The Lady's Choice by Bernadette Rowley Page B

she implied she would miss her betrothed. He had been so close to giving her what she wanted. Her body, barely hidden by the nightgown . . . Ramón suppressed a groan as he tightened the traces on one of the carriage horses. And now she gazed tenderly at the prince. How could she look forward to marriage when she would bed any male who came along? Anger boiled in him and he thanked the Goddess he had been the one to step away from such betrayal last night. The carriage moved and he glanced up in time to see Benae seat herself. Their eyes met through the carriage window and Ramón’s heart flipped in his chest at the raw, pained look she flashed him. They stared at each other for a beat and the Goddess only knew how he appeared to the lady. He was the first to drag his gaze away and strode to his black gelding, giving the order to move out as soon as his buttocks hit the saddle. It was going to be a long journey.
    Benae’s head pounded in time with the rocking of the carriage as they wound their way through the thin strip of forest east of Brightcastle. She had barely slept after Ramón left her room and now she faced four days and three nights on the road with him. Surely her spirits could sink no further? A small voice told her to be glad she had not slept with him, but she could not agree. His body beneath her fingers had felt so strong, his arms around her had seemed so right. It was not so with Jiseve. Oh, he was strong in a wiry way and he was handsome and his kisses stirred her blood, but Ramón’s body moved her on some visceral level; his eyes spoke to her heart, even if he did not know it.
    Sweat broke out on her palms and she clenched her hands in her lap so that Merel would not see her distress. If only she could push Ramón’s image from her mind – but her meditation tricks deserted her and thoughts of him kept pushing back in. Since the kiss her mind had even more fodder for daydreams. Where would it all end? What must he think of her now that she had thrown herself at him? He trotted past the carriage on his horse and she groaned. When had she become a slave to her desires? True, she liked the company of men and she had had her fun with them in the past, but she had never felt this driven towards anyone. Again she wondered if it was just her raging need for fulfilment that drove her towards Ramón. If only Jiseve had made love to her each night for the past several, she might be content and her arousal might now be dimmed by a budding pregnancy.
    Benae’s eye fell upon the bed opposite her. Jiseve had commissioned a clever carpenter to modify one of the seats in the coach so that it became a comfortable bed. This was where she would sleep at night, with the men outside in tents. It was large enough that Merel could share it as well.
    â€˜Merel, I did not sleep well last night. I am going to lie down and close my eyes for a time.’
    â€˜Surely, my lady. A rest will do you the world of good. I will sit here quietly with my knitting.’ Merel smiled her calm smile that was like a panacea for Benae’s turbulent thoughts.
    Benae lay down on the bed and closed her eyes. Miraculously, she slept.
    Benae was woken by a peal of laughter some time later. The carriage was stationary and Merel absent. She sat up and looked out the window. They were in a clearing near the road and Merel and most of the soldiers sat around a campfire. Ramón and one of the soldiers stood guard, their backs to the fire. It must be luncheon. Benae’s stomach grumbled. She rose and rubbed her face, smoothed her hair and stood to let her skirts straighten.
    She opened the carriage door and Ramón was there, ready to hand her down. He was a miracle. How had he known she was awake? She paused as he offered his hand.
    â€˜Are you well, lady?’
    She stared down into his azure eyes and her heart skipped. No wonder he haunted her dreams. But she had made her choice and