Page 44 of Besotted
“But you snuck around behind my back and met with him in secret anyway?”
“No! I mean, yes, just once. Yesterday. I followed him into the woods. But Jorg was nearby, and I did not stay for long.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“You must. And believe me also when I tell you that yesterday was also the first time that we—that we exchanged a kiss.”
“I do not believe you. And even if I did, it makes no difference. You shouldn’t have kissed him even one time.” He tossed open the lid of a trunk and threw items on the floor. His garments.
What was he doing? Was he leaving? Surely he wasn’t so angry as that. “You are making more of the matter than necessary.”
He paused. “You are the queen of Mercia and must save yourself for the man you will wed. And it’s my job to make sure that you do so.”
“I shall wed Kresten.”
“No, you will not.”
“Oh dear.” Aunt Elspeth was fanning herself so hard, I feared she’d faint.
Aunt Idony seemed to awaken, her forehead creasing and her lips pursing.
It was clear I had some convincing to do. “I have already given him my word that I shall wait for him to come back, and then I intend to wed him.”
Chester glowered. “First of all, we’re not waiting for him. We’re leaving today, just as soon as we’re packed. And second, you’re not marrying him.”
“I love him.”
The moment my declaration was out, silence fell as heavy as a winter storm.
I lifted my chin, unashamed of my love for Kresten. I needed only to stroke the length of the scarf and remember his whispered words of love during our farewell for my heart to well up with everything I felt for him. He’d proven to be a man of great depth of character, displaying so many qualities I admired, including kindness, humor, tenderness, and wisdom. We could converse easily about many topics, and we enjoyed each other’s friendship and company. I could picture us spending our lives together and drawing even closer.
“You may think you love him”—Chester found his voice—“but that doesn’t mean you will wed him.”
After the past weeks of Chester’s heavy-handed guardianship, I was nearly at the end of my patience. I couldn’t keep from narrowing my eyes. “I think you are forgetting one thing.”
“What is that?”
“You have no authority over me except that which I give you.”
“I abide by a higher authority than you, especially when you act like a foolhardy, lovesick young girl.” His voice swiftly escalated until he was shouting.
“Chester.” Aunt Idony interrupted. “Watch yourself!”
He stood rigidly, his arms stiff at his sides. He obviously wanted to say more but was holding himself in check out of respect for me as his queen, even though he viewed my feelings toward Kresten with contempt.
Aunt Idony nodded at the open door. “Why don’t you wait outside while I speak for a moment with Her Majesty.”
Without another look my way, Chester pivoted and stomped across the cottage, exited, and slammed the door behind him. When the reverberation faded, Aunt Idony pulled out the bench at the kitchen table and motioned me to the spot across from her.
With reluctance, I lowered myself. From her severe expression, I sensed she would try to change my mind. And I wouldn’t be swayed. I loved Kresten and intended to marry him. Even if he was a pauper, he would adjust and fit into court life eventually. In fact, the people need never know of his poor roots and his background. After all, he was more knowledgeable and cultured than most laborers.
“Your Majesty. After our last conversation about... well, about men, I thought I’d enlightened you regarding the stipulations for your spouse. As a queen of a powerful nation, you will be expected—nay, even required—to make an advantageous match.”
“I understand that. However, once my father and the other advisors meet Kresten, they will like him immensely and support my plans.” I clutched the scarf under the table.
“He is definitely likeable.”
“And quite handsome.” The second Aunt Elspeth uttered the words, she blushed and bent her head over the loom, fumbling with the bobbin.
