Page 32 of The Irresistible Warrior
Declan glanced toward the hearth where the cleric stood, his robe hanging uneven over his body and his hair unkempt. His eyes, however, were bright and clear, far too clear for a man who had matched Hamish cup for cup the night before.
“A blessed morning to you, sir,” the cleric greeted, his voice warm and pleasant, almost overly so. “And my lady. A fine morning to you both. I trust the night was… everything it should be for a night of consummation.”
Declan wanted this done and the cleric sent on his way. He had a servant pass the bridal sheet to him for inspection.
The cleric gave it a quick, approving nod. “Excellent. No room for doubt now. Your vows are solidly sealed.” He stepped forward with an easy smile and extended his hand to Declan. “You have my thanks for your hospitality.”
Declan took it. The grip was surprisingly firm for a cleric, but he met it with strength, the cleric lingering in it as if to prove his own worth.
“May your days be… memorable,” the cleric said, giving a shallow bow. Then, without offering another word, he turned and left, the door closing hard behind him as if the keep itself was pleased he was gone.
Aura watched the door a moment longer. “He’s far more jovial today than yesterday.”
“And eager to leave, yet he offered no parting blessing,” Declan said, his brow narrowing.
Hamish groaned. “He’s a strange man, though he can hold his drink. Now close the shutters before the light kills me.”
“The shutters are closed, Hamish,” Declan said. “You are no use to me hung over so badly. Go home to Freyda and let her fix you a concoction that will ease your misery.”
Hamish stood slowly. “First, all wonder if the marriage has worked a miracle.”
“Miracle?” Declan asked, then realized what Hamish was referring to. “Only one way to find out.” He looked around at the female servants. “Will anyone volunteer to see if my marriage has ended my curse?”
Mira stepped forward.
“Brave lass,” Hamish said.
“I appreciate your courage,” Declan said. “You will be rewarded either way, Mira.”
She smiled, tilted her chin up, and bravely stepped toward Declan.
Mira didn’t fall.
“Closer,” Declan said.
Mira didn’t hesitate, she stepped right in front of him, barely a hand’s length between them.
She smiled, remaining on her feet.
The few in the hall cheered.
Hamish held his head. “We’ll be celebrating more than just a wedding.”
Another cheer rang out and Hamish turned and slowly headed to the door.
The servants scattered, eager to spread the news that the marriage had ended the curse.
Declan started toward Aura when he tripped and stumbled, righting himself quickly.
Aura’s brow arched. “Are you all right?”
“Aye,” he muttered, glancing at the floor to see what he had tripped on, but there was nothing there. “Clumsy start to the morning. It looks like the marriage took care of the curse.”
“Or was it love?” she asked with a soft smile. “It is, after all, far more potent than exchanging meaningless words.”
“Then the curse will worry us no more since I intend to love you for the rest of our days.”
Aura pinched her leg under the table to make sure it wasn’t a dream that she was not just wed but wed to a man who loved her. Something she had never even dreamed of happening.
