She didn’t remember the way his hand gripped her thigh, only just right before he stood.
“Are you feeling well?” He finally asked her as they passed the threshold of the inn. He dropped her arm, holding gently to her shoulders as he studied her. “You haven’t said three words since we left.”
“Yeah,” she whispered, dropping her eyes. “Just tired, I think.”
“Of course,” He pressed a kiss to her hair. “Wait here, just a tick.”
The older woman at the counter met him with a smile, nodding amicably as Lancelot spoke to her. He was back by her side in less than a minute’s time.
“Come, they’ll draw you a warm bath.”
Inside the room, Guinevere noticed the screen and the wooden basin behind it. “How did I miss that-” His hands were brushing against her throat again, unclasping his cloak. “...before?” Her breath hitching.
She had to calm down, had to get herself together. There was no telling how long they would be required to stay away from Camelot, and she couldnotspend her time like a lovesick girl.
“You were busy,” He mused, folding his cloak up and setting it on the small table behind him. “Busy going behind your husband’s back, that is.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “What do you think he’ll say when he finds out his disobedient, wicked wife went ahead and knighted his oldest friend?”
Her face flushed, but before she could respond, a young woman entered with a pail of steaming water. She sloshed it into the basin, promising she would be back with the rest in just a moment.
Once the basin was full, Lancelot shifted, turning his back to the bath, to the screen. “I won’t intrude, queen.” He said, the words softer than he had been before.
She quickly stepped out of the trousers, tossed the shirt into the pile of her discarded clothes, and slipped behind the screen.
She wasted no time sinking into the bath, the steam and heat of the water instantly easing the ache in her muscles. A soft whimper escaped from her mouth as she settled deep, water coming just below her collar bone.
“Guinevere,” a growl came from beyond the screen. “You cannot expect me to keep my thoughts pure when you’re making sounds like that..” And though her skin was red from the warmth of the bath, she felt her face flush deeper. “You mustn’t do that again, darling. I am just a man.”
“Lancelot,” she said softly, and she heard him shift. Gwen got a twinge of pleasure, picturing him fisting the bedsheets in his hands as his self control teetered.
“Please, your grace,” was he pleading? “Youarewicked. Stop tormenting me.”
She grinned, sinking lower into the water. Near the edge of thebasin, there was a small sack. Inside, she found a variety of soaps and lathers.
Guinevere took her time in the warmth, enjoying every blessed minute of relief that the water brought. She scrubbed her skin with a soap that smelled of lavender, the floral aroma filling the air. Exhaustion settled deep in her bones as the water chilled.
Grabbing the towel over the screen, she began the arduous process of drying off. Her skin bristled as the damp air covered her, and she did her best not to shiver. “It’s so cold,” she chattered, wrapping the towel around herself.
“I’ll start a fire, your-” She stepped around the screen to search for her shift dress, and Lancelot’s words seemed to die on his tongue. When she met his eyes, his mouth was parted, eyes hooded as he held her in his gaze.
They hadn’t needed a fire, after all. Guinevere’s skin was alight once more under his watchful eyes. He swallowed hard, the knot in his throat bobbing. “I’ll start a fire.” He repeated, but his voice was rough.
With his back to her, Gwen felt her resolve strengthen. Wordlessly, she dropped her towel to the floor, daring him to turn around. Daring him tolook.Her breaths came faster as she toed the line.
Utterly indecent, that’s what she was.
Maybe Arthur was right.
Maybe she was wicked.
Unable to find an excuse to continue stalling, she found her nightdress, dragging it over her head.
He did not turn.
The fire roared to life as her dress fell into place.
Lancelot rose slowly, none the wiser about the gamble she justtook. “I used all the hot water, knight.” She whispered, pulling her fingers through her hair.
A gentle smile graced his lips. “No need to fret, I cleaned up while you were resting, highness.” He leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms as he gave her a once over. “It’s late. You should get some rest. We’ve an early start tomorrow.”
