The King's Mistress by Terri Brisbin Page B

that his mother’s way was the right one.
    She was his wife and any son she gave birth to was legally his heir. Since he had raised no objection to the marriage, he had no recourse but to accept any child she bore as his. And if she carried a child by Henry and he made it known, only he would suffer embarrassment for her role as Henry’s mistress was known.
    Marguerite raised her eyes to him and he reached over and pushed a stray tendril of hair off of her face. She did not flinch at his touch and even leaned into his hand, turning a casual touch into almost a caress. Heat raced through him and he felt a certain part of his body harden in response to her acceptance. His blood pounded in his veins and he knew that he would have her this night and not wait for an answer to the question his mother had raised.
    His bride was no cringing virgin. She knew the ways of physical love and seemed to welcome his attentions. Mayhap ’twas best to get this first joining over quickly so that their fears and nervousness would cease?
    Aye. He would not wait. He would have her.
    As if she’d read his thoughts, Marguerite leaned closer and spoke to him.
    â€œMay I have your permission to seek my chambers, my lord?”
    The urge to kiss her grew until he thought he would die if he did not taste her mouth. She smiled and waited for his answer.
    Orrick cleared his throat and nodded. “Of course,my lady. Mother, would you accompany Marguerite?”
    Although his mother’s face hardened, she nodded and rose. Marguerite stood and curtsied to him. He noticed a blush creeping up from the fair skin of her chest where it was exposed by the cut of her gown, onto her neck and cheeks. He stood and kissed her hand once more and then watched her leave the table and make her way to the stairs that led to their chambers. His mother glanced at him before she followed his wife out.
    He knew of his mother’s concern, but nothing could change the fact that Marguerite was his wife. He must take this important step in establishing their relationship.
    â€œI guess the lady’s temperament has improved with some rest and good food, then?” Gavin’s words interrupted his thoughts.
    â€œâ€™Twould seem so.”
    Gavin grabbed his arm and pulled him to his seat. “You must not appear too eager or you lose your advantage, Orrick.”
    â€œWhat advantage?”
    â€œYou are lord here. Even when hot with lust, you must appear to be in control of your actions.”
    â€œShe is my wife and it is my right to have her,” he answered. Focusing his attention on his friend, he was puzzled by Gavin’s words. “Say whatever it is you hint at.”
    â€œDo not be fooled by the display she presented to you and your people. There is more to her than a biddable wife.”
    â€œAnd that would be…?” he asked.
    â€œI do not know yet, but tread carefully with her.”
    â€œAre you saying you think her a danger to me or to Silloth?” It was absurd, but he had learned to trust Gavin’s judgment. “Tell me what you suspect.”
    Gavin took a deep breath in and let it out, looking around at those still at table and in the hall. Then he shook his head and spoke quietly. “Go. Wear yourself out in her bed. You are thinking with your cock now and my words will mean nothing until you have satisfied your need for her.”
    He should not have been surprised by Gavin’s candid words, but he was. He began to argue, but Gavin stopped him.
    â€œYour pardon, Orrick. Go. May you find joy in your marriage bed.” Before Orrick could speak, Gavin grabbed the jug of wine from the table, handed it to him and strode off.
    His body reminded him of the woman waiting for him and he took one more look around the hall before leaving. The expressions of his people told him that they knew his condition. With nothing more to do or say, he carried the jug of wine with him and made his way to his