"So you have not become
betrothed
since
we last met?" the king asked suddenly.
Amethyst didn't want to change the subject; she would rather have
talked about music all evening. But of course, this was part of his
imposing job also; to secure the marriagability of the kingdom's young
maidens.
"Nay, your majesty," she answered frankly. "Several gentlemen have
courted me, but none have yet sparked my..." She struggled to find an
appropriate word.
"Passion?" he suggested silkily.
Her eyes rounded. "Heavens, no! I was alluding more to...interest, your
majesty. Passion I've yet to encounter."
"Perhaps here at court, then, you will find a suitable
parti. I assure you, there are many
young gentlemen worthy of your rank and...interest, as you say."
"I doubt it not, your majesty." But how could she even look in the
direction of a mere earl or duke when in the presence of the handsomest
and most vibrant man she'd ever met, who loved music even more than
she, who just happened to be king?
"Do you care to continue our musical interlude during your visit to
court?"
"Aye, your majesty, there is nothing I would like better!" she said
with naïve honesty.
He gazed down at her for a time as if trying to make up his mind about
something of the most grave import. At last he broke the
silence. "Very well, then, meet me in my receiving chamber
following Vespers tomorrow. It is where my attendants meet to pass the
time, and from there we shall find a quiet, private corner in order to
play music together. I trust that suits you, Lady Amethyst."
"Aye, it sounds grand." Making music with the king again—she believed
something like this happened only once in a lifetime, not twice! "I
shall be there, your majesty." She curtseyed.
"Very well, I shall see you then."
Then she remembered. "Oh, but my lute has not yet arrived with my
baggage, your grace."
"Never you mind, Lady Amethyst," the king replied, touching her cheek
with his fingertips ever so gently. She shivered at the unexpected
meeting of their flesh. "All the necessary instruments will be
provided."
The Jewels of Warwick
Diana Rubino
82,100 words
Rating: Sensual, with multiple love scenes throughout the novel
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