Maric had come in and placed the two swords on the end of the table but Nimue had already washed there so she just smiled fondly at him as she continued with cleaning. He told her of the horse, Susan’s appearance and his smile seemed warmer tonight. Perhaps, she thought, just speaking of his squire brought him joy. Nimue’s heart filled up with love at the man she was sharing her life with, if not her body.<br/><br/>When he came to stand behind her, pressing light kisses on her neck, Nimue leaned back against him, closing her eyes. He often pulled her close and nuzzled her. Goosebumps always covered her arms and legs when he did this, softly blowing his breath on her skin. She had grown accustomed to his affection without the overriding need to couple. This was a new experience for Nimmie. Sometimes she ached to join with him and gritted her teeth in frustration but there was something sweet about his loving actions.<br/><br/>Maric pulled her back against him with strong hands and Nimue realized he wasn’t so immune to the desires of the flesh as she had thought he was. His hands cupped her breasts and her body responded. Turning in his arms, she kissed him fully, prepared to give herself to him on this kitchen table. His kisses were hot against her throat and chest. He moved the gown’s neck aside to pull one of her white breasts loose for his pleasure. That movement set Nimue off balance.<br/><br/>She fell back on the table, her hand knocking the wooden swords to the floor. With her other hand, she held off Maric . Her words were panted out,<br/><br/>“Wait. Maric. Wait.”<br/><br/>His look of hooded passion was marred by the look of frustration at her command.<br/><br/>“I love you and want you to take me, to make me yours, to join our flesh. I desire to cry out your name and to rake my nails down your back, but..”<br/><br/>He dipped his head and went back to work worshipping her body with his,<br/><br/>“But wait!” she said again, pushing against him a little harder.<br/><br/>“You have said over and over that your honor forbad you from taking a woman  who is not your wife to your bed. You have said this is important to your vows. Your honor is who you are, Maric. When you gave me this sword, “ she gestured toward the floor,” your honor became mine. I cannot allow you to disavow yourself with me. Find a priest or have the Lady bind us together. Do it soon, for I burn for you, but my love, not now, not like this,for it would break your vow. I love you but want only the honor you so claim.”