AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ruby left knowing Henry was in the best of care. Her mother was a skilled healer. Vivienne and Ivy would ensure Henry got the rest he needed under Marian’s skilled attention.
She ventured down the corridor, mindful of the silence engulfing the castle. The distinct lack of servants bustling through the halls was a somber reminder of the traumatic events the night before. Once she reached his presence chamber, she opened the door cautiously.
Crispin lay slumped over his ornate desk, his gentle snores filling the room.
Slowly, she closed the door behind her and crept to where he lay asleep. His hair lay in tousled waves across his forehead. His jaw shadowed with a beard. His dark lashes rested delicately against his pale cheek.
In repose, Crispin instead resembled a younger, more innocent version of himself. Ruby’s heart nearly burst with affection at the sight. How she wished she could have known the boy he once was before the harsh realities of royal life fell upon his broad shoulders.
Ruby leaned closer, tracing her fingertips along his forehead, and pushing back the lock of hair. She brushed a cut along his hairline, and he shifted, furrowing his brow at the sensation. When his eyes opened, she lost herself in their crystalline blue depths. He lured her in with a simple look. This was Crispin’s gift, his natural ability to disarm someone with a single glance or a tempting smile. But in this moment, there was no barrier between them. Nothing but raw, urgent relief followed by a brilliant flash, and the blazing passion ignited once more.
A lazy smile curled his lips as he lifted his head. Without a word, he drew her across his lap and wrapped his arms around her. She melted into his embrace soaking up the warmth and strength she longed for during their time apart. ’Twas the one thing that kept her sane while locked in the ostentatious room Francis assured her was not a prison. She shivered and Crispin’s grip tightened.
“Saints above, I thought I lost you.” Crispin buried his face in her hair, inhaling deeply and pressing soft kisses along her forehead.
Ruby tilted her head back and searched his face. She cupped his bearded cheek and smiled, her heart aching from the overabundance of emotion choking her. “I thought the same.”
Crispin kissed her with reverence. She fisted her hand in his tunic and clung to him desperate to savor the feel of his body pressed against her, the taste of his lips. They were one, united and bound together for eternity, and nothing could tear them apart.
When she finally broke the kiss, Crispin groaned with obvious disappointment. His cock pressed insistently against her hip. Soon she would have all of him, and they would begin anew. But first, they must face the harsh realities of a kingdom torn asunder by the actions of a malicious imposter.
“I have seen Henry,” Ruby spoke carefully, unsure of how Crispin would respond to the report.
As she anticipated, regret and anger clouded Crispin’s clear blue gaze creating a storm in their depths. “Is he...?” He could not even bring himself to voice the thought aloud.
“He is resting. My mother is tending to him, along with your mother and Ivy.” She smiled in an attempt to bolster hope, but Crispin seemed lost in thought. Ruby rested her hand on his chest. “He is strong. He will recover. I have not abandoned hope.”
Crispin’s brow furrowed, and he shook his head. “I have failed him. ’Tis as if I thrust the blade into his side myself.”
Ruby gripped his jaw in her hand and forced him to meet her gaze. “He acted in your defense. His sole responsibility is to protect the king, and his actions reflected his fealty to the crown.” Her voice softened. “You cannot punish yourself. Henry knew the risks and embraced them with honor.”
He searched her face and relaxed beneath her touch. “You are as wise as you are beautiful.”
The compliment made her cheeks warm. She pushed aside the flattery and instead chose to focus on the questions burning in her mind. “How did you find me?”
Crispin eased back in the chair, settling into a more comfortable position and shifting her firmly against his chest. “Ivy.”
Ruby listened intently as Crispin recounted the story of how he found Ivy in his chambers, how she drugged him, their agreement and subsequent journey to place a message in the old tree, and the time spent in the forest waiting. She held her tongue for the duration of the tale, unwilling to spoil the moment, but also taking note of Ivy’s behavior. His revelation of her betrayal came as no surprise.
“It seems Ivy played both sides perfectly.” Crispin stroked his jaw thoughtfully. “I believe there is more to this tale. Perhaps we should speak to her and then decide what course to take.”
“Are you truly the same man?” Ruby stared at him in disbelief. “When I first met you, I believe you were quicker to action than explanation.”
“I will not lie, my first impulse is to lock her in the cell beside Francis in the dungeon.” He shrugged. “But there is more to this than we can see, and I am intrigued by her commitment to her cause, whatever that may be.”
Ruby stared in bewilderment. “Who are you and what have you done with the infamous Prince of Whispers?”
A wicked smirk played upon his lips making her insides melt. “Oh, my sweetling, a man cannot change who he is, but he can transform into something greater.” He kissed her neck, making her shiver against him. “My whispers are for you, and you alone. If you wish me to play the villain, your will is my command.”
“Crispin.” His name graced her lips with a breathy moan. She placed her hand against his chest to stop the riot of need from consuming her completely. He paused and rested his head against hers.
“My apologies, darling.” He nuzzled against her neck. “Having you in my arms again awakens the beast within me.”
She whimpered at his confession and cleared her throat. “What is to be done about Simon?”
Crispin’s ardor cooled as he leaned back against the chair, putting some space between them. “I shall meet with the privy council and discuss his fate. But after such a public revelation, they cannot deny the coup he attempted on the throne.” He plucked at the fabric of her gown. “A public execution would be too merciful. He must suffer as we have.”
Ruby pondered silently, unable to find the words to argue in defense of the monster who ripped so much joy from her life. Crispin placed his hand over hers and intertwined their fingers.
