“It is obvious, is it not? You are a man of honor, and contrary to what you initially believed of me, I was a maid when we…”
“Say no more,” Albin ground out. “I now know how you felt.”
“I do not understand.”
“You accused me of believing the worst of you. Is it any different than what you now accuse me of?”
“If not for honor, then why did you marry me?”
“I have never known a woman like you. I lost my mother at an early age, and being a younger son, my father never took to me,” Albin responded without bitterness. “I have always considered Fulke and the men my family. Of late, I added her ladyship and the babe they share. However,” he continued after a pause. “When the opportunity arose to make you my wife, I jumped at the chance. I count myself blessed this day to gain one such as you.”
Seeing the truth in his eyes, Lecie’s eyes filled with tears. In one day, she had lost and gained more than she had in her lifetime.
“Excuse me,” she managed brokenly. Bursting into tears, she hiked up her skirts and fled up the steps.
* * *
Talan came to stand beside Albin as he stood staring at the empty steps with a perplexed look on his face. “What did you do now?”
“I have no idea.” Albin shook his head.
“Well, what did you say?” Talan pressed. “Lecie would not have reacted in such a way unless you insulted her in some fashion.”
“Is it an insult to tell the woman you wed that you consider yourself blessed for having done so?”
“Wait,” Talan paused to let Albin’s words sink in. “Are you in earnest?”
“Of course I am in earnest,” Albin grumbled. “Do you think I would lie about such a thing?”
In response, Talan smiled. “I cannot wait to send word to Castell Maen.”
“Leave off,” Albin griped with a scowl. “What of Lecie?”
“What about her?” Enjoying himself, Talan crossed his arms over his chest.
Exasperated, he threw up his hands. “Why do you think she ran from me…again?”
“Oh, that.” Talan clapped Albin on the shoulder. “I am no expert when it comes to women, yet would venture a guess that she is emotionally overwhelmed.”
“Right.” Albin nodded thoughtfully. “I suppose I should have held my declaration of affection for a more opportune time.”
“Mayhap,” Talan agreed. “Only, since this is your wedding night one would suppose this is the most opportune time possible.”
“You are of no help.” Raking a hand through his dark locks, Albin sighed.
“Come, my friend.” Talan took pity on him. “Let me stand you a few ales in celebration of your blessed union.”
“You know, Talan,” Albin said as he led the way to the bar. “I liked you so much better when you were a surly lout.”
“So you keep reminding me,” Talan responded with a chuckle.
* * *
After bidding good rest to the children, Lecie thanked Betta and told her to get some sleep.
Harsent was no doubt sleeping off an afternoon of heavy drinking in her chamber, and Gunilda had yet to return after Albin ordered her from the inn.
Worried about replacing the pair by the time the inn reopened the following day, Lecie made her way into her father’s chamber to prepare it for Albin. Lighting the tallow candles in the iron holder on the lone chest, she threw open the shutters to erase the sour sick smell hanging heavy in the air. After stripping the bed, she noted the stains on the feather tick and decided to have it replaced the following day.
Tears slipped down her cheeks as she began to pull her father’s worn and patched clothes from the wardrobe. Her kind and honorable father had gone without while a man he trusted stole from him. If not for Sir Albin, she would even now be married to the thieving villain.
Her thoughts inevitably found their way back to Albin. It now became clear why it felt at times that he struggled to remain aloof with her in the past.
A slight smile briefly lit her features when she recalled their near kiss on the steps during his last visit to the inn with Baron Erlegh. What a silly, foolish man, she thought fondly.
Tossing the pillows into the passageway to be discarded, she heard the sound of drunken laughter below and crept to the top of the steps.
In an attempt to lighten the gloomy mood of the day, Albin and Talan spoke of better times. She stood there for a spell, listening to stories of their many antics at court and Castell Maen. Hearing Albin’s deep throated chuckle reminded her of the reasons why she fell in love with the carefree jovial knight.
Determined to be a good wife to him, she returned to her chore with a sigh. Resigned to the fact she must submit to his carnal desires, she was resolved to do her wifely duty with dignity. She could only hope Albin would kiss and hold her beforehand as he had their first time together. To feel like that again, she would gladly submit to the pain sure to follow.
Finished in the chamber, Lecie left the shutters open to give it a good airing. After preparing his usual chamber for Albin until the morrow, she made her way up to her pallet in the loft to retrieve her best chemise and dressing gown. A bit worn, the deep brown velvet of the gown enhanced the golden color of her eyes. After a leisurely bath, she dressed, wondering what was keeping her husband.
The sound of snores hit her the moment she placed her foot on the top step to descend. She found the two friends at a table reclined in their chairs with their heads thrown back. Relieved she would not have to submit to Albin after such a trying day, she added some wood to the hearth to chase the chill from the room. Bolting the door, she cast an affectionate glance back at her husband as she headed for her loft.
* * *
Albin’s head rolled, causing him to wake with a start. Disoriented, it took him a moment for his thoughts to catch up with him.
Nudging Talan with his foot to wake him, he took a long swallow of ale. “I need to talk.”
His eyes red, Talan blinked awake. “What could you possibly have to say at this ungodly hour?”
“There is more to the story than I initially told you.”
“Regarding Lecie?” Shifting into a sitting position, Talan poured himself a cup of ale from the earthenware pitcher on the table. “I am listening.”
Expelling a weary breath, Albin avoided Talan’s searching gaze. “Something happened between us when we came back to the inn.”
When Albin refused to elaborate, Talan spoke. “You mean something of an intimate nature?”
“Aye.”
Settling back in his chair, Talan closed his eyes. “I already gathered that by what was said at your wedding.”
“There’s more to it than what was said earlier.”
“How much more?” Talan straightened to give Albin his full attention.
“I am such a fool.” Albin shook his head in disgust. “I would not blame Lecie if she despised the very sight of me.”
“Albin, I realize I am not Fulke, yet I can help if you let me.”
“I had no idea she was a maiden.” Hating himself, Albin raised tormented eyes to Talan. “I was rough with her and when I realized it…” he could not go on.
“You left?”
“Worse,” Albin admitted. “I made her realize the wrong assumption I had been under for so long, about her relationship with Edric.”
Understanding dawned on Talan as he inhaled sharply. “What did she say?”
“What could she have said? She accused me of thinking lowly of her and ordered me from her sight.”
“And that is the extent of your intimate relations with her?”
“Aye.” Albin laughed harshly. “She is too innocent to realize there was no way she could be carrying my child when I all but coerced her into marrying me.”
“She had a choice.”
“Zounds,” Albin swore. “Is that the best you can do by way of advice? She had no choice and you know it.”
“Mayhap you are right.”
“Saints bones, I would get more sympathy out of Gervase and he has the emotional range of a twig.”
“If you would let me finish,” Talan responded unperturbed. “I was going to say that it is obvious Lecie has feelings for you. Once this slight misunderstanding is put behind you, I have no doubt you will find happiness as man and wife.”
“Well,” Albin grudgingly conceded. “That is at least something. You may not be such a bad confidant as all that, after all.”
Talan shoved his chair back to stand. “Find your wife, and show her naught but gentleness. From the sounds of it, she will be dreading your next intimate encounter.”
“I take back what I just said about you,” Albin grumbled.
“You shall come around again when you realize I am right.” Stretching, Talan raised a hand to his temple. “In the future remind me not to match you drink for drink. I forgot just how much ale you could hold.”
“You should have known that from experience.” Albin replied, glancing toward the steps. “She most likely has already sought her rest for the night.”
“There is only one way to find out.”
Pouring himself another cup of ale, Albin downed it.
“May your marriage be blessed, my friend.” Talan gripped Albin’s shoulder with a lopsided smile. “I am sure our liege and lady will want to properly celebrate the day.”
“No doubt,” Albin muttered. “I have no doubt they would look forward to entertaining themselves at my expense.”
“Aye,” Talan agreed, on his way through the tables. “Not to mention the rest of us.”
“Wonderful, I so shall look forward to it.”
“What are you griping about?” Talan called over his shoulder. “The way I see it, your fondest wish was granted by the Almighty this day.”
“There is that.” Albin allowed with a smile. “I shall see you in the morn.”
Talan was still chuckling as he ascended the steps.
Unable to delay any longer, Albin shoved his chair back to join his wife. Expecting Lecie to be in Edric’s chamber, he peered into the empty moonlit room with a frown. Believing it to hold too many painful memories, he made his way to the chamber he usually used. With a nervous smile, he lifted the latch to enter. He did not need the moonlight streaming in through the open shutters to tell him the room was empty.
He squinted to see the door at the end of the darkened passageway, half hidden behind a ladder leading to the loft. His mind still befuddled with the effects of the ale he had consumed, he half-believed Lecie did indeed despise him for all he had done to her.
Stomping down the hall, he was about to knock on the chamber door when he heard Lecie’s voice from above. “Please do not wake the children. They have had a trying day and need their rest.”
“Lecie?” Albin glanced around for her in the darkness. “Where are you, lass?”
“I am in the loft above you,” she called softly. “Give me a moment and I shall come down.”
Surprised by her amenable attitude, he spoke into the dark above his head, “Are you being pleasant with me?”
“Would you have me be unpleasant?” she whispered, carefully making her way down the ladder. “I will most gladly accommodate you.”
“You are a cheeky one,” Albin approved as his hands slid up the length of Lecie’s narrow waist to lend her assist. Distracted by the feel of her through the thin linen chemise, it took him a moment to break the sudden silence. “What were you doing up there?”
“I found you below well and sound asleep.” Lecie’s voice sounded breathless when she responded. “I did not think you would be in need of a bed this night.”
“Would you have preferred it that way?” Cursing himself for asking such a question, he held his breath waiting for her response.
“Is it customary in the village you are from for a wife to sleep apart from her husband?”
“No.” He found himself grinning in the dark. “It is not.”
“Then I suppose therein lies your answer.” She hesitated. “If you would permit, however, I would ask a favor of you this night.”
“Aye,” he agreed, his grin fading as fast as it had come. “After all I have put you through, you deserve a boon. What do you ask of me?”
“Would you mind sharing your old chamber until after I have the feather tick in the master chamber replaced?”
“The feather tick?” Confused, Albin’s mind struggled to wrap itself around the fact that after their first encounter, Lecie was still prepared to share his bed.
“I would feel better if it were…” she trailed off.
“By all means have it replaced. If you so wish it, I shall fetch a new one myself on the morrow.”
“I suppose you shall be doing many such things now that you are the innkeeper of The Wounded Stag.” Lecie’s voice broke as a soft sob escaped her.
“There, there, lass.” Albin gently gathered her into his arms to hold her close. Stroking the silken length of her hair, he held her until she gained control of her emotions.
“Please forgive me,” Lecie said brokenly after a few moments. “It is not as if it were a sudden passing. I should have accepted it sooner.”
“You have been brave for so long, my Lecie.” He cradled her against his chest and marveled at how right it felt to hold her. “I shall no longer allow you to bear your burdens alone.”
Albin took her hand to lead the way to his chamber. After striking a flint to light the candle, he opened the bed-curtains to pull the coverlet down. “I shall join you in a moment.”
Pulling off his boots, tunic and linen chainse, he debated whether he should keep his breeches on.
He gave up on that idea when he heard the sounds of his tempting wife slipping beneath the coverlet. Untying his breeches, he figured she would know if he became aroused in either case.
He felt Lecie tense as he slid into bed wearing only his braies. “Know that I shall never give you cause to fear me.” Easing her back against his chest, he kissed the top of her head. “It has been a long day. Rest well, wife.”
ELEVEN
Lecie woke in the pre dawn hours with her upper body draped across Albin’s chest. Lightly reaching out a finger, she ran it the length of the close copped beard along his jaw. She briefly paused when he stirred only to resume when he settled back into a soft snoring.
Easing away from him, she boldly studied his wide chest furred with a sprinkling of raven hair. Boldly lifting the sheet, she studied his lean waist, manhood, and long muscular legs before sliding to his thick arms corded with muscle. She noted every scar on the parts of his body exposed to her and wondered in what battles they came to be there.
“If you keep looking at me like that, I shall not be responsible for what happens.”
Lecie’s eyes flared as she met Albin’s drowsy gaze. “Is it wrong for me to say I find you remarkably beautiful?”
“Beautiful?” Albin chuckled. “I must admit it shall be the first time I have been called such. As for it being wrong, since you are my wife, I should say not.”
“Would you prefer me to call you handsome?” Lecie’s golden eyes darkened as she focused on his parted lips.
“Look at me like that when you are saying it and you can call me anything you want.” His voice gravely from sleep, he reached out to cup her cheek. “I have yet to see a woman who could compare to you when it comes to beauty.”
“I have heard her ladyship Reina is beautiful,” Lecie replied without a trace of jealousy. “The rest of his lordship’s knights say it is so.”
“As do I,” Albin agreed. “Yet I stand by my statement.”
“That you find me beautiful?” Lecie voice was a breathless whisper.
“Beautiful and the most desirable woman I have ever beheld.” Rolling her gently beneath him, Albin captured her surprised exhale of breath.
Tingles raced up and down Lecie’s spine as Albin deepened the kiss. With a will of their own, her hands snaked around his back to dr
aw him closer.
Lifting his head, he stared into her passion-filled eyes as he lightly ran his fingertips along her face and down her neck. “Would you grant me a request?”
“Anything,” she breathed.
“I would have you consider this our first time together.”
He trailed his fingers along her arm, and she arched her back into his palm when his hand pushed the neckline of her chemise down to expose a full rosy tipped breast. “Then it shall be so.”
Thumbing the pert peak of her nipple, Albin elicited a soft moan from her as he slowly slid above her to settle between her legs.
Trailing kisses down her neck and throat, he replaced his thumb with his lips, drawing the taut nipple into his mouth.
Lecie slid her hands through Albin’s wavy silken strands to hold his head against her as she squirmed beneath him, seeking something more she could not name.
Her eyes flying open, she stiffened when his hand trailed along her waist to slide between their straining bodies.
Unable to ease her legs apart, he let out a small sound of protest as he returned to her lips.
“Trust me, lass.” Kissing her softly, he coaxed her into relaxing. “I shall never hurt you again.”
His words had the desired effect. Lecie relaxed beneath his experienced touch. Working his fingers against her moist heat, she shifted against him, never wanting him to stop.
“Albin,” she gasped. “That feels…wonderful.”
“Aye, lass. I know what you are wanting. This time I vow you shall have it and more.” Fumbling with the flowing chemise she wore, he glanced at her with half-slitted eyes. “How much do you value this piece of cloth?”
Lecie tried to wrap her befuddled senses around his question when Albin rent the chemise from hem to neckline. “Never mind, I shall buy you a score more of them.”
“Oh.” Albin smothered her soft exclamation beneath a searing kiss.
She found herself wrapping her legs around him as he positioned himself above her, only to grow still. His body trembled and the muscles in his neck were taut as he inhaled deep, even breaths.
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