Lair of the Lion

his.
    "Your brother will understand it is best we wed promptly. His journey will be slow, as his escorts must travel at a speed safe for him." Nicolai brought her hand to his heart and pressed it to his chest.
    "Once we wed, Nicolai, you don't intend to send me away, do you?" Isabella dared to inquire, her expression shadowed.
    He risked Sarina's displeasure by holding Isabella close to him. His lips brushed her ear.
    "I should. You know I should. But if you are willing to risk your life, I am willing to risk my soul." Eternal damnation would be what he deserved if he ever turned on her.
    Sarina pretended not to notice the unwed couple cuddling as she examined the lacerations, spreading the salve she had made from a mixture of herbs.
    While the housekeeper worked, Nicolai held Isabella tightly, resting his head on top of hers. She could feel his heart beating. She could feel each wince. It felt right to be in his arms. It felt as if she belonged there. She closed her eyes, tired from her adventures and warm with his body heat.
    She jerked awake when Sarina made a clucking noise. "It is done. Say your good night, signorina. You are falling asleep where you stand."
    The don dropped a kiss in her hair. "Sleep well, Isabella. We will soon sort out everything to our satisfaction." His fingertips brushed down her cheek before he dropped his hand and moved back into the shadows.
    Sarina took Isabella's arm and dragged her out of the don's room the moment she had completed her work. "It may be best if you see Isabella only in my presence," the housekeeper recommended to her master in her most severe voice before firmly closing the door.

    Isabella laughed as Sarina hurried her down the stairs and through the halls to her own bedchamber. She should have been terrified at the prospect of staying at the palazzo, but she felt nearly giddy with joy. Sarina opened the door for her and waved her inside. "Go straight to bed, young lady, and this time, stay there! I believe you are becoming unhinged from all these intrigues with the don."
    "Grazie, Sarina, for helping Nicolai." Isabella leaned out of the room to kiss the housekeeper's lined cheek. "You are an amazing woman."
    Smiling, Sarina shook her head before turning the key in the lock.
    Isabella patted the door when she heard the key turn. Nicolai hadn't given her away.
    Sarina had no idea she could come and go at will.
    "Where have you been?" Francesca demanded petulantly. She bounced on the bed, kicked her feet idly, and fingered the coverlet in nervous agitation. "I waited hours to talk with you."
    Isabella whirled around. "I was hoping I'd see you. I finally know where the secret passage is!"
    Francesca grinned at her, a quick, forgiving smile that emphasized her beautiful features.
    "Have you been out exploring? They said you wouldn't, but I knew you would. I love being right."
    "Where are the interesting wails and rattling chains tonight? It seems rather quiet without them. I'm not even certain anyone will be able to go to sleep without their unique lullaby."
    Francesca laughed happily. "Lullaby! Isabella, that's wonderful. They love that. A lullaby!" She clapped her hands. "You don't mind, then? They thought you might be angry with them. They like to rattle and wail but not if it bothers you. I think it's good for them. It gives them something to do for fun and makes them feel important."
    "Well, then." Isabella turned in a circle in the middle of her bedchamber, her arms outstretched to embrace everything. "I rather like the music. Not all night, mind you, but for a little while. People—even spirits, I suppose—need something to keep them busy. I'm so happy, Francesca! Remember I told you about mio fratello, Lucca? He's on his way to the palazzo. He's traveling right now. You'll like him so much."
    "Will I?" Francesca looked up eagerly. "Is he young?"
    "A little older than I am, and very handsome. He's wonderful, Francesca." Isabella flashed a conspirator's grin. "He's not yet wed or promised."
    "Does he know how to dance?"
    Isabella nodded. "He knows how to do everything. And he tells the most marvelous stories."
    "I might like him, although most men annoy me. They think they can tell women what to do all the time."
    Isabella laughed as she dropped her robe on the chair. "I didn't say he wouldn't tell you what to do. He certainly told me all the time. But he's so much fun." She slipped into bed and pulled the quilts up to her chin, thankful to lie down. Her body