Suddenly, she jerked. With haste, she took his hand and placed it on the swell of her stomach where he felt their child move. She laughed, and he was in awe. Many times he had felt the baby move, but each time was as enchanting as the woman who sat beside him, her eyes shining, her lips laughing."It will always remain a wonder." He said."Indeed, it will."Slowly, her smile faded, but her gaze on him remained steadfast and brave. He held it. Soonest her eyes softened even more, if that were possible, and she blinked.He swallowed hard, his other hand drifting across her cheek. "I do not know how I can keep my promise if you continue to look at me like this." He murmured."Like what?" Beth's voice was low, her lips beautiful and challenging.His eyes darkened. "Like you are now, with so much invitation."Charles's hand remained on her stomach and her hand tightened over his. "I am with child, Charles, not ill.""You remain fragile and greatly so." He insisted gently, bringing her hand
He kissed his way back up, but his fingers did not relent. They teased her, drawing soft moans from her lips. His touch was deliberate, knowing exactly how to drive her wild. Beth's heart raced as her body responded to him, her mind clouded with the pleasure he was giving her.His lips trailed about her neck, face and chest region, but would go no further, leaving a path of fire in their wake. Her skin tingled under his kisses, and she writhed in response to his touch, lost in the sensation. Charles paused, his breath hot against her, and glanced down at her, his eyes dark with lust.Beth blinked back her ragged vision, urgency compelling her to demand, "Why did you…?" She tried breathlessly, her hand reaching to tangle in her own hair. She gasped. "Don't stop now.""Are you alright?" His eyes were filled with concern.She marveled at the depth of his care, the way his strength was both physical and emotional, enveloping her in a sense of safety and passion. Even now, he worried about
Gwen frowned at the unyielding maid, wishing she could throw her out of her bedchamber. She no longer cared for civility or the expected decorum of her relationship with them. The happenings of the past days had frayed her patience and resolve.It had been two days since she made the decision to escape Mainecroft Castle, and the thought of staying any longer filled her with dread. When Gwen had first arrived, she had thought she could survive the castle long enough until Alexander tired of her and sent her away, but she was no more sure of herself. Mainecroft castle was becoming a pleasant prison she could no longer endure. She was determined to leave, no matter the obstacles, and the maid's overbearing attitude was just one more impediment she was desperate to overcome."I do not want to eat with the King or with Lady Farrington. To be true, I do not want to eat at all." Her eyes darted between Paula, the other maids and the small pile of clothes she had gathered and hurriedly hid wh
Alexander broke the silence, his voice sharp with frustration. "What have I done so wrong?" He held the head of her chair.She sniffed. "Your Majesty?"His gaze was intense. "I have provided you with everything anyone could possibly ask for - and more. Have I not bestowed upon you clothes and jewellery beyond your wildest dreams? Have I not granted you my presence, a privilege no one else has enjoyed? Have I not sought to fulfill your desires as greatly as you want them accorded?" His eyes narrowed. He was glaring."Yes, you have." Gwen admitted.It was true he had, but the time and attention he had showered upon her were driving her to the brink of madness. They stirred thoughts she wished she could banish. Like how snugly his trousers fit against his buttocks, how broad and strong his shoulders were, how soft and tender his lips were against hers. Even now, how his large hand held her chair and how it had moved along her neck.They made her wish herself more than she was; his lady i
A tremor passed through her. Beth had once confided in her about how Lord Carlisle's kiss made her feel as though everything was right with the world. She finally understood. The madness, the ecstasy that could leave anyone breathless and wanting more.Her heart pounded wildly, threatening to leap out of her chest, and her lungs seemed to have forgotten how to draw air. She was engulfed in turmoil, and the only one who could rescue her was the very same person responsible for her madness.Alexander's left hand slid to the nape of her neck, impossibly pulling her even closer while his other hand began to lift her dress. She was acutely aware of what was happening, yet simultaneously distracted. His kiss was all she could think of, until she felt his fingers between her thighs.Gwen gasped, breaking their kiss. "What… what are you doing?" Her words were incoherent, but she believed he understood her."Helping to alleviate your ache." He replied, his voice a low murmur as he again began
Something in Alexander's eyes flickered. He pushed himself away from the table. "Guinevere…"Gwen held up her hand, staying his words. Surprisingly, he waited. She sobbed silently and sniffled. "I have tried to live far from the gossip, pretending as though I were ignorant, but it is difficult to, when it is all around me?" She paused. "They accuse me of being your mistress." The stubborn tears flowed without restraint now "And the mistress of the prince!""What?" He exclaimed."Who is to know how many other men I have been accused of being with?""Farrington." He muttered under his breath."It is not her doing. It is yours." Her breath shuddered. "How now can I ever defend myself against their lies when their very words have been proven true?" She looked down, swiping at the annoying tear. "I want to return to Westside Manor."There was hesitation. "I cannot allow that.""Then send me away from the castle.""I will never."Her heart broke. "Why are you doing this to me?" She whispere
***As soon as Alexander stormed into his room, he marched furiously to the table and swept everything off it, sending books, papers, inkpots, trinkets and an empty brandy glass crashing to the ground in a chaotic heap. Unsatisfied with the destruction, he kicked the nearby chair, watching as the pitiable furniture flew across the room and hit the wall with a loud thud. Seething with anger, he grabbed a bottle of wine from the side table and hurled it into the fireplace. The bottle shattered into a thousand pieces, and for a brief moment, the flames roared angrily before settling back to their normal flicker. Yet, the fire within Alexander did not dimmer.How dare she? How could Guinevere strike him at his most vulnerable spot, using his greatest pain against him? He had confided in her, trusted her with his deepest wounds when he was at his weakest, most vulnerable, and now she had turned that trust into a weapon. How could she be so heartlessly cruel? And then she had the audacity t
Beth's skepticism grew as the maid led her through some unfamiliar part of the castle, but she remained silent, choosing rather to continue following after her. On Charles's blessings, she had foregone the formalities of meeting and greeting the king in order to be brought directly to Gwen. More than mere courtesy, she was deeply concerned about her sister's well-being. It was no secret that whatever had prompted the king to summon them to the castle was, in whole or in part, related to Gwen.This part of the castle was entirely foreign to her. When she had first visited the castle, on the invitation and company of Charles, she had only been allowed to tread through some parts. But these parts were grander. The opulent decorations, intricate tapestries, and lavish furnishings spoke of a splendour nowhere else told.She could no longer stay quiet. "Do you not think we have gone astray? I continue to think we have." She called the attention of the maid."We have not, Your Grace. This is
Alexander grunted loudly, his body lurching forward. He sat up at once, grabbing a hank of her hair, blinded by passion. He was gasping for air. With her tongue, Guinevere scraped and laved at him, pushing him higher, closer to that cliff's edge where he knew she intended to take him. She pulled back, and rubbed her thumb over his tip. He moaned savagely, his control unravelling, as he now was at the edge. At once, he moved, and she was beneath him, in his arms, with her hair sprayed out and her eyes regarding him with lust and danger and love, breathing as heavily as him. Under the moonlight, she shone like something divine, radiant and marvellously breathtaking. In that instant, he knew with certainty, she was everything he had ever desired. No one else could ever hold his heart the way she now did. He was entirely, irrevocably hers. Was this the perfect view of the world? Was this the perfection of the world? If it was, then the world - his world - was the most perfect. He
***Guinevere led him, and he followed, trailing behind until they reached the grove – his secret place. He stood at the edge, where she had left him, watching her. She laid out her shawl on the ground and pulled the pins from her hair, tossing them away, moving with such grace, her gown fluttering about her like a whisper carried on the night breeze. Alexander inhaled when her golden locks tumbled free from their confinement, cascading down like liquid sunlight.Above them, the branches swayed in the breeze, responding almost as violently as his body did to the sight of her. Her jewellery glinted softly in the silver light, while her hair shimmered in its glow. She moved toward him, her eyes locked with his, and his heart became erratic. He wished the moon would shine brighter, so he could be thoroughly lost in the depths of her eyes – those enchanting blue pools. In that instant, he realized that more than her golden hair, he had come to love her eyes. He loved how she looked at him
September 1827Alexander's fingers mimicked hers on the opposite side of the piano, its deeper tones providing a rich contrast to the lighter melodies from her side. Soon, he eased away, and she smoothly transitioned from duet to solo, her touch effortlessly commanding the keys.Their guests watched, and she played.It was a ball to celebrate the change of seasons. Fall had finally arrived as did the harvest, and it was tradition to celebrate it. There had never been such a celebration since Alexander became king, she was told, as he had long abandoned it. Gwen had been eager to revive the tradition. They had gone hunting during the day, and now, held a feast to celebrate. She was relieved to see that he was, despite his protest, thoroughly enjoying himself.They had left the main ballroom for the piano room, where still, some guests followed.She was enjoying herself as well.For days, Alexander had patiently and consistently guided her through the complexities of the nation's affair
***Gwen lay in the quiet aftermath of their lovemaking, her body still thrumming with the fervour of their union. Slowly her breathing came to her and she could breathe again. Afterwards, sanity drifted and met her in Alexander's bed. She began to realize that she had just experienced passion – with her husband!Naked in his arms, her cheek nestled against the warmth of Alexander's chest, one hand resting on him. His arm was draped possessively around her, with one of her legs caught between both of his. His hand sat on her bare waist.Her smile came.Good gracious! She had made love to her husband, and it was the most extraordinary feeling she had ever known. She was drifting with ecstasy, her heart swelling with love. Slowly, she licked her lips and shyly raised her eyes to Alexander's face.He was watching her, regarding with a tender expression. Her heart leaped wildly. His deep blue eyes darkened, searching hers."You seem pleased." He murmured.Gwen knew she flushed. She was pl
Before she could protest further, he picked her up, and she shrieked at the sudden movement. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist as his hands went firmly to hold her buttocks. Beads of sweat formed on his temples, his blood heating with desire. He started for the bed.As they sank onto the mattress, he flung the sheets aside and positioned himself between her legs, his lips immediately finding her neck. He kissed the sensitive spot just above her collarbone, and down to her breasts until his mouth closed around a nipple.Her breath caught as she arched upward, unknowingly pushing herself to him. He agreed and continued, sucking slowly, again and again, and pulled."Ooh." She gasped and collapsed back onto the bed. When he kissed the space between her breasts, she giggled."Do I make jest?" He asked, aware of how rough his voice had become. His need for her was explosive, and he wondered if she understood the effect she was having on him. He kissed beneath her left breast,
***Gwen sank into the settee, and Alexander followed, sliding closer to her. His eyes ran the expanse of her body slowly from her head down to her waist, and she felt herself softening under the intensity of his look. His eyes burned with passion and desire."You do not know how you look right now."She averted her gaze, her toes curling beneath her night garment. "How do I look?"Alexander gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. His dark brows lifted. "I shall never tell. It is my secret." Then, with a grin, he kissed the tip of her nose. She clenched her hands, breathing out sharply. He paused. "Are you scared?"The fire in his eyes was blazing, and she no longer spoke of the reflection from the fireplace. His tone was casual, but the question was not in the least. He was serious, and she knew it.Gwen blinked, slowly relaxing her grip. "There is nothing to be afraid of." She said, meaning her words. They pleased him.Alexander moved even closer, his voice dropping. "
"Close the door behind you." His voice reverberated through the chamber, deep and commanding. Gwen shuddered and not from fear.She exhaled slowly, her erratic heart leaping with a strange, pleasant feeling. She was curious now of what was to come. Underneath her night garment, a warmth began. Her thoughts briefly wandered to that day in her bedchamber, when he had touched her on the table. She flushed, surprised at herself.Slowly, she closed the door. "Is it not rude to leave our guests to themselves?" Her voice was quieter than she had wanted.A breeze drifted through the room, rustling the open curtains. Alexander emerged from the chair, bringing a candle with his rise. "I am the king," he replied, "my authority grants me the right to be rude." He set the candle atop the fireplace and turned to face her. Gwen swallowed hard.He had only his dress shirt on, having rid himself of his jacket and waistcoat. The top buttons were left undone, revealing his bare chest. Gwen's eyes were d
One week later.The air was thick with the mingling sounds of chatter and gay laughter, and the clinking of glasses controlled every breath. Elegantly and warmly dressed guests sat to dinner and topics of conversation were never in lack. Lord Michaelson and a couple other gentlemen raised their glasses in a raucous cheer. Lady Carlisle giggled to something Carlisle whispered.It was well past 7 p.m., and though the wedding had ended hours ago, the wedding dinner was anywhere but. Alexander sat at the head of the table, sawing absentmindedly at the slab of meat on his plate. He picked the tiny piece and shoved it into his mouth, only to realize he had eaten a tomato. He did not care. His thoughts were elsewhere. And so were his eyes. They were fixed on Guinevere – his wife.He was openly gawking and he gave no care.Her smile was effortlessly charming, her appearance impeccable. She commanded the space about her and her presence filled the room. She sat at the other end of the room, ca
***The doormen eased the door open, and Gwen slipped inside as quietly as she could, giving a small nod to Edmund and Paula. They bowed in return. At the far end of the room, Alexander sat on his throne, his elbow resting on the armrest, his head leaning into his hand. She had come to recognize the posture all too well. He was brooding.Since the moment Gwen had awoken, thoughts of Alexander had filled her mind, and as soon as she learned that the proceedings had ended and he had dismissed the court, she felt an overwhelming urge to be near him, to ensure he was not consumed in the thoughts of his sentence, and to offer whatever comfort she could.It was great that she had come.Gwen moved slowly, closing the distance between them, silently placing one foot before the other. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, and her hands clenched involuntarily.The large room was unusually dark, even for the afternoon, and far colder than the weather warranted. Why had the curtains bee