Page 74 of Historical Hotties
Everyone but Darian, that is.
It had been a very fine line to walk for everyone all week, trying to be sensitive to Darian’s feelings while celebrating Cassius’ betrothal. Dacia had tried to speak with Darian about it, but he had avoided her. She finally gave up trying, hurt that he didn’t seem to want to talk to her at all because he had been a dependable friend for years when she’d had few people to talk to. His coldness stung, but there was nothing she could do to ease it. She had never intended to marry him even if he thoughtthere might be hope. Any perceived future marriage had been concocted only by him.
But he had been professional nonetheless, at least to Cassius and his knights, so his behavior with them had been admirable given the circumstances. Cassius hadn’t brought up anything about the betrothal to him and their discussions had been purely professional. But Rhori had mentioned that Darian had become ragingly drunk the night he found out about the betrothal and had to be carried to his bed.
Still, everyone was trying to stay above it and not let the situation deteriorate in any way.
But it was a difficult fight.
The trip into Doncaster today was a good example. Usually, Darian would accompany Dacia whenever she left the castle. But this time, he had remained behind while Cassius and his men took the lead. Considering Cassius was now her betrothed, that was appropriate. But there was still something sad about leaving Darian behind.
Yet, it couldn’t be helped. Both Cassius and Dacia knew that.
They put it behind them to enjoy the day, or at least, Cassius had. Dacia was still angry at him for the fact he was even up and moving, so he’d spent the short jaunt into town mostly taunting her. He also did it for another reason– to take her mind off the fact that she wasn’t covered in her veils.
He had insisted.
It had taken a good deal of coaxing to convince her not to cover herself up. Cassius thought she was a radiant creature and he didn’t want that radiance covered up, but Dacia was very nervous about it. She wore her hair in a braid, with a lovely bejeweled cap and a white gossamer veil that was attached to it. The veil went around the neck, covering the neck and chest, before being pinned up on the other side of the cap. Therefore,she was covered up a little in an elegant and fashionable sort of way, but her face was still exposed.
Cassius thought she looked magnificent.
She thought she looked naked.
As the escort approached the St. Sepulcher gate, the one that faced northwest, Cassius slowed his horse down so the escort passed him. He was waiting for Dacia, wanting to be next to her when they rode into town so she would not feel alone and nervous in her uncovered state. As her horse came near, he smiled at her.
“Well?” he said. “Are you speaking to me yet?”
As she came upon him, she gave him a reproachful look. “I’ve not decided,” she said. “You are a cheeky, naughty lad, Cassius.”
“I know, my lady.”
“And quite difficult.”
“I know, my lady.”
“And ungrateful.”
“For what?”
“For all of the hard work I have put in to you,” she scolded. “Look at you, riding around as if nothing has happened. You are not even keeping your left arm immobile while your shoulder heals. A week ago, you were feverish and in bed, and I was genuinely fearful that I would lose you.”
He reined his horse next to hers, reaching out to take her hand and lift it for a contrite kiss. “I know,” he said softly. “But your miraculous talent healed me. There was never any real danger for me as long as you were there.”
It was difficult to be stern with him when he was being so sweet. “You will be careful, won’t you?” she asked. “You will not exert yourself today.”
He shook his head. “Nay, my lady,” he said. “I promise I will not.”
“How are you feeling?”
He winked at her. “Rather well, lass,” he said. “Why do you ask? Do you have something in mind for later when we are alone?”
She yanked her hand away, shaking her head at him. “You are impossible,” she said, fighting off a grin. “Cheekyandimpossible.”
He laughed low in his throat. “Admit it. That is how you like me.”
Her grin broke through. “How can I not?” she said. “I fear that, very quickly, you have learned how to get around me. One flash of that smile and I am like butter, melted and pliable to your wishes.”
He continued laughing at her. “Just wait until you realize the power you have over me,” he said. “That will be the day your life changes forever.”
