The next day brought even more snow. Eleta and Rafe were content to stay indoors, and they ventured downstairs around noon in search of food. While Eleta prepared them a cold collation of bread, meat, cheese, fruit and wine.
Rafe explored the main floor of the lodge. He was already familiar with the large front parlor and the kitchen, but there were several rooms he had not ventured into before. He found a study, lined with shelves of books.
It was obvious that the royal family liked to read and were well educated on all sorts of topics. There were books on history, geography, politics, religion, science and philosophy. There was a section of the classics, with volumes of poetry and works by Pliny the elder, Homer and Shakespeare. There was also a large collection of works of fiction, ranging from adventure to suspense to romance.
A large desk was framed at the back by large windows that shed an abundance of light over its surface. It was tidy and uncluttered. Either not much business was conducted at the lodge, which would make sense, or the papers were filed away in the drawers. Rafe refrained from snooping to find out. There was a huge, comfortable looking leather chair behind the desk, and several others spread around the room. It was a room where one could make oneself comfortable and read in peace for hours if desired.
Rafe wandered down the hall to the next room and stopped in surprise. He had not expected to find a music room in a remote lodge. There was a large, handsome harpsichord to one side of a cozy fireplace. Nearby, he saw a gleaming cello resting on a stand, along with a harp and several other smaller instruments. There were neat stacks of music on low shelves that ran along the wall. Weak wintery light filtered in from the large window. Several chairs were placed around the room, and he could imagine small gatherings of family and friends being entertained.
Rafe heard Eleta approaching, and he turned his head as she appeared in the doorway beside him. His gaze dropped to her audacious neckline and he suppressed a wolfish grin. Her dress was as daring as any courtesan might wear, and he knew she didn't intend to be wearing it for long. She was obviously trying to entice him to ravish her. He met her gaze with an innocent expression. He definitely intended to accept her offer, but he would make his naughty girl wait.
"Here you are," she breathed with a smile. "I almost didn't see you. I was about to look for you upstairs."
He accepted the proffered plate of lunch and drew her against his side, with an arm around her waist. "I was just looking around. Do you play?" he asked, gesturing toward the room with his plate.
"Yes. Why? Do you like music?"
"Very much so," he said with a grin. "Why don't we eat our lunch in here, and you can play for me?"
Eleta gave a smile and a shrug and preceded him into the room. Rafe built a fire to chase the chill from the room, and they sat together on a large rug as they ate. Eleta had purposely dressed for seduction, so she wasn't surprised that Rafe's eyes strayed frequently to her bosom.
Her dress was the most scandalous one she owned, and she had worn it in hopes that he wouldn't be able to keep his hands off her. It was sleeveless, leaving her shoulders and upper back exposed. The dress was so tightly fitted through the waist and upper bodice that it pressed her breasts up and together into an impressive display.
As if that weren't temptation enough, the neckline was designed with a plunging V in the center that extended to well below her breasts. The only thing that kept the two halves covering her breasts were small whalebone stays cleverly sewn into the silk fabric. Because the neckline plunged so deep, Eleta wore no corset or chemise under the gown.
The watered silk rubbed against her bare nipples, keeping them constantly hard. She longed for Rafe to reach inside her bodice and fondle her, and she leaned near, offering him multiple opportunities to do so. She wore a matching silk shawl to guard against the chill, but she frequently let it drop to her elbows as she tried to entice her lover.
However, for once, Rafe seemed distracted by their surroundings. He was secretly delighted by the sight of her charmingly displayed breasts. He could clearly see the outline of her hardened nipples, and he knew she was aroused. He was content to let her desire build, and he made no seductive advances during their meal. He fully intended to ravish her, but not until she was restless and needy. Letting the anticipation build only increased the pleasure. Besides, he loved music and wanted to hear her play for him.
While Eleta was disappointed that Rafe seemed immune to her gown, the idea that he might love music as much as she did was intriguing. Music had always been a balm to her spirit, bringing her joy and peace of mind when she was troubled. Once their lunch was finished, Eleta rose and set their dishes on a small table near the door. She removed the shawl that she hadn't really been using anyway and tossed it aside.
"Alright, my wolf," she said with a grin, "what would you like to hear?"
"Surprise me," Rafe replied, with an answering smile.
He stretched out on the rug and watched eagerly while she lit several candles close to the harpsichord. She sat gracefully on the stool, adjusted her skirts and stretched her fingers. She chose a piece of music and spread the pages where she could see them. Then, after a brief smile at him, she began to play.
Rafe's breath caught in his chest as he watched her. Her fingers were slender and elegant, and they floated lightly and nimbly across the keys. The song she played was soft and romantic, and the pace and phrasing of her playing made the piece even more poignant. Rafe swallowed against a lump in his throat. He had always loved music, but seeing her... his love...playing with such obvious passion and talent warmed his heart. When she finished, he applauded heartily.
Eleta blushed with pleasure. "You are too kind," she said with a soft smile.
"No, you are too modest. Now, play more please."
Eleta obliged happily. She played several more pieces, content to do his bidding. The songs she played varied from passionate to playful, and Rafe thoroughly enjoyed her performance. Finally, she tired, and she rose with a sigh. She smiled at Rafe and curtsied to acknowledge his applause.
"Brava!" he called with a grin.
Eleta sank down beside him and gave him a brief kiss. "I'm glad you enjoyed hearing me play," she murmured.
"Do you play any other instruments?"
"I play the harp fairly well, and I play the violin, although I wouldn't say I am truly proficient with that instrument. I love to play it, but I can never make it sound just right."
Wolf smiled up at her. "I suspect you are being overly modest again, little one. I look forward to hearing you play the other instruments too."
Eleta nodded her willingness. "I promise I will play them for you, but not now. What about you? Do you play any instruments?"
Rafe shrugged but nodded. "I play a bit," he said as he rose.
