Page 68 of Heart of Snow
“Certainly. Though I had hoped to finish what I started yesterday.” He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me against him. “Just another way to prove myself earnest.”
“I’m not sure it doesn’t prove the opposit—”
His lips were on mine before I could finish, urgently drinking me in as if my kiss were the only thing keeping him tethered to mortality. I hadn’t kissed a man since Friedrich, but Felipe had the power to free my brother. He had almost declared he loved me. Then why did I struggle to return his affection?
Lowering his lips to my jaw and kissing a soft trail to my chin, he whispered, “I’ve lost sleep imagining this moment.”
Bumps raised over my arms at the warmth of his breath on my skin, but my mind was back in Wildungen, surrounded by rain and Friedrich’s scent. There was a stirring of guilt in my belly.
Friedrich didn’t want you,I reminded myself.You have every right to kiss other men.
Felipe released me with a frustrated sigh. “You are stiff. You think me too forward.”
“No, it’s only... I’m uncertain of myself. I’ve never kissed a man like this before.”
He cupped my face in his hands, slowly bringing his mouth toward mine. “Do not think,” he whispered above my lips. “Only let yourself feel.”
When our lips met again, his kiss was slow and gentle. His thumb traced feather-light circles over my cheekbones, occasionally slipping between our mouths to brush my lip.
Felipe was right. Iwasthinking too much, and it only made me miserable. Shutting out my distracting thoughts, I focused solely on the feel of Felipe’s warmth against me, on the excitement shooting through my veins.
And I found myself responding to his kiss.
My hands resting against his chest now slid up over his shoulders and wound their way into his dark, curly hair. He stepped closer, his nearness propelling me back until my shoulders touched the wall, but I only tightened my grip, my lips capturing his. His hands cradled my neck, his heated touch searing my flushed skin. When he stopped for breath, I pulled him back to me, and he smiled, setting his hands on the wall behind me to steady us in our kiss. His passion was intoxicating, deep and raw. Very different from Friedrich’s heartfelt, tender kiss.
Thinking of Friedrich brought the thrill of the prince’s affections to a sudden end. I broke the kiss, and he moaned in protest.
“We should be going,” I prodded. No doubt dinner had commenced, and we would be missed.
He answered by moving his lips down to my throat.
“Really, Felipe. Everyone will have noticed our absence.”
“We can be late,” he said between each kiss of my neck.
“It isn’t right to be alone like this.”
His breath puffed against my skin with his chuckle. “Very well, I shall behave. But only for your sake.” Releasing me, he opened the door. “I’ll return first. You follow in a few moments.”
He gave me a final kiss and an encouraging smile before leaving me in the dark.
I waited, counting the minutes until I felt enough time had passed, then I trotted toward the Aula Magna. With the bustle of servants carrying food, it would be easy to slip into my seat without drawing much attention. I thought I’d managed it, even casting Felipe a triumphant little smile, but beside him the queen’s shrewd eyes were upon me, and her dark gaze filled me with sudden dread.
Chapter 33
Margaretha
Dame Thieuloye clapped her hands,the bursts echoing against the tiled walls of the privy. “Bathe faster, Lady Margaretha. The other ladies are nearly done dressing.”
I scrubbed the soap harder against my skin, ignoring the sudden commotion at the privy doors until Thieuloye rushed past me, nearly tripping over herself in her haste to greet the queen.
Thieuloye dipped a bow. “We are near to departing for the hunt. If Comtess de Waldeck were not so slow—”
Queen Mary raised a hand of silence. “I wish to speak to the comtess alone.”
The women shot a few inquisitive glances my way before scurrying to finish dressing, some bearing exultant looks as they followed Thieuloye out of the room.
Queen Mary studied the clothes Ilsa had set out, running a finger over the gown and toying with my ruby necklace as she spoke. “It appears you’ve proved me right, Comtess. Upon your arrival I predicted your success at court, and here you are, winning the hearts of many a prominent man.” She released the necklace from Baron Pempflinger and turned to face me. “It seems you’ve even won the heart of my nephew. Well, his admiration, at least.”
