Time Enough for Love Read Online Free Page B

averting her gaze, and discreetly disengaged herself from his grip. She curtsied. “You are from the north. Allemagne, non? ”
    “ Enchanté . Oui , Saxony,” he said, finally finding his voice.
    “Ah, you are here for the grand event.”
    “ Oui , I am Otto of Germany, invited guest, newly arrived for the marriage of King Lothaire and Princess Adelaide of Burgundy.”
    “Otto… I see, I mean, I have heard your name, Sire. It is said you are a mighty warrior, valiant and just, a fair and good leader to your people. The Pope sings your praises.”
    He saw a hint of dimples when her gaze briefly flickered toward his. Did she tease with such glowing words?
    Otto cleared his throat, uncertain and beguiled. “Are you of Princess Adelaide’s suite? Surely you will also be attending the nuptials tomorrow?”
    She looked directly at him then, eyes narrowed, lips pursed, the barest of frowns creasing her brow. “ Oui , you shall see me there.”
    “Ah, that is excellent news. I––”
    “Sire,” she interrupted, stopping him with her raised hand. She hesitated before gesturing toward the statue of St. Monica. “I… I came only to say I am sorry if I disrupted your prayers. I thought the church empty, and would have made less noise, had I been aware of your presence.”
    His tongue seemed to cleave to the roof of his mouth, and he shrugged to cover his discomfort. “You didn’t bother me, my lady. St. Monica was my wife’s patron saint. Each time Editha bore me a child, she would pray to St. Monica for a safe delivery and wisdom in rearing them. I was saying a prayer for Editha’s soul.”
    “Her soul? Your wife has passed away? I’d not heard. I am sorry for your loss.”
    “News travels but slowly over the Alps. She is a year gone already, and the pain has eased into gentle memory.”
    Seeming anxious, the girl nodded, then looked about, possibly searching for something more to say, as was he. He still wanted to bury himself in her hair, wrap his arms around her shoulders, protect her, taste her lips… so close.
    He gestured toward the door. “May I escort you back to the palace?”
    “ Oui … I, er, non ,” she stammered, her voice so soft he leaned in. “My escort awaits me outside. Please.” She looked up at him again, her lips slightly parted, her eyes still sparkling, but this time brimming with the tears he’d only suspected earlier.
    “Why do you weep, petite? ”
    Her gaze moved to his lips, and she swayed toward him.
    “What is your name?” he whispered, wanting to kiss her, so near he could feel her breath against his skin. When she didn’t back away, he moved to brush his lips against hers.
    Abruptly, she turned her face aside, then shook her head, eyes wide. “ Mon Dieu, non! I forget myself.”
    She took another step back, but he caught her arm. “Don’t go! Forgive me, my lady, I… I meant no harm. Please, do not think badly of me.”
    “I must go,” she said, her voice strained. Wrenching her arm free, she hurried away without another glance.
    “Your name?” Otto called after her. “What is your name? I would that we should be formally introduced.”
    But she said nothing as she hurried to the doors, yanked them open, and stepped into the light, leaving Otto to berate himself for his rude and forward behavior.
    The next day, the wedding. Lord Almighty . Otto’s thoughts veered as he remembered his heartache, for it was then he had learned the girl’s true identity. Princess Adelaide, his beautiful petite , was the bride! Desolate, he barely recalled the taking of vows or the nuptial Mass, such was his pain, his shock so all-encompassing as to blind him as she became Lothaire’s property, his queen, his wife.
    Thoughts returning to the present, Otto tossed back the rest of his wine. But things had changed. Adelaide was free, as was he, having found all others wanting in her stead.
    He bowed his head. Please, God, what has happened to ma petite ? I pray I am not too