Judith helped Isabella out of her elaborate wedding gown, carefully removing the delicate lace and silk. Her eyes kept fleeting to her mistress. Isabella's usually radiant face looked defeated and forlorn. "Are you well, My lady?" She asked, concern etched on her face.
Isabella sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Just tired, Judith."
Judith's eyes filled with empathy. She couldn't help but wonder if Isabella's distress stemmed from the impending consummation of their marriage. She knew Isabella was to be considered wayward and wild sometimes—most times, but when it came to matters of the body and pleasure, the girl was clueless.
"It might not be as bad as you think, my lady," Judith said softly.
Isabella's gaze snapped up, "Since when did you switch sides? Have they infected you with the idea this marriage is a good idea or might work in the slightest?"
Judith furiously shook her head. "That wasn't what I was talking about, Lady Isabella."
Isabella's brows drew together, "Explain yourself,"
Judith's cheeks flushed, "I…I just meant— oh, my lady forgive me. I was thinking the wrong thing."
Isabella's curiosity piqued. "What wrong thing were you thinking about?"
"I thought you were worried about your wedding night."
"My wedding night?" Isabella's eyes darted from side to side before it widened, "Oh! Triple blast! How did I forget that part of it?" She had been so bothered about getting married to a tyrant that she had forgotten the things that came with it.
Judith's cheeks were on fire, "I didn't mean to…"
Isabella raised a brow, "How do you know about such things, Judith? Have you ever…"
Judith shook her head, eyes threatening to burst. "Other married and unmarried servants at the manor," she replied hastily. "They share stories about it."
Isabella nodded thoughtfully and before she could think better of it, she asked, "What did they say about wedding nights?"
"Some said it felt good while others said…"
Isabella's heart began pounding against her chest, "What did others say, Judith?"
"They said it was a horrible experience for them. They hated every moment of it and wished it never happened again. Let's hope yours turns out to be good, Lady Isabella."
After Judith left, Isabella's anxiety resurfaced. She paced before the fireplace, her silk nightgown shimmering in the flickering light. Judith had prepared the room with rose petals and sweet scents, but none of it eased her tension.
It had been hours she excused herself from the hall, away from the infuriating man and guests. She had tried to force herself to sleep before Leofric returned to the room. Just thinking about the impending intimacy made her shudder, not in a good way. Tradition dictated consummation on the wedding night. Damn traditions! Of all people, why must it be Sir Leofric? She knew it had to happen one day because she didn't plan to die a virgin. But worried was the choice of partner. A man at the top of the list of people she didn't like.
Her blood ran cold when she heard the door to their chamber click open. Out of panic, she jumped into the bed and lay still. If she thought her heart was beating fast before, she was wrong. She could feel the blasted organ in her mouth.
Leofric raised a brow as he eyed the figure on the bed. For someone asleep, she was too stiff. His eyes roamed her exposed legs. Good heaven, why were they so smooth? He had the sudden urge to run his fingers through them to know if they felt as smooth as they looked.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts and cleared his throat. "I know you are not sleeping. Get up."
Isabella remained still. She believed he would leave her alone if she continued her pretence. There was silence in the room. Did he leave? Curious, she opened one eye to peep. He was unbuttoning his shirt. She quickly shut her eyes.
"I have attended to all the guests." His voice broke the silence. "Those who are staying over will leave first thing tomorrow morning, including your family."
She remained silent. Against her wish, she peeped again and was shocked to see the man half-naked. His suit was tossed on the stool. What was he planning to do?
"This is my last warning, woman. I will dump a bucket of water on you if you ignore me one more time."
She contemplated her options. If she remained silent, it might convince him to leave her alone for the night. Her body stiffened when she heard footsteps approaching her. Alarmed, she quickly sat up on the bed.
"Much better," He smiled and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Is it now a crime to sleep?" She glared at him.
"You will sleep after I am done with you."
Isabella's stomach churned. She didn't bother to ask what he meant by after he was done with her. "I want to request for another room."
"Is the room not big enough to your taste?"
"I need privacy."
Leofric raised a brow, "A woman requesting for a separate room on the night of her wedding day is not to be heard of. You will have all the privacy you need in this room."
Damn the man. She let out a dramatic yawn and rubbed her eyes., "I am so tired."
"Don't think I don't know what you are doing. We must consummate this marriage, Isabella. I even gave you time to prepare for me."
"What do you mean? I only retired from the event because I was tired,"
"Yes, I agree with you. It is normal for you to be tired after sitting like a statue the whole day, but this is a process we must complete, woman."
"I don't want to. At least, not tonight."
"It is not a matter of what you want and do not want. You can't deny me this night."
"What are you going to do? Force yourself on me?"
"Yes, I will do that if I have to. Perhaps you will learn a lesson. Those women will come tomorrow to check the sheet, I refuse to be put to shame."
They stared at each other, eyes locked in a fierce gaze. "Fine, let's be fast about it."
She was surprised when the man threw his head back and laughed. "Oh, my lovely wife." In contrast to the deep frown on her face, a wide grin was plastered on his face now, his anger long forgotten. "I do not plan on rushing our first night together. I plan to make it a memorable one for both of us."
"Oh,"
"Yes. Come,"
"No," She flashed a challenging look and remained in her position.
Leofric's smile only widened. If Isabella had the power, she would wipe the smile off his face. He had no right to appear so breathtaking when talking about the consummation of their marriage.
He said, "I know you are scared, but you have nothing to worry about." He gently grabbed her hand and helped her out of the bed. He positioned her in front of him, eyes locked onto hers. "Did I tell you how beautiful you looked today? You took my breath away all day." His words were accompanied with a kiss at the back of her hands.
"No, you haven't" She was tempted to say. Damnit! Her cheeks were not supposed to burn. "Okay," She whispered.
"You don't believe me, do you?" He ran his hands up and down the length of her arm before picking them up to place on his bare shoulders. The contact made him shudder. They hadn't even gotten into the main act, his whole body was already burning for her. His breath shook as he imagined what it would feel like to finally become one with her.
"It doesn't matter, does it?" She attempted to distance herself from him, but he placed his hands on her waist, stopping her from moving away.
"It does. It matters to me that you know I think you are extremely beautiful."
His unwavering blue eyes forced her to look away. "You are saying all this because of what we are about to do."
He chuckled, "Perhaps. I want you to feel comfortable."
"Let's start already."
He nodded. His hand slowly made its way to the strings of her nightgown and pulled. Shocked, Isabella quickly held onto her gown before it could reveal anything. "How dare,"
"Shh, let it go." He smiled softly, his eyes shining with adoration.
He tugged at the hem of the gown, allowing it to slip under her hold. As slowly as possible he allowed his eyes to wander down, his breath caught in his throat at the view. He didn't know which one made his mouth water more. Was it the smooth skin? The round persky breast? The curvy waist? The well formed buttocks? Or was it blush that marred her cheeks?
His itching hands gingerly slid down her waist, settling at soft flesh behind. He groaned. Unable to hold himself back, he kissed her pouty lips. Something he had been dying to do since he met her.