Page 49 of Raven's Rise
“Yes. Tonight.”
“As you command.” His tone was mild, no more sensual than before. But she still nearly fainted at the promise in the phrase.As you command.
“I’m going to find that bath now,” she announced, as if the matter were closed. Too late she realized that talk of her bathing was hardly likely to distract him from the previous topic.
“Enjoy yourself,” Rafe said. “Sarah will meet you downstairs and show you where to go. And don’t takeallnight,” he added. “I’m looking forward to our discussion.”
She forced herself to walk slowly out of the room, instead of running away from that knowing smile.
Downstairs, Sarah led her though an inner courtyard busy with activity from the visitors and workers. There was a tremendous din, partly because a couple of dogs had been cornered by a large orange cat.
“Hark! Stop playing, you beast!” Sarah yelled toward the cat. “You’ve mice to be killing!” She turned to Angelet. “He’s normally quite good at keeping the mice down. But any tom will get diverted from time to time. You’ve been on the road a while.”
“It feels as though we’ve been traveling forever,” Angelet confessed. “But in truth, it’s only been a sennight. Or so. We ran into bad luck, and lost most of our things to thieves.”
“May the Devil pinch all thieves and brigands!” Sarah said. “At least you have your lives. I expect your husband made them run. I know a soldier when I see one!”
“Ah, yes,” Angelet said nervously. Was it a sin to allow someone to think that she and Rafe were a married couple? “He’s always defended me.”
“Would that I could have said that about my man, may he rest in peace. But all he defended was his wine and ale. Left me the inn, though, and I thank him for that.” By that time, Sarah had ushered Angelet into what must have been her own bedroom. A wooden tub sat near the fireplace and a maid was already filling it with steaming water. “We like to bathe on Saturday, before we all go to Sunday mass,” Sarah explained. “The town’s women can pay a penny for a bath. But this water’s fresh boiled, and Grisa here makes a good oat soap.”
The maid gave a pleased nod.
Sarah made to leave, but Angelet said, “One more request, if I may.”
Angelet needed a new dress, yet brand-new dresses weren’t laying about, waiting to be purchased. She had to either find a woman with a spare dress to sell, or purchase fabric to sew her own. Both options required time, which was not in abundance. Angelet had asked the innkeeper’s wife last night, but got a mere shake of the head. However, she was in luck this time.
“I’ve a gown that would fit your frame,” Sarah said. “It’s a plain one, to be sure.”
“I do not require ornament,” Angelet said. “Just a good, clean, sturdy outfit. For I’ve got more travel ahead. If you can give it to me to wear after my bath, I’ll get the money for it from my…husband.”
“You wash up and I’ll find it. Grisa, attend this lady, and don’t be saucy, for she’s a fine lady, anyone can tell. A lady is still a lady in rags, while gold cloth won’t make a churl into a king.”
Chapter 16
Back in the private roomin the inn, Angelet stood alone, her mind leaping like a deer as she considered her options: be bold or be modest, risk all or retreat.
She heard a soft knock at the door. “My lady?” Rafe asked from the other side. “May I?”
“Come in,” she responded, turning to face him.
She had taken great care with her appearance. She had bathed, reveling in the hot water and soap. She had washed her hair and brushed it so it gleamed as it fell down her back. She wore the secondhand gown, but had added one accessory. Around her neck hung the moonstone necklace.
Rafe took it all in silently, his eyes roaming over her, up and down.
“I wanted to look…better,” she explained, feeling rather embarrassed.
“You look gorgeous,” he said. The admiration in his voice was direct, unhidden, and as arousing as a kiss. “Is this when we discuss my offer?”
She nodded, but said, “I haven’t made a decision.”
He took a step toward her. “Then tell me what you need to know. What would you have me do?” he asked.
“Everything I tell you, no matter what.” She tried to keep her voice from shaking. She was not used to giving orders or ultimatums. “Themomentyou disobey, we are done. Can you agree to that?”
“Yes,” he said. “So order me, Angelet. I’m yours to command.”
“I need to hear you promise.”
