Page 73 of To Love

He bowed. “Many thanks, my lady.”

“I am pleased you’ve returned,” she said as Gareth and Evelina moved off.

“As am I.”

There was little else to be said with so many others around them. With the battle at Winchester, Alden realized suddenly, he’d almost forgotten Percival.

“He confessed,” Alden said. “And worked alone. Aside from the maid, there were no others.”

Her relief was evident. “I look forward to hearing more. About the situation and Winchester.”

“I fear that tale is not a happy one, as I’m sure you know.”

“I do,” she said.

He wanted to pull her into his arms. Kiss her. Confess his love. Yet he could not.

“I am certain you wish for a meal. And to rest.”

Alden shook his head. “A meal, aye. A bath, most certainly. But rest can wait.” His meaning, he hoped, was clear.

“Then I look forward to speaking with you later.”

“As do I, my lady.” He bowed deeply this time and left her. Alden would see to that meal. And bath. And then he would go to her.

It was time to take that step forward.

Chapter

Thirty-One

He was here.

Elara pushed the tapestry aside, with hope, for the last time. When she opened the door, Alden came through it and did not pause. Not even for a moment.

Taking her into his arms, he kissed her the way Elara had wished to be kissed every day since he left. His lips moved over her own, Alden’s tongue tangling with hers as the kiss deepened.

His hand ran from her back downward and froze. He pulled away and looked down.

“You’re only wearing a shift.”

“Observant,” she teased.

“Why”—his eyes roamed her body—“are you wearing only a shift?”

Elara looked him in the eyes. She had rehearsed this speech many times, giving her something to think about during those days when she did not know if Alden were still alive, if he’d survived the Rout of Winchester.

Yet now, no words came out of her mouth as the reality of the man was so very different from the thought of him. With his strong arms around her, Elara could not piece together her words.

Even so, he seemed to understand.

“You are mine, Elara.”

She nodded. “Aye. I am.”

“No man will ever touch you but me. None will claim you but me. I have so little to offer as a husband, but all that I do have is yours. Elara, I cannot live without you.”

She nearly collapsed into him, but Elara did not wish to let his words go unanswered.