Royal Feud

Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Delvin watched her leave the room, his heart heavy. She had been his guide and advisor for a long time. He had always counted on her wisdom and insight. Her departure would leave a large void in his life.

Hermione sat in a chair by the brazier wearing a long-sleeved linen chemise that covered her from her neck to her feet. The bath had eased the soreness in her legs and had revived her. While she bathed, she had let her mind wander over the events of the day. She had been intensely interested in her husband's management of his fief and had felt such pride and gratification at his magnanimous treatment of his villeins. His cleverness and fairness in solving the conundrum that had been presented to him in the village had greatly impressed her. As had his championing a defenseless woman and punishing her cruel father. Delvin was an honorable man, and she was proud that he was her husband.

She roused herself from her daydreaming when he entered the chamber and came to stand in front of her.

"Have you eaten yet?"

"Nay." She shook her head.

He brought to her the food tray that the servants had provided, setting it down on

the small table next to her chair. After he served her, he sat beside her and began to eat. As she chewed a piece of cheese, she watched him. He was so handsome with his chiseled jaw and his broad shoulders and muscular arms. She had enjoyed being held in his strong arms on the way back to the castle, never having felt so protected and cherished before in her life. His brilliant blue eyes snared her as he glanced at her.

"Mother just told me that she and Wyham are to be married on Thursday."

"Truly?"

"Aye. They will be leaving next week to return to King Henry's court."

"I will miss Mother so much when she is gone." "I will too. She says they will visit here often, at least once a year."

"I am glad."

A comfortable silence enveloped them as she watched him consume his food. Hermione tried but failed to stifle the yawn that overtook her.

"Are you done eating?" he asked.

"Aye."

"Let me get you to bed, then."

Delvin laid his cup on the tray, stood, and scooped her into his arms and out of her chair. Feeling his arms around her, she lay quietly against his chest and enjoyed his thoughtfulness. He carried her to the bed and gently laid her down. After pulling the covers up to her shoulders, he leaned down and lightly kissed her mouth.

"Good night, Hermione. Sleep well." "Good night, Delvin."

Her eyelids fluttered closed, and she drifted off to sleep.

A s Hermione ate supper she was acutely conscious of Delvin's every move, as if her entire body was in a heightened state of awareness. She glanced at her husband, recalling his words yesterday morning. The idea of enjoying greater intimacy with him no longer scared her. In fact, her entire body tingled with anticipation. An indistinct moan escaped her lips before she could contain it. physical

"All you all right?" Delvin asked.

"Aye." Hermione cleared her throat. "I am fine." She took a bite of the chicken

"Do you have any pain from yesterday's ride?"

stew.

"I am a little stiff and sore. But 'tis nothing. Thank you for your concern, Delvin." "I hope you have not exhausted yourself today." Delvin took a drink of his wine. then shot her a grin. "I have plans for you tonight," he murmured as he leaned his head close to hers.

Hermione's entire body seemed to go up in flames, and a vivid blush infused her

checks. To her surprise, she was looking forward to being in his bed tonight. Her

imagination had run wild since yesterday, thinking about it. "Delvin, please." "I will try to restrain myself until 'tis time for bed," Delvin said softly, before turning his attention back to his food. Later, when Delvin shut the bedchamber door behind them, he leaned against it as

she took off her linen veil and brushed her hair.

Aware of his gaze upon her, Hermione turned to look at him. "Are you not going to get ready for bed?" she asked. "Aye." Delvin pushed away from the door. "I was merely enjoying watching you." The smoldering in his eyes, a look of promise and expectancy, caused the fire of her

desire to burn even brighter. Her fingers trembled as she untied the russet wool kirtle

she wore and pulled it off her head. She settled on the bed and waited for her husband.

When Delvin joined her, he lay on his back beside her with the covers pulled around his

waist. In the glow of the candlelight she could see his encouraging smile when she

turned toward him.

"What shall I do?" she asked.

"I would like for you to touch me." Delvin's voice was soft and unthreatening. "I would enjoy the feel of your hands on me."

Hermione laid her hand on the middle of his bare chest. The warmth of his skin and the silkiness of his hair fascinated her. She lightly caressed his chest, running her hand aver his well-developed pectoral muscles. Emboldened by his acquiescence, she eagerly explored his body. "I enjoy it when you touch me, Hermione." His voice was husky and mellow. "May I

touch you now?"

"Aye," she whispered. "Sit up, Hermione."

She pulled herself up in the bed as he did the same. Facing each other, they were equals, neither dominating nor trying to control the other. He reached out to stroke her, the thin fabric of her chemise the only thing between them.

"Is this all right?" he asked.

"Aye," she said, her voice not much louder than a sigh.

She surrendered to the pleasure of his touch. After long moments caressing her, he slowly drew away from her and released her. Opening her eyes, she gazed at him through the haze of ecstasy he had aroused in her.

"Did you enjoy that?" he asked, searching her face..

"Aye," she whispered.

He took a deep breath. "I am afraid I will get too carried away. I think we had better stop for tonight. Unless you are ready for more?"

Hermione dropped her eyes and shook her head. "May I kiss you good night, Hermione?"

She raised her head to look into his eyes. "Aye." He cupped her cheeks in his hands and leaned over, settling his mouth gently on hers. Too soon he pulled back and released her. "Good night, Hermione. Sleep well."

"Good night, Delvin."

She moved away from him and lay down on the mattress. The excitement he had

induced seemed to shimmer throughour her body. She now regretted her decision to

call a halt to their lovemaking. Next time, she resolved, she would stifle her fears and

allow their lovemaking to come to completion.

""Tis a glorious day for your wedding, Mother, clear and sunny." Hermione brushed Lucy's hair as the older woman, clad only in her linen chemise, sat on a stool before her.

"God is indeed smiling upon us."

"Tis His blessing on your marriage to Robert."

A knock heralded Elizabeth and Clare's entrance into Lucy's bedchamber. Elizabeth carried a length of plain linen draped over her outstretched arms while Clare shut the chamber door behind her. Happiness radiated from Elizabeth's face, square and Claire's usual lighthearted demeanor was almost effervescent.

"Lucy," Elizabeth announced, "we have something for you."

"What is it?" Lucy rose from the stool to greet her friends. Clare whisked the linen away as Elizabeth held up a kirtle. The blue velvet gown, the exact shade of Lucy's eyes, was trimmed with soft white fur around the neck,

the cuffs, and the hem. Lucy gasped, holding both hands to her mouth.

""Tis beautiful." She came over to touch the soft velvet. "How ever did you make this kirtle? When? There simply has not been enough time for you to have made this magnificent gown since Robert and I decided to get married." "As soon as we saw how you looked at Lord Wyham...." Elizabeth began.

"And how he looked at you...." Clare interjected. "...we started making your wedding gown," Elizabeth finished.

"Dear friends, thank you so much." She embraced each woman, being careful not

to crush the gown Elizabeth still held.

"Hermione also helped us sew the gown," Elizabeth remarked.

Lucy turned back to Hermione, giving her a hug as well. "Thank you, my dear." "I am glad I could contribute in some small way to the beautiful kirtle."

"Lucy," Elizabeth prompted, "you had better get dressed. You do not want to

be late for your own wedding." "Nay. I most certainly do not."

Elizabeth carefully lowered the blue gown over Margarer's head while Clare and Hermione helped arrange the material over her chemise. Elizabeth laced the gown at the back as Clare brought over Lucy's white linen veil. When Lucy was completely dressed, the other women stood back to admire her..

"You look lovely, Lucy," Elizabeth said.

"Aye," Clare agreed. "You are a radiant bride."

When another knock sounded, Hermione opened the bedchamber door to find Delvin. She smiled at him, the joyous mood in the chamber pervading her heart. The sight of him, dressed in the same brilliant blue tunic he had worn for their wedding just two months ago, nearly stole her breath.

"Hermione, you look lovely." His warm voice was intimate and tender. She watched his gaze roam over her gold silk kirtle and felt for once that she really

was as pretty as he told her she was. "Thank you, Delvin." "I have come to escort Mother to the chapel," Delvin announced in a normal tone.

"Is she ready yet?"

"Aye, she is," Hermione answered, standing back. "Come in,"

Delvin strode into the chamber. Grasping Lucy's hands in both of his, he bent

and kissed her on each cheek. "Mother, you look beautiful. And very happy." "Aye," Lucy admitted, "I am happy."

"Lord Wyham awaits you on the chapel steps. Are you ready?"

"Aye, Delvin."