She gazed up into his green eyes. "Rod," she whispered, touching his beautiful mouth with her fingertips, "I’m yielding."
He gathered all her golden softness in his powerful arms, imprisoning her beneath the hard length of his body. Her thighs parted, inviting his thick male shaft to seek succor inside her. His hands slid down to cup her buttocks and he rubbed her against his hardness. When he heard her moan with need, he positioned the velvet tip against her cleft and, with one driving thrust, penetrated her hymen.
Rosamond screamed. She knew there would be pain, but it was sharp and short and was replaced almost instantly by a sensation of fullness that was almost too much to endure. A frisson of fear spiraled inside her that perhaps worse was to come. When Rod held still so that she could get used to his size, she became aware of his heartbeat deep inside her. Whispered love words poured over her. "My beauty, my golden treasure, wrap your legs around my back."
Rosamond resolutely pushed away her fear. She wanted his strength and his power, and she believed this was her way to get it. She slid her thighs around his hips and crossed her ankles, imprisoning him tightly. "Plunder me," she invited recklessly. Slowly at first, but very surely, unbe-
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lievable waves of pleasure began to sweep through her. She threaded her fingers through his black hair as her body began undulating to the rhythm of his thrusts, then her nails dug into his shoulders as she began to writhe and arch beneath his powerful torso. Her blood pulsed through her veins, her desire spiraling higher and higher, as his savage lovemaking demanded she meet and match his towering passion.
The sensations he aroused deep inside her finally became too exquisite to bear, and she surrendered everything with a sob. The next moment, she exploded with a scalding burst of fire that shattered into a million splinters of light. In the middle of her cry, she felt Rod erupt and his white-hot seed spurt up inside of her. Rosamond's cry turned into a scream of pleasure as her body pulsed with one climax after another.
They were deaf and blind to everything save each other; their entire world was the cocoon of the curtained bed. They did not hear Griffin knock on their chamber door when he brought food; they saw and heard only one another. Their game of wills paled into insignificance as they realized neither had lost, both had won. They held each other close as they drifted toward sleep. Rod's strength made Rosamond feel safe. She smiled as she lay curled against him; at last she was beginning to trust him.
Before the early light of dawn, Rod arose and dressed. When Rosamond's body was deprived of his warmth, she stirred. He came quickly to the bed and spoke . "Go back to sleep, my beauty. I accompany Edward to Westminster. I'll be back tonight," he pledged, brushing her disheveled hair from her brow. "Perhaps you'll meet Dofia Eleanora today."
"We've already met. She is lovely, and sweet too, and madly in love with her husband, God help her!"
He felt the barb in her words. "If love is in the air, perhaps it's catching," he teased lightly, touching his lips to hers.
"Don't wish for the impossible, Rodger," Rosamond said, smiling softly. "God speed, my lord, I shall see you tonight."
******************
Edward Plantagenet, flanked by Rodger de Leyburn and Harry of Almaine, led their cavalcade of knights and men-at-arms on the twenty-mile ride to London. Though Edward had not closed his eyes during
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the long night, his immense energy was not diminished. Lying abed, knowing that his beautiful bride was in a chamber directly above his, frustrated him beyond belief. A dozen times he had arisen to stride upstairs and assert his rights. A dozen times the thought of the royal row that would ensue with his mother made him hesitate. He was not afraid of losing the battle of wills, indeed the thought never entered his head, but he knew if he overruled the queen, her shattered pride would make her vindictive. If he exercised patience, of which he had little, perhaps he could accomplish his goal without a rancorous confrontation that would doubtlessly upset Eleanora.
"The men are expecting to be paid," Harry declared.
Edward and Rodger, each thinking of his wife, were jolted out of their reveries by Harry's practical statement. Edward nodded and said, "When they are settled in the Tower, I'll get their money."
"Will the crown pay my men of Cornwall?" Harry asked.
Edward winked at Rod. "Your father's nickname is Midas; his coffers overflow, while the king is in debt up to his crown."
Used to the ribbing about Richard of Cornwall's wealth, Harry grinned at his cousin. "Then you can ask my father for the money when you get to Westminster."
"You amaze me, Harry. You are fearless in battle, but gutless when it comes to your father."
At Richmond the river came into view, and the cavalcade followed it to Westminster. As agreed, Harry of Almaine proceeded with the troops to the Tower of London, and Rodger de Leyburn rode the short distance upriver to Durham House. Before they parted, Edward directed Rodger to meet him at Westminster Palace after his meeting with Simon de Montfort, so they could ride to the Tower together.
At Westminster, Edward greeted his uncle. The two men, both stamped from the Plantagenet mold, embraced each other. Edward was taller and broader, possessing the golden glow of youth, but Richard, now in his early fifties, was still a handsome man with a commanding presence.
"Does my father intend to return in time for Parliament? " Edward asked.
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"There will be no Parliament, Edward. Simon de Montfort does not rule England."
Not yet, Edward thought. "De Montfort is adamant about convening Parliament at Candlemas, and he is the undisputed leader of the barons. The king signed the Provisions of Oxford, and I too have put my signature to it."
"You fool, Edward. Henry has asked the Pope to issue a Bull of Absolution from the Provisions!"
"Goddamn it, Richard, the Provisions of Oxford provide a system of fair government that will make England strong and prosperous."
Richard shook his head. "You are parroting Simon de Montfort. Edward, you are a royal Plantagenet, for Christ's sake, how can you even think of breaking rank? Your father is threatening to make Edmund his heir if you take sides against us."
"I am parroting no one; I think for myself! England is my inheritance, my divine right, and neither my father the king nor Edmund will wrest it from me. I love England! Though my father is king, all his intimate friends and personal tastes are French. I will be an English king, and when it is time for me to rule, I want England united, not divided."
"If you think Simon de Montfort will put you on the throne, you are deluding yourself. His towering ambition is for himself."
Edward hotly denied that he had any such thought. But now he knew why his father had sent Richard to England, and why the justiciar had been summoned so urgently. Henry feared he would lose the throne. Edward immediately changed the subject. "My men need to be paid for the Welsh campaign."
"The crown's coffers are empty." Richard shrugged expressively. "However, I can always find coin for a loyal Plantagenet."
"Dangling another carrot," Edward accused bluntly, "like my mother, as if I were a bloody donkey!"
"Nay, we are well aware you are a lion, Edward," Richard said softly. Then he too changed the subject. "I hear Harry acquitted himself well in Wales. I am surprised he did not accompany you."
"Harry has taken our men to the Tower. I promised to join them
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there, but I shall be back to discuss this matter of Parliament further, Richard. And I shall bring your son with me; we stand together in this."
Edward decided to await Rodger de Leyburn at the stables. That way he could learn how many men Justiciar Bohun had brought with him. He counted seventy mounts, far more than he had expected.
Rodger rode in, and as he watered his horse his eyes followed Edward's thumb as he gestured toward the filled stalls. Rod nodded but did not speak until they were away from the palace stables. Once they were outside and he was certain that t
hey could not be overheard, he said, "As you suspected, Simon knows Richard of Cornwall has come in your father's stead. He thinks it a clever move, for Richard is far more persuasive than Henry."
Edward nodded, adding cynically, "And Richard has coin to put where his mouth is! Did you tell him the justiciar brought troops?"
"Aye, but he already knew. The Earl of Norfolk sent him word."
"So, the marshal remains loyal, if the justiciar does not!"
Rodger nodded. "Simon knows the barons will be split if it comes down to civil war. He wishes to speak with you about this matter."
"It can wait a day; we have a more pressing problem. There is no payment for the men. Richard offered me a bribe, but I didn't bite."
"Then we'll have to provide the men with a diversion. We could throw a banquet at the Tower; more food and drink than they've seen in a year. As steward I still have a little left in the household accounts, and the merchants will supply on credit."
"See to it, and don't forget to order whores. A banquet is no good without whores; women are a better diversion than drink!"
Accompanied by half a dozen servants from the Tower kitchens, Rodger de Leyburn made the rounds of Billingsgate, then Leadenhall markets, buying everything from lampreys to lobsters, and plump pigeons to pickled pigs' feet. He bought barrels of ale from a warehouse on Thames Street and wine from a ship anchored at Tower Wharfe. In the East End of London, there was no shortage of brothels, and Sir Rodger hired all the bawds who plied their trade in the houses of Dog and Bitch Lane.
That night by ten o'clock, the banquet was well on its way to becoming a wild carousal. As Rodger watched the antics of the bare-
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breasted bawds, he thought wistfully of Rosamond awaiting him at Windsor. When he did not arrive, her trust in him would evaporate. It was not the twenty-mile ride that deterred him, it was his duty to Edward. Amusement filled his eyes as he watched two sisters having a cat fight over the prince. The buxom blondes were pulling each other's hair and trading vile curses.
"You fawning, fat-arsed strumpet! 'E saw me first!"
"You pox-marked, whey-faced harpy! You can kiss my fat arse!"
"And you can suck my duck till it quacks!"
Edward roared with laughter. "Fanny, Fancy, there is no need to fight. I have a solution that will keep peace in the family." He arose, forced them apart, then, taking the sisters by the hand, led them upstairs to a bedchamber.
Rod watched them disappear, then drained his wine cup, wondering if he could slip away. Then, like a miracle, Edward rejoined him. "This was an unqualified success, as are most of your ideas, Rod. But you and I have far lovelier damsels awaiting us at Windsor."
Rod flashed him an appreciative grin. "What the hell did you do with Fanny and Fancy? "
"Led them into Harry's chamber, of course!"
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Fifteen
It was well past midnight when Edward and Rodger entered Windsor Castle's new tower. Both men had drunk enough wine to make them overbold, but luckily both had hard heads for drink and neither was completely intoxicated.
"Your task is a hell of a lot simpler than mine," Edward complained. "Your wife will be waiting in your bed. Mine will be surrounded by a fire-breathing dragon and a horde of dragonettes."
Rod flashed him a grin. "Your sword is stout; my money is on you, Saint George!" He watched Edward ascend the stairs before he opened the door to his own apartments. Chirk displayed frenzied delight by pawing at his leg and wagging her entire bottom.
"Sssh, I want to surprise her."
Rosamond, lying awake, was indeed surprised; she had given up on him long ago. Her trust in him slowly returned while she listened to the rustle of garments as he undressed in the dark, then felt the mattress dip as he joined her in the bed. He smelled of cheap perfume and expensive wine, and her trust evaporated instantly.
"Don't you dare touch me!"
Rod laughed. "Dare? Do you know how many miles I've ridden?"
"Don't you mean how many whores you've ridden?"
Her words mauled his pride. This was the thanks he got for being faithful. "I don't need to pay my women."
"Well, you'll have to pay this one a king's ransom to allow you to share even my chamber, let alone my bed!"
"Allow?" His voice held a dangerous note. "This is my chamber, my bed .. .my wife."
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Chirk took heed of the danger, if Rosamond did not. A loud pounding on the outer door sent her scooting beneath the bed.
A foul oath fell from Rod's lips as he flung back the covers and strode naked to the door. "What the devil do you want? "
"I want to come in."
Rod recognized Edward's voice. It sounded as annoyed as he himself felt. He opened the door and lifted down a lit torch from its wall bracket to light the chamber.
"The bird has flown! The bloody royal apartments are deserted. There are times when I could cheerfully choke my mother; she is an infuriating bitch!"
"Name me a woman who is not!"
At the sound of Lord Edward's voice, Rosamond sat up, but she did not have time to put on her bedgown before he came striding into the bedchamber. She quickly drew up the sheet to cover her night rail.
"Rosamond, did you see the queen today? Did you see Eleanora? Do you know when they left or where they went?" The questions came one after another without pause.
"I was gready looking forward to talking with Princess Eleanora. I walked in the walled garden for over an hour, hoping she would join me. I took my midday meal in the dining hall, expecting to see her, but she did not come. When I returned to my chambers, I found a note from her under the door. I ran to the window and was in time to see the royal barge going downriver toward London. That must have been about two o'clock."
"A note?" Edward asked eagerly.
Rosamond took it from the bedside table and handed it to him.
Alas, I must leave today. If I had a choice, I would not go. I am torn in half. One glimpse of him was not enough. I have waited too long and pray that Edward feels the same. Please tell him he fills my thoughts and my heart. Eleanora (Nora)
He looked up. "You have seen her, spoken with her?" "We met the night before last, when we took our dogs to the garden. The princess was cold; I lent her my fur-lined cloak."
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"Isn't she the most exquisite female you have ever seen?"
"Yes, she is exceptionally beautiful, Lord Edward."
"Beautiful and shy! Did you see her glorious hair and her skin? Her lips remind me of rose petals, and her skin is the color of dark honey. Such beauty must come from her mixed French and Spanish bloodlines. And she is so delightfully sweet and innocent."
Rodger listened in amazement as Edward extolled shyness and innocence as if they were virtues. They'd certainly never appealed to him before. Eleanora must indeed be a tempting morsel.
"She says I fill her thoughts and her heart."
"Please keep the note, Lord Edward."
"Thank you, Rosamond." He took her fingers to his lips to bestow a kiss of gratitude.
Rosamond noticed that he too smelled of cheap perfume and expensive wine. Wherever they'd been and whatever they'd done, they had done together. It was high time the prince had a wife to curb his wild, wicked ways.
"Don't mind me; I have all the patience in the world." A naked Rodger leaned against the bedpost.
"Go to the devil," Edward replied. "We want to talk of Eleanora. Tell me more, Rosamond."
She cast Rodger an amused glance, thoroughly enjoying his frustration. Not without effort, she dragged her gaze from his lithe body and gave her attention to Edward. "She has a small dog, a Maltese terrier. She said the queen didn't like him, and asked me if you liked dogs; I assured her thatyou adored them, my lord."
"I told you my mother could be a bitch. She is using Eleanora as bait to bring me to heel."
"All women can be bitches," Rod commiserated.
Rosamond knew the barb was for he
r. "And by the smell of you both, you've had much recent experience with bitches!"
"Aha, I am interrupting something here." Perversely, Edward was glad his friend would also find his bed cold this night. As Rodger accompanied him to the door, Edward winked at him. "Never mind, it will
soon be dawn."
* * *
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Richard de Clare and his daughter-in-law Alyce traveled to London together. Though Alyce would have preferred to go alone, the Earl of Gloucester had received a summons from his stepfather, Richard of Cornwall, and Alyce had graciously accepted her father-in-law's escort. The earl left his son Gilbert the Red in charge at Gloucester and, with a small coterie of knights, rode to Westminster Palace.
When they arrived, Alyce took the luxuriously furnished apartments that her father, Guy de Lusignan, had occupied before the bloody barons had banished the king's half-brother from England. She was livid to learn, through servants' gossip, that the queen had brought Lord Edward's bride, Princess Eleanora, to England and had taken her to Windsor Castle.
Gloucester went immediately to greet Richard of Cornwall, his stepfather. The two men, so alike in build and coloring, gripped wrists in a familial salute.
"Richard, the king is enraged at the treasonous plot Simon de Montfort has hatched, but he is equally incensed that you and Edward would take sides against him and turn traitor."
"There is no plot!" Gloucester protested. "Henry signed the Provisions of Oxford and the first provision is to hold Parliament."
"Are you blind, Richard, or cleverly deceitful? Are you part of the conspiracy to put Edward on the throne? "
Gloucester's famous temper exploded. "These are fucking lies! I am England's leading peer and would never plot to depose her rightful king! Upholding the Provisions of Oxford is my duty."
"The Provisions of Oxford are moot. The Pope has issued Henry a Bull of Absolution. It is now imperative that we Plantagenets show the barons a united front."