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The carol began with both circles facing each other.

They moved in a slow walk to the left so they traveled in opposite directions.

Rolf, who rarely danced, had never done so with such a large group.

He found it oddly personal as each participant looked across into their partner’s eyes when they passed.

He followed the other dancers, moving his left foot then following with his right and gracefully striking it against his ankle.

The Countess of Leicester touched his hand and gave him an encouraging smile.

Rolf found he was enjoying himself. Then he passed Lord Roker, and they exchanged a mutual glare.

The irritation fled when his eyes connected with Melissa’s lush, green gaze.

In his heart, he realized there was no call for jealousy.

She had just given herself to him with one look.

An image of his father’s distorted face, in the forest that dark and fated day, clouded his mind.

Had Giles loved like this and lost? If Rolf failed, would he become a bitter, angry man like his father?

The thought renewed his determination to end this curse and claim his life as his own.

When the dance ended, he found himself between Eleanor and Melissa.

“Why don’t you both accompany me on a walk? I am in need of some fresh air,” said the queen with a smile.

“As you wish, Your Highness,” he said, grateful to escape the congested hall.

The three slowly climbed the stairs single file to the parapet; Melissa led as Rolf took up the rear. As they entered the walkway, a guard called out from the shadows.

“Ah, Sir Cedric. It is only your Queen in need of a bit of fresh air.”

He knelt before her, head down. “I am at your command.”

She bid him rise and they walked along the wall toward the river and looked out over the Thames. The moonless night gave an eerie cast to the dark, flowing water. Boats swayed and pulled at their ropes tied to the docks. Many of the guests had arrived by barge.

“Such a lovely evening. The sky is clear and the stars so bright, I could reach out and steal one.” Eleanor breathed in the night air. After a few moments, she turned to Rolf and Melissa. “I will leave you to this enchanted night. Make good use of this opportunity.”

“My gratitude is yours, Your Highness.” Rolf bowed low to his sovereign.

“Sir Cedric. Would you please escort me back to the festivities?” Eleanor smiled at the surprised couple as she waited for the knight. “Please, take your time. The entertainment will continue for at least another hour.”

Rolf waited until their footsteps descended then pulled Melissa into his arms. He bent his head but hesitated, looking at her closed eyes.

He had not tasted her sweetness since that night he bared his soul in her bed chamber.

He nipped gently at her bottom lip, heard her intake of breath, and kissed her hard.

Her silky lips parted easily, and his tongue danced with hers.

She tasted of honey and cinnamon and smelled of lemon and lavender.

When he pulled back, she raised a hand to his face and brushed away the dark lock that lay across his forehead.

Her fingertip left a burning path that shot down to his loins.

“The Queen has great affection for you, my lord,” she whispered, her palm warm on his cheek. “I fear if she were free, she would keep you for herself.”

He chuckled. “Is that jealousy?”

“Nay, she is a champion of our cause and much too kind.” Melissa shivered. “But my father has only tolerated your company these past weeks out of obligation to Henry.”

“And who will you obey? Your King or your father?” He wrapped his arms around her and tucked her head in his shoulder to take away the chill.

“I don’t know,” she said in an exasperated voice. “I cannot imagine going against my family and never seeing them again. Yet, your hold over me is undeniable.”

“What did Lord Garrick say?”

“In truth, he calls you a lowborn and sees the duke as my only choice. I am to insist I wish to marry Charles. My father will concede to the King’s wishes but do his utmost to change the tide for the future.

” She raised her face, shadows cast across her skin, hiding her expression. “I fear this is naught but passion.”

“What is wrong with passion?” His fingers lightly skimmed her cheek. “I love you, Melissa. Search your heart, and you know it will tell you the same.”

“How can I be certain? How do I know what love is? My parents share a great affection for each other but did not start out with love. I am content to have that, when so many women are less fortunate.” She pushed away from him. “Passion can fade and then where would I be?”

Rolf followed her. When she leaned against a parapet, he rested against her and whispered in her ear. “We cannot deny our feelings. Destiny is stronger than mere mortals, and will see us together, whether the King ordains it or the gods themselves. Admit it. Say it now, say that you love me.”

Melissa whirled to face him, her chest heaving, hands tightly fisted.

His control snapped, and Rolf slid his fingers into her hair and pulled her head back.

Her jade eyes met his and flickered with challenge, filling his loins with heat.

He bit her bottom lip and met her gaze again when she cried out.

Dipping his head again, his lips claimed hers; his tongue thrust against hers, and their bodies molded together as one.

When he tried to end the kiss, her hands went around his neck.

She clung to him as they parted, and he held her limp body close.

“Say it, Melissa,” he breathed into her ear. “Say the words that live in your heart.”

Her breath came rapidly; her eyes closed and her head moved back and forth in denial even as she spoke. “I love you. Yea, I love you.” Tears of frustration spiked her lashes. “But will it be enough?”

“Do you have the courage to stand against your father, if need be?” He gripped her arms tightly, and she grimaced.

Remorse filled him, and he clutched her to his chest, stroking her hair.

“I never realized how empty my life was until this week. I will fight for you. I will give my life to be with you.”

“The Queen said the Duke of Sunderland requested an audience with King Henry to discuss our betrothal. He will use his wealth and army to win me. How can you compete with his power? My father says that a king requires soldiers in these times, not magic.” She wiped at the tears that ran down her cheeks.

“Queen Eleanor told me to stand strong, and all will be well. But I am not the mistress of my fate.”

“Nay, you are not. Fate itself decides in the end. Yet Eleanor may sway Henry, if he is in a generous mood.”

“Too much is left to chance. You ask me to give up more than I am able.”

“The reward will be worth it,” he said, his forehead resting against hers. “Kiss me, quickly. If I do not get you back soon, Lady Agnes will be worried and send someone to search for us.”

But the kiss lasted much longer than he anticipated.

His hands moved down her spine, over her curves, and cupped her soft backside.

She made a mewling sound and pressed her hips into his.

His lips caressed her sensitive neck and moved down her chest. With a lusty moan, her head went back and yielded the top of her creamy full breasts to his mouth.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs broke the trance, leaving Rolf with an ache and Melissa breathless. She shook out her skirts and smoothed her hair. “You are no good influence on me, sir.”

“I hope not, my lady,” he whispered in her ear as she spun to face the guard returning from his escort. “I would be most disappointed.