an end to the feeling that happiness could still be snatched from her grasp at the lift of his finger.

William greeted Robert, Lynette, and Royce warmly, yet Lynette felt a reserve in him. She soon realized that William wore a mask, for he greeted all the other knights and their ladies with the same enthusiasm. Combined with Tearlach's air of joviality and Beltane's look of satisfaction, the king's manner awoke real fear in Lynette.

It was late in the evening before either Robert or Royce could get the king's ear. Robert was the first to broach the subject. He was one of the closest to the king, and he knew William had never broken his word before. His trust in William was solid, but he wanted the king to confirm his commitment.

"Your Grace?"

"So formal, Robert? There was a time when you shouted 'William' above the heads of my swarming enemies."

That he referred to old times and old memories boded well, Robert thought. Royce, who stood close by and was just as heartened, spoke to the man to whom he owed his worth, and to whom he had pledged his loyalty.

"I would speak to you of a pressing matter, sire."

"Can this not wait, Royce?"

"Nay, sir. Were it of less import, perhaps. But this matter is urgent, and I would go on with my plans if the word can be given."

"You speak of the beautiful Saxon and Creganwald."

"Aye, sire. The day of the wedding is still not named. I would return to Creganwald and see to the lands, and the building of the castle you want situated there."

"I am afraid the day cannot be named just now," William replied.

"Sire?"

"I have another duty to perform before I will be able to return to London to see your marriage performed. Thus, you will have to curb your impatience for the lady until I return."

Royce was stunned, as was Robert. And yet the king had not said the wedding would not take place. Royce was not going to let the word go without a battle.

"It is early in the year, sire. Though the snow is heavy now, it will begin to melt soon. If the castle is to be started in the spring, work must be begun on the plans for it."

"There is still time. I will send one of my best builders to aid you. For now, the wedding must wait. I am bound in a problem I must see to." He turned to Robert. "My friend, on my return there is something of grave importance I wish to discuss with you. I need your help in a matter that will require some thought."

"I am always ready, Your Grace."

"Aye, Robert, I know. But this time I may be requiring more of you than ever before." He turned back to face Royce. "And, Royce, have heart. All things will be accomplished in time. See to your welfare, and do not hear words meant to shake you. In the near future, you will need your strength and courage as well. For now... matters must lie where they are."

He seemed to expect no argument from either man, and in truth both were stunned to silence. Royce felt his heart sink, and knew there was little he could do about it.

To openly fight the king was unthinkable. It would only lead to his being stripped of everything he had ever won... and Lynette. He could not afford to lose her because of words that would avail him nothing.

When the king moved away, both men were silent. Robert was struggling to control both his rage and a feeling of helplessness. Royce felt the same rage but it was tempered by thought.

"There is something foul afoot here," Robert growled.

"Aye, and that smirking piece of waste, Beltane, has a hand in it. I could see his happy state all evening. What power does he wield?"

"None that I know of. He has not fought with William, and he has no support at court. Yet ..."

"Yet something has happened. It appears the king is caught in something that is not to his liking either. Mayhap he searches for a way out of it."

"Aye, that is possible. But why not confide in us?"

"If his hands were tied somehow ..."

"And Lynette?"

"I must take her back to Creganwald, where I can defend her. It will prove difficult to tell her." Royce looked about him, and for the first time in the past hour realized he had not seen Lynette. He was not given to panic, but this time he had to struggle for control.

Lynette had seen Robert and Royce in conversation with William, and felt a sense of relief. Surely on the morrow, they would be preparing for the wedding. She smiled to herself. The bustle about her became pressing, and she sought a small alcove near the end of the hall to wait for Royce.

Caught up in pleasant thoughts, she was unaware of another presence until the shadow fell across her. She looked up to see Beltane standing between her and the crowd in the hall, effectively shielding her from the sight of anyone else in it.

For a moment she was shaken, but she regained her thoughts. They were near a crowd of people, and he could do her little real harm. No, he meant to intimidate her.

She had to admit that if she were of lesser heart, his ploy would have been very effective. She rose to her feet as if to move around him, but his hand caught her arm and she was drawn to him.

She would have fought in earnest then, but they were near the hall and Royce. She knew blood would be let if Royce learned what was happening, and she would not give her enemies any excuse to set her wedding aside. She glared up at him, and he laughed softly.

"Your eyes seek him. Has the bloom of the rose already been plucked? Aye, it has. Well, he has tasted his last. You were not meant for a man such as he, who has no blood royal, nor anything that is not the king's gift."

"What he has was won by his own strength. And he has my regard as well."

She could see the brilliant glow of lust in Beltane's eyes, matched by a raging anger that she could not be frightened.

"Nay, little rose, there will be no marriage. You will never be his. Soon I will be the teacher to lead you into passion."

"Not while there is breath in my body. The king is a man of honor, and he has promised Royce already."

"I want you to keep in mind, sweet Lynette, that although the king is an honorable man, he is also very devout, and what he must do, he will. You will soon see that it takes more than a sword to hold you and Creganwald."

"It will take no more than Royce's sword to separate your head from your body, should he see us thus. Leave me be, Beltane, for I have all now that I will ever want, and I seek no more than to return to Creganwald and be Royce's wife."

"You need seek nothing, for nothing is what you will find."

"Why? What is in your mind that you speak so foolishly?"

"Foolishly? Nay. Let us see what time brings to light. Ask your lover if the wedding date is set. Ask him if he really thinks he can take you if the king decrees otherwise. Yes, ask him, for his answer will bring you to me."

"Nay," she said quietly, her chin lifting in pride, "for before it would bring me to you it would see me dead and Creganwald in ashes about me." She tore her arm from his and moved around him. His gaze was filled with the hunger of a ravenous wolf. His eyes followed Lynette boldly, even when Royce finally found her.

When she stopped beside him, Royce could read the anger in her eyes, and in the flaming color of her skin.

"You are well, Lynette?" he questioned softly. At her nod, he spoke again. "What passed between you?"

" 'Twas naught, Royce. He crows like a rooster, it is of little matter. He knows where my loyalties lie. He will bother me no more."

Royce was not satisfied by her answer, and looked across the room at Beltane. He was eager to leave the gathering, but there was no way they could depart before the king did.

Royce dreaded explaining to Lynette that they must wait even longer to set the wedding date.

The hour was late when they finally did return home. He watched her prepare for bed, and she felt his eyes upon her. In her heart, she knew the words he was going to say.

"Beltane claims there will be no wedding at all," she blurted out.

"Then he misjudges William."

"He spoke as if he knew a secret. He said the king would always keep his word... but that he was devout as well, and we should not forget that. He ... he spoke with such certainty."

"William's devoutness has always been well known. If anything, it should assure his word."