Page 45 of The Irresistible Warrior
“How? She appears when it pleases her.”
“I know an incantation that might help summon her, though I have been warned against using it. But we must take the chance.”
“If it may bring you harm, I won’t have you take the chance,” he insisted.
“You would rather keep things as they are?”
He mumbled several oaths.
“You would do anything to end this madness and so will I.”
“Aye, I cannot abide keeping a distance from you,” he said, his heart already aching that she would not share his bed tonight.
“And I you. Get some sleep and we will tackle this in the morning, together,” she said, and feeling tears swelling in her eyes, she hurried to the door, calling out as she did, “I love you, Declan.”
“Aura!” he cried out, stopping her abruptly. “Look at me.”
She turned slowly, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Bloody hell,” he said, standing, his hands clenched at his sides, his heart aching, and his anger simmering.
“Stay where you, Declan, please,” she pleaded.
“I have never seen you shed tears and the first time that you do, I cannot even hold you and comfort you.” He released an angry growl, then shook his head and calmly but firmly said, “I love you with all my heart, Aura, and I promise I will make this up to you.”
“Nay, there is no need to. You have given me everything I need… your love.” She rushed from the room, her tears growing heavy.
Declan rushed to the door, calling after her. “Forever. I will love you forever.”
CHAPTER 20
The Great Hall was quieter than usual for the morning hour. The clatter of wooden bowls and the murmur of the few lingering villagers drifted in from the far end, but most kept their distance from where Aura sat near the hearth speaking with Freyda.
Aura’s eyes felt heavy from the restless night in the spare bedchamber, her thoughts on her husband and what they had shared even with him unable to move and the pain of leaving his side afterwards. She missed sleeping cuddled against him, and the way he would wake her with tender caresses and a kiss. She didn’t want to lose that. She didn’t want to lose him.
Today, they would go into the woods and try to summon the witch with an incantation she knew. Her concern was which witch she would summon.
Freyda leaned closer to whisper, “You should know that William speaks against you.”
“I expected it when he warned me to be a good wife and serve my husband not my interest in plants.”
“He continues to accuse you of placing a curse on Declan. He tells the villagers to watch and see how your husband cannot go near you. He warns others to be careful that you might do thesame to other men, so their wives should be wary.” Her tone was sharp with disapproval, though not at Aura. “It’s poison in the air, Aura. The kind that spreads fast.”
Before Aura could respond, the door to the hall opened and Declan strode in, his expression like a thundercloud. His gaze swept the room and found her at once. They had yet to speak to each other this morning, keeping their distance so they didn’t feed the gossip, though that was gossip enough since they were usually together.
He crossed the hall in quick, sure strides, pausing only to speak to Hamish in a low tone. Moments later, Hamish hurried out of the hall to return with William in tow.
The cleric stopped before the dais where Declan sat, a pious tone to his voice. “You wished to see me, my lord?”
“I did,” Declan said, his voice hard. “You will take your leave today.”
William’s brows lifted. “For what cause? For speaking the truth? The people have a right to protect themselves.”
“The truth?” Declan stepped closer, his voice strong and firm. “You spread fear like a sickness, casting suspicion on my wife without proof or cause. That ends now.”
William clasped his hands before him. “If my words are false, why does the curse cling to you still? Why can you not go near her?”
“That is no concern of yours,” Declan shot back. “But hear me… there is no witchcraft in my wife. And if you cannot accept that, then you have no place among my people.”
