Chapter XXI

Nottingham, August 28th, 1194

Violet was laying on her bed, her ankle carefully dressed in a bandage containing the green clay poultice. To pass the time and relieve the tedium of her forced immobility, she was sewing a new camisole for herself. Sally had kept her company until a few moments ago, mending some of her mother's aprons. Now she had shortly left her to go bring the repaired garments to Joanna.

Violet heard a knock at the door.

"Come in", she invited, putting down her sewing work. Guy appeared on the threshold.

"I stopped by to see how you are", he said. Even if he wasn't smiling, his gaze was full of warmth. It wrapped her like a hug and she liked the feeling.

"The ankle is healing", she informed him, smiling at him and beckoning him come to her. "However, I'm dying of boredom, locked in this room. I'm used to deal with much more than just sewing", she lifted the camisole to show him. "Luckily, Sally keeps me company, and Fred comes to keep me constantly updated about the progress on the works in the garden and chapel", her smile broadened. "I suspect he knows how much I'm bored and therefore he comes up to four times in one day, just to tell me the gardeners are finished with planting the chamomile or the glass-workers with fixing the windows…"

Moving into the room, Guy cast a glance to his wife's foot, which small size was apparent despite the bulky dressing. Amused, he recalled his mother Ghislaine, who had had big feet, always making fun of herself, saying she had the feet of a giantess.

"Fred's a good man", he commented, stopping by the bed. Violet patted on the mattress beside her and so he sat down. "To relieve your tediousness, would you like me taking my meals here with you, until you'll be able to come down in the great hall?"

His offer pleasantly surprised Violet.

"Of course I'd like that", she answered a little shyly, then she thought that, once more, she was forgetting that this was Guy. Not only, he was her husband, and she could tell him exactly how much she liked the idea. Unlike her first husband.

"I'd like it very much", she therefore added in a bolder tone.

"Fine then, I'll tell Sally to bring my meals here, starting from this evening's dinner", Guy concluded.

He stayed, chatting with her, until the maid returned, and then he informed Sally about his decision. The young woman nodded without commenting, but she thought that her mother was right: Sir Guy – no, Lord Nottingham now – was in love with Lady Violet. This marriage had everybody greatly amazed, and some had expressed compassion for the poor Lady Violet, still too influenced by years of bad behaviour from the black-clad knight. However, as the weeks had passed, they had come to change their minds and some –Joanna was the first one – had started whispering that Guy was smitten with his beautiful wife. Now Sally decided they were right.

Guy took his leave, and the two women were left alone. Sally's character resembled her mother's and therefore she was everything but shy, and besides, she liked very much the sweet but also resolute Lady of Nottingham. She decided to investigate discreetly.

"Your husband is very kind to you", she observed, sitting again by the bed. Violet nodded, pondering that the maid – and anyone else, except Rebelle – had no idea of how much he actually had been and still was kind to her. What other man wouldn't force his wife into the consummation of the marriage, waiting for weeks that she would feel ready? Her mind wandered back to the moment, in Sherwood Forest, when she had let herself go to her husband's kisses and caresses. Once more she felt her most private parts heating up, and she blushed.

Seeing that Violet remained silent and her cheeks had reddened as her eyes became dreamy, Sally came to the obvious conclusion that the baroness returned her husband's feelings.

"You're lucky", she commented. "Not many noblewomen marry for love."

Abruptly called back to the moment, Violet cast a glance to the maidservant and opened her mouth to deny what she had just said, but she thought better of it. It made no sense revealing to those not closely involved that she had married Guy for purely dynastic reasons, and that she had chosen him as the lesser evil… unaware that, actually, her choice would prove anything but evil, and maybe it would even turn out being a lot of good.

"Aye, I'm lucky", she confirmed. "So, do you think the sleeves are wide enough?" she asked then, showing her camisole. Sally realised Violet didn't want to deepen the topic and, wisely, didn't push it. Anyway, she was no particular gossiper, and her curiosity was inspired by the rising affection for her mistress, rather than by indiscretion.

OOO

During the following days, Guy kept his word and came to Violet's bedchamber to have his meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. He took exception only once, the day he had to go to Knighton to investigate a fire outbreak that had threatened the construction work at Marian's mansion, now almost complete. On that occasion, he had met both Marian and Robin, and the slight roundness of the young woman's belly made him suspect she was with child. When the couple confirmed it, he had congratulated them, with a sincerity that had transpired from his tone. It had positively impressed Robin, who was still unable to fully get rid of his mistrust and resentment of Guy.

On the evening, upon returning to the castle, Guy reported the news to Violet, who was very glad for her friends. At the same time, however, it reminded her the responsibility she bore, regarding the continuation of her family, a duty she had accepted but not carried out yet. A duty that Guy seemed bent to make not only agreeable for her, but also enjoyable, she considered with a warm, intimate shiver that had her cheeks aflame. She hoped her husband hadn't note her blush.

OOO

On the seventh day after the incident, Violet took off the bandage and began taking the first steps with the due caution, as well as doing exercises designed to reactivate the functionality of her injured ankle.

When he went upstairs for their dinner, Guy found Violet sitting at the small table in front of the unlit fireplace instead of lying on the bed. At his surprised glance, Violet smiled at him and lifted the hem of her skirt to show her now free ankle, no longer swollen.

"A few more days and I'll be back to walking normally", she announced. "For some time I'd better not run, leap or dance, though."

"Will you be able to dance, at Drastan's and Rebelle's wedding?" Guy enquired, sitting on the chair across her. "I know how much you love dancing", he added, recalling the first time they had danced together, at the Easter Fair. Heavens, was it only four months and a half ago? It seemed a much, much longer time, to him.

He had no idea that Violet was considering the same thing.

"I suppose so, at least for the slower dances", she mused. "Mayhap, as a precaution, I'll avoid Pas de Brabant and jigs", she concluded.

The carafes with water and wine were already on the table. Guy took the latter and filled their silver goblets with the engraved Nottingham emblem.

"Here's to your regained mobility", he said, raising the cup to his wife.

"Thank you", she answered, returning the toast. They took a sip, then Violet asked her husband how his day had been. She always did it, looking interested about his duties as a sheriff and a feudal lord, and she offered frequently sagacious and fitting remarks that Guy appreciated.

They heard a knock at the door, announcing that the servants had come with their dinner. Joanna had cooked a chicken for them, roasting it slowly on a spit throughout the whole afternoon, and a side dish with stewed carrots and grilled mushrooms. The delicious smell of food made both Violet's and Guy's mouths water.

One of the servants placed a wooden cutting board before them, then the other ones laid out on it the poultry meat and the vegetables, emptying the trays. A maid brought them an aquamanile – a vessel full of water with lemon juice, to wash their hands before and after the meal – as well as a linen towel. Finally, with a bow, the servants left the room, leaving the spouses alone.

After rinsing his hands, Guy grasped the chicken and cut it, deftly using a knife. As he knew his wife favoured the breast, he chopped it in small pieces and offered them to her, as it was the custom for the man to serve his lady. She accepted with a thanking smile.

When they finished eating, they washed and dried their hands.

"Joanna is truly an excellent cook", Violet commented in a content tone, dunking a piece of bread into the wine to finish it off. It was in fact believed that this kind of soup helped digesting.

Guy confirmed before doing as much. He looked at his wife as she slowly chewed her morsel, charmed by the sweet shadows that her lowered eyelashes created on her cheeks, then she dipped a second piece of bread in the wine. Suddenly, an irresistible longing to kiss her caught him.

As if perceiving his stare, Violet raised her eyes from the goblet and met his. Something in his gaze made her feel a warmth that was still new to her, but that she had learned to recognise for what it was.

Desire.

"My lady wife", Guy whispered, his voice an octave lower. "Do you know that you're stunning?"

Violet blushed and felt even hotter.

"Thank you, my lord husband", she answered softly. She thought that her voice too had an unusual lower tone.

A swarm of butterflies invaded Guy's stomach and his blood flowed down to his groin. Since Violet's little incident, they hadn't shared any more intimate moments like the one they had had in the woods, on the day they had gone to the convent, because he was afraid he could hurt her, in case he would become too rough. However, now that he knew her ankle had almost completely healed, the craving to kiss and caress her as he had done in the woods detonated, prompting him to pick up from where they had left off. The servants wouldn't come back to collect the tableware and the leftovers unless called for, therefore he wasn't afraid that someone would interrupt them, catching them in private activities.

The rose and extended his hand to her. She didn't hesitate to accept it, rising in turn. Before pulling her into his arms, Guy clarified his intentions, in order to reassure her and to make sure that she too wanted this.

"I'd like to resume the thing we stopped in the forest last week", he said, his typical half-smile suffused with softness. "But only if you agree."

The sheer idea made Violet's blood suddenly boil in her veins. She didn't take off her eyes from her husband's.

"Aye", she whispered. "I too would like to resume it, b… but", she slightly stammered. "I don't know if I'm ready to complete it…" she concluded, unable to entirely hold in check her nerves.

"There's no need", Guy soothed her, touched by her sincerity, but also grateful for it. "I'll stop at any moment you'd ask me to do so."

He had told her this several times already, but he felt she needed him to repeat it.

Violet nodded and took a step forwards, coming very close to him, her face raised toward his. Guy looped his arms around her and lowered his head, placing his lips on hers.

As the previous times, he began softly as not to frighten her. Then, he asked access to her mouth, parting his lips and caressing the junction of hers with the tip of his tongue.

Violet responded immediately. She didn't just welcome him, but she preceded him, starting the sensual kiss first.

This set Guy aflame. With a sigh, he held her tighter, pressing her soft curves against the hardness of his body. He raised one hand, placing it on Violet's nape, and angled his head to get better access to her warm and sweet mouth that was responding so well to his requests, even asking for more.

Against her belly, Violet felt the entire consistency of Guy's desire. Instinct drove her into rocking her pelvis, rubbing herself against him.

Guy groaned as his longing reached higher peaks still. For a moment, he was tempted to push Violet on the table, heedless of tableware and jugs, slipping between her knees and taking her, but he immediately contained himself and left her lips to look at her. She opened her eyes. Her clouded gaze was a little lost and it reminded him that he had to proceed gently and cautiously and that he mustn't allow his need to overwhelm him, for any reason whatsoever.

Therefore, he gave her a tiny reassuring smile, then he withdrew slightly and lowered his hands on the buckle of the belt girding her hips, starting to slowly unfasten it slowly, allowing her time to stop him, if she wanted to. She didn't pull back. When he was done, he tossed the belt to the floor. Without a word, Violet turned and lifted her hair, uncovering the fastening on the back of her gown. Her invitation was clear and Guy felt his heart jump to his throat. Trying to hold back the nervousness that was cutting off his breath, he unlaced the knot keeping the gown closed, then he unloosed the opening. Violet grasped the hem of the neckline and pulled to take the garb off her shoulders, then she slid her arms out of the sleeves and let go. Her dress fell in a heap around her feet and Violet turned again. The undergarment she was wearing wasn't as transparent as the nightgown she wore on her nuptial night, but under the light fabric, Guy could make out the curves of her body. He travelled his eyes over them, avidly, and under his intense gaze, Violet felt hot.

Guy looked her again in the eyes, his irises darkening with desire. The longing to take her into his arms and kiss her breathlessly set him ablaze. He wanted nothing more than carry her to the bed, caress and kiss her everywhere and finally make her his wife through and through. However, he knew he had to restrain himself, because he wanted it to be a wonderful experience for her, one that would make her forget forever the brutality her first husband had inflicted her. Therefore, he inhaled to calm down, then he unfastened his jacket and took it off, flinging it on a chair. Now he was in his undershirt, black like the rest of his clothing. He quickly got rid of it and stood bare-chested in front of his wife.

The sight of his brawny and almost completely hairless torso, which she was seeing up close for the first time, took her breath away. Charles had always worn a nightdress when he exercised his marital rights, but as a healer, she had seen many men shirtless, when she had to examine them, or to apply medicinal ointments and balms. Several had been powerfully built like Guy, but none of them had caused the heat she was feeling now, nor had made her heartbeat increase so much.

Her wild emotions showed on her face. Guy caught them and realised Violet desired him, whether she was aware of it or not. Now it was up to him to make her conscious of her desire, to the point she would want to welcome him inside of her and become with him one flesh.

He bent and lifted her in his arms. With just a few steps of his long legs, he carried her to the bed, where he lay her down. He took off her soft indoor shoes, then he left her briefly to get rid of his boots, and finally he stretched out next to her, cradling her again into his embrace. Violet looped her arms around him, holding him tight, and closed the distance between their faces, her eyes lowered on his lips, a clear invitation to kiss her. She had no need to beg him and Guy sealed her mouth with a kiss, trying to make her feel the tenderness over the craving. Violet reciprocated him, her tongue caressing his in a still shy, but definitely sensual way. She was a passionate woman who a petty man had violated to the point she had ended up abhorring carnal love, but he would make her discover what kind of pleasure it could give her.

He left her mouth and, slowly, he began descending along her neck, caressing her with his lips, placing tiny kisses on her throat and chest. With one hand, he brushed her breasts and he heard her gasp when he touched a sensitive bud through the fabric of her camisole. He found the lace that held the neckline closed and pulled at it, unfastening it, then he slipped his hand under the hem and cupped one soft mound. With his thumb, he fondled her nipple, which promptly stiffened.

Violet had never been touched this way. Feeling Guy's fingers caressing the sensitive peak of her breast, she gasped again. Her depths flared up, a symptom of her desire, and she moaned.

These delightful noise encouraged Guy. He pushed the camisole aside, baring the breast he had been caressing, and lowering his head he took its nipple into his mouth, sucking gently. He felt Violet jump and heard her uttering a pleasure-expressing sound, so he nibbled the hard gem with his lips, eliciting more delighted sounds from his wife.

Violet was feeling increasingly hotter. Particularly between her thighs she felt as if she was going to catch fire. Each kiss, each caress Guy was bestowing on her made her long for something more, something she had only heard of: the love ecstasy she had never known.

So far.

Guy bared her other breast and moved to give it his full attention, as his hand slid along the curve of Violet's hip, then further down along her thigh, as far as he could reach. At that point, he grabbed the thin fabric of the camisole and started picking it up, uncovering her legs, until he could brush its skin, silky and warm under his fingers.

Moving completely on instinct, Violet lifted her leg and placed it over Guy's. Delighted by her response, Guy grasped the back or her knee and brought her nearer to him, getting the centre of her body into contact with his thigh. An unusual but strangely familiar tingle invaded Violet's most private spot, and to soothe it, she rubbed herself against her husband's leg.

Her reaction had Guy groaning.

"Oh Violet…" he murmured. "My beautiful blossom…"

This tender name touched her soul and she tightened her hold around him.

"Guy…" she whispered in return. She would have liked to reciprocate his ministrations, but her inexperience held her back, therefore she simply caressed his shoulders and back.

Feeling Violet's hands moving on him made him sigh in pleasure. It was apparent that his wife was enjoying very much what they were doing, and therefore Guy decided to take her a little further. Softly, he pushed her on her back and inserted one hand between her knees. Once more acting on pure instinct, Violet responded parting her thighs. Slowly, Guy climbed the inside of her leg, brushing its soft skin. When he placed his fingers on her most secret part, he felt its warm dew and this proof of desire for him moved him deeply.

At Guy's touch, Violet inhaled sharply, startled by the sensation of pleasure. She felt the heat between her thighs increasing and uttered a little gasp, expressing both her liking and her wonder, a gasp she repeated louder when Guy began brushing precisely her most sensitive spot.

Guy lifted his head from her breasts and looked at her, searching for a sign of consent. She had thrown back her head, her eyes were closed and her lips parted on vocalisations that were undoubtedly expressing appreciation. He explored the damp petals of her feminine flower, wetting his fingers in those humours that revealed Violet's desire. Then, he gently inserted the tip of one digit, moving it in small circles, trying to get her used to the feeling of something inside of her, something pleasant, not a violation, but a gentle preparation for the time their bodies would join in the love act.

Violet's eyes widened and for a moment Guy feared that, despite his gentleness, he had scared her. Then, he realised that delight was clouding her gaze, and he had further proof of it hearing the sighing moan she uttered a moment later. Encouraged, Guy started to skilfully rub the centre of her pleasure with his thumb. Violet closed her eyes again and uttered a louder moan. Her breath became more laboured as her moans increased in volume.

Violet was overwhelmed with the totally new sensations she was feeling because of Guy's ministrations. The pleasure that was invading her, starting from the places her husband was touching her with his fingers or lips, kept increasing, more and more, When she thought she couldn't feel more, a new wave came and she felt carried higher, up to vertiginous peaks that left her breathless. Guy's fingers were teasing her in a gentle yet exciting way until it became nearly a torment… but an absolutely delicious torment. She was out of breath and almost wheezing, her heart beating hard, the roar of her own blood in her ears. She began writhing, unable to restrain her body, seeking the completion of something she didn't know. She felt like catching fire as heartbreaking moans fell from her lips, expressing both pleasure and frustration. And then, what she was yearning without even knowing what it was, suddenly arrived. A fiery pleasure overwhelmed her, fogging her mind, flinging her into a whirling storm of physical and emotional sensations. The uncontrollable spasms of a pleasure she had never experienced before shook her flesh. She arched her back, convulsively holding on to her husband, a slave to a delight which intensity shocked her, and she let out a soft cry of astonishment, followed by a long, heartbreaking whimper of pleasure. When the convulsions of her body subsided, she fell back on the mattress, breathless, her skin covered in a thin layer of perspiration.

Satisfied and thrilled, Guy stopped, but he didn't break the contact. After some moments, he slowly pulled back his fingers. Craving for Violet's secret taste, he brought them to his lips and licked at them, tasting the juice of her pleasure and finding it exquisite. He ignored his virility, which was painfully throbbing, begging for release. He had just shown Violet the pleasure he could give her, but it was too early to ask her for more. Thus, he settled on brushing softly her arm.

Feeling him caressing her, Violet opened her eyes. Her gaze was still blurred, and she needed some moments to focus it on Guy's face.

"What…" she whispered huskily. She swallowed and tried again. "What did you do to me?"

For a moment, Guy felt torn between the tenderness that her inexperience was arising in him and the wrath about the reason causing it, that is, her first husband's despicable behaviour.

"I gave you pleasure, my wife", he answered softly. "The pleasure a man, to call himself such, can and has to give to his woman."

She wrinkled her brow, perplexed.

"But… we didn't join", she objected. He enclosed her in his arms, drawing her against him, and made an impish face.

"There are many ways a man can give pleasure to his woman", he explained. His deep voice, one octave lower, had a shiver running down Violet's spine, because his tone seemed to hold many promises. Besides, the hardness of his masculinity against her leg was arousing her.

"Oh" she breathed, momentarily speechless. Then, she thought of a suitable answer and grinned. "And… are there many ways a woman, too, can give pleasure to her man?"

It was Guy's turn to feel a warm shiver as he looked into his wife's eyes.

"Actually… yes", he murmured, a little hesitantly.

Violet quivered with anticipation.

"Would you teach me?" she asked softly.

Guy felt his throat going dry. He would give his right arm to sink his flesh into hers, but he knew he had to restrain himself, at least this time. After all, she could truly pleasure him in other ways.

"Are you sure you want to?" he enquired, afraid she could find it unpleasant.

"Aye", was her answer, simple and direct.

Guy raised one hand and caressed her cheek, then he leant over to her and kissed her soft lips. He turned on his back, taking her with him, and brushed the length of her arm until he interlaced his fingers with hers.

"Touch me", he invited her. After a moment of uncertainty, Violet asked. "How?" then she changed the question. "Where?"

"Wherever you want. Everywhere… like I touched you."

She hesitated briefly, then she propped on one elbow to better move and placed one hand on his chest. Slowly, she outlined the edges of his pectorals, then with feather light fingers she drew a circle around one nipple. Eventually, she brushed it with her fingertips. Guy sighed, half-closing his eyes, showing his pleasure for her tentative yet erotic caresses. Taking courage, Violet bent forward, her hair falling around her face, and placed her lips on his throat, brushing the warm skin, slightly rough because of his stubbles. She heard Guy uttering a sigh. Recalling how he had kissed her, she darted out the tip of her tongue, brushing his skin, and started moving downwards, heading for a nipple. She surrounded it with her lips and teased it, sucking and nibbling. Guy groaned. Violet had never done anything like this in all her life and she felt strangely proud of herself. She switched nipples, giving the same treatment to the other one, and meanwhile she shoved her hand down on her husband's abdomen, travelling its surface until she felt his navel under her fingers. With her forefinger, she traced its edges, then she teased the tiny dip. In response, Guy's abdominal muscles quivered. Violet moved, sliding down her husband's body, her lips brushing him from his chest to his belly as her hand followed the path of hair disappearing under the hem of his breeches. The bulge on the front of his crotch was remarkable and she thought that the constraint had to bother him greatly. She sat up.

Guy uttered a protesting sound when she withdrew, replacing it at once with a pleased moan when his wife's nimble fingers began fumbling with the strings of his breeches, inadvertently brushing his most sensitive place. When the fly opened, his erection sprang up, proudly raising and reaching out for her tempting hands, longing for her caresses.

Violet lowered her gaze on Guy's virility. She had rarely seen this anatomic part of Charles, who came at her in his nightdress and simply lifted his garment and hers before mounting her. Right now, Violet was wearing her camisole, but it was still up around her waist and down her shoulders, baring her most private parts. Oddly, she didn't feel embarrassed, not in the slightest way, and she freed her arms from the sleeves so she could move more easily. The appreciative glance Guy shot to her breasts set her aflame, but exactly at this moment, she realised she didn't know how to proceed further.

"Tell me what I shall do now", she exhorted him softly, looking at him seeking guidance.

"Better if I take off my breeches first", Guy muttered, grasping the hem of the garment and starting to push it down his legs. After getting rid of it, he tossed it on the floor and lay back again, now completely naked. Violet watched his physique, long-limbed and brawny, finding it striking and exciting. Under her avid gaze, Guy felt his masculinity becoming increasingly impatient. He took her hand and, gently, he guided it where he was now feeling an almost painful pulsing.

"Touch me", he whispered, moving her hand on himself so that she was rubbing him. She accepted his invitation and, when he left her, she went on moving her hand. Guy groaned as a shiver travelled from the base to the tip. He let her do it for some more moments, then he led her fingers surrounding him and massaging him up and down, applying a certain pressure.

Violet complied, initially with understandable hesitation, then with more confidence. Guy's love laments increased, letting her know she was doing well. She recalled something Rebelle had told her about her love games with Drastan. She cast a sideway glance to Guy, who was laying eyes closed, digging his fingers into the mattress, and she smiled impishly. Before her inexperience held her back, making her shy, she bent forward and placed her lips on her husband's male sceptre.

Feeling this bold caress, Guy jumped hard and uttered a muffled cry. Violet almost lost contact, and hence she placed her mouth more firmly on the tip. She was surprised to find there a wet and warm drop, and without thinking, she licked it, finding the taste slightly salty.

A groan escaped Guy's throat, louder than the previous ones.

"Violet…!" he exclaimed breathlessly. "You don't know what you're doing to me…"

She drew back briefly to answer him. "I'm pleasuring you, husband."

She placed her lips again on his solid and warm flesh, continuing to caress him with both her lips and hand.

Guy's mind clouded. Violet had no experience about how to please a man, but her instinct was guiding her in a way he hadn't expected. He wouldn't be able to restrain himself, but through the fog dimming his reason, a thought made its way to the surface: if he reached the peak this way, he risked Violet feeling dismayed or even disgusted. Therefore, he gathered every drop of his will, seriously undermined by Violet's ministrations, and groaned in an urgent tone. "Please, stop…!"

Violet complied and raised her gaze to Guy's face, surprised by his request.

"Am I… not good enough…?" she enquired anxiously. Was she really so incapable to satisfy her husband?

Perceiving her concern, Guy shook his head.

"You're perfect", he reassured her. "Actually, you're too perfect…" he groped in search of the best words, words that wouldn't sound scurrilous. "I'm afraid that my reaction might displease you", he concluded.

Violet didn't understand.

"How could I be displeased by the knowing I gave you the same pleasure you gave to me?" she asked.

"'Tis not that", Guy explained, his mind clearer now that she had withdrawn. Again, he looked for a delicate way to express himself. "When a man enjoys his pleasure… he releases a liquid… You're new to all this, mayhap you wouldn't appreciate the taste."

Perplexed, Violet held his gaze, then she grasped it: Guy was talking about his seed. The very substance from which a new life could be born. It wasn't a bad thing, she thought. It was the act of spurting it that could be bad, for instance, as Charles did with her. However, Guy was acting in a totally different way… so much different, that there was no comparison between them. He heart swelled up because of the thoughtfulness her husband was showing her.

"If you're afraid I may not appreciate the taste, tell me in which other way I can pleasure you…" she murmured.

During the break, Guy had slightly relaxed. Violet's request made him aware once more of her hand around him, and this made his virility harden again.

"You can… go on touching me as you were doing before kissing me", he answered, his throat parching in anticipation.

The smile she addressed him had his heart summersaulting.

Violet started again to fondle him. She studied closely his reactions and so she quickly learnt what kind of movement and what amount of pressure he enjoyed the most, and when his groans became stronger, she accelerated her rhythm. Eventually, Guy tensed, arching his back and digging his fingers into the mattress, and under her hand Violet felt the moist warmth of his seed surging in time with the spasms of his male rod,as uncontrollable whimpers escaped his throat. Violet felt suddenly a strange, unexpected sensation of power because she had been capable of this. And there was more at it: Guy had proved he trusted her to the point to allow her touching his most private and vulnerable spot, and to lose control, exposing himself and entrusting himself completely to her.

As he had done when he had told her his terrible secret regarding the attempted regicide, he had shown he absolutely trusted her.

Like she absolutely trusted him.

And trust was the best basis for a marriage, even better than love.

This consideration saddened her, defusing the satisfaction she was feeling as she looked at Guy climaxing by her ministrations. This sadness had only one explanation: she was in love with him. Having his trust, even if unconditioned and complete, wasn't enough, because she wanted his love.

But was he willing to give it to her?

Then, Guy opened his eyes, its foggy gaze talking about fulfilment and contentment.

"You're…" he croaked. He cleared his throat, and with it, his eyes too cleared. "You're amazing, Violet."

She blushed, embarrassed and pleased at the same time.

"Thank you", she murmured.

Guy took two breaths to give himself a little time, then he moved to get up, nodding reassuringly to his wife who was staring at him slightly at a loss because of his unexpected leaving. He crossed over to the table where they had dined and picked up the towels they had used to dry their hands after washing them. He brought one to Violet, so she could wipe her hand from his seed, and used the other one to clean himself.

At last, he lay down again beside her and held his arms out to her.

"Come here, my lady wife", he whispered. Violet quickly straightened her camisole, then she nestled herself against him, placing her head on his shoulder. She felt exhausted, overwhelmed by the force of her emotions: the desire for Guy, the pleasure he had made her experience for the first time in her life, the pleasure she had given to him, and finally, the finding that she was in love with him.

G uy leant over, grabbing the sheet and covering himself and his wife, because it was beginning to get chilly, at night, so it was better to sleep with a cover.

They stayed like this, tenderly embracing, without talking. Soon, the steady heartbeat of her husband lulled Violet into sleep. Guy instead was awake for a while longer, savouring the marvel of feeling the warmth and suppleness of his wife's body against his, but even more, the feeling of joy and completeness he was experiencing.

Eventually, little by little he too drifted off to sleep.