gaze touched hers, sending a bolt of awareness through her just as he had done the first time she looked into his eyes.
Only this time she knew what she craved.
At least she had picked a fine man to want. He was a sight to behold in black doublet and kilt. There was not a man in brocade or silk damask that she considered his equal. It was the nobility, the pure intensity of his spirit that made him so.
Edmund stood near the altar, his expression carefully smooth. The small chapel was filled to near bursting with Keir’s men and her brother’s men all watched over by the king’s royal guard. Tension filled the air, tightening as she approached the altar. The bishop, dressed in his black robe and white smock, glanced nervously around before a quick motion from the king’s hand made the man begin the ceremony. He mumbled through the first set of prayers and rushed on to the vows faster than she had ever witnessed. In a remarkably short amount of time, she was wed.
Helena sighed. She drew a deep breath, savoring the moment of privacy. Sneaking away from her own reception proved simpler than she’d thought. The court was only using her wedding as another excuse to flirt and observe one another. It might have been a feast day or birthday celebration. All that seemed to matter was that there was music, food, and the royal couple in attendance. She crept away into the hallways for a few moments alone.
“Nothing good will come of this marriage.”
Edmund emerged from an archway. He moved silently, placing every step artfully.
“Enough, Edmund. It is done.”
He shook his head, snickering at her. For all that she had heard the sound many, many times before, it agitated her.
“I said enough, Edmund. Your schemes must end now or move on to someone else. I am a wife now.”
“Nothing is done until the union is consummated.” He tsked at her. “Sweet little ignorant sister of mine.” His amusement suddenly died. “Unless that Scot plowed you last night.”
Her face burned. “It would serve you right if he did. Ronchford is a horrible man, Edmund. How could you send me to him?”
She shouldn’t care, but couldn’t seem to keep the hurt from her tone. She had tried so hard to be agreeable with her brother. It was difficult to absorb how little he cared for their blood connection.
“He is a rich man with many more powerful men owing him money and favors.” Edmund sneered at her, uncaring of the torment his words inflicted. “Marriage is about power, not whether or not you like the man.”
“Did you sell me to him? As you gambled me away to Keir?” She wanted to hear him say it, so that she might never again think of him kindly. Blood or no blood.
“Of course. I’m rather pleasantly surprised that I was able to arrange two transactions for the same sister. Much less disappointing than I first imagined it would be when you were delivered onto my doorstep.”
“You are a monster, Edmund. I swear I will never think of you as my brother again.”
“But I am your brother, little sister, and it would be in your best interests to obey me.” He cast a glance about, making sure they were still alone. “Think about your children. When they come to this court, they will need their titled uncle to pave the way for them.”
She choked on her horror because she could not say it did not matter. Family connections were what made it possible to succeed. It was not fair, but neither was life.
“Excellent. You have finally realized that listening to me is the best course of action.” He leaned closer. “Refuse to consummate your union.”
“What are you talking about? The man is my husband by royal command.”
“And a little-known titled Scot who only wants to better himself through breeding you. Refuse him so that I have grounds to annul your marriage. The king is a businessman; he will come around in time. This will not be the first marriage he has annulled. I need your virginity to stand up to a midwife’s inspection.”
Anticipation showed in Edmund’s eyes. It was ugly and greedy, sickening her.
“I am done being your property, Edmund.” She lifted her chin. “You sold me. Twice.”
He shook his head. “Don’t let that itch between your thighs make you do something you will live to regret, Helena. You are a peer. I can wed you to a far more powerful man.