Desired by Virginia Henley Page B

carefree. “Yes, you were right. The king did choose someone for me at long last.”
    “Oh, Mary and Joseph, did you agree to the match?” Adele asked wretchedly.
    “Of course I did. I never dreamed of setting my sights so high. I shall be a countess.”
    “Yes, but—”
    “Of course, that is for the future. I shall have to wait until my husband, Robert de Beauchamp, succeeds to the title of Earl of Warrick.”
    “Robert de Beauchamp? Oh, my lamb, I thought you were being betrothed to Warrick!”
    Brianna’s laughter trilled out happily. “Adele, whatever gave you such a ridiculous notion?”

J oan of Kent’s heart soared with excitement. She had succeeded in luring Edward, Prince of Wales, back to Windsor. She had known he would return for the tournament, but that was still a week away!
    Now that he was here she must use every feminine wile to fix his interest. She had been obsessed with the heir to the throne for so long, she knew his daily routine, his habits. He arose before dawn, slipped in and out of the chapel before matins, and exercised one of his horses before breaking his fast.
    As Prince Edward slipped into the royal pew, the tail of his eye was caught by a tiny figure. Her veiled head was bent in devout prayer, but when she raised her eyes heavenward, his pulse leaped. Joan crossed herself, then daintily made her way toward the vestry.
    Edward crossed himself, then hurried after her. “Jeanette … Joan … I thought it was you. Whatever are you about at this hour?”
    Her eyes widened in pretended surprise. “I didn’t want anyone to see me. I cannot make up my mind what to do with my life. I am contemplating taking the veil, Your Highness.”
    He was aghast. The white head scarf, held in place by agolden circlet to cover her silvery blond hair, gave her the look of an angel with a halo. He saw the glint of mischief in her eye and they threw back their heads and laughed aloud. Realizing they were still in church, they covered their mouths and slipped outside into the dawn.
    “You are an irreverent little minx. What are you really doing here?”
    “An assignation, perhaps,” she teased, looking at him from beneath her lashes.
    Anger and lust shot through him swiftly as an arrow. It was a potent combination. His strong hands seized her tiny waist and he dipped his head to take her mouth.
    Joan’s heart soared. He was acting as if he wanted to put his brand on her. The kiss left both of them dizzy. Edward’s body was so big and so hard, it was everything she’d ever dreamed it would be.
    Desire made his loins clench; hot blood pounded at his temples. He didn’t want to let her go, but he was acutely aware they could be seen by anyone who might be about. “Come to the stables with me,” he said thickly.
    Hoyden she may be, but whore, never. The look of hauteur she gave him almost froze him.
    “I didn’t mean … I meant we could ride together. Jesu, that sounds worse.” He ran a distracted hand through his golden locks.
    She took pity on him. The teasing light came back into her eyes. “I know a place where you can take me in your arms without causing gossip.”
    “Where?” he demanded, angered that such a tiny wench could wreak havoc with his emotions.
    “In the dance. I shall save one for you tonight, Your Highness.”
    She left him in such a pronounced state of arousal, he had difficulty walking. It showed no sign of easing as he made his way to the stables. He knew riding was out of the question until his erection decreased in size, so he made his way to the river, knowing an icy plunge was the other remedy for a swollen cock.
    Back in her chamber, Joan looked at her reflection in her polished silver mirror. She touched her lips in wonder. Shevowed to carry the feel of his kiss on her mouth until he did it again. Tonight! Joan had never felt so happy in her life.
    Brianna painted late into the evening, humming and singing happily as she brush-stroked the heavy vellum with