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Instead of feeling fear that someone was at the door, Wren relished the huskiness of his voice, knowing it was because of her. She smiled and leaned up to kiss him again, his lips eager to find their rhythm with hers once more.
"Open the godsdamn door, brother," Mary whispered furiously.
"Shit," was all that Wesley said as he extricated himself from the bed.
Wren mentally echoed the sentiment and hastily climbed off the bed realizing half of the back of her dress was unbuttoned. Wesley turned to her and kissed her gently while cupping her cheek. The gesture in the midst of the sudden stress, heartbreakingly sweet.
He moved to the door and unlocked it, cracking it slightly so that he blocked Wren from view. She couldn't see Mary, but she definitely heard her when she said, "You idiot." Mary tried to move past him, but he maintained his blocking of the door. "I know she's in there, you stupid man, the king made a point to inform Richard and I and herhusbandthat you two left together. I was hoping you weren't stupid enough to be here, but I see you have grown senseless in your time away. Now let me in." Her words were coming out quick in a hiss and Wren felt all the previous happiness and life slip from her at Mary's words.
Wesley turned back to her, a question in his eyes. She nodded and he let a red-faced princess into the room.
Mary took one glance at Wren's disheveled state and whirled on her brother. "I knew it, I knew you were too far gone, but I had hope for you." She directed her stare at Wren. "Do you two have any idea what this will do? My potential marriage will do little to create peace if it is known the crown prince of North Helm is having an affair with the crown prince of Haradon's wife."
Even though the other woman was younger she held herself like someone who was raised to be a princess. Wren shrank at her words knowing that she was painfully correct. Despite the damning knowledge Wren couldn't find it in herself to regret what had happened between them.
"I am not going to answer to you, Mary, and I am certainly not going to apologize for how I feel about Wren."
Wren had never heard his voice so commanding and she thought her heart might explode from his unapologetic defense of his feelings for her.
Mary stared at her brother, but whatever she saw there caused her to sigh defeatedly and slide into one of the chairs. "Gods, help us."
Having tamed his sister, Wesley came over to where Wren stood and gently grabbed her face forcing her to look up at him. "Are you okay?" he said quietly.
She nodded and he released her only to move behind her and begin undoing all of his previous efforts by buttoning up her dress. Wren felt a flash of regret at the necessary action.
"Richard is searching for you, Wren," Mary said, not bothering to turn her head away from the fire. "I told him I was going to go look for you as well, obviously not saying I was coming here. The point being that you should go, Wren, before they think to check here."
Wesley finished with her buttons and his hand lingered on her neck a moment too long, sending a chill through her. He smiled down at her, clearly satisfied by her reaction.
"She's right. I should go," Wren said reluctantly.
He nodded in response and kissed her forehead. He walked her to the door where he peered out before opening it for her to leave. Before she could leave he grabbed her hand one more time squeezing it and gently hanging on as she pulled away.
She made easy work of not being seen by anyone of consequence and safely made it to her room. One look at herself in the mirror made her realize she was lucky to have not run into anyone. Her lips were slightly swollen and her hair had fallen out of the elaborate braid in wisps and strands.
The door to her room opened and Sophie stood staring at her relief pouring off of her. She shook her head and turned back to the hall. "Gods, Richard, she's right here where I said she would be, you ass."
Apparently, Richard did not believe her because she blocked him from entering. "Do you often make a habit of just bursting into lady's rooms?" She turned back at Wren and mouthed, "Hair."
Wren understood her meaning and undid the elaborate braid allowing it to fall freely over her shoulders and back hiding any evidence of her recent activity.
"Let me in, Sophie," growled Richard.
"Fine, but just so you know you are a jerk," sulked Sophie, who moved into the room, letting Richard enter.
Richard watched Wren with narrowed eyes, but his face relaxed a fraction giving his relief away. "Where have you been?"
Wren gave him an irritated glare. "Here. Is it suddenly your job to keep account of me?" Wren realized she had never seen him quite so upset. "Did something happen?"
He threw his hands up in the air in a silent plea. "Gods, I know I have much to atone for, but this is too much for one man."
"How dramatic," stated Sophie from the seat she had taken.
Richard shot her a glare before turning his gaze back to Wren. "My father made a point to announce to us that you had left with Wesley."
"I did as your father suggested I do. I needed a walk to clear my head. Things haven't exactly been easy here, have they?" retorted Wren.
Richard searched her face before giving an exasperated sigh and sitting in one of the other chairs, slouching into it.
