Page 32 of The Guardian's Witch

Her soft curves molded into the hard planes of his body.He raised his head.She closed her eyes as he bent to her neck and started all over again.His hot breath against her ear whispered“Mine”.She listened to the tinkling of the hard shell of her resistance shatter into a million pieces.How would she ever be the same?Her hands raked his back.His long,low groan made her hot and wet.

The wind picked up—slowly at first.The white blossoms danced and floated in the air.The faster her heart beat,the wilder the wind blew,and the more insistent she became,until the blossoms pelted them angrily.Trapped between the tree and Alex,Lisbeth was lost but didn’t care.She was safe;the horror and guilt were gray shadows.She could conquer them with Alex.Slowly they sank to the ground.Alex’s back was against the tree,and she was still in his arms.

One last gust of wind and the blossoms were gone.Alex pulled away,his eyes glistening with unspent desire.He tucked her head against his chest.“Mine,”he whispered.He kissed the top of her head.

She let out a soft sigh. “Forever,” she said softly. The strong steady beat of his heart lulled her to sleep.

* * *

“M’lady?” Alice gently shook her awake.

“Oh, Alice, you startled me.” Lisbeth sat up in bed. She could still feel his touch against her skin.

“Sorry, m’lady. I’m here to help you prepare for the evening meal.”

She nodded and gave in to Alice’s directions and prodding while she held on to the last of the dream and let her racing heart calm down.

“News of the king’s visit has everyone excited. Many who served your mother have returned, and Ann’s been busy today getting the new workers in place. Do you think everything will be ready by the time he gets here?”

Cold reality quickly filled the empty space created by her fading dream. She let out a heavy sigh. “With enough people to help us we should be able to get everything ready. Did you find the tapestries?”

“Yes. They were right where you said they’d be. Ann and I looked them over. There isn’t much repair needed—a stitch or two is all”

“Good. When the repairs are completed, we’ll hang them. I’ve been busy cleaning the rooms for the king.”

Alice worked at dressing her hair. “Not to worry. Everything’s in good hands. There now. You look fine. I’ll be right back. You’ll want your mother’s earrings.” Alice slipped out the door.

When Lisbeth turned to the looking glass she was startled. Her hand went to the white blossom in her hair. Her reflection faded and the surface of the glass swirled. She stared transfixed at the image of herself in Alex’s arms under the tree, a white blossom in her hair.

“Here we are.” Alice came back into the room, closing the door behind her.

The image on the mirror quickly vanished, and once again she looked at her reflection. “Alice, where did you get the blossom for my hair?”

“It was on the counterpane, m’lady. I knew the bloom was just what your hair needed.” She held the large pearl earrings with diamond drops to Lisbeth’s ear. “I’m not so sure you need these after all. What do you think?”

“No, I don’t think I need them,” Lisbeth said without even looking at the gems. Her dressing complete, Lisbeth started for the Great Hall.

Alex’s door opened as she passed his room.

“Lisbeth.” He bowed.

Lisbeth froze. Alex stood in a puddle of white petals. She blinked and they were gone. She touched the bloom in her hair with a trembling hand.

“Is there anything amiss?” He stepped out to join her and closed his door.

“No.”

She looked into his eyes and saw tenderness. He stepped in closer and gently kissed the top of her head. She willed the moment to never stop. As if in answer, he bent down and hesitantly kissed her check. Her heart turned over. They stood with their foreheads pressed together, not saying a word until he raised his head. A bit unsteady, she took his offered arm. He covered her hand with his and led her to the Great Hall.

“The bloom in your hair becomes you.” His eyes grew openly amused.

She nodded her thanks.

Chapter Ten

Lisbeth grabbed her cloak and hurried to leave. She rushed out of the castle gate and slammed into John and Ann.

“In a hurry, m’lady?” He dipped his head.

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