Christina's Tapestry (14 page)

Flinging back the covers, she gingerly slid from the bed. She supported herself with one hand on the mattress until her legs stopped trembling. When she felt able, she stumbled across the room towards the bathing area.

A sigh of relief escaped her as she leaned against the doorway. The tub was filled with water and the steam was still rising. Sending a prayer of thanks to whatever kind soul had done this for her, she made her way to the tub and climbed in.

“Ah.” Her entire body relaxed as she sank into the hot water, careful to hang her hair over the edge of the rim. She didn’t want to get it wet and have to waste time drying it.

Time was running out and Christina didn’t want to waste a moment of it. Grabbing a cloth and some soap from the ledge, she soaped her entire body, from the tip of her toes to her face. When she was totally clean, she settled back in the water and allowed herself a few minutes to soak before reluctantly leaving the warmth of the tub. She felt less stiff and more energized by the time she’d toweled off. Wrapping the fabric around her body, she picked up a comb and worked the tangles out of her hair. That done, she braided the thick mass and looked around for something to secure it 105

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with. Seeing nothing in the bathroom, she ambled back into the bedroom and found a short piece of brown ribbon and wrapped it around the end of her braid. Clothing was her next priority. Christina searched the room for the dress she’d worn yesterday, but it was gone. The only garment was a dress made of a heavy beige fabric. It was sturdier than the gown she’d worn to the feast, but looked as if it would fit her as well.

Dropping the towel, she grabbed the white chemise that was with the dress and tugged it over her head and down over her body. Her skin looked particularly pale against the red patches that covered her belly, breasts and thighs, caused by the slight stubble from Marc and Jarek’s jaws. That and the fact that both men had delighted in nipping her flesh with little love bites.

Then she slipped on the dress and did the laces up quickly, surprising herself by how rapidly she was becoming accustomed to wearing the clothing so unlike her own. Her short leather boots were waiting by the foot of the bed and she tugged them on. They fit her rather well, considering they were borrowed. She went to the door and opened it, listening carefully. The muted sounds of people talking floated up from the great hall below. She had to fight the urge to close the door and run back to the bed and crawl back beneath the covers. All of them had seen the spectacle she’d made of herself last night. They also had to know where Marc and Jarek spent the night. In the short time she’d been here, Christina had quickly learned that gossip flowed fast and free throughout the castle.

But she was no coward. Squaring her shoulders, she marched out the door and down the stairs. No one noticed her at first and then Mara saw her and motioned her forward.

“Good, you’re finally up. Come and have something to eat.”

Christina pasted a serene smile on her face and walked across the room. She felt every eye following her, but when she made a quick glance to the side, she saw that 106

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their looks were of concern and several people, both men and women, smiled at her. She felt her tension easing slightly by the time she reached Mara’s side. Mara examined her from head to toe before reaching out and touching the slight lump on her forehead. “You’re looking much better this morning.”

“Thank you. I feel good.” She really didn’t know what else to say to the older woman. Last night wasn’t something she particularly wanted to talk about. But the moment had passed and Mara was already fixing a plate of food. Christina sank down onto the bench, grateful to note that everyone else had returned to their work. When Mara pushed the plate in front of her, Christina was more than ready to eat. Between nerves and the challenge last night, she’d hardly eaten yesterday. But after last nights activities with Jarek and Marc, she was starving. Thanking the other woman, she pulled the plate closer and began to eat.

She ate the brown bread, slathered with fresh butter and honey, and licked her fingers clean. Slices of apples and another fruit she didn’t recognize tempted her as well and she washed it all down with a mug of fresh spring water. When she’d consumed all the food, she sat back, totally replete.

Mara’s eyes twinkled as she removed the empty plate. “It’s good to see you eating again and enjoying your food. You must have worked up an appetite.”

Christina could feel the heat on her cheeks, but she couldn’t take offense at the teasing in Mara’s voice. Before she could think of some witty comeback, she felt Jarek behind her. Like some sixth sense, she hadn’t heard him, but she knew he was there.

“How do you feel this morning?” His deep voice washed over her like an intimate caress and it took all her resolve not to sink back against him.

“I’m fine.” She knew her voice was sharp, but honestly, she was getting tired of people treating her like she was sick. “I only fainted last night.”

Jarek ignored her last remark. “If you are well, would you like to go for a ride? It is a beautiful day.”

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Christina berated herself for her ill temper knowing it was brought on by all the mixed emotions bombarding her. She knew that today was the day of decision, but for now she wanted to forget about that and just enjoy herself. Rising from her seat at the table, she held out her hand. “I’d enjoy a ride.”

Jarek’s fingers wrapped around her hand and he raised it to his mouth. His breath was moist and warm against her knuckles as he kissed them one by one before tucking her hand in the crook of his arm.

She could hear Mara’s muffled laughter behind her. She shook her head at herself, knowing that she’d fallen under Jarek’s seductive spell yet again. The man was lethal. Giving Mara a grin, she shrugged as if to say, what do you expect? The older woman’s laughter bubbled over as she shooed them away.

The sunshine was warm and bright, and she had to squint against it as she left the darker shadows of the castle. Marc was holding the reins of three saddled horses, waiting patiently.

She shot him a questioning look. He flashed her a grin and walked forward, leading the horses behind him. “We thought you’d like to ride on your own today.”

The smaller horse that was sandwiched between the two larger ones shook her head and huffed. Christina felt an instant connection to the animal, understanding how the female horse must feel to be surrounded by all that male power. When the animal turned her liquid brown eyes on Christina, she could not resist and held out her hand. The animal nickered softly and thrust her head forward, bumping Christina’s hand.

“I don’t know how to ride.” She didn’t want to admit it, but she knew she had to be honest. But she regretted that she wouldn’t get the chance to ride such a lovely creature.

“Sunshine is a gentle mount.” Jarek led her closer to the horses. “All you have to do is relax and let her carry you.”

Christina reached out and stroked Sunshine’s neck, loving the feel of the soft brown coat under her fingers. “She’s beautiful.” The opportunity was too good to pass up. “I can try if you’re sure it’s safe.”

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She bit her lip, suddenly afraid that Jarek would misconstrue her own fear as a lack of faith in him. The thought of him turning angry and cold as he had yesterday made her stomach drop and her hands tremble. “I don’t think my office health plan would cover a horseback accident.” Her joke fell flat between them. But instead of anger, his eyes and voice were soft. “I would not have suggested it if it was not safe.”

Christina felt her tension dissolve and once again she was filled with anticipation and growing delight. “How do I get on?”

Jarek grinned. “Like this.” Gripping her around her waist, he lifted her and placed her on top of the horse.

Marc held Sunshine steady as Christina settled her skirts as best she could. They were bunched up above her knees, but there was nothing she could do about that.

“Well, that was easy.” She gave them a saucy smile and both men chuckled at her show of bravado.

Jarek gathered the reins and handed them to her. “Just hold them lightly until you get a feel for the motion of the horse. Sunshine will respond to your lightest command, so there is no need to pull hard on the reins. Keep your thighs wrapped firm around her sides and tighten them slightly when you want her to move forward.”

It was all she could do to follow his simple instructions. With her legs wrapped around the horse, her sex was wide open and spread against the leather saddle. Jarek’s hand was on her leg just above her knee. With hardly any effort at all, he could slip it under the fabric and up to her pussy, which was wet and throbbing in anticipation of just such a touch. But Jarek kept his hand where it was and she struggled to listen to what he was telling her.

He released her leg and swung up into his own saddle. His horse pranced excitedly, but Jarek brought him under control quickly. Christina’s hands tightened on the reins, but Sunshine remained calm and just snorted at the unmannerly stallion. Relaxing, she settled back in the saddle, feeling a kinship with her own horse. 109

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Marc reached out and touched her cheek drawing her attention his way. His thumb traced her lower lip and her lips parted slightly. He shook his head and pulled his hand away. “Any more of that and we’ll never make it out of the courtyard.”

Jarek tapped Sunshine on the side and all three horses began to move. At first, it took all of her attention just to stay in the saddle, but in a short time, she felt herself becoming accustomed to the gait of the horse. Soon, she was absorbed in the land around her as both men pointed out various plants and animals to her. The day was one that she would never forget. They picnicked by a gurgling stream and she had delighted in wading in the cool depths while both men lay in the grass and watched her. They looked like two indulgent pashas as they stretched out on the green carpet. Her breath caught in her throat at the thought of never seeing them again, but she shoved it to the back of her mind. Today was about enjoyment. They walked for a while and she learned more about the history of the Garen family and the world in which they lived. They referred to their country as Javara and explained that each ruling family held land that had been theirs for generations. They had a vast, complex history of war, but alliances had led to the peace in which they all now lived.

It was all so different from her own world, yet underlying it all, the people were no different. There were good people and evil people, those who wanted to create and those who would destroy, but most just wanted to live a good life with their families and loved ones.

When they finally rode back into the courtyard of the castle, the sun was setting, Christina was tired, but a strange energy thrummed throughout her entire body. Sliding her leg over her saddle, she dismounted before Jarek or Marc could reach her side. They frowned at her, but she ignored them and patted Sunshine’s head and thanked the beautiful horse for such a wonderful day.

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Supper was a quiet affair and a somber mood settled over the entire castle. Both Jarek and Marc grew more tense and withdrawn as the evening progressed. Everyone was waiting for the tapestry to appear.

Her nerves were stretched as tight as a bowstring. Finally, she’d had enough. Pushing back her chair, she rose up from the table, her meal barely touched. “I’m going up to bed.” She longed to ask them to join her, but didn’t feel as if she had the right. Her legs grew heavier with every step, as she walked across the room towards the stairs. She closed her eyes and gave a quick prayer of thanks when she heard the scraping of wood against the stone floor as each man pushed back their chair. Jarek and Marc fell in beside her as she slowed her pace.

Christina felt as if she was making her way to the gallows instead of to bed. No one spoke as they entered the room. The door closed with a thud that rang with a finality to her. This was the end. No matter her choice, tomorrow marked a new beginning. Tugging the brown ribbon from the end of her hair, she unwound her braid and finger-combed her hair. She held the ribbon tight in her fist. It was part of her visit here and she could not wear it tonight. Carefully, she placed it on the mantelpiece before walking to the side of the bed.

Stripping off her dress and chemise, she pulled on her own silky lavender nightgown that Mara had left for her. It was hard to put on that reminder of her old life, but she had to. This was part of her and represented all that she was leaving behind. The fabric felt cold and foreign against her skin, and she shivered. Marc scowled and Jarek’s face looked as dark as a thundercloud, but neither protested. Christina hurried to the bed and burrowed beneath the covers. Both men stripped and slid in beside her, one on either side.

She waited for one of them to touch her, but both were lying stiff as boards beside her. She might as well be in bed alone, they seemed so distant from her. Their actions confused her. Last night they couldn’t get enough of her. But today, even though they were attentive, they had kept their distance. They were sending out 111

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such mixed signals, she wasn’t sure if they wanted her to stay or would be glad to see her go.

Christina couldn’t relax as the night closed in around them. She knew it was late. Both Jarek and Marc had finally drifted off into a light sleep when she felt it. There was a distinct disturbance in the energy of the room.

Moving an inch at a time, she pushed the covers back and crept out from between the two men. They both stirred and she froze, hardly breathing until they settled again. Their breathing was deep and even when she climbed down off the end of the bed. She saw it immediately. It was draped across the bench seat in front of the window with the moonlight shining down on it. The tapestry glowed with the same beauty that had attracted her to it in the first place, but now instead of inspiring passion, it inspired dread in the pit of her stomach.