Page 68 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

Serena stared at their shared trencher. “Nay, I confess Iwould not.”

“William may yet visit Talisand, Serena. You should beprepared. He will want to see his castle. And I’ve heard rumors of discontentin the north that may draw him to Northumbria before the year is out.”

Serena had not forgotten what Morcar had told her about theanticipated gathering of the Northumbrians and their allies, but she saidnothing, only worrying her lower lip between her teeth as she considered whatmight take place in that city. She preferred to think of Steinar safely inScotland and her new husband safely at Talisand, not meeting on a battlefield.Yet she feared it might be inevitable.

They finished the meal, and Renaud took her hand leading herfrom the dais to the area cleared for dancing. The tables had been pushed closeto the walls allowing the couples to dance around the central hearth, which didnot bear a fire this day. Instead, the wooden shutters were thrown open toallow the sunlight to fill the hall.

The music of the harp, lyre, bone whistle and drum urgedthem to join the others. The steps involved much turning and gesturing asRenaud led her through the dances he knew. Sir Geoffroi and Eawyn joined them,as did the rest of the knights and many of the villagers. Soon every maiden waspartnered with either a Norman or an Englishman. The hall was crowded withbodies moving in time to the music.

Angus pulled Maggie into the twirling couples, causingSerena to smile.

“You are pleased, my lady?” Renaud asked her.

“Aye, my lord. It has been a long while since any atTalisand had cause to dance.”

* * *

Sunlight from the windows in the hall shimmered in Serena’sflaxen curls drawing Renaud’s gaze to her beautiful face and to the swells ofher breasts rising above the neckline of the elegant gown, enticing him beyondmeasure. Content he had finally claimed his English bride, he wanted to bealone with her. To lay her down on their bed and make long, lingering love toher. Enough eating, dancing and celebration. He wanted his bride nakedin his bed. And he wanted her now.

As their heads passed close with the movement of the dance,he whispered in her ear, “When the music ends, my lady, we are away to ourchamber.”

Serena blushed as he’d expected she would. Still new tolovemaking, she had much to learn before she would be comfortable with all hewanted to share with her. But her passionate response to his forays the daybefore told him she would enjoy what was to come.

The song ended and Renaud swept Serena into his arms andcarried her from the hall with much cheering and ribald raillery shouted fromhis men.

“My lord!” Serena gasped as they passed through the doorwayleading from the hall to the manor. “Must you carry me like a sack of grain?”

“Ah, Serena,” he replied kissing her on the forehead whilestriding through the entry, “it is but a small thing to hasten our departure.Besides, my men heartily approve, and your maidens are all bearing smiles. Ilike having you at my disposal.”

Up the stairs he hurried with his bride in his arms. Kickingopen the door to his bedchamber, he crossed the room and tossed her playfullyupon the bed’s cover.

“You have little idea what torture I experienced at being soclose to you yet allowing propriety to have its sway. Now you are mine!”

He closed the door and returned to her, unlacing her gownand sliding it from her.

“I see you are in haste to dispense with my clothing, mylord. Would you like me to help divest you of yours?”

“Saucy wench,” he said with a grin.

Her arms were outstretched to him, but he was too anxious towait. Setting aside his blade and belt, he pulled his tunic over his head.Kicking off his boots, he doffed his shirt, leaving him only in his braies andhosen.

Casting her a smile, he fell upon her, raining kisses downher neck and over her face as her arms wound around him. He took her mouth in agentle assault, his tongue reaching for hers. He pressed his hips to her bellyand felt his passion rise. She wrapped one of her legs around his as shereturned his kiss.

Raising his head, he looked into her violet eyes, darkeningwith her pleasure. “You are not in a hurry, are you my love?”

She blushed. “You have made me eager with your kisses.”

“Not so eager as I.” And with that he made short work oftheir remaining clothes to leave them both naked.

Her flesh was soft and warm and he wanted to sink his shaftdeep within her. His gaze devoured her. She was so lovely, skin as luminous ascream, her rose tipped breasts rising and falling with her rapid breaths. Hecould wait no longer to sample them. Threading his fingers through hers andraising her hands above her head on the pillow, he pressed his shaft againstthe juncture of her thighs and she opened to him. Taking a nipple into hismouth to feast upon the hard crested peak, he pressed against her moving hiships in an action designed to drive her wild.

“Oh, Renaud…”

Quickly he let go of her hands and moved his mouth to hernether region where he lapped at her wetness with his tongue, feeling hershiver beneath his hands kneading her breasts.

“So ready, so soon,” he said. He could not wait a minutelonger to have his bride. Rising above her and positioning his shaft at herentrance, he plunged deep.

Serena inhaled and sighed out her breath.