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)
Perplexed by the touch of intimacy, she stared at the closed door. If she gave thought to the time they spent together, she would see that he often reached out to touch her. And while his touch had at first been no more than a helping hand, it had slowly changed without her realizing it—until now.
His hand had often gone to her arm, guiding her along dark passageways. His arm would find her waist when stairwells became steep, and he would stand close beside her when looking over a map, his cheek brushing hers.
Was it on purpose?
Did he find her interesting?
Did he find her appealing?
He would not tend toward intimacy if he did not at least find her appealing.
Or did he favor a mere sexual romp?
Her thoughts were once again a whirlwind of questions, and she shook her head, growing tired of the endless barrage of doubts. She was grateful for the faint knock at her door, the intrusion helping to clear her mind.
“Enter,” she said and smiled when Brigid entered. Her grin grew wider when she saw that her friend held a tray filled with tarts and a pitcher of—she sniffed the air. “Old Margaret made her winter brew and you made your fruit tarts.” She rubbed her hands together in anticipation and cleared a small table to move in front of the hearth.
Brigid’s smile was generous. “Aye, I thought you could use both. You have been busy of late.”
She set the tray down while Reena pulled two chairs to the table. The fire snapped and crackled and provided a toasty warmth to the room. The two women sat and were soon enjoying the winter brew and the tarts.
“Your mother tells everyone that while she wishes you would visit with them more often, she knows how busy you are in the service of Lord Dunhurnal.” Brigid laughed lightly. “Your father once again tells his tales, though now they are about you. Your parents are proud of you.”
Reena’s smile was tender. “I am glad to hear this. I had worried so about them.”
“You worried about everyone except yourself.” Brigid did not accuse: she reminded.
A whimper caught their attention, and it grew louder as Reena walked to the door. She opened it, and Horace ran in, heading straight for the table.
Reena returned to her seat and gave the pup, who had grown considerably over the last few weeks, a generous piece of her tart.
“See,” Brigid said on a laugh. “You even put the pup before yourself.”
“Can you not see that he grows and needs the sustenance?” Reena laughed herself.
“Horace gets sustenance from everyone.”
“Food is plentiful.”
“Because of you,” Brigid reminded. “The villagers are grateful, though they remain fearful that Kilkern will have his retribution.”
“Magnus will see to Kilkern,” Reena said with confidence.
“Aye, I agree, but memories of last winter linger, and if by chance Kilkern gains control of this land, he will be harsh in his revenge.”
“How could he do that? Magnus’s strength far surpasses his.”
“Gossip has started that Kilkern will petition the king to return Dunhurnal land to him since it is rightfully his.”
“He but thinks he deserves it,” Reena said. “He has no right to the land, gossip says the king granted it to Magnus in return for his service and the king will see that it remains his. All will go well here.”
Brigid nodded. “I believe the same. The sadness in my heart grows less heavy each day, and with our move to Dunhurnal land, I now look forward to another day.”
“You will love again,” Reena assured her, but it wounded her heart to think that she might find that love with Magnus.
“I care not about finding another love right now. The pleasures of life are slowly returning to me and I wish to enjoy them.” She laughed. “It feels good to cook again and have the food appreciated.”
“Thomas?” Reena asked.
“Aye. He has been an enormous help to me and he is so kindhearted. I enjoy his visits. He is a good man and wants only friendship from me. I am at peace with my loss and that is good, and now I go on.”
“I am glad to hear this and I am happy for you. It has been too long since we have been happy, though Justin is certainly happy.”
Both women smiled wide and leaned closer to share gossip.
“He spends all his time with Maura,” Brigid said. “And she with him. They are inseparable.”
Reena added her own news. “They are always smiling when I see them, whether they are together or apart. I sometimes wish I had more time to spend with family and friends, but time is something I have little of, though I do not complain, and I doubt many understand my penchant for mapping or drawing.”
“No one comments—they accept you for who you are, and besides, they are grateful for your courage.”