Page 71 of The Consolation Prize

“I like Janet,” Una said staunchly, glancing down to where the merry-eyed servant was teasing bashful Peter. “Why should I not enjoy some local flavor in my household?”

He paused to consider this, taking a swig of wine. “In truth, there is no reason in the world, if you enjoy it. Did you send your message to Anninghurst?” he asked. “About the coat of arms?”

“Not yet,” Una admitted. “I thought I had better write an accompanying letter to Muriel explaining why I wanted it.”

He winced. “Ah yes, she’s so tight-fisted, it’s not likely she’d hand over anything without one. We now have a gardener’s boy named Wat,” he said, gesturing in the direction of a youth with straw-colored hair. “He can run it over once your letter is done.”

“I had the idea I might try and fashion Muriel a velvet hood as a gift,” Una confided. “But I thought I had better make one for Anne at the same time, or your sister might take umbrage. Rose wields a neat needle and can help me in my task.”

“You think of everything,” Armand replied. “But make sure you do not neglect your priority when it comes to keeping family members happy.”

“My priority?” she met his laughing eyes. “And by that, I take it you mean my lord and master?”

His expression, which had been amused, swiftly changed to something else entirely. Leaning in, he quickly captured her lips with his own and lingered there. Another cheer went up from the rowdy end of the table and Una found herself blushing when he drew back.

“Who else?” Armand murmured and took her hand in his. Una’s heart was beating hard for the rest of the meal.

When Una retired upstairs, there was already a bath waiting, for Armand’s at least had been a day of physical exertion. Una washed first but did not tarry as she knew her husband was having some final words with Otho below. She was just donning her shift when he entered the room, making straight for his bath.

“Shall I come and help you wash?” she offered, willing enough.

“Nay, I can scrub off my grime, never fear.” He made short brisk work of stripping and washing while Una draped her drying cloth over a chair by the fire. “Get into bed,” he urged her. “You’ll get cold.”

Una climbed into bed, with some reluctance. She would have liked to fuss over him as he had with her evening before, but he did not seem in the mood to linger over his bath tonight. A pity. She remembered she owed him kisses from the previous day and wondered how to deliver them. She did not think she would ever have that ease of manner that meant spontaneous displays of affection would come readily to her. She could only hope that in time she might grow better at it.

She watched him rub a cloth vigorously over his muscular shoulders and did not wonder that his sister had told her that he had always been successful with the fairer sex. How she wished she knew how to flirt and flatter as he did! She knew herself to be wretchedly stiff and unaccustomed to such things. Would he eventually grow tired of a wife who had not the smallest notion how to play coy or coquettish?

The bed dipped and Armand slid between the covers with a sigh. He scooted against her at once, and Una’s heart caught at how naturally he reached for her.

“Armand,” she said, before she lost her nerve, “shall we play dragon and the knight?” She was gratified by his look of surprised pleasure.

“That’s an offer I don’t think I’ll ever decline,” he answered with a slow grin.

That was an admission that could not help but give her confidence. She straightened her spine, shifting against the pillows. “You won’t slay my dragon this time,” she told him. “I have your measure, Sir Lusty Loins.” His lips trembled. “Don’t laugh,” she warned him narrowing her eyes. “For I mean to have the upper hand this time, I assure you.”

His eyes kindled. “That sounds only fair,” he agreed, rolling onto his back. “Have at me then.” He patted his thigh as Una eyed him speculatively. He was naked beneath the sheets. Did she really have the nerve to do this? She took a deep breath and moved over to him.

“I think I shall have to incapacitate you,” she mused, and his eyebrows shot up. She nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, my dragon must be permitted to have free reign over you,” she said placing a hand on his chest.

“How would it be if I simply swore to keep my hands above my head?” he asked.

She considered this. “If you think you can withstand it,” she agreed.

“Withstand it?” he echoed.

“My onslaught.” She could see him struggle to hide his smile at her words.

“I believe I’ll stand firm,” he answered with a decided twinkle in his eye.

I shall make you eat those words, she thought with sudden determination. “Very well, Sir Knight, if you are thus resolved.”

He stretched his arms above his head. “How’s this?”

Una looked him over, letting her eyes travel slowly from his handsome face, over his broad shoulders and impressive chest, down to where the sheets covered him. Slowly, she slid her hand down his muscular belly, until she drew the sheet down over his muscular thighs. Armand’s breathing hitched and his manhood grew stiff and swollen before her very gaze.

“I believe I shall accept this charming tribute,” she said thoughtfully, and felt his eyes burning into her as she reached up and swiftly undid her braid, running her fingers through her veil of auburn hair. Only then, did she turn back to Armand, who was watching her appreciatively.

“A very beautiful dragon,” he murmured, as his gaze roved over her. “But I won’t spare you all the same.”