Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 109722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 549(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109722 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 549(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
Oria turned and saw that her husband was awake and looking at her. He threw the blanket off him and walked over to her. He didn’t say a word. He slipped his shirt off her, scooped her up, and carried her back to bed.
“When I get done making love to you, I promise you’ll sleep soundly,” he said and buried his face in the crook of her neck to tease her sensitive skin with endless nibbles.
She ran her fingers through his hair, taking hold of the sides of his head and tugged it away from her neck so she could look into his eyes. “Promise me that we’ll always love like this.”
“That’s an easy promise to keep, my love,” he said and his mouth came down on hers in a kiss filled with a passion that wouldn’t be sated swiftly.
Much later, their unrestrained passion leaving them spent and a light sweat covering their bodies, they fell into a sound slumber just as Royden had promised.
Chapter 21
“It’s as though I’m seeing spring burst in full bloom for the first time in years,” Oria said, riding her horse at an easy pace beside her husband. “The hills are greener, the trees fuller, the flowers more vibrant. You brought the beauty of the Highlands back to me.” A smile caught at her lips as she pointed. “Look, the white wind-flowers and the blue fairy flowers are in abundance.”
Royden looked where his wife pointed and took note of the dense green grass that sprouted around the flowers, then looked around at the towering trees, thick with leaves, and how the sun shined brightly touching everything with its warmth.
“Life blossoms everywhere,” Oria said with glee, her hand going to rest at her stomach.
Royden’s eye widened. “Are you—”
“It’s too soon to tell anything.” She laughed. “Though I’d say there’s a good chance with as much as we couple.”
“We’ll keep at it to make sure,” Royden said with a playful smile, though meant every word.
“That we will, husband,” Oria agreed.
“Are you all right with returning home?” he asked worried that seeing her clan with a new chieftain and mistress might upset her.
“It troubles me that my clan and land rightfully belongs to you, once we wed. I also feel for my clan since they were so pleased that one day you would lead them. I feel helpless that somehow I failed them.”
Royden regretted asking her, the joy that only moments ago shined across her face now gone. “You didn’t fail them. None of what happened is your fault. And I shall discuss with Trevor the release of at least some of your clan members who do not wish to stay with him.”
“While I appreciate that, do you think it wise to ask such a thing?” she asked.
“Strangers have confiscated our lands and made demands of us. It is time we begin to make demands on them and defend our people.”
“What if Trevor won’t release them?” Oria asked worry for all concerned churning her stomach.
“Then the people will know his true nature and loyalty will not come easy for him.”
“You are a wise leader,” Oria said, her smile returning and her stomach settling.
“I know you will help Wren tend those in need of her skills, but you will give me your word that if you feel threatened at all, or the least bit uncomfortable, you will come to me right away,” Royden said with a stern eye on his wife.
“You have lectured me on this since the invitation arrived yesterday and I have repeatedly given you my word. I will take no chance. You have no reason to worry,” she assured him.
If her repeated word hadn’t assuaged his worries, she didn’t know what would, though she did understand his concern. All had been going well the last week. Repairs to the village had continued, another stone hut was being built to store food, the fields were almost ready, and news of several women getting with child had spread joy through the village. Like the land blossomed so did the clan. So it was only natural that Royden worried about keeping everyone protected and safe.
Oria stretched her hand out to give her husband’s arm a reassuring squeeze. “No worries, husband. I will come to you posthaste if anything should upset me.”
“Then my worries are eased… a little,” he said, his dark eyes warning it better be so.
As soon as they entered the village, Oria was surrounded. So many crowded around her after she dismounted that Royden feared he wouldn’t be able to reach her if she needed him.
“Let her be!” Trevor shouted and the people hurried away from Oria. “Mistress Oria will visit with you later.”
Oria’s voice was as strong as Trevor’s. “It has been too long since I have seen them. I will visit with them now.” Oria fought to keep calm, after spotting bruises and unhealed wounds on some and hearing Trevor order her people away from her didn’t help. It angered her to the point that she wanted to lash out at the man, but she was wise enough to know that wouldn’t help the situation.