A/N: Sorry this is late. If you're curious then, read my notes on my author's page. Thank you.
WARNING : This chapter is rated for brief, mild sexuality.
Chapter Four
Marian crept into the Lord's chambers like a shadow. She felt nervous, but giddiness still swam through her blood. Corbin Le Châtelier sat on the edge of his mattress, facing away from her. He had his head bowed, as though in prayer, but since he wasn't on his knees she knew he had to be up to something else. Not wanting to disturb him, she quietly floated across the room and began the preparations for his warm Sabbath bath (the water had been delivered before her arrival).
"Marian," his rich voice murmured from directly behind her.
Startled, she jerked, accidentally dumping a large amount of perfume into the water. Swallowing hard, she whirled around to find him standing merely inches away. She could feel the heat of his body caressing every sensitive nerve of hers. "Y-yes, my Lord?"
His enchanting eyes gazed into hers, searching. Finally he broke his hold and nodded towards the tub. "Time to bathe." He twirled his finger to indicate for her to turn around. When her back was to him, he removed his robe and slid into the soapy, warm water. "Not as heated as I expected, but at least I will not freeze to the metal this time."
Marian fought back a smile as she dipped her hand beneath the suds with the sponge.
He stared straight ahead as she roamed across his broad shoulders. Clearing his throat when she worked her way down his chest, he inquired: "When are services?"
Marian noticed the slight crack in his voice, but tried to ignore it. "At noon, my Lord."
"Who all attends?"
"Normally only Lady Jane and her ladies-in-waiting, my Lord."
"You have never gone to mass, Marian?"
"Once or twice."
"Mmm, I see."
"Will you be going today, my Lord?"
"I see no need."
"Not even to pray for the souls of Lady Jane's kin?"
Corbin glanced sharply at her, obviously bitter about her queries. "I feel it no business of yours."
Marian lowered her head and murmured: "I am sorry, my Lord."
He sighed, almost a growl escaping his lips. "Keep it from your mind. It does not matter."
They both fell silent. Marian continued to stroke the sponge along his flesh, the water trickling down his hard muscles like teardrops. She hesitated before going further, rubbing the sponge along his inner thighs.
Corbin suppressed a moan, yearning for the delicate touch of her hand. He squeezed his eyes shut, fighting back the urge to grab her and yank her into the tub on top of him. Just the thought of it caused him a low, rumbling hiss of pleasure.
Marian's breath quickened and she released the sponge. She traced her fingers along his inner thigh, intrigued by the effect she was having on him. And then he opened his eyes and they peered into each other's desire before his mouth came crashing down on hers, assaulting her lips ravenously. She felt him begin to pull her into the tub and she suddenly panicked, shoving him away and stumbling back onto her behind.
Terrified, panged eyes stared up at him and Corbin felt a knife twist in his heart. "Marian," he whispered. He held up his hands as though to calm her and then eased himself out of the tub.
At the sight of him, Marian's eyes widened in horror and she scurried further away.
Corbin quickly snatched his robe and pulled it on, covering up his apparent arousal. He then cautiously approached the frightened girl on the floor. "Tis all right, Marian. I will not hurt you." He crouched down beside her and placed a hand tenderly on top of hers.
She jerked her hand away. "Please," her voice quivered. "Please, do not touch me. I beg of you, sir."
"I promise you, Marian, I will do nothing."
"You…you will not force me to lie with you," she asked softly, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Never," he vowed sternly. "I swear it to you, Marian."
Marian began to sob, her tears ripping at his soul. He gently wrapped his arms around her, sealing her delicate body in a soothing embrace. "No one shall touch you without consent again, Marian. I will not allow it." He placed a chaste kiss on the top of her head. "I will take care of you."
"You promise?"
"Forever."
End Chapter Four
Gimpy: Chp2: I'm glad you like the black death/politics mixture because all four parts will have such things. Chp3: Glad you like Corbin's history. I figured that would help people make sense of his kindness. Thanks for reviewing! As you know, I love your story, Three Degrees of Separation. I'm waiting breathlessly for Chapter 11. Draco: Thanks for the review. Sorry for the long wait. Kris: You mind if I call you that? It's how you signed your review. Anyway, I've been hovering over the idea of making Jane/Jean ill, but I'm thinking I may go another way. I'm not sure yet. Mmm… Blix: Ah, what would I ever do without your amusing reviews? Haha. Cassandra: Thanks! How are things going? Peacechild: Thanks for the review! I apologize you had to wait so long. Sapphireblue: Thanks for the boost in confidence. And, no, I've never seen Paperback Hero. What's it about? Blue: At the time you wrote this review, it was still snowing where I live in the USA, but now it's sunny! Yippie!