Page 48 of Reign of Wicked Temptation

Henry. Where was Henry?

As if sensing his concern, Ruby nudged him in the side and pointed to the door where Marian stood wearing a somber expression. The night was far from over. Grief settled around his heart and drew him into the darkness once more. He may have secured the kingdom against an imposter, but he lost the one person aside from Ruby whom he loved beyond measure.

Regret would haunt him until his dying day.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Once Crispin ensuredRuby was safely returned to her chambers, he returned to the great hall determined to ease the tensions the events of the evening brought to a pinnacle. His assurances left her confident he had the matter well in hand. However, her conscience pricked at leaving him to address these issues alone.

She needed rest. ’Twas as if the tension of being pulled toward Francis against her will released and the exhaustion claimed her. He placed a tender kiss on her forehead and instructed her to sleep.

Ruby had not slept comfortably in over a fortnight. Her body surrendered to the blissful embrace of slumber the moment she settled on the bed.

The next morning when Mina came to her chamber, Crispin’s continued absence surprised her. She expected him to return sometime during the morn, but as it neared midday, he never arrived. Ruby dressed quickly and sighed with delight at finding her dagger and sheath among her garments. She fastened the belt securely around her hips before leaving her chamber.

Upon reaching Crispin’s private chamber, Ruby paused outside the door her hand poised mid-knock. She did not wish to wake him, but she longed to know what transpired once she was taken away to rest. There had been no update on Henry or her mother. Perhaps she should seek out Vivienne first.

The door opened beneath her hand making her jump. Ruby pressed her hand to her chest, quelling the racing of her heart. ’Twas difficult to remind herself Francis was no longer a threat.

“My darling gem.” Marian rushed through the doorway and wrapped her arms around her. The loving embrace made her eyes fill with tears. She clung tightly to her mother.

“What are you doing in Crispin’s chamber?” Ruby asked, disentangling herself from her mother’s firm hold.

Marian pursed her lips and stepped aside, allowing Ruby to enter the chamber. Vivienne rose to her feet and nodded from the far side of the room. As she approached the bed, fear plunged a dagger into her breast. Had something happened while she slept?

In Crispin’s bed, she found Henry. His pale cheeks bore dark blotches, a combination of the bruises and cuts. His left eye was swollen and red. He did not wake when she approached. Tears fell freely, dripping on her bodice.

“Is he dead?” Ruby reached out and touched his hand. Warmth met her touch revitalizing a smidgen of hope in her soul.

“Not yet.”

Ruby glanced up to find Ivy seated at the edge of the bed, her hand resting on the blankets beside Henry. Her reddened eyes belied the state of her heart. She loved Henry. Wept for him. Nearly died for him. Even through her betrayal, Ivy’s heart belonged to Henry. A member of the Guild bound to a peer of Meradin.

“I should have killed that bastard when I had the chance.” Ivy’s low voice seethed with regret and anger.

“There are many regrets, but there is naught we can do to alter the past.” Ruby joined Ivy on the far side of the bed and rested her hand on the woman’s shoulder. Ivy placed her hand on Ruby’s and squeezed in acknowledgment.

Marian resumed her position beside the bed where Ruby had stood. She retrieved a mortar and pestle from the table beside the bed. “I have given him a sleeping drought to rest and allow him to heal. The blade struck deep, but only time will tell if he survives or not.” Her caring gaze rested upon the injured knight. “He is strong. I have hope.”

“Grammercy, Mother.” Ruby watched as she placed a poultice on the swollen eye and the varying cuts marring his face.

“Tell me when he wakes,” she murmured to Ivy, who nodded, before stepping away.

Vivienne waited by the door. She drew Ruby into a warm embrace. “Crispin is in his presence chamber. He needs you.” She cupped her cheek before pressing a tender kiss upon her brow. “Go to him.”

---