The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 139
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
Caleb looked over at him with a disapproving smirk.
“Caleb can Orrie and I sleep in the tent with you and Laurel tonight?” Jamison asked, his eyes all wide and excited.
Marina again began to giggle and blush at his question, as all eyes turned to him with amused expressions, waiting for his answer. Caleb smiled at him with raised eyebrows.
“There really is not enough room in the tent for anyone else but Laurel and I Jamison, there is only one bed. Perhaps before you go home, Laurel and I will sleep back in our room, and Aiden can stay with you in the tent,” Caleb answered, looking over at Aiden with a smug smile.
Jamison looked over at Aiden his face bright and filled with excitement at the idea of having the adventure of sleeping outdoors. Aiden looked over at Caleb with a wry grin and then looked at the young boy’s eager expression, Oriel’s face lit up as well.
“Yes, I suppose, I can have a sleeping mat brought in, while you and Orrie share the bed. As long as you promise once we are in there you do not change your mind and want to go back to the Lodge in the middle of the night,” Aiden said seriously, but smiling at them.
“We promise,” the children said in unison.
Everyone laughed at their enthusiasm and excitement at the thought of having an adventure of sorts. The happy conversations lasted for a while longer, when Caleb announced he would be taking his leave of them until dinner. As he stood to leave, Aiden joined him as they made their way into the corridor.
“Thank you for putting me in that position, of having to sleep in the tent with those two little hooligans,” Aiden said grinning wryly at him.
“Look at it this way, it will just endear you more to their mother and sister,” Caleb said smiling at him knowingly.
“Yes I suppose you are right. I have to admit Caleb, I find myself more and more taken with Marina every day. We danced all night, and then I took her for a walk in the front garden. And I am happy to tell you that all I received was a kiss on the cheek. It was one of the most enjoyable nights I have had in quite some time. Marina is utterly enchanting,” Aiden said, with a soft but serious voice.
Caleb smiled at his brother, as he had not seem him this content and happy with someone, since his beloved Corrin.
“I am happy for you Aiden. Marina is a lovely, sweet girl,” Caleb said hitting him on the arm in a playful manner.
“Yes, she is indeed. I will be escorting them back home as well. I am beginning to regret calling you pathetic each time you took Laurel back,” Aiden smirked.
“For my sake I hope this all works out for you. I shall enjoy annoying you immensely,” Caleb grinned, as he turned to leave for his room.
When Caleb entered the room he smiled looking over at Laurel who was still sleeping in the bed. He took off his boots and then carefully got into the bed next to her, taking her in his arms and gently kissing her forehead. It was not until he listened to her soft breathing, did he realize how tired he was as well, and drifted off soon after.
Caleb woke up to Laurel softly touching his face, tracing his features with her finger. He smiled at her warmly as she smiled at him when he opened his eyes.
“What are you doing silly girl?” Caleb asked her playfully, his voice still husky from sleep.
“Oh nothing. Just admiring my handsome husband,” Laurel said, in a soft coy manner.
Caleb laughed at her lightly, as he hugged her closer to him. He gently caressed her back, and then heard her sigh deeply, but not with passion, more with nervousness.
“What is wrong my love?” Caleb asked softly, still holding her.
Laurel sighed once more before answering.
“Caleb. Would it be possible to miss dinner tonight? Could we not just have dinner in the tent?” Laurel asked, in a small voice.
Caleb pulled away to look at her, his face concerned, at her request.
“Why would you want to do that Laurel? Why do you not wish to see anyone? There is no reason to feel self-conscious my darling. We have just been wed, there is nothing to feel ashamed of,” Caleb answered, as he stroked her hair.
“I know this. I am not ashamed of anything. It is just my father. He gave that ridiculous disapproving smirk, the last time I saw him as we left for the tent. I know that it is all he will do the whole evening,” Laurel replied, pouting slightly.
Caleb smiled at her patiently, as he continued to stroke her hair.
“Then what better reason to go to dinner. You are a grown woman Laurel, and newly married at that. It is about time your father started respecting you as such. Wear something beautiful and enticing this evening, something you would not normally wear in front of him. Walk into dinner confident and comfortable, just as you have been, before he arrived,” Caleb said encouragingly.
“I really do not have anything to wear that he has not seen before,” Laurel smiled at the thought.
“Go over to the wardrobe, and you will see a few things have been added,” Caleb said in an enticing voice, grinning roguishly.
Laurel’s eyes widened in surprise, as she giggled excitedly. She got out of bed and walked hurriedly over to the wardrobe, and opened it with trembling hands. As she looked carefully at her side of the wardrobe, she suddenly noticed a folded garment in a rich burgundy hue. Pulling it out quickly, she held it as it cascaded gracefully to the floor. As she held it up to her she could see it was a dress of the softest silk, with a rich velvet overlay.
The bodice was laced around the waist, which would accentuate her small figure, but was also cut just low enough to hint at her full breasts. Laurel blushed at the thought of wearing such a sensuous dress, but smiled mischievously over at Caleb, who was now sitting up and watching her intently.
“So. What do you think?” Caleb asked in the same voice as before.
Laurel walked over wordlessly, and kissed him passionately on the lips.
“I do not know what to say. It is utterly beautiful, and I have never had anything like it before,” Laurel answered her eyes filled with emotion.
“I know. Which is why I had it made for you. Did I not tell you I had surprises in store for you?” Caleb asked, squeezing her waist.
“Yes you did. I was however not expecting so many surprises,” Laurel said, smiling sweetly at him.
Leaning down Laurel kissed him again, as Caleb wrapped his arms around her waist. Caleb pulled her away to smile at her lovingly.
“Now, go into the bath and get dressed mo ghra. If you start to change in here with me, I can promise you we will be quite late for dinner,” smiling wickedly, and giving her backside a light swat.
Laurel giggled and blushed lightly as she stepped away and walked into the bath. A short while later she emerged, changed and her hair brushed smoothly, as it cascaded down her back. The Queen’s seamstress once again proved her skills by how the dress fit Laurel’s figure to perfection. Laurel turned around to show Caleb every angle of the dress. He smiled at her adoringly, at how much she enjoyed the dress, and how utterly fetching she looked in it.
“You look absolutely beautiful my love. I think this will become my new favourite. I cannot take my eyes off of you. I fear you will be distracting me all night,” Caleb said as he took her in his arms, and began to nuzzle her neck, which of course caused her to giggle.
“Well you will have to control yourself at least through dinner Sire,” Laurel said, continuing to giggle at his affectionate attentions.
“That is going to be quite difficult mo ghra. We should leave now and go for a walk before dinner, if we stay in our room too much longer I will not be responsible for my actions,” Caleb said kissing her once more, before they walked out of their room hand and hand.
“I cannot wait for Tulla to see my dress,” Laurel mentioned excitedly as she and Caleb made their way down the stairs.
“Well, you will not see your dear Tulla this evening. Owain has taken her and Imagin and Wendell back to the pub. They will be spending most of the evening there, I have no doubt,” Caleb explained, with a light laugh.
They walked outside to the back garden and were happy and amused to find Aiden and Marina walking as well, not yet noticing their approach. Caleb had mentioned to Laurel on their walk of what Aiden had said after breakfast. Laurel then told Caleb of Marina’s attraction to Aiden, and what she had said to her before she left for Heathwin.
“They do make a handsome couple do they not?” Laurel asked Caleb, smiling at the young couple in front of them.
“Yes they do dearest,” Caleb looked down at her smiling at her question.
Laurel and Caleb continued to walk slowly towards them and noticed they were in deep conversation, then Aiden reached for and then slowly brought Marina’s hand to his lips, kissing it softly. Laurel squeezed Caleb’s hand as she noticed the affectionate exchange between the two. Suddenly Aiden noticed them and smiled wryly at Caleb, causing Marina to look over at them.
“Oh Laurel, how lovely you look,” Marina spoke brightly, as she walked over and embraced Laurel.
“Do you like it? Caleb just gave it to me,” Laurel said gleefully.
“I love it. I have never seen you wear this color before,” Marina gushed.
“I fear Aiden we are about to be abandoned by these lovely ladies, so that they may engage in more feminine conversation,” Caleb remarked with a wide grin, as Aiden laughed at his comment.
Laurel looked at him giving him a smug smile while Marina laughed and blushed lightly.
“Yes, I am afraid you are. We shall meet you back at the Lodge,” Laurel said in mock haughtiness, entwining her arm with Marina’s as they walked away, both giggling.
“I cannot wait to see her father’s face when she walks in wearing her new dress,” Caleb said smiling wickedly.
“I hope he is drinking something when she does. I have to admit Caleb, she does look quite fetching. How often did she blush before she put it on?” Aiden asked, with a light laugh.
“Once actually. She is getting better about that,” Caleb laughed answering.
“You look very happy Laurel. You have this glow about you, I have not seen before,” Marina said with a smile.
“Yes, I suppose I do. I am deliriously happy Marina. I truly did not know it would be this way,” Laurel replied, her eyes dancing as she spoke.
“Is it as wonderful as they say?” Marina asked in a shy quiet voice, blushing at her own question.
Laurel smiled at her curiosity. Thinking for a moment how to best answer her question.
“I do suppose it really depends on who you are with and their feelings as well. I was asked by Mistress Gavenia if I considered the intimacies of the marriage bed a duty or a pleasure. In my case I am happy to say it is a pleasure. That is what I told her as well. I knew Caleb would be loving and considerate. He was very patient and understanding during our betrothal, and fully accepted my vow. I admit I was a bit nervous and overwhelmed at first, but that passed. The tent is quite lovely and romantic. Caleb did truly make it a wonderful and beautiful night, just as he promised it would be,” Laurel answered softly, with a wistful smile.
“I am very happy for you Laurel. I must confess to you however that your wedding was not the only reason I was excited to come to Heathwin,” Marina replied, smiling brightly and blushing as she spoke.
“I have noticed that. Caleb told me Aiden is quite taken with you. I am not surprised at all, I remember the way he looked at you when he first met you.
I also noticed how he looked when you were dancing together last night, and his affectionate gesture as we approached you in the garden,” Laurel smiled at her knowingly.
Marina giggled shyly at Laurel’s comment.
“Do you think Aiden could ever...well have serious feelings for me? I am not like the other women I heard he was attracted to,” Marina asked, sounding shy and insecure.
“Do not listen to all the things you may have heard. I am sure most are exaggerated. I have known both Caleb and Aiden my entire life. Next to my dear Phineas, they are the most trustworthy, caring and loving men I have ever known. I admit they can seem a bit rough around the edges, but it is the way things are in Heathwin. That does not mean they are boorish and uncouth. They approach life with complete honesty and openness, and simply expect others to do the same. You will never have to second guess them, as they are always very upfront, sometimes a bit too much. I am still adjusting to this,” Laurel laughed at the thought. “So to answer your question, yes, I feel he is already having those feelings for you. Do not wonder any longer my dear Marina, he will let you know,” Laurel smiled at her knowingly.
The two young women entered the Lodge through the back terrace and walked up the main staircase in order to have more time to talk privately.
They were surprised to find Aiden and Caleb waiting and smiling at them as they entered the sitting room. Laurel smiled in amusement as she saw they were both playing Pass the Boar with Jamison and Oriel. Jamison was sitting on Caleb’s lap, as she noticed the young boy had gotten closer to her beloved over the last few visits and since her family’s arrival. Jamison did not have a strong male figure in his life, as her father though kind, did not pay much attention to the little boy. Caleb was helping him to count his points from the dice thrown, Laurel smiled lovingly at his kindness and patience, catching a glimpse of what he would be like with their children.
“Ha! Jamison my dear boy, you have won! Look at that Aiden, he beat you by twenty points,” Caleb said enthusiastically.
“Well I cannot have that! Come over here ladies and join us, we need to add another pair to our game,” Aiden said, smirking at Laurel and Marina.
“Very well, but I give you all fair warning. Caleb has not been able to beat me at this game for quite some time,” Laurel smiled impishly at him, as she and Marina sat down with the group.
“We shall see about that your Highness. I happen to have quite a proficient dice thrower with me at this time. Am I not right Jamison?” Caleb asked, giving Laurel a roughish smile.
“Yes, I am quite good,” Jamison said very smugly, reaching for the dice and wooden cup.
“Jamison!” Marina chided him with a laugh. “You are sounding very pompous dear,” she said smiling at him lovingly, grateful for Caleb and Aiden’s caring attention.
“No. Caleb said I am just confident,” Jamison replied, a bit defensively.
Caleb chuckled at his answer, handing the dice and cup over to Laurel.
“Well Aiden and I are going to win this time. I just have to concentrate more. Is that not so Aiden?” Oriel asked smiling brightly.
“Yes it is love. Think very hard about big numbers,” Aiden replied grinning wryly.
They played the game together for a short while, Laurel and Marina, winning two games, while Caleb and Jamison won again, and much to Oriel’s delight, she and Aiden also winning a turn. A servant soon after announced that dinner would be served, as they all made their way to the dining room, finding that the parents as well as Phineas were already seated. Phineas gave a surprised smile on seeing how Laurel was dressed, her father also giving a look of surprise, but not smiling. Phineas noticed this and immediately complimented Laurel on her appearance, as he also noticed Laurel’s hurt expression at her father’s reaction.
“You look utterly lovely this evening my Lady. Is that a new dress?” Phineas asked her in a kind voice, glancing over at Caleb briefly, who smiled at him gratefully.
“Yes it is. Caleb gave it to me this afternoon. Is it not lovely?” Laurel asked guilelessly, as she looked over at Caleb adoringly, he simply smiled at her and kissed her hand.
“It most certainly is my Lady. My compliments to you Prince Caleb on selecting such a complimentary color for her Highness,” Phineas spoke, looking over at King Garron pointedly.
“My seamstress mentioned how much she enjoys making clothes for you my dear. She finds your figure unique compared to how most of us here are, as we are not as gifted femininely as the ladies of Gwenlais,” Queen Alana said, smiling at Laurel warmly.
“Some, I dare say, are more gifted than others,” Lady Ellos replied smiling coyly, taking a sip of wine.
Everyone laughed at her candor. Lady Ellos was very relaxed and comfortable in the presence of everyone in the dining room. She found herself enjoying her visit, as Heathwin reminded her much of her own home in Dubane, especially after her visit to the Library and the Gallery. She began to see the people of Heathwin less uncouth and simply more frank in how they approached others. She found the opinions of others in Gwenlais to be based on prejudice and lack of knowledge. Dinner was enjoyable and pleasant, as there was no lack of conversation. Soon everyone retired to the sitting room, Queen Alana had a quartet of musicians playing relaxing music in the background, as everyone resumed conversations and began to play games once again. As Laurel walked over to join Caleb and Aiden and her stepsiblings in another round of Pass the Boar, her father walked up to her, gently putting his hand on her shoulder.
“I was hoping Caleb I could steal your lovely Bride away for a bit, as I have not yet had the opportunity to speak alone with her since the wedding,” King Garron said in a friendly voice, causing Laurel to look up with a surprised expression.
Caleb glanced over at Laurel smiling at her warmly, before turning his attentions to her father.
“By all means Garron. Only do not keep her too long, as you well know your daughter is quite proficient at Pass the Boar. I dare say her partner will miss her before too long,” Caleb said, looking at Laurel warmly once again.
“We will not. Laurel plays too well,” Oriel chimed in, taking the cup and dice.
Everyone laughed as Laurel just smirked at her, as she stood to leave with her father. Phineas watched them leaving, looking a bit concerned as he took a sip of his wine. Lady Ellos noticed this and laid her hand lightly on Phineas’ shoulder.
“It will be alright Phineas. Garron and I spoke at length last night. He is only saying goodbye to Laurel. There is no need to worry,” she said to him quietly.
