Page 82

My failed mission.

Rumors about the queen’s commander.

The king’s need for us.

None of it matters more than the woman I just made love to, who is holding me as if she would never let go.

And now we won’t have to part. Our joining solves the problem of me having to leave her, though it creates many others.

I lift my head finally, confirming it with Aedre.

“You will come with me to d’Almerita.”

Her lips part, and I can feel myself stir again, still inside her.

“Come with you?” She seems genuinely confused.

“Aye. We will marry. And you will come with me.”

I don’t like the look she gives me.

“You think . . . I want to leave Murwood End because I gave you my virginity? That I’d abandon my father, my whole life?”

I definitely did not expect her anger.

“You think,” I counter, “that I would take it today and leave you tomorrow? I never expected this, us, but we have no choice now, Aedre.”

What manner of man does she think I am? I’ve taken her outside of marriage, but to do so and then simply leave her?

“You did not expect me at all? You knew nothing of me and Kipp when you first came here?”

I’m unsure what made her think of that now, but when asked that way, I would not lie to her.

“I knew there was a woman. And I thought perhaps . . .”

Her eyes narrow, fire blazing from them.

“You knew.”

“Aedre, I did not. It was a possibility, of course, but had little to do with why we met so often. Surely you know that. As you know you are a lady. An unmarried lady, and I’ve just taken your virginity.”

“So Kipp was right. And you did not take my virginity, Vanni. I gave it to you. There is a difference.”

Perhaps, but there is no difference in the outcome.

“You will marry me, Aedre. I am not leaving here without you.”

I don’t much care for the look she gives me as her hands push against my chest.

“Then it seems as if Murwood End has gained a new resident, because I am not leaving.”