Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 99325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
He smiled. “For it could mean you are falling in love with me.”
Chapter 19
Reena was lost in her thoughts as she and Brigid sat at a table before the hearth in the great hall, a roaring fire keeping them warm. It was late afternoon, and Reena had not seen Magnus since early morning, when he’d left the keep to scout his borders with a troop of men.
His words from the night before echoed in her mind.
Could mean you are falling in love with me.
She had been considering the possibility since last night, the exciting and frightening prospect having haunted her before Magnus had made mention of it. Could it be true? Could she actually be falling in love with the Legend? But did he feel the same toward her? Was love nipping persistently at his heels?
Brigid sighed and sat in silence beside her friend, her hands hugging the goblet of hot cider in front of her, though she had not taken a sip, nor had she touched the small cakes on the platter in front of her.
Reena sensed something troubled her friend. She waited, but she remained silent. She raised her goblet and finished the last of her cider. When she reached for a small cake from the platter, Horace immediately raised his head from where he lay curled by her feet. He yawned, stretched and sat up to stare directly at her.
He had grown considerably in the last few months and would grow even more before the season’s end. He was already a good size, with large paws, a body to match, a big head, and loveable eyes and droopy ears. And he had grown more attentive and protective than anyone expected.
Reena, as was her way with him, gave him half of her cake. He took it and, satisfied with the one bite, returned to snuggle at her feet.
Brigid finally broke her silence. “He is a good dog.”
Reena shook her head and looked at her friend. “Are you going to tell me what troubles you? I have been waiting patiently since we sat down.”
Brigid sighed. “You know me too well.”
“It is plain on your face for anyone to see.”
“No one looks as closely as you do.”
“More fools them.” Reena reached out and placed a gentle hand on her friend’s arm. “Tell me.”
Brigid looked around the great hall. Servants scurried about in preparation for the evening meal several hours away, while the Legend’s warriors wandered in and out to talk and drink. Those guarding the posts ate when time allowed. With the constant activity, there was little privacy.
“We could go to my bedchamber,” Reena suggested, realizing the reason for Brigid’s hesitation.
“Why not the tower room?” Brigid asked, and a slow smile warmed her face.
Reena had to agree. Brigid had worked hard to convert the empty, cold room into one of warmth and welcome. Magnus had even been stunned when he had first seen the results of Brigid’s efforts. The task had served her well, for it had kept her busy, leaving little time to think of Kilkern. Thomas had remained a constant at her side and had helped her with the work in the room.
Together, along with Horace, Reena and Brigid climbed the stairs to the tower room and settled in the comfortable wooden chairs with plush dark green velvet seats that were grouped in front of the small fireplace. Wooden chests, a table and chairs, tapestries covering the walls and windows to help block the cold, and a plethora of candles had turned the barren room into a comfortable sanctuary.
“Tell me,” Reena urged, eager to help set her friend’s mind at ease.
Horace gave one loud bark, then settled himself in front of the hearth, his attention on Brigid as though he waited to hear her words as well.
Brigid laughed and rubbed his head, then turned her glance on Reena. “I loved my husband very much.”
“Everyone knows that.”
Brigid rubbed her hands together in worry. “I thought with a love that strong I could never possibly love another.”
Reena suddenly realized what troubled Brigid. She remained silent, allowing her to voice her concerns.
“John invaded my every waking thought and often my sleep as well. I could think of nothing but him, the love we shared, the plans we had made, the children that I would never have, but recently—” She stopped and shook her head, tears beginning to fall from her eyes. “I have not thought of him; I think of another.”
“This is good,” Reena said, leaning forward to comfort and encourage her friend with a squeeze of her arm.
“Nay,” Brigid snapped. “How could it be good? If I truly loved my husband, how could I so soon love another?”
“Do you not see,” Reena said. “It is because you loved John so strongly that you can love another. You learned what true love really is and would not dare settle for anything less. You know it and feel it in your heart. John had a good, loving soul as you do, and two loving souls cannot help but love deeply. Thomas has a good, loving soul, and that is why you have fallen in love with him.”