Legacy
Page 42
“Turn around,” he instructed, “and I will help you out of your wedding dress.”
I silently beseeched him, but, seeing no compassion in his eyes, presented my back to him. He began to loosen the lacing of my gown, gently kissing my shoulders and neck as he did so. I shuddered, and he dropped his hands. Fearful of his intentions, I pivoted and saw him standing with his arms crossed over his chest, his handsome face clouded by frustration.
“What am I to do with you?” he asked. “I would like nothing better than to lie with you tonight, but it appears you would not come freely, but solely out of duty.”
I cast my eyes to the floor, afraid to respond to his accusation. He stepped toward me once more, and with one hand against the small of my back, the other enmeshed in my hair, clasped my body against his, kissing me with greater passion. When I again stiffened, he abruptly released me and retreated two steps. I waited in misery as he raked a hand through his dark hair, his eyes now flashing.
“It is our wedding night, Alera. You are intelligent enough to know what is expected.”
“I know what is expected but don’t yet feel ready to submit, My Lord,” I said faintly. I decided my best ploy would be to use his own words against him. “You told me not long ago that you were willing to take things slowly. I implore you now to be true to that promise and permit me time to become more comfortable with you…physically.”
To my surprise, he laughed.
“You really are the devil, you know,” he said. “Fine, then, I will give you some time, but willing or not, you do have an obligation as a wife and a queen to bear an heir.”
He turned from me and moved toward the bed, pulling off his shirt, and in spite of myself, I couldn’t help staring at his muscular form. Noticing my gaze, he raised a denigrating eyebrow.
“Just tell me how long you would like to look.”
I averted my eyes, embarrassed yet again.
“As there is only one bed, it is your choice whether to join me or make use of the sofa,” he added.
With one last disparaging glance my way, he snuffed out the lantern and crawled beneath the inviting covers, leaving me to stand in the dark in my wedding gown, with no creature comforts should I elect to sleep apart from him.
Disconcerted, I moved toward the chair upon which he had tossed his jacket, gathering the garment into my arms and fumbling my way to the sofa. It was now too dark for me to find my nightdress, and with no maid to assist me in disrobing, it being expected that the groom would aid his wife on their wedding night, I was momentarily lost. Then I tugged apart the lacing Steldor had loosened, letting the gown fall with a soft rustle to the floor. Using my husband’s coat as a blanket, I lay down on my chosen bed in my chemise to stare sightlessly at the ceiling, knowing that I was in for a restless night.
Narian came to me in my dreams, enfolding me in his arms and whisking me away from all unhappiness. The dream was so sweet and real that I could feel his rough shirt brush across my cheek, breathe in his earthy scent and see the love in his deep blue eyes as he bent to press his lips to mine. I awoke abruptly to lie motionless in the dark, tears trickling from the corners of my eyes, wondering where he was and if I would ever be with him again. I forced my mind to still, listening only to my heart and trusting in hope to be my guiding light. As I closed my eyes, I was filled with the certainty that he would find a way to come back to me. Despite everything, I had to believe that his love was unwavering, and as constant as the rhythm of my heart.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who helped Legacy come to life:
My mom, Kimberly, for her everlasting support and guidance. Without you, I would be nowhere.
My sisters, who define me in more ways than I can say.
My friends, whose critiques were invaluable in shaping my original manuscript: Josie, Laura, Susy and Mrs. White.
My agent, Kevan Lyon, for her incredible dedication, and for always sticking up for me.
My foreign rights agent, Taryn Fagerness, for all her amazing work and enthusiasm.
My editor, Natashya Wilson, for taking a chance on me and helping me shape my work into something I can truly be proud of. You’re the best.
The rest of the team at Harlequin TEEN: I owe you the world and then some.
The team at AmazonEncore: although we parted ways, I’m grateful for the opportunity you gave me and for the beautiful book you created.
Everyone at Eau Claire Printing: Jim, Greg, Sue, Ace and all the rest who were there from the start. The faith you had in Legacy and in me meant so much.
Last but not least, thanks to every single person out there who reads this book—you’re the reason I’m able to do what I love for a living!
Until next time,
Cayla Kluver
ISBN: 978-1-4592-4600-3
LEGACY
Copyright © 2009 by Cayla Kluver
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