Chapter 7

He reached out to cup the outline of her right breast, his thumb grazing over the nipple. She trembled beneath his touch. He leaned toward her, lightly brushing his lips over hers, then trailing to the pulse at the column of her throat. She smelled faintly of roses. His cock, now fully hard, strained against his braies.

His hand shaking, he removed it from her breast and stood, running his fingers through his hair. “As much as I am attracted to you, madam, I cannot betray my friendship and love of Edward by touching you. Not without his consent.”

Katherine stood, too, and twisted her hands together. “You are right, Sir Gregory. I feel the same way, truly. It grows late and I must dress for the tournament. I am sure you also have preparations.”

“Yes. Until later, my lady.” He brought her entwined hands to his lips and placed a chaste kiss upon them.

“May you have great success in the tournament, Sir Gregory.”

* * * *

Edward gazed out at the training knights. From his bedchamber window they appeared as multi-colored insects. Blues, reds, greens. The ladies watching them practice were also in their finery.

The scent of roses drifted near just before a delicate hand touched his arm. He smiled without turning.

“Are you ready to attend the tournament, love?”

Katherine wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his back. “Yes. I hope it will be a glorious birthday for you, my lord.”

“I am sure it shall.”

She trembled against him.

He frowned and turned, drawing her into his arms. “Is something amiss?”

“Nay, I just want everything to be perfect. I…I have planned a surprise for you, Edward.”

His thumb brushed her bottom lip. “A surprise? But you have already planned this wonderful tournament and the feast after for my birthday.”

Her brown eyes twinkled. “Ah, but you will like this surprise most of all. At least that is my wish.”

“What is it?”

Katherine laughed and pushed at his shoulders to free herself. “If I tell you now it will not be a surprise! Come.” She spun around, her forest green kirtle swirling around her. She wore a snood interwoven with green and gold thread upon her raven tresses. “How do I look?”

“Enchanting as usual,” Edward assured her. “You will be lovelier than anyone else there. I will have to fight off the other knights.”

Her cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink. “You look incredibly delicious yourself, my lord husband.”

Edward wore a jerkin in the same shade of green his wife wore. It had been carefully embroidered with gold leaves. Expensive material and threads he had obtained during a voyage to the Orient years before with the king.

He captured her hand and drew her close, leaning down to kiss her. “Do we have time for one last swive?”

Katherine batted his hands away from her waist. “No, my lord. We are expected.”

“Well, mayhap, but they cannot start without the guest of honor, so they will wait until we arrive.”

“You are incorrigible. What about my gown?” She gazed down at the pretty garment.

“‘Tis simply handled, Kat.” He grasped her hand and led her to the closest wall. Pushing her up against it, his hands inched up the hem of her kirtle and under dress until they bunched around her waist. He reached down and undid his braies.

“Will it not be wrinkled, my lord?” Katherine gasped as his fingers slid into her wet opening.

Edward tilted his head in acknowledgement. “Mayhap. But none would dare comment on it.” He lifted her up so she could wrap her legs around him.

He replaced his slicked fingers with his erection, pressing into her. He gritted his teeth, holding back the orgasm already threatening. He did not want to shame himself by spilling his seed so quickly.

Katherine’s legs clenched around him, pulling him closer, deeper inside her. She grabbed his head, kissing him hard and frantic, her fingers tugging at wisps of his hair.

Edward pounded into her, slamming her perhaps too roughly against the wall, but she did not protest and, in fact, seemed to urge him on.

She nipped his lip, shaking and trembling, clenching around his cock. “God, Edward!”

His balls tightened and his thrusts sped up. He couldn’t hold back any longer. He slammed her a few more times into the wall as he emptied into her.

Katherine pulled his hair as shudders went through her and she cried out.

They stayed locked together for several moments, catching their breath. Loathe to end the joining so soon. Edward leaned his forehead against hers.

Then a loud rap on the door drew their attention, but even still they merely glanced at the door.