Page 53 of Knight of Havoc
Reynard bowed. “Thank you, my lord.” He took a sideways glance toward his wife who dropped into a curtsey.
The empress drummed her fingers upon the arm of her chair. “Mayhap there is more we can do for Norwood. Step forward,” she called, and Reynard came to stand before his empress. Elysande appeared worried, not that he could blame her.
“My Empress,” Reynard said, bowing his head.
“You and your brothers have faithfully stood by my side for many years now. Although I expect you to continue to remain loyal to my cause, I now release you from your service. You andyour wife may take your leave and return home to Blackmore come the morn.”
“You are too gracious, Empress,” Reynard answered, watching Elysande as her smile brightened knowing they were going home.
“See well to this lady, Norwood. Although Blackmore has had many repairs since you were last there, ’twill still take many years to bring the place back to its former glory. But the keep as it is now should suffice for your needs to begin your lives together.”
The empress waved her hand toward Elysande, and she quickly ran to Reynard’s side. He pulled his lovely lady into his arms, raising her trembling fingertips to his lips so he could give them a kiss. They smiled together and gave a joyful laugh. They were going home!
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Blackmore Castle
Elysande took holdof her cloak and began to make her way from her bedchamber. A rumble of male laughter filled the room when Reynard playfully grabbed her from behind. The warmth of his naked chest sent a thrill through her as it always did, making her long to return to bed with him, but there were chores that needed attending to so she could begin her day.
Reynard nuzzled her neck. “Where do you think you are headed, wife?” he purred into her ear, giving the lobe a tiny nibble.
She turned in his arms to face the man who meant all to her. “Where do you think, husband? The daily chores will not get done by themselves. You have already distracted me for nigh unto an hour with our play this morn.”
He began to trail kisses down her neck and she softly sighed. “Chores can wait. I, however, cannot.”
As much as she wished otherwise, she would have to deny him. “Tell that to the cow waiting to be milked in our stable. I swear I can hear the poor animal bellowing her discomfort from here,” she said whilst running her fingers over his muscled chest.
“’Tis just a cow, Elysande, and the empress sent enough servants that any one of them can see to the animals in the stable. How can you deny me when the bed awaits ourpleasure?” he replied, and the husky baritone of his voice almost convinced her to stay.
“Deny you? Surely you jest with me, my lord, for did we not just tumble between the linens once… nay… twice this morn?” she teased, giving him a quick kiss.
He gave a heavy sigh. “Then if you must go, wait for me to finish dressing and I will accompany you.”
She raised her hand to cup his cheek. “I am certain you can survive a few minutes without me. Take your time and meet me in the stables when you are ready.”
“We have servants now for that, Elysande,” he reminded her again.
“Some habits are hard to let go of.” She gave him a bright smile.
“I will miss you,” he murmured and bent forward to seal his words with a long kiss.
She could not deny him another kiss and more minutes passed before he at last allowed her to find her voice and continue their conversation. “I will not be gone from your company for long.” Her arm wound around his neck, and she held him to her as though he was the only reason she remained upright. A moan left him when his tongue began to dance with her own again and she finally had to give a push against his chest to remember what was required of her.
Her breathing was ragged, and she wished she could take her husband up on the offer of the pleasure she would receive if she only gave into his demands. “You are trying to distract me again,” she whispered, twirling a dark strand of his hair between her fingers.
“Is it working, my love?” he asked with a roguish grin.
“If only…”
“Are you certain?” Reynard once again pulled her up against his rock-hard body causing parts of her to swoon from the heat radiating from him.
She waved one finger at him. “Stop tempting me, Reynard,” she teased although she was certain her eyes sparkled in delight. What wife would not be pleased that her husband wished to keep her in their bedchamber?
“Then go if you must but know that I am not happy you are not giving in to my demands.” He finally released her and as she turned, he playfully swatted her bottom.
She abruptly twirled back around only to see his amusement upon his visage. “Really? Is this how our lives together are to be?” she teased whilst rubbing her only slightly abused backside.
“Most likely, but feel free to stay here with me in order to make it up to me,” he said laughing.
