Page 42 of The Irresistible Warrior
“You have my heartfelt thanks,” Aura said.
“Sit and have some cider. You look worn out,” Freyda said, “but it is no wonder with all that has gone on.”
Aura sat, grateful for a peaceful moment and a friend who understood yet asked no questions.
A short time later Declan entered with Hamish at his side.
Hamish’s gaze found his wife, and he gave her the quickest of nods, just enough to let her know he understood what she intended to do.
Freyda rose and walked straight to Declan. “My lord,” she greeted warmly, pulling a small pouch from her healing sack as she continued walking toward him. She didn’t stop until she was close enough to hand him the pouch. “The mixture you favor for your drink.”
Nothing happened. Declan stood steady, meeting her gaze without so much as a shift in his stance.
“My appreciation, Freyda,” Declan said, though his gratitude wasn’t for the pouch.
Relief loosened the tight band in Aura’s chest. But Declan’s jaw tightened, his eyes darkening.
“Seems that answers it,” Hamish whispered.
Declan’s voice was low and edged with frustration. “Only a small part, there are far more things needed to be learned.”
His gaze found Aura across the room, and though he said nothing more, she saw the truth in his eyes. He could stand inches from another woman without faltering, but not from her. And the knowledge burned in him like a searing brand.
CHAPTER 19
Evening shadows clung to the corners of the Great Hall, the last of the supper dishes cleared away. Declan and Aura had done their best to keep a careful distance all through the meal, moving with a strange awareness of one another that no one else seemed to notice.
Declan was at a safe distance, speaking quietly with Hamish when Cleric William approached the dais where Aura lingered. His expression was polite, but there was caution in his eyes that set her on guard.
“My lady,” he began, folding his hands before him, “what I witnessed earlier… it could bring danger to your door. More danger than you may realize.”
She kept a pleasant expression. “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Perhaps. But appearances carry as much weight as truth. If you value your place here, take your marriage vows seriously. Serve your husband as a wife should and rid yourself of any thoughts of… other pursuits. Leave the knowledge of plants and such things to those who will not be suspected for it.”
“I cannot forsake gaining knowledge that helps others and that I find such enjoyment in,” she said firmly.
A shadow passed over William’s face. “Pride is not a virtue before God.”
“Pride in my wife is something I will not apologize for.”
Aura turned to see Declan standing at enough of a distance from her so he would not fall, his gaze hard, his voice carrying to every corner of the hall.
“Her knowledge has healed more than your prayers have reached, and I’ll see that she continues what brings her joy and helps others.”
William’s mouth pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing more, stepping back with a stiff nod.
Aura exhaled slowly. “If you’ll excuse me,” she said, inclining her head. “It’s been a long day.” She left the hall without looking back, heading for their bedchamber.
Declan left Hamish to settle William for the night and followed a short time later, closing the door behind him when he entered their bedchamber.
She sat on the edge of the bed, her dark hair unbound, the lamplight glinting in the loose waves. He got the sudden urge to run his fingers through her hair, grip the back of her head and plant a kiss on her lips she would not soon forget. And the thought that he could not do that fired his blood.
“Cleric William is right about one thing,” Declan said, trying to keep his anger at bay. “This will only grow worse if we don’t end it. And there’s only one person who can confirm we deal with a warlock…”
“The witch,” she said quietly.
He gave a sharp nod, frustration tightening his features. “I can’t touch you, Aura. I can’t kiss you. I can’t hold you without feeling my legs go weak. I’ve fought battles with better odds than this.”
