A Royal Romance

Chapter 24 Lady Elisabeth Brandon

I felt Richard's strong arm around my waist, I needed to relieve myself, but I did not dare move for I did not want to wake him. The urge was too strong so I gently caressed his arm and I looked at his eyes. To my surprise, this morning I was able to see him better. He opened his and greeted me with a dimpled like smile.

"Good morning Elisabeth. How are you fairing this morning?" His hands caressed my body bringing me shivers of desire for him.

I cleared my throat and said, "Though I find myself this morning in excellent company, I must ask you to move."

He jumped away from me and asked with a concerned look in his eyes, "Am I hurting you? I am deeply sorry my need to hold was too large."

I gently placed my hand on his face and caressed his growing beard. "Not at all, but I need to attend to some personal needs."

He removed himself from our bed and walked to my side to help me up. When I found myself before him I could not help but to stand on my toes and place a very chaste kiss on his lips. Before he wrapped me in his embrace I walked away. I craved his touch, Lord knows how much I craved it, but my body needed to heal before I dare myself be touched. I tried walking, but the effects of the potent mixture of hemlock, henbane and opium poppy still ran in my blood and to prevent myself from tumbling over I took hold of every solid furniture in my way.

Returning back to the room I saw that my bath was being prepared near the fire. I searched the room, but I was not able to find my husband. I was disappointed, but luckily, for once, it lasted only a moment and all the servants were gone as he walked back in. Our eyes met and I could easily feel the need to feel his arms wrapped around me. Yet my body shivered at the thought.

"Would you like for me to help you?"

"Yes please, there are places where the wounds stretch painfully." Walking towards the warm bath I began to remove my smock my eyes never leaving his. When I arrived before him I was completely nude and shivering anticipating his reaction. My eyes noticed the mirror behind him and I was able to see a strange figure standing there. I took a step, but Richard blocked my way gently placing a hand on my arm.

"Elisabeth, there is no need to do that."

"I need to, please let me trough."

He stepped back and I walked, taking several fearful steps. The image before me was terrifying, incomprehensible, and unbelievable. There before me stood a mutilated corps and what was worse it was that that corpse was mine. Slowly my shacking hand went over each cut, each bruise that branded my body. I stood there until my eyes reached my face and when I saw the swollen unrecognizable face before me I fell to the ground and cried. All the anger, the terror I had kept hidden deep down all these days burst through.

Richard ran to my side and gently held me as tight as he could without hurting me. He gently tried soothing my tears. There more love and tenderness he gave me the more I cried. After some time he helped me stand and took my naked mutilated body, wrapped one hand around my waist and with the other held my hand as I slowly stepped into the tub. I slowly accustomed my body as the water enveloped me. He let go of my hand and searched for the soap and wash cloth. Richard wet the wash cloth and with the soap in his began to gently wash my back. Though his gesture was soft the roughness of the cloth would made my wounds hurt. Each time I flinched he would excuse himself at the end I would bite my lip to not discomfort him. When it was time to wash my front he handed to me the washcloth and soap. I was surprised that he was leaving me.

I took his hand in mine and looking directly into his eyes and I smiled. All I could do is look at him and look at the warm water. He squeezed my hand and with his other hand he began to remove his clothing. When he finished he got in, behind me, slowly letting his body get used to the warm water. Richard took the washcloth and soap from my hands and gently began to wash my chest. I leaned back, laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes enjoying the intimate moment. Before I knew it I felt the tears roll down my face. I did not want him to see them, but sensing the turn in my emotions he wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly. With the feeling of his warm embrace I began to cry harder.