Wild Is My Love (12 page)

To prevent leaving a trail to Giselde’s hut, Alysa headed in the opposite direction from where Calliope awaited her. After a lengthy distance, she slowly began to make a wide half circle back toward the ravine. Coming to a stream, she removed her leather boots, lifted her skirttail, and stepped into the rushing water, thus concealing her tracks. It was not long before she ducked to pass under a broken limb, and nearly fell into Gavin’s arms when her bare foot snagged between two rocks and caused her to stumble.

The handsome warrior chuckled as he eyed her with delight. His voice was mellow as he murmured, “So, we meet again, m’lady.”

Alysa stared at him in surprise, and warmed with pleasure. His white teeth were revealed slightly by a playful smile, and his green eyes danced with mischief. His hair and body were wet, as if he had just finished a bath and donned his pants hurriedly. As if shyly concealing his naked flesh, she noticed that he was clutching a dark tunic to his golden chest. He seemed to read her mind, for he grinned, turned his back, and pulled it over his head, amusing her with his action.

When he faced her once more, his hands grasped her wrists and he murmured huskily, “I shall not release you this time until I learn your name and where you live. You are far too swift and cunning for even a trained warrior such as myself to catch you in this dense forest.”

Alysa laughed and her eyes glowed. “I am called Thisbe and I live at Malvern Castle,” she replied dreamily, pretending her words were true.

Their eyes locked, and tingles shot through them at their contact. Their surroundings and wits seemed to vanish as their bodies irresistibly moved closer.

Within a few feet of them, a buck and three does bounded loudly across the stream and dashed into the trees on the other bank. At the startling intrusion, Alysa struggled to clear her head. Whatever was she doing? she asked herself, rolling about in the grass like a loose-thighed wanton. This was only the third time she had seen Gavin, and all three times she had fallen uncontrollably into his arms! Whether on love’s or passion’s wings, he had carried her to the heavens and soared wildly with her there. She seemed to crave him desperately. What was his mesmerizing effect, which overshadowed her upbringing and morals, stole her wits and willpower? Whatever power or charms he possessed, they were dangerously enticing!

Alysa scolded herself,
I am Princess Alysa Malvern, future ruler of this land; I cannot behave this way. I must restrain myself before it is too late and I have lost what should belong to my husband alone.

If only Gavin’s lips and hands were not so enticing, so insistent, so stimulating as they teased over her mouth and flesh. Knowing she must stop this behavior, she could not help but enjoy it for a few moments longer, until she realized her wits were spinning away from her again. Even as she pushed Gavin aside and
breathlessly commanded, “No, we must not do this,” she trembled at the flames of desire which raged within her body.

Gavin was intoxicated by desire for her too, but he read panic in her dark blue eyes. She looked as if she were imploring him to save her purity because she lacked the will to do so. Her eyes pleaded, “Help me! Be strong for me. Not today, not this soon…” His body ached to possess hers, and his ragged respiration was almost painful. He could not even imagine from where his control came, but it gradually strengthened, and cleared his head. If he had been a conquering warrior, or less of a man, he would have the brute strength and hunger to take what he wanted. But Prince Gavin Crisdean could never rape any woman, particularly this one.

The son of King Briac sensed how much she wanted him, but was afraid to yield to desire’s calling. It was too soon; they were near strangers, and she was pure of heart and body. That realization thrilled him, as he wanted to be the man to teach her about lovemaking. She was a special prize, and it had been a long time since he had sated his desires within a woman, but he could wait to woo her and claim her gently “Have no fear, Thisbe; I will not harm you, even though my body burns with a curious fire only you kindle. Never has a woman so dazed my head and so easily stolen my control. I must watch you closely or you will be leading me by a yoke,” he teased her.

Alysa’s body rebelled at being denied its cravings, and her respiration seemed to refuse to slow to normal as her chest rose and fell rapidly. Her cheeks burned hotter at his suggestive words, and she timidly pulled her gaze from his. How could she not want him even more when he was being so gentle, so understanding, so patient and caring? If he were a wicked rogue, or she meant nothing to him, he would be angry and insistent
on having her. Surely he realized how vulnerable she was to him and how easily he could entice her into submission. She was naive, but not ignorant; she had heard of the discomfort and vexation a man suffered after being highly aroused then denied appeasement. Obviously Gavin was a rare and wonderful man, and her heart throbbed with love and gratitude. Hoarsely she murmured, “I am sorry, Gavin; I did not mean to… I do not know what possessed me to behave so wickedly.”

“Perhaps it is because I am as irresistible and enchanting to you as you are to me,” he replied, then chuckled when her gaze flew up to his.

Alysa felt heat spread from her cheeks, down her neck, and onto her chest. Yet she did not look away from him this time. Boldly she replied, “It seems your words are true, my wandering warrior, else we would not be lying upon the ground together in the forest. Your strength lies not only in your body, but also in your mind and honor. It pleases me greatly to meet a man such as you; I feared they were as extinct as dragons, or as rare as truth these days.”

Gavin stroked her fiery cheeks and silky skin as his leafy green eyes roamed her exquisite features. “You praise me highly, and I must do nothing to destroy such trust. I never wish to hurt you. I see desire in your eyes, and caresses which match mine; for now, that is enough for me. When you are ready to conquer the unknown, you will come to me. Only then will it be right for us to surrender to this potent force that draws us together. It is our fate to share such a unique passion, sweet Thisbe, else the gods would not keep throwing us together in such private and romantic spots as this one.”

Gavin’s wet hair caused its color to appear a darker blond, and she noticed how its drying edges curled mischievously in all directions. His damp tunic clung to his body. For an instant she wanted to rip it off to feel his
bare skin against hers. She knew, if he pressed her… “How did you learn and master such self-control during moments like this?” she asked seriously, lifting her hand to trace her fingers over his full lips.

Gavin laughed heartily. “I cannot answer, for it is a new trait of mine, one which you inspire, my fetching maiden. Since we met, I have been obsessed with having you for my own. Yet I know I cannot take you until…” He hesitated as he searched his mind for the answer. “It is strange, but I do not know the reason or words. I do know if we do not end our contact and speak of other things, I swear it will vanish. Why are you in the forest again today, and what is your rank at Malvern Castle?” he inquired as he pushed himself to a sitting position and helped her do the same.

As she straightened her clothes and finger combed her tangled hair, Alysa turned away, preventing Gavin from sighting her dismay at having to deceive him. Playing Thisbe gave her the freedom and ease to behave as she wished. If he discovered she was Prince Alric’s daughter and heir, there was no guessing how that news would affect him and their budding relationship. She had to allow them time to get acquainted before she intimidated him with her rank. She had to make certain it was she that Gavin wanted, for the price of his love and acceptance would be enormous for her to pay.

“I am the. handmaiden of Princess Alysa, and I live in the south tower near her. When I am not needed to attend her, she allows me to come and go as I wish. Here in the forest I find peace. I am free to say or do or be whatever pleases me. Since no one is allowed in the royal forest without permission, I have always been safe. Besides, my father and his friends taught me how to hunt and trap, and how to escape enemies. You see, my wandering warrior, I am an adventurer at heart, as you are in life. You are fortunate to be a man, and a
powerful one at that, because you can choose your path and follow it. Even if I were not a servant bound to others, it would be dangerous for a vulnerable woman to seek out her dreams.”

Gavin lifted a handful of brown hair and teased it beneath his nose as he inhaled its fragrance. Being the princess’s servant explained what he had noticed only moments ago: her speech and manner. No doubt she had learned them from the ranking members of the royal court. “I have no doubt you can obtain any dream you desire. You are very brave and wise for one so young and beautiful. Are all of the castle knights so blind that not one has demanded you for his wife? I am astounded that Prince Alric has allowed you to remain unwed, as surely many men must battle amongst themselves over you. I beg you, sweet Thisbe, say no man woos you earnestly.”

What would his father and people say if he brought this common servant to his castle and took her as his wife? he wondered. Could he make a servant the Queen of Cumbria? Being a servant in a castle was far different from ruling one. Whatever he decided later, this was not the time to consider such a wild idea. And if there could be no entwined future for them, he should not be enticing her falsely. Yet he wanted her desperately, as if he would be cursed if he could not have her.

Alysa observed the shadows clouding his eyes and creating a frown upon his face. For some reason he had drifted away from her and this place. To bring him back, she nudged his arm and replied, “Fret not, no man tempts me as you do, and no man has approached my father for my hand in betrothal. What of you, Gavin? Does no woman of any land await your return?”

Gavin realized he had spoken foolishly and too intimately. He had made it sound as if he were courting her or claiming her, and she was most agreeable. But he was in no position to make a commitment to her,
or to any woman. For now, at least, he had to back away. The befuddled prince carelessly answered, “I have made no woman promises I cannot keep. My blood lusts for adventures and glory which cannot be sought by a wedded man. Until I have seen and done all I desire, I cannot think of settling down to a wife. If any woman awaits my return, she waits in vain. I can belong to no one until I have conquered my fate.” Gavin hoped she. would not be dismayed by his words, but it was necessary not to raise her expectations, not unless he claimed her as his own. He wondered and worried about being doomed to repeat his father’s tragic mistake of falling in love with the wrong woman, and of being forced to sacrifice her for his duty.

Alysa reflected on his words and actions during their three meetings. There was contradiction within them, she thought. She hoped Thisbe was right about her being a good judge of people, for she intended to enlighten Gavin to his confusion. “You are wise and generous to be so truthful with your numerous conquests.” She smiled radiantly and stroked his rough jawline as she added almost playfully, “But perhaps it would be kinder to them if you gave your warnings before they were enchanted by you. I am sure there are many maidens who await your return, even if they know it is futile. Is that why you halted our reckless behavior, to give me my warning? It was unnecessary, as I understand what a devilish rogue you are; that is why I find you so fascinating,” she teased. Her blue eyes danced with coquetry as she grinned at him.

Gavin was baffled by her light-hearted manner. He did not like to be led around in feminine circles. He had assumed that she knew little about using girlish wiles on him, but now feared he had been mistaken about her. “I halted,” he said, “because you had lost the will to reject me, even though you did not wish to surrender to me so soon. I am experienced in… such
areas, and I could tell you are unskilled and unlearned about such matters.” He hoped she would concur with his implication. “It would be unfair to misguide you while your mind was dazed with unfamiliar emotions.”

Was she so green that she did not enthrall him as he utterly enthralled her? Alysa wondered. Yes, she admitted, she was ignorant in some areas about sex and love-making, but she was not stupid. She knew how to kiss and embrace, and the other parts should come to her instinctively. Shouldn’t they? she mused worriedly.

His words had stung, and she forgot she had provoked them. “You are most kind to protect my endangered honor,” Alysa said tartly. “How shall I reward you? I have no coin with me. Perhaps if we meet again, I shall be prepared to repay your good deed.” Her blue eyes glittered like colored ice, for he was denying her something she wanted fiercely: himself. He had made it seem as if he were available and enchanted; now he was telling her that he was not, that he only wanted to amuse himself with her until he moved on to his next adventure! How could he change so quickly? she fumed. As Thisbe had warned, she needed to see him in different situations before she could be sure of him.

Gavin stared at her, and she glared back. Their frosty looks fused and battled, but passion began to melt their icy resolves. Suddenly they both smiled then burst into merry laughter as they comprehended the ridiculous misunderstanding.

Gavin declared, “I desire you and you desire me, but this is unfamiliar ground for both of us and it must be traveled carefully. We are near strangers who must get to know each other. Yet we can make no promises to each other, as our lives do not match. Is it settled, my bewitching maiden, no more silly battles of words? For now, we do nothing more than learn about each other and this attraction. Agreed?”

Alysa watched him lift her hand and kiss the back” of
it before turning it to kiss the palm. His eyes never left hers; thankfully, or he would have noticed she did not have the hands of a working servant. “Agreed,” she murmured. “The sun moves swiftly and I must return to the castle; but first, why have you not come to see Prince Alric about being hired as a fighter for him? And why did you vanish from the village?”

He had already prepared an answer for her, one which should sound reasonable and smart, and held bits of honesty. “I am a warrior for hire, sweet Thisbe, but I am a careful one. I cannot walk blindly into a situation that reeks of mysteries. Battlelines, enemies, and rewards must be explored. Before I approach your ruler, I must travel your land and study it closely. No amount of treasure or glory is worth risking my life rashly. I must learn who needs help and how much, and why. No matter how good and brave I can fight, if Prince Alric’s men cannot or will not do the same, I could be slain by their lack of skills. As for leaving the village, I thought it best. I am a stranger here, and in the confusion of the moment, I might have been mistaken for one of the raiders. Before I could reach Trojan and ride into the village, I heard the castle knights approaching. When I saw they could handle everything, I slipped away before I could be seen. By traveling around your land, your people will get to know me as a friend, and then it will be safe for me to ride openly. I am sure your prince would trust me more if I have already proven myself before we meet.”

“As you journey through my land, beware of Princess Isobail’s reach,” Alysa said. “She is known to be greedy, even though she pretends otherwise.” To test him, she casually added, “Some say she is the leader of the brigands and uses their raids for her own purposes.”

“Can such things be true? What could be her motive? Tell me all you suspect of her,” Gavin coaxed. This girl
was brave and smart, but would she spy on Isobail and Alric for him? Would it be too dangerous for her?