Page 57 of The Guardian's Witch

“Of course, Mother.”

He sounded different with his mother. She thought about their interaction and saw the family relationships. Here was a man who had commanded legions, gone off to war, killed men, and was now married, and yet, with the tender look and gentle prodding of his mother and the familiar camaraderie of his brothers he took on a boyish nature. He didn’t appear to resent it. She found it curious and appealing.

They said their good nights. Alex offered Lisbeth his arm and escorted her to their room.

Alice was there ready to help her change into her nightdress.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He left and closed the door behind him.

“Everyone is excited for you, m’lady. How proud your mother and father would be, and the king visiting too.”

She looked about the room as Alice helped her into her nightclothes and brushed out her hair. The bed’s oversized platform was covered with a soft sheepskin. Her mind wandered to times when she and Laura would sit on the platform with their mother, resting their backs against the large bed, and talk for hours. The warmth of the fire kept them cozy.

Alex’s things were not apparent. She guessed he kept his personal items stowed away. She thought it probably the habit of a soldier who had to move at a moment’s notice.

“There, m’lady.” Alice tied the ribbon at the top of Lisbeth’s sheer nightdress in a bow. She straightened the linen on the turned-down bed. “Will there be anything else?”

“No, thank you, Alice.”

No sooner had Alice let herself out than there was a gentle tap on the door and it opened. Alex came in with a pitcher and two wine goblets.

His glance slid rapidly over her body and found her eyes.

There was a maddening hint of arrogance about him but something in his manner soothed her. Her heart jolted and her pulse raced. She was afraid to breathe. Maybe there was love, if only on one side of the relationship.

Chapter Fifteen

“The evening was very successful. We will fare well with His Majesty.” He placed the wine on the bed stand. He went over to the chest, removed his tunic, and opened his shirt. He sensed her eyes on his back and knew she stood fixed to the spot. He left his shirt on, at least for the moment.

“Yes, we will do well.”

He thought her voice was matter-of-fact, without emotion. Well, at least she wasn’t panicked. “Here, let’s sit and have our wine.” He reached out for her hand and led her to the edge of the platform. They sat on the step. He retrieved the pitcher, filled the goblets, and handed one to her. “A toast. To the king’s visit.” He sipped his wine and watched her over the rim. He held up his goblet again. “To my bride.” He watched her reaction carefully. She took another sip. Relief swept through him. She hadn’t tossed the wine at him. He took that as another good sign.

He relaxed and eased his back against the bed. With a gentle hand he pulled her back to rest on his shoulder. He sat and waited and drank his wine. He had all the time in the world for her to feel comfortable with him.

His body responded even though she hadn’t said or done anything more than snuggle.

“Alex, why would the king force you to marry me?”

“I’ve asked myself the same question. I know Edward well. His marriage to Eleanor was arranged but he, unlike many men in power, has stayed true to her in every way. She traveled with him on his campaign to Wales, and even gave birth to their son not far from the battlefield.” Alex chuckled. “I remember him pacing outside, cursing himself for letting her attend him in the field. It wasn’t until he heard the healthy cry of the babe that he finally collapsed on a bench. When they carried out young Edward, he took the child into his arms and ran to his wife. The two are very much for one another.” Alex faced Lisbeth.

“Mother thought they loved each other. Perhaps he wants to tie you to Glen Kirk.”

Although he thought the love story would appeal to her, he was caught off guard by her insight. He too knew there could be more behind the king’s actions. “There is a third alternative.” He finally found his voice. “Perhaps he wants to keep us both tied to the land and to each other.”

“Perhaps.” Lisbeth yawned.

He scooped her up into his arms. Her hand pressed gently against his chest. Surely she felt his heart’s quickening beat. He stood by the bed, content for the moment to hold her. She laid her head on his shoulder. Her warm breath bathed his neck. Her soft lips planted kisses along his jaw. He steeled himself to maintain control. Faith. She didn’t realize what she was doing to him.

* * *

Lisbeth kissed him under his ear. A quick glance was all she needed. His eyes, filled with tenderness and passion, met hers and a silent message passed between them. She bit her lower lip and shivered with anticipation.

He held her closer. “Are you chilled?” His voice, deep and raspy, sent ripples down her spine.

She nodded, unable to speak.

“I’ll warm you,” he whispered in her ear.

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