When Aellyn swept back into her chambers that evening to prepare for dinner, she felt like she was walking on a cloud. Ringing for her maid, she did a little pirouette before gliding over to the table to pour herself a drink.
“Went well, I take it?”
She nearly jumped out of her skin. She turned, a hand to her racing heart, to find Conrad sitting casually on the couch he’d occupied just last night, an ankle propped up on his knee and an arm draped across the back of the couch. His amusement was irritatingly evident.
“I invite you in once and now you come and go as you please?” She demanded, glaring at him.
“I came up to let you know that your father’s retainers have arrived,” he explained. “When you weren’t here, I figured you were still busy with your parents, so I decided to wait.”
“You could have just left a note,” she grumbled, turning back to pour herself a drink. She begrudgingly poured one for him as well, and carried it over to him. She briefly fantasized about dumping it on his head, but didn’t want to make a mess her maid would have to clean up. He took the glass with a grateful nod and an annoying grin. She took a seat on the opposite couch and sipped at her drink. “How many?”
“Oh, that’s the best part,” he chuckled. “About three dozen.” He eyed her over the rim of his glass as he took a sip of his own drink. She nearly choked.
“Three dozen?!”
“Mm,” he murmured. “Though I gather some of them will be leaving after the wedding.”
“Well, I suppose there’s plenty of room,” she mused.
“Royalty travels in style, it seems.”
The door swung open and her maid bustled into the room. “Oh, apologies, my lady, I didn’t mean to interrupt…” the poor woman stammered when she realized Aellyn wasn’t alone.
“Don’t mind him, he was just leaving,” Aellyn said, glaring at him pointedly. He set down his drink, waved his hands in submission, and made his way out. “I need to dress for dinner,” she said, standing and making her way to her dressing room. “Something a bit more…” she struggled to find the right word.
“I know just the thing, my lady,” her maid assured her and disappeared into the large closet. When the woman returned, she presented Aellyn with a beautiful, flowing green velvet gown with brocade panels of embroidered gold and golden lace trim with small emerald buttons.
“Oh,” Aellyn breathed. “That’s perfect! Help me put it on!”
“You look like a princess, my lady!” Her maid announced. The two of them stood before the large ornate looking glass admiring their handiwork. The gown complimented Aellyn’s dark hair that sat piled on her head in artful ringlets and brought out the color of her eyes. The large emerald brooch pinned to the low cut neckline was a good match for the gown’s buttons, and the simple gold circlet around her brow and the gold earrings that dangled from her delicately pointed ears tied it all together perfectly.
A sharp knock at her chamber door startled them from their admiration. Her maid dipped a hasty curtsy and hurried off to answer the door, leaving Aellyn to finish smoothing her hair and gown self-consciously. An admiring whistle brought her around sharply, and she found Conrad leaning against the door frame, arms folded over his chest. He was dressed in a midnight blue brocade tunic with silver accents, black pants and black leather boots. His typically unruly hair was swept back neatly from his brow and, for the first time she could recall, his jaw was freshly shaved.
“You look lovely, my lady,” he said quietly.
“Thank you,” she mumbled.
“I came to escort you down to dinner,” he explained. He straightened and extended an elbow for her to take.
“I didn’t realize you’d be joining us,” she murmured, stepping forward and taking his arm.
“Your uncle invited me,” he replied as he guided her to the door. Her maid held the door open for them, and they both nodded their thanks as they passed into the hallway. “As thanks for helping you find your father, he said.”
“Oh,” Aellyn said in dawning understanding. “Of course. I should have thought of it myself.”
“You had other things on your mind, my lady,” he dismissed.
“Well, if I haven’t said it before… Thank you, for everything,” she said quietly.
“It was my pleasure,” he patted her hand on his arm, and they made the rest of the way to the dining hall in companionable silence.
“Conrad Virsk and the Lady Aellyn!” The page announced as they stood in the grand entryway into the dining hall. They were the last to arrive, Aellyn saw, and she felt a bit guilty for having caused a delay. Her mother, swaddled carefully in a light blue woolen shawl over a simple gown of blue brocade, sat in a comfortable chair by the fireplace to the left of the doorway. Her father, clad in shining gold and green robes that touched the floor, stood nearby with a drink in his hand, chatting with her uncle and a pair of elven men she didn’t know. Her cousins and their mother stood off to the right in conversation with a trio of elven women.
“Ah!” Evelien called, “Now we can start dinner.” She pulled a simple ironwood cane from beside her chair and hoisted herself up. Ilbryen came quickly to her side to help her, and she took his arm gratefully, smiling her thanks. With that, they all filed down to the large table that stood at the end of the hall. Aldun seated himself at the center of the table, as was his right as patriarch of the family. His wife, Annika, and their two daughters sat to his left. Evelien and Ilbryen seated themselves to his left. Ilbryen motioned for Aellyn and Conrad to take the places next to him. Their elven guests arranged themselves according to their own hierarchy on the opposite side of the table. Servants began filing in with trays laden with delicacies of all kinds, and dinner was officially underway.
Over dinner, Aellyn was introduced to their elven guests. The man that sat opposite her uncle, it turned out, was also her uncle—her father’s younger brother, Beilar. Looking at him more closely, Aellyn thought the connection should have been obvious. Their shining silver hair and green eyes were nearly identical. The only difference between the two brothers, aside from how they favored plaiting their hair, was that Ilbryen was slightly taller and broader in the shoulders. Beilar’s wife, Arasatra, sat to his right. She was petite, with golden hair and sky blue eyes. To her right sat the elven woman Aellyn and Conrad had met in the forest, who turned out to be her father’s herald, Olazana. To Beilar’s left sat another elven woman with the same silver hair and green eyes Aellyn had come to recognize as a trademark of her father’s family, her aunt, Enleth. To her right was her husband, Kelven. His hair was a soft chestnut brown and his eyes were the dark gray of storm clouds.
“I hope you don’t mind, I’ve arranged for a bit of a surprise this evening,” Beilar announced as they all sat sipping tea or wine over dessert. He turned in his chair and motioned to an elven attendant that stood by the door. A moment later, a small troupe of elven musicians filed in and made for a ring of seats set neatly off to the right side of the room. They set up quickly, and soon the room was filled with lilting, spritely music.
“Oh, lovely!” Cried Annika, smiling brightly. The expression completely transformed her usually stern face.
“Indeed!” Aldun agreed, laughing and pushing back his chair to stand. “It occurs to me that perhaps my wife would like to dance?” He held out a hand to her, which she took, and they moved off to the open part of the room.
Evelien leaned over to Ilbryen and whispered something in his ear. He patted her arm where it rested on the table before her, smiled, and stood. He moved to the end of the table where Aellyn’s cousins sat and offered a hand to Ellinor, promising to save the next dance for Aiyana. Beilar and his wife opted to remain at the table, enjoying the last of their dessert, but Enleth and Kelven rose to join in the dance.
Aellyn sipped at her wine as she watched her father dance with her cousin. His movements were fluid and elegant as he led her around the floor, sweeping her in graceful circles.
“Would you honor me with a dance, my lady?”
Aellyn looked up to find Conrad standing beside her, bent at the waist in an elegant bow, one hand on his chest and the other held out to her. She hadn’t even heard him push back his chair.
“Uh… yes, please,” she replied somewhat uncertainly as she took his hand.
“Don’t worry, I do know how to dance,” he whispered to her as he led her around the table. “I wouldn’t have asked if I thought I might embarrass you.”
“I wasn’t worried about that,” she whispered back. “I was just… surprised.”
He took her in his arms, pulling her in close, and swept them into the flow with the other dancers. His steps were smooth and confident as he led them along.
“You look very handsome tonight,” she said quietly as she moved in closer to him to rest her head against his shoulder.
“Did you perhaps have too much wine with dessert?” She could hear the grin in his voice.
“No,” she replied sullenly. She should’ve known he’d be sarcastic. He leaned his head forward to try to catch her eye and she lifted her head from his shoulder to meet his gaze. When their eyes met, Aellyn could see his amusement was gone. He regarded her seriously for a moment, and it seemed like the rest of the world fell away as she lost herself in the warm amber depths of his eyes.
“You’re always beautiful,” he said quietly. Aellyn felt her heart suddenly leap into her throat and she let out a tiny, breathless gasp. He placed her hand on his shoulder and used his newly free hand to gently cup her face, running his thumb lightly over her cheekbone. She felt her eyes flutter closed and she leaned her face into his hand, savoring his touch. He leaned in close then to whisper in her ear, “and if we were not surrounded by your entire family, I would kiss you senseless.” She let out another gasp, her eyes flying open in shock as she pulled back to look up at him in surprise. His expression was serious.
“Perhaps you’re the one who has had too much wine,” she said breathlessly. His gaze never wavered.
“Perhaps,” he admitted. “But I meant every word. The wine has only made me bold enough to speak the thoughts I would normally have kept to myself.” She felt her cheeks flush. She didn’t know what to say; she could only stare up at him in astonishment. She licked her lips nervously, and she could see his gaze suddenly shift to her mouth. He closed his eyes and leaned forward to rest his forehead gently against hers. She felt him take a deep breath, and then he straightened and opened his eyes, the usual mischievous glint had returned.
The song ended, and the dancers all stopped to bow or curtsy to their partners and give a small round of applause for the musicians. Before Aellyn could really understand all that had just happened, she found her uncle Aldun at her side, requesting the next dance. The musicians started the next song, and her uncle swung her deftly around in a quick pirouette and took her into his arms. She let out a delighted laugh, but her expression faltered as she turned to see Conrad stepping quickly away and back to the table. She recovered her composure, though, and smiled up at her uncle.
She danced with her uncles and her father, until finally they decided it was time to get Evelien back to bed. It seemed like everyone else was ready to retire as well, and so they all hugged and said their good nights. Aellyn stood in the doorway for a moment, watching them all go with a contented smile. She was pleased to have all her family gathered together.
A soft cough at her shoulder shook her from her thoughts, and she looked up to find Conrad standing beside her, eyeing her closely. He held his elbow out to her, but said nothing. She took his arm, feeling suddenly nervous as they set off in the direction of her chambers.
Aellyn’s heart hammered in her chest as they neared the door to her chambers. He hadn’t said a word as he escorted her back, and suddenly she felt lost at sea. She still didn’t know how she felt about what had happened when they danced, and she desperately wished she knew what he was thinking now.
When they reached the door to her chambers, he stepped forward and swung the door wide, holding it for her as he slipped his other hand to the small of her back and guided her through. She met his eyes briefly as she moved past. His face was serious, and there was a spark in his eyes that she didn’t recognize. She paused uncertainly just inside the door. She felt a sudden gust and heard the door slam shut behind her. She was about to turn when she felt a strong hand clasp her arm. He spun her around to face him and then pulled her up against him as he stepped back to lean back against the door, drawing her with him. Before she realized what was happening, she felt his hand tangle in her hair and then his lips were on hers.
His lips tasted of the wine they’d drank at dinner and she could smell the fresh, masculine scent of his soap. She felt his other arm around her waist, holding her tight, and she let out a small gasp. When her lips parted, he took that opportunity to deepen their kiss, touching his tongue lightly to hers in a sensual slide. She moaned softly at the pleasure of it, and he turned them then, putting her back to the door as he leaned into her more fully, pressing his thigh between her legs, his hand moving to cup her bottom and hold her body tight against his.
Her senses swam, and she felt her hands come up to grasp his shoulders tightly. She slid her tongue along his, needing to taste more of him, arching her body to be even closer to him and moving her arms up to wrap them around his neck and hold him tight. She felt a flush all through her body as he rocked his hips against her, and she broke off their kiss to let out a soft, breathy moan. His mouth went to her neck then, and she felt his tongue burn a trail down to her collarbone. She ran her fingers into his hair then, holding him close as his lips moved sensually from her collarbone back up her neck. He reached up and impatiently tugged the earring from her ear and tossed it aside, then returned his grip to her hip as his lips claimed her earlobe. She felt his teeth lightly graze ear right before his tongue slid slowly along the tip of her earlobe, and her knees went weak. She clung to him desperately as desire speared through her, hot and demanding.
“Get me out of this gown,” she panted as he sucked gently on her ear. He pulled back for a moment to look at her, and she leaned in to kiss him again, her tongue exploring his mouth with a sudden boldness. He let out a quiet groan and pulled her with him as he took a step back, and then his arms went around her, his deft fingers working the buttons of her gown free. He traced her bottom lip with his tongue before drawing her lip into his mouth and sucking it gently. His hands went to her shoulders and he drew her gown carefully down her body. He took her by the waist then and lifted her free of the stiff fabric, setting her down again gently, but before he could lean in, she grabbed his hand and danced back a few steps, pulling him along.
He took a couple quick steps and was on her again, his mouth meeting hers hungrily and his hands going to her waist. The thin fabric of her shift was smooth against his palms and he could feel the heat of her body under his hands. She tugged at him again and took another step back, and sudden realization dawned. His knees nearly buckled as her desire finally registered. He pulled up short, still holding her, and he looked deep into her eyes, suddenly uncertain. The question caught in his throat, and all he could do was stare at her, desperately hoping she would understand his hesitation.
She saw him hesitate suddenly, but wasn’t sure why. She stepped back from him again, taking his hands in hers. She held his gaze then, waiting. His amber eyes smoldered in the flickering candlelight. A charged moment passed between them as they stood near the archway to her bedchamber looking deep into each others’ eyes. She tugged at him again and he seemed to charge at her, scooping her easily into his arms. Their lips met as he carried her into her bedchamber and he strode quickly across the room. He lifted a knee onto the mattress and lowered her gently to the covers, following her down.
He placed his hands on either side of her, holding his body carefully above her as he leaned in to kiss her. She shifted under him to wrap her legs around his and her arms went around his waist, pulling him down to her. When their bodies met, he let out a groan and deepened their kiss as he rocked his hips against her. She felt his desire for her then, through the thin fabric of her shift, and she moaned softly, breaking their kiss and throwing her head back against the pillow as her body arched under him. She felt him sit up suddenly, but before she could protest, she felt him tug at the laces at the front of her shift, his knuckles brushing the tops of her breasts lightly as he undid the bow there. Their eyes met as he slipped the lace free and he parted the fabric.
Holding her gaze, his hands went to the belt hooked around his narrow waist. He pulled it free from its clasp and tossed it casually aside. Then his hands went to the clasps at his neck that held the brocade tunic he wore closed tightly around his throat. He slipped them free, then reached down to grasp the bottom of his tunic, drawing it over his head and tossing it to join his belt. The linen shirt he wore beneath his tunic was a light blue, open at the throat, and wrinkled from the evening’s wear. She reached for him, and he returned to her, snaking his arms under hers as he brought his lips to her neck. He trailed kisses down her neck, pausing briefly where her neck met her shoulder to suck gently at the sensitive flesh, drawing a soft moan from her. He pulled the loose strap of her shift aside impatiently, easing it gently down her arm until her breast slipped free of the parted fabric, and his lips claimed their prize.
As his tongue brushed her taut nipple, she felt a wave of desire crash over her. She needed to taste him, and touch him. Needed to feel him touch her. She grasped desperately at the linen shirt he wore, pulling it up his back, and he grumbled impatiently as he sat up once more to pull the shirt over his head. As he lifted the shirt, she sat up, her hands going to his stomach and she felt the muscles there twitch beneath her fingers as they moved slowly up his body. She glided her hands slowly over the thick muscles of his chest as he tossed the shirt aside. She marveled at the sight and feel of him as he knelt there before her.
He leaned in again, capturing her mouth with his and lowering her once more to the pillows. His kiss was demanding now as he reached down with one hand to tug up the hem of her shift. He shifted his body slightly to free the trapped fabric beneath, and she felt his hand on her knee, gliding up over the smooth flesh of her thigh. Her arms went around his neck again, holding him close. He shifted his weight again, and she felt his hand move, his fingers trailing gently across her thigh as he reached between them, stroking her softly.
She broke off their kiss with a moan, her head tilting back and her breath coming in panting gasps. He watched her face closely as he touched her, his fingers gently probing her moist folds. Her eyes were closed and her cheeks were flushed. Her lips were swollen from his kiss. She let out another soft moan as he stroked her and her hips moved instinctively, drawing his fingers deeper into the warmth of her. He dipped his head then, his mouth finding her breast again. His tongue traced slowly around its ruched peak before he closed his lips around it and sucked gently. Her body arched into him as she let out another soft, gasping moan.
He withdrew from her then, moving back to stand beside the bed. Her eyes flew open in surprise and confusion, and she started to sit up when he suddenly bent and pulled off one of his boots. Their eyes met and held as she leaned back, propping herself on her elbows and he pulled off his other boot. He straightened, his eyes still locked on hers, as he reached for the laces of the breeches he wore, slung low on his hips. He pulled at the string and the bow there came loose. He hooked his thumbs into the waist of his pants and slowly eased them down his hips and over his thighs, letting them drop to his feet.
She finally broke their gaze, and she let out a small gasp when the full extent of his desire for her became indisputably evident to her. He stood there for a moment, letting her look at him, before he rejoined her on the bed. He knelt beside her, leaning in to give her a soft, lingering kiss, before he sat back again. He reached for the straps of her shift and drew the garment slowly down her body. She moved her body as he did, making it easier for him to guide the fabric down her body. Once the fabric was past her hips, she drew her legs up toward her chest so he could pull the shift free. He balled it up and tossed it over his shoulder, and then he moved.
He took her ankles in each hand, guiding her legs around him as he came in close so he could settle himself between her legs. As he drew nearer, he ran his hands slowly up the long, slender length of her legs. His hands trailed up her hips to her waist, and then he snaked his arms up behind hers again as he embraced her. Her hands went to his shoulders as she welcomed him back to her with a slow, sensual kiss. She felt the bare skin of his body slide against her as he moved over her and she gloried in the tingling waves of desire that swept through her.
Her hips moved beneath him and he moaned softly into her mouth. He shifted his weight slightly, and she felt his hand between them again, stroking her slowly. She broke their kiss then, gasping. He leaned his forehead gently against hers and their eyes met. He stroked her again, probing his fingers gently into her wet folds. Her hips moved again, drawing him deeper into her, their eyes still locked together, each panting softly. He watched her closely then, as he thrust his fingers deeper. She moaned again, her eyes squeezing closed as he withdrew his fingers slowly.
“Aellyn,” he whispered, his voice a deep rasp. She opened her eyes again and met his gaze. He thrust his fingers into her again and she cried out, but he smothered the sound with a deep kiss. He broke the kiss to look deep into her eyes as he withdrew his fingers from her again. “Keep looking at me,” he said, and she felt his hand move between them again, and then felt his hardness against her. She let out a tiny gasp as she felt him move against her, pressing gently into her. “Keep looking at me,” he said again, and she could only nod as she gazed into his eyes. Her hips moved against him again and his control slipped, she felt him nudge gently into her, then his hand went to her hip, holding her tight, before he thrust fully into her with a guttural moan. Her own moan nearly drowned out the sound, and she struggled to keep her eyes open, her gaze locked on his.
He held still a moment, letting her adjust to the feel of him buried deep inside her. But her hips moved again, and he was lost to the warm sensation of her. Their bodies moved, their hips rocking rhythmically together as their parted lips met in a dance of tongues and gasping breaths. Her hands went to his hips, guiding his rhythm as he thrust into her again and again, their passion building with each soft moan and heaving breath. She cried out, clutching at him, her nails digging into him, and he felt her muscles tense around him gripping him tight and he nearly forgot himself. He bit his lip, hard, to distract him momentarily from the feel of her shuddering release, and he slowed his movements to a more gentle rhythm, easing her through the sensation as it washed over her before withdrawing from her to spend his own passions on the sheets beneath her, his forehead resting gently on her chest.
She lifted her hand to gently stroke his hair back from his face while her racing heart began to slow and her breathing returned to normal. She trailed the fingers of her other hand gently over his shoulder, tracing the muscles there absentmindedly. After a moment, he lifted his head to look up at her, and she smiled tenderly at him, her fingers stroking his cheek softly. He reached up, his fingers brushing her cheek as he tucked her hair back behind her ear. His eyes met hers, and their gazes held.
“I love you,” he whispered softly. “I always have.” Her eyes widened in shock, and she opened her mouth to speak, but he interrupted before she had a chance to respond. “Don’t say anything now. Sleep on it,” he advised. “Preferably in my arms.” She recognized the twinkle in his eye then, and laughed softly. He rolled to the side then, careful not to twist her uncomfortably beneath him as he moved, and came to lie beside her. She shifted a bit, looking around to find the coverlet trapped beneath them. She moved up so she could free the trapped bedding from beneath her. Realizing what she was up to, he’d moved as well, and in short order they were both tucked comfortably beneath the warmth of the covers.
He opened his arms to her then, and she moved into him gratefully, settling her head against his shoulder as his arms came around her. She draped an arm across his stomach and hugged him close. He dipped his head to kiss her forehead before settling in himself. Before either of them knew it, they’d drifted off into a deep, relaxing sleep in each others’ arms.
Aellyn stirred, surfacing slowly from sleep, reluctant to wake. Eyes still closed, she murmured softly in contentment and nuzzled into her pillow. But it wasn’t a pillow she nuzzled, she realized, sitting up in alarm, her eyes flying open.
“Good morning,” came a deep, sardonic voice at her side. She turned to find Conrad lying beside her, a look of mild amusement on his face. “Forget something, did you?” Memories of the night before flooded her mind, and she felt herself blush. He reached for her, lightly caressing her arm with his fingertips, his gaze following the gentle movements of his hand. Her alarm fading, she eased herself back to the mattress, and he gathered her into his arms again. “That’s better,” he murmured with satisfaction as he pulled her in close.
She tipped her face up to regard him. His eyes were dark and unreadable, but she found the hint of a smile in the curve of his lips. He lifted a hand to hold her chin gently and dipped his head for a soft, lingering kiss. She felt heat stir within her and she reached up to grasp his neck firmly, pulling him to her as she intensified their kiss. He moved then, rolling her gently onto her back as the passion of the previous night flared to life once more between them.
After, the bedsheets tangled around them and dewed in a light sheen of sweat from their exertions, they held each other. He stroked her hair absently as they both gazed up at the canopy above them, each lost in their own thoughts. After a long moment, she stretched and sat up with some reluctance.
“Breakfast?” She asked, turning to him. He made a soft sound of assent, and she slipped from the bed to ring for her maid. To her surprise, some of her muscles felt a bit stiff as she rose.
When she returned, instead of rejoining him on the bed, she dipped quickly into a nearby closet to fetch a soft linen robe.
“You should think about putting your pants back on,” Aellyn said with amusement as she shrugged on her robe and cinched the belt tightly around her waist.
“I have thought about it,” he replied with a grin. “Decided not to.”
“You’re going to scandalize my maid,” she admonished, but the look she gave him was playful.
“Come back to bed,” he reached out a hand to her. She eyed him skeptically a moment but obliged, taking his hand. She let out a surprised yelp as he tugged her roughly into his lap, before he silenced her with a kiss. When their lips parted, he gazed deeply into her eyes, his hand coming up to gently brush her cheek. She remembered then the tender words he’d said to her the night before, and she felt herself blush.
She opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the sound of her chamber door closing in the sitting room. A moment later, her maid appeared in the doorway.
“Good morning, my lady,” the woman called brightly as she entered. “Oh!” She exclaimed when she saw them. “I’m sorry, my lady, I didn’t realize you had company,” the woman stammered nervously, turning to look anywhere but at the bed, twisting her hands together anxiously.
“We’d like some breakfast,” Aellyn explained.
“Of course, my lady,” the maid replied. “I’ll bring a tray immediately.”
“And some hot water for a bath,” Aellyn added, raising a suggestive brow at Conrad, who favored her with a wolfish grin.
“At once, my lady,” her maid dipped a quick curtsy and practically ran from the room, drawing an unladylike snort of amusement from Aellyn.
“I take it she’s not used to finding a naked man in your bed?”
“No,” Aellyn laughed. “This would be a first.”
“She’ll adjust,” he declared, leaning in to kiss her neck. She pushed gently at his shoulders and clambered out of his lap to stand beside the bed again.
“Don’t pout,” she laughed. “Ada will be bringing our breakfast shortly. Make yourself presentable, I don’t want her to faint.”
“If you insist,” he grumbled, standing and collecting his shirt and pants from the floor and pulling them on.
Breakfast was comparatively uneventful. Ada brought them a tray stacked high with Aellyn’s usual fare—eggs, sausage, toast, jam and tea, which they ate in the sitting room while servants brought hot water for their bath. While they ate, the maid bustled around the room, tidying up. Aellyn caught the woman casting surreptitious glances in their direction as she worked. She knew the woman’s behavior stemmed from genuine concern, and she found it touching.
“Is there anything else you need, my lady?” The maid asked when she had finished her cleaning. She eyed Conrad skeptically.
“No, Ada,” Aellyn chuckled. “Thank you.”
“Oh,” the maid paused on her way to the door. “Your father has asked to see you when you have a free moment.”
“In that case, could you pull a gown from my closet before you go?” Aellyn asked. “I’ll see him after I’ve bathed.”
“Of course, my lady,” the maid responded dutifully. “Is there one in particular you have in mind?”
“No,” Aellyn replied. “Just something simple and comfortable.”
“Yes, my lady,” the maid dipped a quick curtsy and set off for the dressing room. She returned a moment later and, finding they’d cleared the breakfast tray, collected it before sweeping out of the room.
“Unfortunately, it seems we’ll have to make this bath quick,” Aellyn said regretfully.
“Duty calls,” he acknowledged, rising from the couch. “And if you’re going to make it to see your father before lunch, I should probably go.” He made for the door.
“Wait,” she called. “My maid seems to have abandoned me,” she said with a nervous laugh. “I’ll need some help with my gown.” Their eyes met. His expression was unreadable for a moment, before his usual humor returned.
“Then I suppose I’ll have to stay.”
After their bath—which, to his credit, was relatively chaste—Conrad helped her into her gown, carefully lacing the ties at her back, while she braided her long hair in a simple plait. He’d been uncharacteristically quiet since breakfast, and it made her feel a bit anxious, though she wasn’t sure quite why.
“I’m not sure how long I’ll be with my father,” she began.
“I’ll come find you,” he said quietly. “I’ve a few things of my own to take care of.” She nodded thoughtfully. “All set,” he announced as he finished tying off her dress.
“Thank you,” she said, turning to face him and gazing up at him. His expression seemed tense, but he bent his head to give her a slow, sensual kiss that she found reassuring. When at last their lips parted, he reached up to tuck a stray hair behind her ear.
“I’ll see you later,” he promised. “And you can tell me all about your meeting with your father.” He bent and kissed her cheek, then turned and took his leave. Aellyn stared after him, wishing the morning had ended differently. With a sigh, she set off for her mother’s chambers.
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