Page 52 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
Rhuad frowned at Raeb.“I do not need advice from you.Please assist Dougal to escort my mother and sister within.”Then he smiled at Seona.“Wife, what is your preference now?”
“I would like to walk into my home and sit by the fire while our cooks prepare a feast.That pap the healer ordered you to feed me as we traveled has me craving an entire side of venison.”
Rhuad held out his arm for her.
She placed her hand on his forearm and together they passed through the open doors to the great hall.
Eibhlin stood wringing her hands beside the cushioned bench where Seona chose to sit with Rhuad beside her.
“Lady MacFearann, I am so sorry.I did not warn you of any danger because I was not aware.If you wish to dismiss me...”
Seona held up a hand to halt the apologies.“Nothing is farther from my thoughts.I wish you will remain in my service as my personal maid.My husband has told me that were it not for you, he may have delayed his departure to Baile Iasg.Had he done so, I might not have survived.”
She exaggerated some but wanted the maid to feel no remorse.
“Oh, that is wonderful.Thank you, my lady.”Eibhlin curtsied.“Can I bring you a blanket, more cushions?”
“Nay, thank you,” Seona looked dreamily at Rhuad but could not decipher his expression.“I am warm enough.”
How can I make him understand that my feelings about our handfasting have changed?Can I persuade him somehow that we should make a true and permanent marriage?How can I do that without pressuring him?The last thing I want is for my beloved to feel forced.I’d rather live a lonely life without him than force him to something he doesn’t want.
“Perhaps you could bring us some of the alewife’s delicious brew.Travel is thirsty work,” she said, still studying her husband’s face.
“Immediately,” Eibhlin said, “I’ll return with tankards and an ale crock before you know I’ve gone.”
Rhuad smiled at the young woman.“Do not hurry too fast, and perhaps you could prepare my lady’s chamber, so it is ready when she wishes to retire.Would that please you wife?”
“It would husband.”
They watched Eibhlin leave and were finally alone.
Seona leaned toward Rhuad’s ear.“I would be even more pleased if you might join me in my bed this night,” she whispered.
“Are you sure?”His quiet voice shook.
“Only if the idea pleases you.”
“Nothing would please me more.”He shifted to look at her then leaned in to place his lips on hers.“What about your wounds?”
“I think they are well on the way to being completely healed, and your touch could speed the process.”Seona snaked one hand around his neck and opened her mouth to his.
“Mmmmm.”Pleasure hummed through her.
Rhuad took her free hand and placed it on his chest.
His heart beat strong and steady as he embraced her and deepened the kiss.
The castle faded away, and she drifted on a rising tide of desire.
“Ahem.”
They ended the kiss but remained locked in their embrace.Seona wanted to do nothing but gaze into Rhuad’s loving eyes.
“I beg your pardon.”
The voice belonged to her brother.Why was he bothering them?She cast him an impatient glance.“What do you want?”
“I must speak with Laird MacFearann.”
