Page 17

M elissa closed her eyes and listened to her parents’ argument through the curtain.

She pushed the needle through the soft linen and finished another tiny flower along the cuff of the shirt.

Putting the thread between her teeth, she bit it off and wrapped the end in a knot then leaned her head against the chair.

Their voices weren’t loud. Neither parent was given to hysterics or bad temper.

But the conversation was heated just the same.

“I didn’t say he was lowborn, Agnes, but he’s a bastard. Sweet Mary, I’m an earl.”

“You do not know how high he will climb. A favorite of the king could become an earl tomorrow.” Her mother’s voice turned placating. “Remember this is a new court. Henry will reward those who have served him on his journey. I have learned much in the past weeks.”

“He can’t even inherit his father’s property.” Her father’s heels clicked on the stone floor as he pace back and forth.

“I know love does not make a significant case, but he does care for her.”

“As does the Duke of Sunderland. It was such a good alliance.” His voice softened. “I will listen to what he has to say. Then I will state my opinion and hope he has the courtesy to relinquish his claim on my daughter.”

“Our daughter.” Her mother’s skirts rustled softly then a low chuckle came from her father. “That’s better, my dear. I don’t like to see you in such a temper. It’s not good for your health.”

“You are good for my health, my lovely. Kiss me again, and I will promise to remain a gentleman throughout the evening. But I will say my peace.”

“Of course, my lord, it has always been your way.”

***

The litter bumped along the rutted street, mud splashing the Leicester crest painted on the sides.

The intricately carved transport box sat on two long poles carried by a pair of beautiful white Spanish horses, one in front and one in back.

Melissa appreciated the earl’s gesture but preferred traveling by horseback.

It was much less jarring to her spine. However, the cover protected them from the chill evening air and any other dangers that might spill from the upper windows facing the street.

She smoothed her wool kirtle of deep green over her knees then pulled the squirrel-lined cloak tightly under her chin.

So much had happened in the past few days.

Melissa’s head seemed to spin each time she tried to sort it all out.

The only certainty was that she belonged with Rolf.

There was no logical reason, only the words that echoed in her heart.

Charles was an attractive man, and her mind had been set on the Duke of Sunderland.

But her body would be satisfied with nothing less than the dark, sensuous wizard.

“Take heart, all will be well.” Lady Agnes squeezed Melissa’s hand and whispered, “I would put my wager on that mysterious wizard of yours. I see the determination in his jaw and the love in his eyes. He shall prevail, never fear.”

“What are you two plotting?” Her father gave a snort and peered out at a crowd gathering in front of a tavern. “Looks like a fight is brewing.”

A smile curled Melissa’s lips. “Out there or yet to come?”

“Don’t be impertinent. I’m still not happy with you, daughter,” He gave a grunt. “I hope he’ll see reason.”

Panic stabbed her in the gut. Was it possible?

Could the man she had spent every sleeping night with for weeks give her up?

Breathe. Just breathe. His rugged face appeared behind her closed lids and the smile returned.

No, their souls were forever linked. Tonight would begin their life together.

She was more than curious to see how Rolf would handle her father.

***

Rolf’s private chamber were spacious and inviting.

Beautiful tapestries of hunting royals and great stags hung on the wall, sealing out the dampness.

Comfortable chairs surrounded an oak trestle with the remnants of a goose carcass still in the center.

A knife clinked on a platter. Her father placed his hands on his belly; a delighted groan escaped his throat.

“An excellent meal, Arbrec. Did the countess arrange it?”

The spiced wine was delicious but had gone to Melissa’s head.

A crackling fire in the open hearth sent shadows dancing across the room.

As she traced their length, she could make out a bed in the far corner, the drapes pulled all around.

A tingle shot through her center as she thought of Rolf lying on the mattress, wearing only his braies… or nothing.

“Melissa, don’t you agree?” her mother asked, touching her arm.

“I beg your pardon?” All eyes were on her now and a flush rose up her neck as she gnawed on her bottom lip. She saw a hint of a smile from Rolf, his cognac eyes sparkling in the firelight. “I’m afraid my mind was somewhere else.”

“The coronation this week. I don’t think the Duke of Sunderland will attend,” she repeated.

“Oh, no. I’m sure Charles is on his way home. I mean, Lord Roker.” He is no longer your betrothed. “Why would we be concerned about his whereabouts?” She watched her father swirled the wine in his silver cup.

“That brings us to the essential business of our meeting. I’ll come straight to the point.” The earl leveled his gaze on Rolf. “I do not appreciate your attention to my daughter. In truth, you are not her equal, and I had high hopes for her marriage. A bastard of a baron is not what I had in mind.”

“I understand, my lord. However, the King has indicated that a title and lands will be issued in my honor.”

“Did he say where?” The earl resumed his study of the wine.

“Wales was mentioned, but the Queen also brought up my family in Scotland. The northern border would be my preference.” He leaned forward, his expression thoughtful as he continued.

“I believe Henry will take Northumbria back from the Scots and parcel it out. If I gain lands there, I will be closer to my father’s fiefs and add strength to Leicester’s now that he has Chester Castle. ”

“The Wolfton lands are prosperous. The more strength Henry has in the north, the safer his crown will be. But you would also benefit your liege lord along Wales. It would strengthen his claim to Chester.” The earl nodded thoughtfully. “How many men can you muster?”

“My father left behind seven knights and their fiefs with men-at-arms. I would estimate between one hundred fifty and two hundred. Combined with Robert’s sizeable army, we have near a thousand if called upon.

” Rolf leaned both elbows on his knees. “And your lands border Leicester’s to the east, if memory serves me.

Between the three of us, we could be a powerful force in the north. ”

“I had the same thought with Sunderland,” the earl said with a sardonic tone. “His domain lies along the east coast, above mine and below the Scots and Northumbria.” He drummed his fingers on the table.

Melissa sucked in a breath. Her father’s present silence meant he was considering the benefits. His eyes narrowed as his head nodded slowly. “Our Henry is clever. He’s building his defenses carefully. Your mother’s family in Scotland may be influential with some of those border clans.”

Both men were silent. From under her lashes, Melissa watched Rolf, sleek and powerful as a wolf in his deep brown tunic. His eyes narrowed as he studied the earl. Did he wait patiently for an answer? Or was he also deep in thought?

The earl stared into the fire then gave a grunt and poured himself some more wine. “How is it you have found such devotion for my daughter? It almost seems you have come to London searching for her.”

“I did, my lord.”

“Why? Our families are not acquainted.” The earl’s words were spoken softly but his daughter knew the tone well. Rolf’s answer to this question was vital to their future. “The two of you had never met before your encounter at the Tower.”

“Not so. We met in the woods during your journey to London.”

Melissa closed her eyes. Behind her lids, she heard the fury that shone in his eyes.

“What?”

“When you stopped on the other side of Nottingham, I was there. I saw her next to a tree. I thought to rescue her, alone as she was. Then I heard a party calling out and continued on my way.” Rolf stopped.

She opened her eyes, and his amber gaze held her.

“I knew the moment I saw her that she was my destiny. She has been in my dreams since I was a boy.”

Melissa covered her mouth. She didn’t know whether to smile or scream at him. Agnes squeezed her other hand under the table.

“Dreams, eh? What about this honorary title the King has given you? What sort of magic do you possess? And don’t give me a courtier’s spiral of words. I won’t stand for it.” The earl’s voice turned harsh. “Spells and enchantments, are they not the work of the devil?”

“My lord husband, I have heard at court that he is a seer.”

“It is true, my lady. I often dream of things that come to pass, though I am no servant of the devil. Unfortunately, the images are often hazy, or I only see an event without knowing the context.” Again, he looked at Melissa.

“Yet your daughter’s face has always been as clear as my own reflection.

It is said my family descends from Merlin.

Mayhap my limited ability came from him. ”

“And that is why Eleanor bestows such favor upon you.” The earl rubbed his jaw. Yet you have earned respect from The Earl of Leicester and even the King.”

Melissa admired the way Rolf did not try to persuade her father but instead allowed him to come to his own conclusions. He sat quietly, allowing the older man to ponder the situation and decide upon the facts.

“Do we have your approval, then?” Rolf stood and approached the earl.

“It seems I have no choice. I’m not a man to dwell on the past. What’s done is done, and kings will have their way, regardless.”

Agnes clapped her hands together. “Well, this is a reason to celebrate.” She waved to the servant tending the fire. “Shall we join the Earl and Countess of Leicester? Methinks Amice mentioned stewed plums and gingerbread. Ah, warm gingerbread on a cold night will be such a treat.”

The women rose and the earl held his hand to Rolf. “Well, Arbrec, considering the circumstances, mayhap we should plan the ceremony sooner rather than later.”

“My sentiments also.”

“I’ll begin arrangements on the morrow. And Arbrec,”—he pointed a finger at Rolf—“we aren’t finished discussing the whole magic claim. You dismiss it as gossip, but there is more to it than you are telling me. Henry wouldn’t give you the nickname of royal wizard out of jest or hearsay.”

“I have already admitted I can see things more clearly than most, my lord. Some call it the sight. But it surprises me that you would give in to such rumors as sorcery and spells.”

“In my forty-odd years, I have learned there are many things in this world we cannot explain. I’ve read books that insisted Merlin was more than mere legend. Who am I to discount scholars?”

Melissa caught Rolf’s look from the corner of her eye and bit her lip.

It was not her secret to tell. In truth, she didn’t know whether her parents would believe the entire story.

If Merlin had been released, her father would learn soon enough.

The group left the chamber and moved toward the great hall below.

For now, her heart was full with the knowledge that she would soon be Lady Arbrec. Melissa’s parents rounded the narrow staircase and Melissa felt a pull on her arm.

“Could we have a moment before we join them?”

His breath tickled her neck. A finger pulled at a loose strand of her braid and trailed along her collarbone.

“Will you turn to look at me, Melissa?”

Her eyes closed at the husky tone and she put her hand on her stomach to calm it. Her legs turned to pudding and she could only nod. Soft lips touched the top of her shoulder and she leaned her cheek into the kiss. “I cannot breathe when you touch me, let alone think.”

In one graceful movement, he turned her to face him, this enigmatic stranger who had become so much a part of her being.

His lips claimed hers, soft and teasing at first then more intense and demanding.

One hand cupped her face while his thumb stroked her jaw, his fingers tangled in her hair.

The other arm held her tightly against him, keeping her on her feet when her knees would no longer support her weight.

She opened her mouth, tasted the sweetness of his tongue, and breathed in the maleness of his body.

Her arms went around his neck, her fingers clutching the thick waves of ebony hair.

Unfamiliar sensations surged through her, alarming yet enticing.

It was as if she were riding Thunder at a breakneck speed; the pace was dangerous but the thrill was irresistible.

The rapid pulse moved from her throat and down her center until her woman’s core throbbed with need. Melissa didn’t have the experience to know what she craved, but she knew Rolf could satisfy her desire.

“I pray you do not regret this union, my love.” He wrapped his arms around her and rocked gently back and forth. He kissed her temple and whispered in her ear, “For I will never have the strength to let you go.”