"That is.... well it is ... sinful."
"Synfully marvelous, just like your name. Do it.” Keran caressed her thighs as she straddled him. She felt as if the breath would leave her lungs, and she wouldn't be able to take any more in. But if she died, like he said, it would be a sweet death.
She edged down until she felt his tongue probing for entrance in her wet folds. She bucked into him, fearing she had hit him too hard. When he wrapped his arms around her thighs and pulled her closer, she let him guide her until his mouth was firmly placed on her quim. He went to work, licking her folds, his teeth nibbled at her soft, vulnerable flesh and she quivered with each pass of his tongue.
Not wanting to be the only one feeling pleasure, she lowered her mouth to him, taking him inside her mouth in a bold move that shocked her to the core. Her fingers wrapped around the part of him she could not get into her mouth, tightening when his groans turned deeper.
Keran clasped her buttocks, pulling her down even more. Syn ground herself into him, her body spinning out of control. She lifted her head and screamed as her climax claimed her, writhing against him, her hands clasping his cock and tugging as she spent again.
"Keran! Oh, I.... cannot ... oh."
Warm liquid coated her hands, and when she looked down it was to see Keran's creamy seed coating his cock and her hand. She stood on wobbly legs and went to the chest, pouring water into the ewer and wetting a cloth. She cleaned him gently, rubbing him as he'd rubbed her the first night, making sure he was gently cared for.
"Would you like food?"
"All I want is you,” he said. “I do not have need of anything else."
He held out his arms and she went to him, snuggling into his chest, loving his warmth, the strong beat of his heart.
"Tomorrow, Syndra, I make you my wife in the eyes of the law. But, you already belong to me, in my heart."
"I love you, too.” She snuggled closer.
Within seconds, his even breathing signaled his sleep and she followed, never wanting to leave the comfort of his arms.
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Chapter Fourteen
Syndra woke to bright sunshine streaming in through the window. She blinked and sat up, trying to judge the time of day. It must be at least noon the way the sunlight sat on the floor. She stretched, then glanced around the room.
"Keran?” As she said his name, images of the naughty things they had done last night filled her mind. And she loved it, loved every memory, every touch, every feel of him. And then it dawned on her, as clear as the sun streaming onto the stone floor.
Today was her wedding today. No matter what Elizabeth thought, or Leora was preparing for, Syndra knew that by the end of the evening she would be Keran's wife, mistress of Mardoon Keep. Her father had seen to her happiness after his death as he had never done while he was alive. That thought made her feel more love for her father than she ever had before. In the end, he had thought of her.
She wished there was some way she could thank him for it, let him know that she was fine, that his letter had brought her more than she'd ever dreamed of. She closed her eyes, repeated the words to him, hoping his spirit could somehow hear her.
A knock made her sit upright. The door opened, and Alma stuck her head in the room. “Are you awake? You have wasted half the day with your eyes closed."
Syndra laughed as Alma and Tillie came into the room. “Sorry."
"He wore you out, did he?” Tillie nodded, a knowing look on her face.
"I suppose you could say that. He is wonderful. He makes me feel so perfect."
Her two friends climbed onto the bed with her and Syndra settled herself back against the pillows.
"We are done with your kirtle,” Tillie said. “Would you like to see it?"
"Yes.” She sat back up and hugged her legs to herself. “You finished it very fast."
"Well, you cannot,” Tillie said with a giggle. “Not until moments before you o downstairs."
We wanted it to be perfect,” Alma said with a smile. “We—"
A loud noise outside the door made the three of them sit up straighter. Alma's eyes widened in fear, and Syndra stood quickly, indicating her friend should take her place in the bed. She threw covers over her, then hurried toward the dresser to pull out clothing.
Elizabeth burst into the room seconds later, her eyes taking in every aspect, including Syndra's naked form.
"What are you doing in here?” Syndra clutched her shift in front of her.
"I just came to make sure you were enjoying your last day in the Master's bed. Soon, you will be back up in the tower where you belong."
Syndra laughed, and when a look of absolute surprise came over Elizabeth's face, she laughed harder. “You have no authority here, I know that. Leave now, and I will not tell Keran you were here, trying to cause trouble."
Elizabeth took a step closer, and Syndra prayed she would not look at the bed. Would Alma be able to stay still enough not to be discovered? In the last two weeks her stepmother had continued to lord Alma over Syndra's head, telling her the girl was being abused by her captors, and that each day Syndra spent in Keran's bed meant more men between Alma's legs.
It was not hard to feign horror at the idea, though she knew it was not true. She had cried and called Elizabeth horrible names. That, Keran said, helped Elizabeth to believe Alma had escaped and was not in the castle.
Elizabeth studied her carefully, then turned to Tillie. “Get out."
"No."
An evil glint came into Elizabeth's eyes, and she jerked her head at Nathaniel, who grabbed Tillie and dragged her from the room.
"Leave her alone!” Syndra made to follow but Elizabeth stepped in front of her.
"The fact that she spreads her legs for Patrick will save her, but it will not save Alma. If I were you, I would listen to the proposal I have."
Syndra glared at Elizabeth, and when her stepmother laughed her heart seized. Had she done something to Keran? No that could not be, or else she wouldn't have a scheme to put before Syndra.
"You have proven you are a whore. You don't have to flaunt it by running around naked.” Syndra looked down, then hurried to where she'd dropped her shift. She put it on quickly, then wheeled on Elizabeth.
"Why are you doing this? You have what you want."
"Not totally. I want him dead.” She held up a small handkerchief. “If you value your friends’ lives, you have a parting drink with his lordship before he goes down for his wedding. Mix this into his wine and make sure he drinks all of it."
"Poison?"
"We do not want it to go into effect until after he has wed Leora. That way I can tell the king the marriage was consummated. There is just enough here for that to happen, after he has bedded her tonight. Or before, it matters not. All that really matters is that the priest pronounces them husband and wife."
"Yes, it does not really matter, does it? It is not as if she is a virgin, if someone checks for proof."
Anger flared in Elizabeth's eyes and she drew back her hand. She seemed to think better of it, though, and before she struck she took a step back and clasped her hand over Syndra's forearm and squeezed. Syndra refused to react, though, and after a few seconds, Elizabeth dropped her hand to her side.
"Are we clear on what you are supposed to do?"
Oh yes, perfectly clear. “I hear you."
"You will do it, or Alma will die, and I will find a way to make sure Tillie suffers every day for the rest of her life."
"With you around, that would not be hard."
"Enjoy your freedom, while you have it.” Elizabeth stalked from the room, slamming the door behind her.
"Alma?"
There was a rustle as Alma came out from under the bedcovers. She came up next to Syndra, and they stared down at the item in her hand.
"I have to make sure I talk to him before the wedding."
"Do not worry,” Alma said. “I am sure everything will be just fine."
* * * *
Syndra sat at the back of the chapel, her hands clasping and unclasping the beautiful blue kirtle she wore. Keran had come back just moments ago, looking as if he had washed himself in the lake.
He had seemed weary, but happy, and he had kissed her gently and told her to dress and go to the chapel.
"But why? And what has happened? Tell me."
"Shush, not yet. Just do as I say, and do not put up a fuss, of any kind. Stay in your seat until I call for you.” Then he'd kissed her gently and patted her bottom as he urged her toward the doorway.
His words had made her just a little nervous. What if something went wrong, and he was forced to marry Leora. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. He had not even seemed surprised by the poison she had shown him, only saying he was shocked it had taken Elizabeth so long to try to kill him. When Syndra had told him what she had said about the wedding, he had nodded.
"Of course. It would give her a greater hold on the castle if her daughter were married to the lord."
Syndra smoothed down her kirtle. It really was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Deep blue with stunning silver decorations along the sleeve. Where her friends had found the materials, she did not know. She was just happy they did. She had gone to Tillie's room after leaving Keran's. When she had seen it, she had cried, and then hugged both of her friends.
She looked around, trying to find them. Tillie stood in the back with the other servants. Standing behind her, her face half-shielded by a cloak, stood Alma.
The room grew quiet as Elizabeth walked in. She walked to the front, laughing and joking as if she were happier than she had ever been. She sat down, and moments later Keran and Patrick came in.
When Leora came in by herself, Syndra wondered where Leticia was. She should be with her, standing next to her sister in support. Leora stepped to the front, and her mother stood up next to her.
Syndra worried for her half-sister, who had been strangely absent the last two weeks. If she had stood up to her mother, there was no telling how she was being punished.
The priest gave the standard welcome, his voice loud, announcing that he was to officiate at the marriage of Lord Keran of Mardoon and the eldest daughter of Lord Richard, the late Lord of Mardoon.
"If there is anyone who knows of an impediment to this marriage, let them speak now.” The priest's words were greeted with silence, and Syndra wanted to rise and scream. He was not saying anything. He would marry her. What was happening?
Before the priest could speak again, though, Keran cleared his throat. “I have an objection."
A loud gasp greeted his words, and the priest called for silence.
"What is that objection, milord?"
"I was sent by the king to marry Lord Richard's eldest daughter. The woman standing next to me has been introduced as such, but it is a lie perpetrated by herself and her mother. The Lady Syndra is Lord Richard's eldest daughter, and therefore my rightful bride."
When Elizabeth screamed, Syndra laughed.
"You will control yourself,” the priest said to her, turning back to Keran. “Where is this Lady Syndra?"
Keran turned his head to her and held out his hand. She rose and walked up the aisle, her movements greeted by silence. She placed her hand in his and he pulled her close.
The priest turned to Elizabeth. “Is this true? Have you been lying to your new lord, trying to get him to marry a woman of your choosing, and not of the king's?"
"No! He lies to try to marry his whore; I swear it.” Elizabeth's lips seemed to turn white as she clamped them together.
"It is true.” All heads whirled to the back where Leticia stood, Brody on one side of her and Markham on the other.
"Come here.” The priest gestured to her and she hurried down the aisle.
"You are?"
"Leticia, your grace, daughter to Elizabeth. For the past three days I have been held prisoner at a camp because I dared to tell my mother I would tell Lord Keran everything."
"Leticia.” Syndra reached for her, but Leticia pulled away.
"Syndra is my father's first born."
The priest turned to Elizabeth. “You lie madam, and in the house of the Lord, too."
Elizabeth backed up, then shot a hateful look at Keran. She turned to run, but Patrick grabbed her before she made the entrance.
"Do not think to run and hide with your men, Elizabeth.” Patrick dragged her to Keran, who spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. “They are either dead, or in the custody of the king's soldiers ready for transport to the Tower on charges of treason, including your lover."
Elizabeth stood ramrod straight, her eyes filled with hate.
"I believe you should join them.” Keran snapped his hands and two guards, dressed in bright outfits Elizabeth had never seen before, came forward and took Elizabeth by the arms.
She glared at Syndra, who shook her head. “I am sorry for you."
"Do not be sorry for me. I want nothing from you, including pity.” She walked down the aisle as they guests sat, quietly watching the proceedings.
"But what of me,” Leora's voice shook. “I only did what she said."
Syndra rolled her eyes, but stayed silent.
"That is up to the king,” Keran replied. “You will go to London where he will decide your fate. But, I believe you knew nothing about the men gathering to rise against the king, so that will go heavily in your favor."
Keran snapped his fingers again and Markham came forward to escort Leora from the room.
When they were gone, the priest turned to Keran. “Do you wish to wed the Lady Syndra tonight?"
"Yes, your grace, with the up most haste if you please.” Keran glanced down at Syndra, then pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. She melted into his chest, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Very well,” the priest said. “Are there any impediments to this marriage?” There was resounding silence and the priest leaned in toward the couple. “If you will wait and kiss her later, milord, after you are wed."
"Then hurry, your grace. For I don't want to wait a moment longer."
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Epilogue
Sixteen months later...
"What is this word?"
Syndra yawned and batted her weary eyes. “Keran, please. I am too tired for games."
"Syndra.” His mock sternness made her laugh.
"Oh, very well. London."
"No.” He stood and walked to the desk. “That is seven marks in the punishment column, because this word has seven letters. Would you like to try again?"
Syndra eyed the parchment, then sighed. “I do not know. Tell me what it is."
She rubbed her belly, then looked at her husband as he sat down next to her on the bed. A year and a half had passed, and she still had goose bumps appear on her skin when he was near her.
"It is Richard. It is what I believe we should name our son."
As if he approved, the child lying in the bed next to his mother let out a loud wail.
"After my father?"
"Yes.” Keran took her hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing her gently."
After all, it was your father's foresight that brought us together. If he hadn't known what Elizabeth would do, there's no telling where we would be right now."
"You are right.” She looked into his eyes, feeling as if she could lose herself in their depths. The mention of her stepmother, dead at her own hand by arsenic, still made her shiver. Sometimes she felt as if she were in the castle, haunting Syndra's every move, taunting her. And then, Keran would appear and chase her fears away.
He made he laugh, and the memory of the look on his face when their son was born two days ago still warmed her as nothing ever had before.
"I take your silence as agreement.” He lifted the baby into his arms. “Very well. I dub thee Richard of Mardoon, son of Lord Keran, and his Lady wife, Syndra."
Richard shook his fists, and
Keran laid him down where the baby immediately sought his mother's breast. Keran lay on the other side, looking down on Richard as he suckled.
"I love you, Syndra. Thank you for my son."
"He is a sign of our love for each other. The first of many signs, milord."
"Yes, my father had seven, if you remember."
Syndra gasped, then laughed. “I hope we have a daughter or two, also."
"Seven sons and two daughters would make nine. A large number, but I am willing to put out the effort to make your wish come true."
"You have already made all my wishes come true. You did that the first day you set foot in Mardoon."
"Then we are even.” He stroked his hand over her cheek. “I wished for a wife who was beautiful and intelligent, and I have her, and so much more."
He put his lips on hers, the kiss gentle and lasting. “We will name our next son Edward, after the king."
"And our daughters?"
"Syn, I believe, after her mother. Who a sinfully wicked woman."
"Well, I have my husband to thank for that. After all, he taught me everything I know."
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Author's Notes
King Edward IV of England is a fascinating person to me, both as a man and as a king. He was extremely tall for his time. Reports put him between 6’ and 6'4, depending on which book you've read. I split the difference and made him at 6'2. And he was also reported as being quite handsome, a fact backed up by portraits. He ruled England from 1461 to 1470, and again from 1471 until his death in 1483. Edward's father claimed the English crown during the War of the Roses, and Edward claimed it when his father died at the Battle of Wakefield.
Edward's cousin, Richard Neville, the 16th Duke of Warwick, supported his claim to the throne. He was also the man, however, who sought to have him deposed several times and finally succeeded in 1470. In 1471, Edward and his brothers marched from France to London to finally defeat Warwick at the battle of Battle of Barnet. Edward reclaimed his throne and ruled until his death.
He was succeeded by his son Edward V, who ruled from April 1483 to June 1483. Edward V, of course, is one of the famous princes of the Tower. He and his brother, Richard, 1st Duke of York, were taken to the Tower of London for “their own safety,” and never seen again. Edward V's uncle, Richard III, took the throne in his nephew's stead, and is, without a doubt, one of the most infamous kings of England.
A Dusting of Syn Page 11
