Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
“You want the door unsealed,” she said, and the torch suddenly blew out.
She had not expected a response, but she got one.
That was enough for one night for Flora and she eased herself along the wall to help safely guide her in the dark and down along the stairs, her heart pounding madly and her feet icy from the cold stones, to get to the next floor where a torch would light her way.
With relief she made it to her bedchamber when she heard footfalls pounding in a rush up the stairs. Was it her husband? Dare she call out? What if it wasn’t? What if someone had gotten in the keep and meant her harm?
She hurried into the room and hid behind the door, the dagger tight in her hand. The pounding footfalls drew closer and closer. When they approached the door to rush in, she raised the dagger ready to strike.
Her wrist was grabbed and her back slammed against a hard chest.
“Let a man get a dagger from you, and you are doomed, wife,” Torin scolded. “He yanked the dagger from her hand and tossed it aside. “Now you are mine to do with whatever I please.”
Flora understood he was letting her know what could happen if she failed to use the dagger correctly, but she wanted him to know that dagger or not…
“You are the only man who I will ever allow to touch me intimately,” Flora said.
“Situations can prove otherwise,” he said, turning her to face him. “By now you would have the dagger plunged in your chest or your throat sliced, that is if he didn’t decide to force himself on you first.”
“Then tell me what I did wrong, so if I find myself in a similar situation, I know what to do.”
Torin moved her to stand behind the door, though closer to the front edge of the door. “You stay still, not a sound or a movement, and wait for the culprit to pass the door, his back to you. Then you do not hesitate, you jam the dagger into his back with as much force as you can, then run. Do not hesitate. Run as fast as you can since the wound may not disable him. The situation will depend on whether you find help or hide. Whatever you do, you stay alive until I can reach you. Be brave but do not be foolish.”
Flora had listened to his every word intently as her eyes remained fixed on his face. She loved his fine features, but tonight there was a harshness to them and a strength she had seen once before, and the memory startled her.
She grabbed his arm. “You were attacked?”
“How did you know?”
“Your face holds a harshness I have seen only one other time—when we were attacked on the way here and you raised your sword in battle.” She began to pat his arms and chest fearful he had suffered a wound. “You were not harmed, were you? Others as well? Kinnell? He is unharmed?”
“All is well, wife,” he assured her, taking her into his arms. “It was a ruse that met with failure. The troop was meant to be delayed so two men could sneak onto the isle and enter unnoticed.”
“They were caught?” she asked excited. “They can provide much information.”
“Unfortunately, they drowned in the loch. The guards heard cries for help but could not reach them on time. Besides, the water is far too cold this time of year for anyone to take such a foolish chance.”
Flora wrapped her arms around her husband and planted herself tight against him in a hug. “I am glad you are safe.”
Torin closed his arms around her tight as well, relishing the feel of her tucked safe against him. His relief had been great when he discovered what had happened to the two men. But to be cautious, he had ordered more sentinels and a search of the isle at dawn to make certain no other men had been successful in reaching the isle, though certain they would have met the same end as the two dead men. Then he had hurried here, eager to see his wife and know she was safe.
Flora raised her head and Torin wasted no time in kissing her. It was strange that he had yet to be intimate with his wife and yet he felt as if he knew her intimately. But it was time, time for them to finally seal their vows and truly become husband and wife.
Flora stared at him when their kiss ended, looking a bit puzzled.
“Something wrong?” Torin asked, wondering over her confused look.
“I believe I have fallen in love with you,” she said even more puzzled. “My mum talked with me about it, though warned that love was not easily explained or understood. To her, it was one of life’s great mysteries and feeling what I do now and not understanding it, I finally understand what she meant. Though it truly is difficult to make sense of it, and yet it is the most wonderful feeling—”