A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 23



It was his last thought before the darkness dragged him down into oblivion.

She paced the floor of her bedchamber, too restless to sleep, grateful, once again, that the king found no pleasure in her company now that she was carrying the heir to the throne. No doubt her husband was curled up in the arms of his latest mistress. If the fates smiled on her, she would not have to take him to her bed again until this child was weaned.

She walked to the door and placed her hand upon the richly carved wood. Dared she call for him? What excuse could she use this time? Did she even need an excuse? Surely he knew that she called for him to relieve her loneliness.

Sitting down on the edge of her bed, she smoothed her gown, lifted a hand to her hair, and then called his name.

"Dominic!"

He answered her summons immediately, his dark gray eyes sweeping over her as if to assurehimself that she was well. "What is it you wish, my lady?"

She waved her hand toward the pitcher. "A drink, please."

He bowed his head in acknowledgement and moved to fulfill her request, though they both knew it was not water she craved, but his presence at her side; his touch, which he bestowed upon her whenever she desired.

Her gaze met his as he handed her a goblet encrusted with sapphires the color of her gown. But for him, for the hours he spent at her side, life within the castle would have been unbearable.

"Jocelyn."His voice was filled with respect, and the longing of a thousand years .

It pleased her that he did not find her unattractive even though her belly was swollen with the king's child. There was no accusation in his eyes, no hint of revulsion, only the same sweet expression of love and desire she had seen there since the night he was assigned to guard her quarters.

"Dominic." His name was a sigh upon her lips. Putting the goblet aside, she held out her arms. He went to her gladly, willingly. She gloried in his nearness, in the husky sound of his voice as he crushed her close. He whispered to her, telling her she was beautiful, desirable, that he loved her beyond life, beyond death…

She fell back on the bed and he followed her down,then drew her into his arms, cradling her to his side. She rested her head on his broad chest, her fingers splayed over his heart.

"Jocelyn, "he implored. "Come away with me. "

It was the same request he made of her every time they were together. More and more, she yearned to leave the cold walls of the castle, the cold comfort of her husband's arms, and fly away with the man who kissed her so tenderly, who gazed deep into her eyes and promised to love her forevermore.

"Dominic…"