Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
This was supposed to be the happiest of days for me. How could they ruin it like this?
Wilhelm
“Where is Lady Hathor? She should be beside you when I make this announcement,” the queen said as we stood in the gardens, which she had demanded be splendidly decorated, despite the fact that this was not her home, in order to create the best atmosphere for the announcement of this engagement. Everyone was arriving—everyone with the exception of Hathor, whom I had not seen since she’d seen Lukas and his family off.
“I am not sure. I shall go look for her,” I said, scanning the gathering crowd of people. However, I could not spot her anywhere outside.
“Your Highness.”
To my left appeared Lady Clementina, curtsying beside me. “I believe you should go to the far west end of the castle, where you will see some old stairs that lead down to a private garden by a fountain.”
“Is something the matter?”
“Lady Hathor—”
I did not even wait for her to finish before I went. It took all my effort not to run, which was odd, because I was sure if there was something serious, if she was ill or hurt, we would have gotten word of it. Nevertheless, my legs took me as swiftly into the castle as my feet would allow. I had not gone far within the castle before I was sure I had gotten lost. But I kept going west until I did at last come upon a spiral staircase that did not seem to be in use any longer. I would have missed it, if it were not for the muttering.
Carefully heading down, I entered what appeared to be a small courtyard, with a swing and a fountain that held no water. There, sitting on the ground, her white-stockinged legs sticking out from under her riding dress as she sketched angrily, was none other than Hathor.
“They always think I am nothing but a joke,” she grumbled. “If it were Aphrodite, I’m sure they would have—”
“Should we have a doctor testify to your sanity before this engagement is announced?”
Her head snapped up, her eyes wide, and she moved her sketchbook behind her. “What are you doing here?”
“I am looking for my betrothed. What are you doing?” I asked, stepping forward. She brought her sketchbook back into her lap, but closed it.
“I am—taking in air.”
“This is a very remote place to go for air, do you not think?”
She gave me a glare. “I am quite distraught at the moment. Your sarcasm is not needed.”
“My sarcasm is the only response to your lie.” I bent down in front of her. “Why are you so distraught?”
Her shoulders slumped, and her glare melted into a pitiful frown. “It does not matter—”
“It matters greatly. In fact, it is everything to me—you are to be my wife. So, tell me, what is wrong?”
She stared at me for a long time. I was not sure what was on her mind, but finally, she said, “They don’t want me to be your wife.”
“Who? Your parents?”
She hung her head, but nodded.
Reaching out, I lifted her chin up, forcing her to keep looking at me. “Do you wish to be my wife?”
“Yes, hence I am distraught. Are you not understanding?”
“I am, but I do not think you are.”
“What—”
Bringing her face toward me, I kissed her. And I shivered all over with pleasure at the feeling of her soft lips finally on mine. My tongue entered her mouth, and the back of my throat burned with the desire to do more, to push her back onto the ground and take her. The thought came so easily, so quickly, and the way she kissed me back…did not help matters. With the strength of God, I pulled back only slightly, our lips still so close I could feel her breath.
“I’ve been aching to do that once more,” I whispered, stroking her face. “It has taken all my strength to keep from touching you so these last few days.”
She stared at me for a moment and the corner of her mouth turned upward. “Do it again please.”
“Happily,” I replied. And just like before, a gentle, innocent kiss turned sinister. Pulling her body toward mine, I felt her breast pressed up against my chest as our tongues battled. I could not stop the rising lust within me.
God I wanted more of her. I wanted to rip the lace from her and feel her skin. I did not know how or when, but I found myself already on top of her. Her legs on either side of my waist.
I was so close.
I was so…desperate.
I wanted her.
I needed her.
My cock tightened, begging for freedom. The meager layers of fabric barring it from entering her did not help. I knew if I did not stop, I’d take her now.
Fuck!
It was almost painful to separate our lips but I managed, only to be blessed with the sight of her under me. Her breast rising and falling, her beautiful lips parted as she tried to breathe evenly, the curls of her hair a halo around her head.