Free Claire Delacroix by The Rogue Page B

could still feel the heat of Merlyn’s flesh trapped within the cord. I caught my breath and abruptly turned away from the box, my gaze falling immediately upon those gloves.
    Crimson gloves.
    I crossed the floor without ever having decided to do so, and yet, I could not stop until I stood before the gloves. They were fanciful and lavish and I smiled at the evidence of Merlyn’s taste for opulence. The gloves were lined with white fur, the ermine I knew he favored, and they were barely worn.
    They were undeniably Merlyn’s.
    I sighed his name without intending to do any such thing.
    Then, I touched a finger to the fur, catching my breath when its silky softness swallowed my fingertip. I stroked the length of fine leather, then picked up one glove.
    It was heavy for all its fine construction, the palm already stained dark from use. The fingers were curled slightly in the shape of Merlyn’s hand, curled as his fingers would be around the leather reins of his destrier’s bridle. I half expected it to still be warm from his touch. I lifted the glove to my face as if he cupped my chin and closed my eyes, remembering.
    Yearning.
    There were tears in my eyes when I impulsively slipped my hand into the glove. My fingers were immediately engulfed in softness, lost in the greater size of Merlyn’s glove. It was more like a gauntlet upon me, the cuff coming nearly to my elbow. I was assailed by the scent of Merlyn, the memory of his playful manner, the certainty of his death.
    Merlyn was dead.
    I bent my head over the fine glove and stained its fine leather with tears.
    I thought I had only a few tears to shed for Merlyn, but a torrent was loosed once the dam was opened. I cried and could not stop. I wept for my dead husband, in the solitude of his chamber, breathing the last vestige of his scent. I wept that I would never see him again, I wept that all chances were now lost forever.
    When my tears finally slowed, still I felt bereft, as lost as a child, and in dire need of solace.
    With nary a second thought, I crossed the chamber, shedding my chemise and shoes as I went and leaving them cast upon the floor. I climbed through the heavy curtains as naked as the day I was born, as naked as I had been on my wedding night. When I realized that Merlyn’s gloves were still gripped in one of my hands, I nestled them upon the pillow beside the box. It was foolish and I knew it, but I could not put anything of his from my side.
    Not on this night, at least.
    I kissed each leather fingertip like a benediction, then slid beneath the coverlet. I was embraced by the furs that still covered the mattress, engulfed by the heady musk of him upon the pillows, swallowed by sweet memories.
    Merlyn was dead and gone, never to love and laugh again. And I, I mourned him alone as I would never mourn him before others.
    Indeed, I wagered with his specter in the shadowed bed that night. I agreed in my weakness that I would allow him one night and one night alone to haunt me.
    I should have guessed that Merlyn would make the most of such an agreement. My eyes drifted closed, my fingertip stroked the cuff of one glove, my gaze fixed on the distant sparkle of stars. Sleep came quickly and deeply.
    As did my dreams.
     
    * * *
     
    The solar is silent and cool after the boisterous if tiny celebration in the great hall. I shiver in mingled cold and anticipation, only now fearing what I have done. I have never been in this chamber. I have never been alone with a man.
    I have never been alone with this man. In truth, I know very little of him.
    But he is my husband by dint of my own pledge. And if his intent is foul, no one celebrating our match in the hall below will even hear me cry out.
    I have made my choice and now must pay the price. How unfortunate a moment for my bravery to flee!
    I wrap my arms around myself in trepidation. The lantern’s glow gilds luxurious appointments far beyond my experience. Gold and brass studded with gems. Ornate wooden