The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 127
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“No, that will not be necessary Caleb. Tulla and I know exactly how I like my things arranged,” Laurel answered back, with a smug smile.
“And you and Tulla could show the maids in the morning so they would know as well,” Caleb countered back, as the others who stood around them, simply grinned at each other, watching the game of wills unfold.
“But I will be showing the girls where they are sleeping and this is something I wished to do now. We will only be a short while,” Laurel said with a slight pout, putting her hands on Caleb’s chest.
Aiden snickered at Caleb’s expression to Laurel’s pout, as Caleb glanced over and smirked at him. Caleb leaned down and kissed Laurel’s forehead. Whispering something in her ear which caused her to blush and smile impishly at him, she took Marina and Tulla’s hands as Eavan looked over at Cahir smiling. Laurel then led them all towards the staircase.
“She does this to him quite often,” Aiden remarked, as all in the group laughed, King Fergus gave Caleb a hearty pat on the back.
“What did you say to Laurel to make her give you that cheeky smile?” Cahir asked, with a wicked grin.
“I cannot say in front of her Father,” Caleb replied back with a sly smile, as Fergus looked over at him with a wry face.
A few moments later Imagin and Bebhim walked past them heading in the direction of the stairs as well.
“Imagin, Bebhim. Mind what I told you outside,” Caleb spoke up in a stern voice.
Both girls stopped walking, looking at Caleb with an injured sulk.
“We will,” Imagin replied back with a defensive whine, then both turned and resumed their way upstairs to Laurel’s room.
“What did you threaten the girls with, to make them give you those pathetic looks,” King Fergus asked chuckling.
“I told them if they mentioned anything to Laurel about her surprise in the garden I would make them go home after the wedding and miss the wedding feast,” Caleb answered quite decisively.
“I told them Eavan and I would have no issue having them stay at our house until the festivities were over. So they would, most assuredly, miss all the fun as it would be very easy for Caleb and I to bring them there,” Cahir replied, with a light laugh.
“Believe me Cahir, Imagin takes you both very seriously. She will not say a word,” Owain mentioned, laughing as well.
“So Caleb, what exactly is this surprise you have planned, and in the garden no less?” King Garron asked, with a very curious look on his face.
“No need for explanations Garron. Alana and I will give you and Ellos a tour,” King Fergus proposed, patting Garron’s back and leading him to their wives, completely ignoring Caleb’s groans.
“I wish to know how all the work and planning, of making my sweet girl a lovely surprise for our wedding night, became part of a tour,” Caleb expressed irately, as everyone laughed at his frustration.
The evening ended soon after, everyone saying their goodnights and wishing the happy couple congratulations once again. The family members and Mistress Gavenia, who spoke with Master Elphin almost exclusively all evening, were shown to their rooms. Owain and Imagin once again spent the night, as Imagin stayed in the guest room with the children, reading stories to them, until they all fell asleep. Lady Ellos smiled with happiness, at seeing her younger children asleep in the large plush bed, snuggled up to Imagin still holding the book in her hand.
As she joined King Garron in their room, she found him smiling at her lovingly from the bed. She returned his smile as he took her in his arms and sighed with deep contentment.
“It does my heart good to see Laurel so familiar and comfortable in her new home Ellos. You should have seen her stand up to Caleb this evening. It was most delightful to watch her wrap him around her finger, with just a little flirtatious pout. Yes, I feel much relieved,” King Garron said, with a smug laugh.
“You have to admit Garron, she was only able to because he is obviously quite enchanted with her. I am sure there will be times Laurel’s charms may not always have the desired effect on her Prince. But that is something they will figure out together. The wonderful thing is, that they do indeed love each other, it is most apparent,” Ellos stated with a lovely smile, as Garron smiled back at her softly stroking her hair.
“Thank you for that Ellos. I truly do appreciate your generosity at being here with me,” King Garron expressed, with a warm and loving voice.
“Of course Garron. You have given me and my children so much. I will do all that I can to show you how much I appreciate your generosity as well. I know you miss dear Milna, especially at this time. I will never hold that against you,” Ellos expressed, her beautiful emerald eyes soft and caring.
“I do love you, my dear Ellos. Forgive me for not telling you more often. That is something I shall amend starting tonight,” King Garron whispered, as he softly kissed her lips.
Laurel knocked softly and smiled at hearing Caleb’s deep voice welcoming her to enter the room. She smiled sweetly as she looked over at him, standing at his desk, wearing a loose white tunic unlaced at his chest, with a pair of black britches he often slept in. Caleb looked up from a list he was reading, smiling at her enticingly.
She was wearing one of her favourite white nightgowns, forgoing her usual robe, as she intended to go to bed very shortly.
“There you are. I was wondering if you were going to come in and say goodnight,” Caleb said, as he walked over and placed his hands on her waist.
“Well why would I not silly? The girls are already asleep, so I will not have to hurry back,” Laurel mentioned, with a bright smile.
“Well after I whispered to you that I was going to make you stay in my room tonight for your little display, I thought for certain you would not come in,” Caleb replied with a wry grin, holding her waist tighter.
“Yes, but I knew you were only teasing,” Laurel giggled, blushing lightly once again.
“Um, no. No I was not teasing,” Caleb replied very dryly, with a slight smile.
“Caleb, do not be silly I cannot stay with you while my family is here, not until after the wedding,” Laurel giggled, at the intensity of his gaze.
“Yes I thought that at first as well, but then I came to the conclusion that it is all really quite ridiculous. We are getting married in a day, so really what difference does it make,” Caleb regarded her with a teasing grin, as he leaned down and kissed her neck.
“No, no I cannot. I do not wish for my father to make a fuss. The girls will wake up and wonder where I am. So, I will have to leave for now Sire,” Laurel mentioned, in a soft reluctant voice.
“So I will join you in your room then,” Caleb offered smiling at her deviously.
“No, no that would be worse. You are being most exasperating Caleb,” Laurel remarked with a pout, which was not flirtatious.
“Oh good, that was my intension,” Caleb answered back, taking her in his arms and carrying her over to the bed.
Laying her down gently, Caleb moved her over with him so that they were both laying on their sides facing each other, as he began to kiss her ardently. They became more intense with their affections, as Caleb began to caress her softly, moving his hand down her body. He stopped kissing her and opened his eyes to smile at her. Laurel looked at him confused as to why he was watching her in that way.
“What is it?” she asked, in a trembling voice.
“You are not wearing your bloomers tonight,” he whispered, still smiling at her.
“Um…well….no. I do not always wear them when I sleep,” Laurel answered shyly.
“You always do when you are with me,” Caleb stated, with a wry grin.
“I…well yes. That is different,” Laurel responded, sounding a bit disconcerted.
“Well seeing as you are not at this time, and you are with me, perhaps I could enjoy this moment of oversight,” Caleb suggested with a seductive smile, as he moved his hands slowly up her nightgown.
“No! No you cannot,” Laurel said back curtly, as she pushed his hands back down.
“Really? Are you sure? You are being most disagreeable,” Caleb smiled back even more enticingly, as he continued teasing Laurel by pushing his hands past hers.
“Yes! I am sure. Caleb stop. You…stop it. I…um…I am becoming all flustered,” Laurel stammering now, sounding quite irritated.
Caleb smiled at her warmly, moving his hands and gently pulling her nightgown back down. Holding her in his arms once again, he gently caressed her back and tenderly kissed her cheeks and forehead.
“I am sorry mo stor. I was only teasing you. I took it too far and I apologize,” Caleb spoke in a soft deep voice, kissing her forehead once again.
“I know, I am just feeling a bit sensitive tonight,” Laurel responded, in a shaking whisper.
“Of course you are my darling. I did not mean to be so callous of your feelings. I was only playing with you, I would not have touched you in a way that would upset you. It is alright my love. I will not take advantage of you. Come let me bring you back to your room. I will stay with you until you fall asleep and then I will return to my room,” Caleb whispered, as he took Laurel up in his arms.
He carried her to her room, quietly getting into bed with her, holding her close as she lay against his chest her arm across his waist while he gently stroked her hair.
“The girls and I arranged almost all my things in our new wardrobe,” Laurel whispered sleepily.
“Did you? You certainly did not waste any time,” Caleb whispered back in amusement.
“With all four of us and Imagin and Bebhim helping, it took no time at all,” Laurel whispered, with a yawn.
“Go to sleep now silly girl,” Caleb chided gently.
“I do not want you to leave,” she replied, her voice heavy with sleep.
“I know, but I feel it will make the girls uncomfortable to wake and see us together as they were not expecting it. Go to sleep mo chailin milis. If you should wake and need me, just come to my room. Shh, go to sleep,” Caleb whispered soothingly, feeling Laurel finally drift off.
Caleb carefully got of the bed and covered Laurel, then leaned down and kissed her temple.
“Just one more night my darling,” Caleb whispered, kissing her once more, before leaving the room and softly closing the door.
Tulla opened her eyes and smiled to herself. Content with the knowledge, her dear Laurel would be loved and well cared for. She closed her eyes once again, falling into a tranquil slumber.
27: THE BACHELOR DINNER
Laurel woke up feeling excited and nervous, with the knowledge that she and Caleb’s wedding would be tomorrow. She got out of bed quietly and looked out the balcony window, seeing dawn had just barely cast its light over the mountains. Glancing over at Tulla and Marina, still asleep in their cots, she put on her robe and slippers and silently walked out of the room. Laurel then tiptoed across the corridor and knocked softly on Caleb’s door.
“Come in,” she heard his deep voice reply, happy that he too was awake.
She walked in and smiled at him, as he looked up at her in amused surprise, from his desk.
“Good morning mo chailin milis. I was not aware you were awake so early, though I was hoping you would be. I just sent for some tea and rolls,” Caleb said, as he smiled warmly at her.
Pushing out his chair he opened his arms as she walked over to him and sat in his lap, putting her arms around his neck. Caleb kissed her tenderly, and softly tucked her hair, behind her ears.
“Could you not sleep this morning?” Laurel asked, smiling sweetly at him.
“No, I could not, and I do not like lying in bed, feeling wide awake and restless. I missed you. There will be no one taking you from my bed after tomorrow,” Caleb said in low deep voice, smiling wickedly, causing Laurel to blush.
“You are terrible,” Laurel said giggling at him, blushing brightly.
“Yes I am, but I enjoy making you blush. I need to enjoy it for as long as I can,” Caleb said, smiling wryly at her.
“What do you mean?” Laurel asked looking at him, with a curious smile.
“We shall be wed tomorrow my love. You will soon grow accustomed to me teasing you in this way, and our relationship, will become more intimate. So you will find my teasing you not causing you to feel so self-conscious. I suppose my losing your blush, but gaining your affectionate familiarity, is more than a fair trade,” Caleb explained, smiling at her blushing once again. “Now, why are you up so early? I thought you would be quite tired after last night” he asked, attempting to lessen her self-consciousness.
“Oh the same reason as you. Feeling a bit restless. I would go through bouts of feeling, the day of our wedding would never come. Now that it is upon us....well, I am feeling excited and nervous and a little overwhelmed, by it.
I have noticed the staff has already finished decorating, and Eavan and your mother were so busy directing it all. It truly looks magnificent. The Grand Hall and the kitchen always seem full of activity. All the family is here. Today I am to meet with all the married ladies of the family, for what Mother called, the private talk. So, needless to say, my mind is racing,” Laurel exclaimed, looking a bit overawed, as she spoke.
Caleb smiled at her sympathetically. He remembered how Laurel became anxious with crowded events and things that were very consuming. A knock on the door, took them both from their thoughts. Caleb replied to the knock as a servant entered with a tray, containing tea as well as two large sweet rolls. The maid placed the tray on Caleb’s desk, smiled and gave a quick curtsy, and left the room.
“Here we are my love. Let us have a bite to eat, and then perhaps we can relax for a bit, before everyone expects us this morning at breakfast. How does that sound?” Caleb asked her, in a soft warm voice, giving her a bite of roll.
“Mmm. I do love sweet rolls. I did not have them until coming to Heathwin,” Laurel said, taking another bite of roll, and a sip of tea.
“There is a number of things you have not had until coming to Heathwin,” Caleb smiled at her wryly, she giggled at him, because what his expression was implying.
They finished the tea and rolls, and Caleb suddenly picked Laurel up and walked over to the bed, and laid her down. Getting in with her, he covered them both, and took her into his arms as she laughed lightly, snuggling into his side.
“I wish we could stay here like this all day,” Laurel said, leaning her head against his chest, her arm across his waist.
“Hmm. Very soon my love,” Caleb said softly, kissing the side of her face and playing with her hair. “Let us rest for a bit, it is alright if we should drift off. My parents will just send Aiden in here to look for us,” he smiled and closed his eyes.
He held her closer, as she sighed contentedly, beginning to feel drowsy.
“Ta ghra agam ort Caleb,” Laurel said in a sleepy voice.
“Ta ghra agam ort, my sweet girl,” Caleb whispered back, kissing her forehead.
“Now why am I not surprised to find you both together?” Aiden asked with a sly smile as he watched Caleb slowly open his eyes and look over at him with mild annoyance. “Steal her out of her room did you?” he teased Caleb.
“No, not this time,” Caleb said his voice still sounding tired. “Apparently she was unable to sleep, as was I, and she came in here early this morning,” Caleb explained, as he gently caressed her cheek, as Laurel still lay sleeping. “She is becoming a bit anxious. Everything is becoming busy and hectic. I hope she has an enjoyable day with all the ladies in the family,” Caleb said quietly as he looked over at Aiden. “Is everyone ready for breakfast? Did Mother send you to look for Laurel?” Caleb asked smiling wryly.
“No, not yet. I have been awake for some time myself, and I just left Laurel’s room and was talking with Marina and Tulla. Owain however is still in there. They assumed correctly she was in here,” Aiden grinned knowingly.
“Yes they did. Now come back later when we must actually get up. I will not see her for most of the day. Everyone will be vying for her attention, as I have no doubt Mother already has a schedule of events planned. Go back and resume your pleasant conversation,” Caleb said sarcastically, as he settled back into the bed.
“That is exactly what I was planning on doing. I just wanted to confirm the ladies’ assumptions. I shall be back in a while I am sure,” Aiden replied as he turned and walked out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Laurel opened her eyes to find the bright sunlight being softly filtered through the pale grey drapes in the windows. She smiled as she looked up and saw Caleb laying peacefully with his eyes closed, his arms still around her. Laurel turned over carefully and attempted to sit up, only to have Caleb pull her back into the bed, she giggled as he turned her over to face him smiling lovingly at her.
“And where do you think you are going, your Highness?” Caleb asked in a low deep voice.
“I thought I would go and wash my face and change before breakfast,” Laurel answered still giggling.
“Did you? Well I have not given my consent to let you leave yet,” Caleb replied, smiling wickedly at her.
Laurel laughed out loud at his remark, only to have him smirk and raise his eyebrow to her response.
“You think I am jesting do you?” Caleb asked, with a sardonic tone.
“Whether you are jesting or not, I hardly feel I need your consent to get out of bed Sire,” Laurel replied, wide eyed and stifling a laugh.
“Well that is the price you must pay for coming in here early this morning. You should have not wandered in my room like a little lost lamb. Now that I have you here with me I am not inclined to let you leave so easily,” he said in an enticing voice, as he began to nibble her ear and neck.
Laurel began to squirm about and giggle again at Caleb’s affections, which made him only hold her tighter.
“Caleb! Caleb! Stop it! It tickles, stop. Wha…What if my father finds out…I am in here with you?” Laurel tried talking, as she began to laugh uncontrollably.
