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kind but brisk. “First, I wasn’t in love with Lukas. I liked him well enough, and I would have married him to fulfill the terms of the treaty, but there were never any tender feelings between us.”
    That earned her a narrowed look. “You didn’t love him?”
    “No.”
    “Why not?”
    “I beg your pardon?”
    He shook his head, thick brows coming down. “All the girls in Mons were mad for Lukas. He could charm the very birds from the trees. I’d assumed you were in love with him as well.”
    “No.” Lukas had been charming and handsome, yes, but there was a streak of something unpleasant in him, a childish impatience that had grated on her. “I’m sure that we would have formed an affection for each other over time. But as it stood, no, I didn’t love him.”
    “Oh.” Matthias sat up as well, running fingers through his hair. “I’d thought—well, I’d thought that you must have been disappointed. Having to marry me instead of him.”
    Danaë heart warmed at his abashed admission. Most noblemen she knew who had taken younger wives were delighted with their good fortune and thought themselves the cock of the walk. “That’s not the case at all,” she said. “I wasn’t upset at all when I found out I was to marry you. You’re a wise ruler and a good man.” She allowed herself a smile. “And you’re very handsome, of course.”
    He ducked his head at that. “I’m an old soldier with greying hair and scars,” he murmured.
    “All true. But you’re still a handsome man, and one I desire.” She gave him a languorous look. “As I believe you discovered.”
    “Ah. Yes, true.” Wariness tangled now with hope as he considered her. “You want me, then?”
    She wanted to smother him with kisses until that self-doubt melted away. “I do. But not for a brief tumble, and not for one night. If I’m to be married to you, I would like you to make love to me every night while we’re together.” Sliding back down, she let the coverlet slip from her breasts, giving him her best ingenuous smile. “Unless you’re not interested.”
    “Gods.” His eyes darkened as he stared at her breasts. “You’re not what I expected, Danaë.”
    “So I gathered. You’re different as well. And I’m very pleased with that.” She reached out and tugged at a curl of his chest hair. “So, shall we try this again?”
    “I think we should.” He held up the taper. “With the light or without?”
    “With, if it’s all the same to you. I want to enjoy the sight of my new husband.”
    “I suspect I’m the one who will be doing the bulk of the enjoying, but as you wish.” Matthias put the candle back on the side table. He was now cast in shadow, but Danaë could still see him well enough. He slid down until he was on his side facing her. “I’m afraid I’m out of practice with bedroom matters. What would you like to do now?”
    She thought. He hadn’t kissed her yet, at least not above the collarbones. “I’d like a proper kiss. The one you gave me after the ceremony may have been acceptable for public consumption, but I hope it’s not how you kiss in private.”
    “It isn’t.” He moved closer, stroking her shoulder with a finger. “And my apologies for that. I suspect I’ll be apologizing for much of what happened this day.”
    “No apologies are needed if you kiss me.”
    He did, a sweet brush of lips that made her mouth tingle with anticipation. The next kiss caught her lower lip between his. He sucked gently on the plump flesh, letting it slide free with a soft pop. Their faces were too close to see him smile, but she could feel it somehow. 
    “You have honey in your kisses, Danaë,” he murmured.
    “Only for you, Matthias.”
    “Flatterer.”
    She dimpled. “Kiss me again and find out.”
    This time his kiss was stronger, hungrier. She responded with an equal need, cupping his cheeks and immersing herself in the intoxicating taste of Matthias’s mouth. He tasted of wine and the roast from