(Dark Champion #2) Dark Champion by Jo Beverley

Author:Jo Beverley [Beverley, Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

When he reached the solar, FitzRoger looked down at himself and shook his head. Perhaps it was as well he had not confronted Imogen immediately. It had been a successful day’s hunting and he stank of blood, sweat, and entrails. That would doubtless disgust his delicate bride even more.

There was a bathroom in the bailey at Carrisford, fitted out with tubs and a cistern of hot water. Lord Bernard had doubtless stopped off there to render himself pure before even entering his keep. Henry and the rest of the men were there now, scrubbing, and enjoying the whores. FitzRoger had been in no mind to join them and endure more of their lewd jests, and so he had come here, not even thinking that he might confront Imogen in this state.

That lack of thought bothered him.

He had always intended to command a tub in his room, and now he did so. He stripped off his soiled garments, then stood deep in thought as he awaited the bath.

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Just what should he do about his bride? He was certain it would be better to rid Carrisford of the priest, but he had promised that Imogen would rule here, and he would keep his word if he could. An inconvenient chaplain was not a matter upon which he had the right to overrule her, unless the priest interfered in military matters.

The more pressing issue was whether he should consummate the marriage tonight despite her pleas and protests.

The way her body had tightened up against him dismayed him. He supposed force would work, but at what cost? The thought of painfully ripping into a terrified girl brought bile to his throat, but this situation was very dangerous. Henry could not afford to have anyone but FitzRoger hold power in this corner of England, and Henry would expect his friend and liegeman to achieve that purpose in any way possible.

FitzRoger turned his mind to a simpler matter: that of compelling her to move back into this room. That was essential if they were to conceal the situation.

He flinched even from that.

There was something very wrong with him.

The tub and water arrived, brought by servants who glanced in nervous awe at his naked, scarred body.

When Imogen had first seen it she had not been frightened, but that was before. Afterward, she had refused to look at him.

He waved the attendants away and eased with a sigh into the hot water. As he scrubbed himself clean, he pondered his situation.

He supposed they could sleep apart. It would appear strange, but that was not the sort of factor that ruled him. One advantage of his life in Henry’s libidinous train, and his reputation in combat, was that no one would think to question his virility.

Wouldn’t they be amused, though, to hear that his bride remained an unsullied virgin? Well, not completely unsullied.

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes to contemplate sweet, painful memories of Imogen writhing beneath his touch, and to consider the mess that had developed out of a straightforward grab for power.

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