The Duke and the Dryad (Elemental Series) by Elizabeth Rose

all thought her to be Lord Wolfe’s woman. But she was no one’s woman, and certainly not his. He hadn’t even spoken to her in three days, and it hurt her deeply to think he no longer wanted her the way he did the first night they’d met.
    She’d gone home every night to recharge her earthly energies, and slept amongst nature, filling her elemental needs. But her human needs were far from being satisfied and she yearned for the companionship of a man. For Lord Wolfe. But she knew after the pranks she’d pulled and the arguments they’d had, his defensive wall was raised and she wasn’t sure he’d ever lower it.
    “My lady, may I have this dance?”
    She turned her head to find Lord Wolfe, half-bowing and holding his hand out to her. She looked up to him but didn’t say anything. Then she spotted Juturna across the hall, motioning with her arms for her to get to her feet.
    “Rae?” he asked, his eyes now meeting hers. She could see the desperation in them, and knew if she refused him he’d probably never ask her again. She’d embarrassed him more than once now, and knew she could not do it again. Not tonight, nor would she.
    “Of course, my lord. ’Twould be my pleasure.” She took his hand in hers and got to her feet. He led her out to the floor in a grand show, and everyone’s eyes were on them.
    “I am not sure I know the dance of the court,” she whispered to him.
    “’Tis not hard. I can teach you.”
    Her heart beat quickly within her chest, and now she regretted accepting his invitation at all. The dance of the Fae was much different than what she’d been observing. ’Twas much more free-flowing, turning and swaying with the breeze and dancing on the ethers of the air around her. This dance looked calculated and precise. More stiff and not free-flowing at all.
    “Just follow my lead,” he told her, holding her hand in his and bowing slightly toward her. S he bowed as well, and he grinned. “Nay, you are a woman, so you curtsy.”
    “So sorry, my lord.” She eyed the other dancers and curtsied, hoping she would be able to keep up.
    He proceeded to twirl her and lead her across the floor. She felt so clumsy with each and every move. This was harder than it looked, tho Wolfe mastered it, making it seem so easy.
    He gallantly held his body erect, looking so handsome in his dark green hose and matching surcoat displaying his crest of a passant white wolf. She felt uncomfortable in the gown she now wore that was meant for a lady. At least it was brown like the earth, but ’twas very plain. She’d wanted to don her own gown, but Wolfe wouldn’t let her. Juturna had told her that Wolfe said she needed to look like the other ladies at the castle, and her gown was too exotic and ornate.
    Well, look like the others, she may. But to dance like them – she knew she’d never be able to blend in.
    His steps were direct and his footwork amazing, and his body quite lithe for such a hardened warrior. This truly left her in awe. She picked up the dance quickly, to her surprise, with the expert guidance of his hands gently facing her in the right directions.
    He looked especially handsome tonight, obviously having bathed and shaved, sporting fresh clothes. He even smelled good – like the outdoors with a hint of woodsmoke. His male essence called to her and she felt her resolv e crumbling quickly. The walls she’d built up against him seemed to be falling apart at his mere touch. She missed talking to him these past few days and wanted to get to know him better.
    Then he twirled her once again, gathering her in his arms with her back against his chest. She felt so safe and secure. She actually felt like the lord’s woman. Then the music stopped, but he didn’t let go. She turned to look up into his eyes and was frightened and also intrigued by the desire she saw within them. He was looking at her lips again and she knew if she didn’t stop him he was going to kiss her right there in front of