Page 139 of Nightshade

She desperately tried to push the thoughts of being his wife away, because it was not possible. No matter what he said. No matter how much she longed to lie beside him every night and dream the impossible. “What will your father think? The people? What about your title?”

“I never wanted a title. I never asked for it. And I care more for the fleas on the back of your feral cat than what my father thinks.”

Still turned away from him, she slapped the back of her hand to her mouth to keep from laughing at his remark. Swallowing back the humor, she casually resumed squeezing the water from her dress, the cold air burning her knuckles with the toil. “How do you expect us to marry? You need a pentrosh to officiate such a thing. None will grant his blessing.”

“It so happens, the bishop has offered his services. In exchange for my fealty.”

The dress nearly slipped from her hands as she froze in place. Breath caught in her chest, she stared off for a moment. “Official marriage. Recognized by the church?” Lustina shook her head. “I am not baptized. They do not recognize me as--”

“He has agreed to a baptismal prior to the ceremony, also. And to forgive your past transgressions.”

The offer was tempting. Even if she didn’t entirely believe it, or trust it, she longed for the day when everyone she passed would not look upon her as vermin. She longed to rectify her mother’s name. And she could not deny the smallest blossom of hope in her chest at the possibility. “I would start anew.”

“A clean slate. A lady with a title, should you agree to marry me.”

She smiled, ribs throbbing with the blossoming ache of hope. “I would be a fool to deny you.”

“I would have to agree. Mostly because I would have the unsound mind to smite any potential suitor who might attempt to rob me of your affection, in a manner most violent.”

Lustina bit her lip and smiled wider. “Ah, yes, there are many. Then, I suppose I should choose wisely. It is imperative that your mind remain sound. And that no potential suitor is harmed.”

“Agreed.”

“Might I ask, though. What reason would you seek his blessing? I was never under the impression it meant so much to you.”

“You are correct in that observation. His blessing means nothing to me. It is only that I know what it means to you, and how much you long to right the supposed sins of your mother.” As he strolled up to her, she lowered her gaze for the smile that taunted her lips. “Now, if you will kindly set your washing aside, I insist that you accompany me this afternoon.”

“Well, as I understand, according to your customs, it would be rude to deny my future husband such company.”

“It would.” He pushed the wash basin aside, sloshing the dirty ash water over the edge, and reached for Lustina’s hands, cupping her ice-cold fingers which he warmed with his breath. Heat bloomed in places other than her hands, and with a quick kiss to her knuckles, he led her out of the woods.

At the edge of the forest stood a beautiful, black horse, one whose coat gleamed with the shine of pride and care. As she hooked her foot into the saddle, the baron helped her up onto the patient steed and climbed on behind her, one arm wrapped around her waist. At the press of his lips against her nape, Lustina closed her eyes, willing away the goosebumps across her skin. The warmth of his body enveloped her, and she leaned into him, as the horse galloped along the dirt path, away from the monastery. Away from the invisible shackles that weighed heavy on her. Away from all she longed to forget, if only for the afternoon.

They rode across open fields and vast meadows with the freedom of a bird, along untrodden paths, and foreign stretches of woodland, until they reached the foot of Helios Mountain. Stories had been told that the mountain, seen only in the distance from the monastery, was so treacherous that not even the gods themselves would dare the climb. Yet, with its black rock and the heavy mist that lingered at its summit, it was the most beautiful of all the mountains in Praecepsia.

As he lifted her down from the horse, she took in the wonder of her surroundings--the clusters of trees situated along cascading rocks, where water flowed into a crystal blue pool. Fog sat thick on the air, the steam of the water rising up from its calm and placid surface. Ethereal and enchanting.

“What is this place?”

“It is a hot spring. A rare and undiscovered gem.” Taking her by the hand, he led the way, and at the edge of the pool, he came to a stop.

“Have you brought another here before?”

“Not here. Never here. The water is as discretionary as it is cleansing.”

“Discretionary?” She swung her gaze back toward the clear, blue waters that seemed nothing more than inviting. “How so?”

“It is rarely calm. But today, it seems to have made an exception.” Peeling his gaze from the water, he turned to face Lustina and leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers while he loosened the ties of her dress. “You are cold.”

“Yes,” she answered sheepishly. “My dress does not hold well against the chill.”

“I will see to it that you have new dresses made. Exceptionally warm dresses.” He ran a finger down her cheek and pushed a thin tendril of hair behind her ear. “You will never want for anything again. As my wife, all your needs will be met without question.”

In a failed attempt to blink away the tears gathered in her eyes, Lustina turned away. “Forgive my emotions. I do not have proper words at the moment.”

Hooking a finger beneath her chin, he guided her eyes back to his. “You do not need words, Lustina. The way your eyes brim with gratitude at the smallest gesture is what I find most irresistible about you. That, and the way your skin prickles at the slightest touch.”

He removed the threads of her dress, and the loose fabric fell to the ground, revealing not even a shift beneath. As if it pleased him to see her bare skin, his eyes riveted on her breasts, he licked his lips before pressing them to the base of her neck. The cold of her skin sizzled against his hot grip, as he held both her arms and pulled her into his body.