The Defiant Bride by Leslie Hachtel

infuriated her.
    Dariana fell back, confused, wanting more, but ashamed of her need of him. Determined he should not know the effect he had on her body, she ignored him as she jumped from the bedand dressed, knowing his eyes never left her. Without so much as a backward glance, she flung open the door to flee the room, unsure if her haste was due to hunger or frustration at the myriad emotions coursing through her. She was supposed to hate this man or at least feel resentment. Yet, her body responded outrageously. She wanted him to move his hands over her skin again and rouse the heated dragon that curled in her belly waiting to breathe fire. She had never experienced feelings like this. They confused her. If any man had inspired her in the past, she would be long married. And then none of this would have transpired. She knew she had to gather her wits. She must think, sort out all the conflicting thoughts, then decide on a course of action. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Self-pity would not solve any problems. For now, she needed food.
    At the bottom of the stone steps, she spied Leah at a table, talking quietly to Richard. She was intent on the man and it took her a few moments to notice Dariana.
    “Come, sit and eat with us. I see you survived the night. Is your head still aching?”
    “How did you know? About my head?”
    “It seemed to me you are unused to drink. You did partake more than your share last eve. Did it aid you?” Leah was smiling kindly at her. And Richard seemed embarrassed. “And my brother? How goes he this morn?” She lifted her eyes over Dariana’s head to gaze at William as he approached the table.
    William wore the most lascivious grin. Dariana huffed and turned her back to him. He slid in beside her and stroked her back. She squirmed under the pleasure his caress evoked, her ire rising.
    “Now, my love, you should act the devoted wife or my sister and Richard will get the wrong impression. They are under the notion that ours is a love match.”
    “Do not touch me, you son of the devil,” Dariana hissed under her breath. Then, remembering Leah and Richard, she turned. “Forgive me, I meant no shame to fall to you. But I fear William is sorely lacking in the manners of a gentle-born knight. If I didn’t know better, I would swear he fostered with wolves.” Richard cleared his throat, obviously stifling laughter.
    William ignored his wife’s comments. “Did you both know that Dariana managed virtually alone in the king’s forest for nearly a year?” He was obviously still incredulous at the information.
    “It surprises me not,” Leah responded. “She must have been strong and full of courage to survive so long in the forest with no protection. Let’s hope she fares as well against Melissa.”
    “Melissa?” Dariana raised her eyebrows ever so slightly.
    “Yes, William, pray tell her about Melissa.”
    Both women were staring at William now, and he grew uncomfortable. Luckily for him, it was then that the servants appeared with food to break their fast. With the servants were his two young squires.
    “I’m starving,” William announced too loudly, relief at the interruption evident in his tone. “Squires, come and greet your new lady,” he said to the two, who were fascinated by her. They approached slowly. It was clear to William that both were more smitten by her this morning than they had been the day before.
    “May I introduce Brian, future Lord of Dorset and Arthur, heir to Folkestone. Squires, this is your lady.” Each lad in turn took her hand, bowed low over it, then moved away, blushing furiously. As each retreated, he bumped into the other and both nearly fell. Recovering, they hurried from the room, clumsy and awkward.
    “Whatever is wrong with them this morn?” William asked no one in particular.
    “I wonder?” Leah gave Dariana a wink. Then all fell silent as they ate their morning meal. Richard excused himself to see to other matters and