Child of the Kindred, page 60
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“And what of Corinn? Is it true that you are attracted to me because I resemble her?” Marina questioned him further, trying to pull away but unable to as Aiden held her fast.
“No, that is not true. The only thing about you that may slightly resemble Corinn is that her hair was much lighter than most here. If you must know, all her mother’s relatives have lighter hair and eyes, many of the people of the northern territories do. Again, as I told you before, I am attracted to those of a quiet and shy nature, and that is what you held in common,” Aiden answered, becoming increasingly exasperated and surprised at seeing her lose her temper with him.
“Oh yes, I am sure your tavern wench is very shy,” Marina said with angry impertinence, trying to pull away once again.
“That is enough! I am not having this conversation with you here any longer. We are going back to the Lodge, and we will talk then. No, you are riding with me, so stop trying to pull away from me,” Aiden said in a scolding voice, taken the reins away from Marina, tying them to the back of his horse’s saddle.
He quickly mounted upon his horse, then reached down, wrapping his arm around Marina’s waist and pulling her up in front of him.
“Now I am sorry that the miserable shrews upset you this evening, but that is no reason to be angry with me. When we arrive home, we will talk about this further,” Aiden stated as he turned the horses onto the main roadway.
“I do not want to talk about this any further,” Marina sobbed, as she turned her face away from him.
“You started this conversation, we will be ending it tonight. This is not something that will be lingering on through the morning. If you do not wish to speak again until we arrive at the Lodge, then that is fine,” Aiden said, his voice low but still angry and frustrated.
Bebhinn and Reade came out of the back sitting room, looking about anxiously for a bit. When seeing no sign of Aiden, they both smiled and sighed in relief.
“I was told by Ainsley; Aiden would not be coming. I am sorry my dear if his presence caused you concern,” Reade said with a charming smile, leaning over and kissing Bebhinn on the cheek.
“Well, it is just he would not approve and make me leave. I have no doubt he would drag me back to the Lodge and tell Uncle Fergus how unruly I am. Then I would most likely be punished, as I am a ward of the royal family. My mother would make such a fuss; I would never hear the end of it. Now please remember, I must return to my friend Eileen’s house before her parents arrive home, or I shall be discovered for sure,” Bebhinn said in a fretful voice.
“Of course darling, I shall make sure we leave right after supper then you will not be missed. Come now, let us go and have some punch and listen to the music by the fireplace. The evening is just beginning,” Reade smiled at her charmingly as he took her hand and led her through the room.
Aiden rode into the stable, hoping the short walk across to the Lodge would help Marina to calm down. That was not to be the case, for as soon as they both dismounted, Marina turned and walked out abruptly as Aiden spoke to the stable hand briefly. He looked about for a moment and not seeing her, then walked out himself, looking across towards the Lodge noticing she was more than halfway there.
“Marina!” Aiden called out, cursing under his breath when seeing his calling her only made Marina quicken her pace and enter the Lodge. “Wonderful,” he said out loud as he walked back hurriedly.
When Aiden walked into the Lodge, he could see that Marina was already walking up the staircase, the night Sentries standing by the fireplace looking at him in curious amusement. He decided against calling her once more and just continued to walk to the stairs, not wishing to draw any more attention than necessary. Reaching the top of the stairs, he quickened his pace, seeing Marina walk down the corridor in an angry, fast pace, reaching her room, then slamming the door shut. By the time he had reached her room, he was frustrated and close to losing his temper, finding her display of temper surprising.
“Marina! Open the door. We are not finished talking yet,” Aiden said scoldingly as he knocked on the door. Waiting a few minutes for a reply and getting none, made him more than irritated as he knocked on the door again, knowing she had locked it from turning the handle a few times.
“Do not ignore me, Marina! Open the door, this is not going to be resolved by you being stubborn. Marina, open the door!” Aiden now directed, completely at the end of his patience.
He cursed again in a low voice, then turned and walked back towards the balcony, making his way to the sitting room. When he walked in with an angry scowl, all talking ceased as the family all looked at him in surprise. He walked over to one of the small side tables, opening a drawer and angrily rummaging through it.
“You are back early. What could you possibly be looking for?” Caleb asked with a wry, bemused grin, mirroring everyone else’s expression.
“The main key that opens all the bedchambers upstairs,” Aiden replied with angry distraction as he continued his search, opening another drawer.
“Why would you need that?” Caleb questioned him again, looking over at Cahir and King Fergus with a knowing smirk.
Aiden turned around to address him and the rest of the family in the room.
“It would seem, that some of the miserable shrews at the party upset Marina by mentioning things about my past, about Corinn. I told her I would talk to her about everything when we came back here, and she just lost her temper and became completely unreasonable. Now, she is ignoring me and refuses to open the door!” Aiden explained, becoming even more frustrated and angry as he opened another drawer, then began cursing in old speak when not finding the key.
“Aiden, please stop cursing in front of the children,” Queen Alana said in a quiet but irritated voice, while Imagin, Oriel and Jamison, looked up from their game, giggling and smiling at each other.
Edin was lying on the floor next to Oriel, grinning and humming softly, his ears moving in the direction of all the conversations.
“They do not know what I am saying,” Aiden grumbled back, reopening one of the drawers and looking through it once again.
“I do,” Oriel announced suddenly with a mischievous giggle, which caused everyone to look at her in surprise.
“And how, may I ask, do you know what Aiden just said?” Caleb asked her, in a stern voice.
Oriel looked over at him with wide eyes, no longer smiling.
“Um…well…some of the older students say that expression,” Oriel replied, trying to find an acceptable answer.
“There is a difference between hearing an expression and understanding it. Is this an expression you use when not at home?” Caleb asked her with a reproving tone, with Laurel, Eavan and Tulla, all smiling at each other.
“I…um…well…no,” Oriel answered, looking back down at the game, with Caleb shaking his head and rolling his eyes.
“It is true Caleb, the older children use that type of language all the time,” Imagin remarked, coming to Oriel’s defence.
Aiden cursed again, still not having any success.
“By the Maker, Aiden, just sit down. Let Marina get over her little snit. Wait a few moments and go and get her something from the kitchen, take a few flowers from one of the arrangements and then she will be fine. If you offer something to placate her, she will calm down and let you speak to her once again,” Cahir suggested, as he became exasperated watching Aiden lose his temper and slamming the table drawers.
“Oh really, Cahir! That is so insulting. Give a woman a few dainties and a flower, and she will once again be a purring kitten?” Laurel remarked, with a disgruntled tone and expression.
“Well, that is not what I was exactly thinking, but that is the general idea,” Cahir noted, only to have Caleb place his head against his hand shaking it, while King Fergus chuckled, looking up from his Tablut board.
Owain began to laugh as he saw the shocked expressions on all the women’s faces, as they looked at Cahir in disbelief.
“I cannot believe you just said that!” Eavan scolded him, her face still registering her surprise and annoyance.
“All I meant was, give her something to distract her from her current mindset,” Cahir responded, causing the women to gasp as they were affronted, yet again.
“Cahir, just be quiet, you are not helping yourself or Aiden,” Caleb replied, in a weary-sounding voice, while King Fergus and Owain laughed even more.
“You cannot tell me that you have not done this tactic yourself, from time to time,” Cahir replied defensively.
Caleb then looked over at Laurel’s challenging smirk, as he smiled at her knowingly, reaching over and squeezing her hand.
“I would rather not offer a comment at this time,” he said, grinning at Laurel, though speaking to Cahir.
Laurel smiled back, rolling her eyes as she stood up and looked at Eavan and Tulla.
“Come on ladies, let us go speak to Marina, perhaps we can distract her from her current mindset,” Laurel remarked mockingly, as she looked over at Cahir, then walked out of the sitting room with Tulla and Eavan following her.
Aiden walked over, sitting down next to Caleb in complete frustration. Caleb reached over and hit his arm roughly.
“Buck up old man. You are simply not accustomed to being ignored or having a woman, besides Mother, be openly annoyed with you. This is your first argument, it was going to happen, and it will happen again,” Caleb advised, with a droll grin.
“Tulla and I never argue,” Owain offered smugly, moving a piece on the Tablut board, as King Fergus chuckled.
“Tulla and I never argue,” Aiden said back mockingly.
“Here, have some port and relax. Let the girls calm her down, then you will sort this all out,” Cahir said, as he stood in front of Aiden and handed him a small glass.
“Who exactly spoke to her?” Queen Alana asked, looking up from her embroidery.
“Lachina was the first to come up to her, then she led her over to the others. Ruari, of course, appeared to have spoken with her as well,” Aiden answered, taking a sip of port, while Caleb and Cahir groaned and shook their heads.
“Those two are the biggest trouble makers in the district. No wonder she is upset, I can only imagine what they said to her,” Caleb remarked, as Cahir shook his head.
“Yes, that is the biggest reason Murtagh discourages Shannon from having anything to do with them. I should not have even brought her there, what was I thinking? Who thought of this idea in the first place?” Aiden asked in exasperation, as all eyes looked over at King Fergus.
“It was merely a suggestion,” he said in his defence, moving another piece on the Tablut board, as Owain laughed quietly.
Just then, Laurel, Tulla and Eavan walked back into the sitting room, looking at Aiden with sympathetic smiles.
“She should be fine now, Aiden. No need for a key or prying the lock off with a fireplace poker,” Laurel mentioned, as Caleb and Cahir laughed at her remark.
Aiden stood up from the couch and smiled at her in relief, walking over and kissing her cheek.
“Thank you mo daor,” Aiden said calmly, his face now wearing his usual charming smile.
“You are most pathetic,” Caleb said to him as Aiden made his way out of the room.
“I am in love,” Aiden turned, putting his hands up in a defeated gesture, turning back around and leaving the room.
Aiden walked in quick, easy strides towards Marina’s room, pausing for a moment in front of her door before knocking quietly.
“Just a moment,” came a soft voice, Aiden smiling now, as this was the tone he was familiar with.
After a brief pause, Marina opened her door, smiling sheepishly.
“May I come in?” Aiden asked in a low voice, smiling charmingly at her, as he leant in the doorway.
“Yes, of course,” Marina replied, opening the door wider, as Aiden walked in and stood waiting for her in the middle of the room as she shut the door.
She walked over to him slowly, as he took her into his embrace, kissing her forehead softly.
“I am very sorry you were upset at the party. Please, do not take any heed to what you may have been told. The relationship I had with Corinn, has no bearing on our relationship. It was a different time, and now it is a part of my past. As far as Elsa, yes, I did enjoy her company from time to time. But not always in a way you would think. She was a friend that I relied on for information, and often times encouragement, especially after Corinn died. Yes, I did things in my personal life I am not entirely happy with, nor comfortable talking about. I was young, impetuous, sometimes angry, or grief-stricken. That is not who I am now, love. I have grown up, and realise the importance of my position, both as a Prince and a Sentinel Captain,” Aiden explained in a soft, low voice, then taking Marina’s face in his hands added, “I also know how important you are to me. The next few gatherings we go to will be amongst those who know me, as I really am. Not this exaggerated perception, of who some thought I was. There is a reason why I have chosen not to continue being with those former associates. They do not represent what I hold important and necessary in my life. It was a mistake to bring you there tonight. I feel Father only suggested it, so as to show them how serious I take our relationship, as I have never formally announced a courtship before, not even with Corinn,” Aiden acknowledged, smiling warmly at Marina, then leaning down and kissing her tenderly.
Marina sighed in relief after Aiden kissed her, leaning into his shoulder as she wrapped her arms around his waist. The young women at the party were not as warm and caring as those she had met at the Lodge, they seemed bitter and angry, especially Ruari. When they asked her things of a personal nature, it made her feel self-conscious and embarrassed. It was evident they were all attracted to Aiden, she could not blame them, causing her self-doubts to come to the surface and trouble her once again.
“Feeling better now?” Aiden asked, caressing her back.
“Yes, I am. I am sorry I became so upset,” Marina whispered, looking up into his face.
“There is no reason to apologise, you were provoked and bullied by all of them. So, I say we end this evening on a much more pleasant note. Grab your cape, and we shall go into the kitchen and have a few things put together in a basket for us, then I will take you to one of the turrets. We can sit on a blanket and have a picnic under the stars. Would you like that?” Aiden asked, his voice and eyes expressing his growing enthusiasm.
“The…the turrets?” Marina asked with wide eyes, remembering one of the girls’ questions.
“Yes. It is lovely when the moons are full, and all the stars are out. I enjoy going there, from time to time, as they are not used very often,” Aiden replied, noting her expression and wondering about her hesitation.
“How…um, often would you go there?” Marina asked, trying her best to sound unconcerned.
“Are you asking me if I have ever brought anyone else there?” Aiden inquired back with an expectant grin.
“I…well I was asked if you had taken me to the turrets yet,” Marina said, blushing and feeling uncomfortable.
“Did they now? Well, it makes no sense why they would. Most know I would go there if I wished to be alone, so why would I have brought you there? Again, dearest, pay no mind to what anyone said to you this evening. I have never brought anyone to the turrets. This will be an experience that only you and I have shared. Now, get your cape, and bring a blanket from the linen closet in the corridor, and I shall meet you in the kitchen,” Aiden directed, as he leant down and kissed her once again.
He then walked out her room, turning to smile at her before he headed towards the staircase. Marina sighed and smiled, feeling more relaxed now. Her doubts, and the girls’ questions and snide glances pushed to the back of her mind. Opening her wardrobe, she took out her heavy, brown cape and putting it on, she went to find a blanket. Finding a thick quilt, she then walked down the stairs, taking her time, mulling over all the things Aiden, as well as Laurel and Eavan, had told her. Like how many of the girls, were more than likely jealous that she held Aiden’s favour. Eavan went on to relate, how more than one of them hoped they would be the one to heal Aiden’s, broken heart. Also, of how Lachina and Ruari were known to be troublemakers and gossips. Laurel reminding Marina that Aiden had spoken to Caleb of how deeply he cared for her. By the time she walked into the kitchen, she saw that the basket was now ready and the kitchen staff were all smiles, wishing her a good evening. Aiden then took her hand, leading her outside with childlike enthusiasm as they began to climb the stairs. When they reached the top of the turret, the stars seemed to burst in a brilliant display of twinkling lights, the air was chilly, and no clouds were in the night sky. Aiden set their picnic of cold roast chicken, pickled vegetables, cheese, and bread out on a small wooden carving board. Then smiled, as he took out a small decanter of berry cordial, and two small glasses. Pouring them each a drink, he raised his in a toast, as she did the same.
“To us, and our first new experience together. I look forward to sharing much more,” Aiden said enticingly, as he leant forward and kissed Marina.
She giggled shyly at his expression, then took a sip of the sweet berry cordial, feeling the warmth that spread through her throat and stomach.
“I do as well, Aiden. Thank you for sharing this with me,” she smiled lovingly, as she looked upward at the glorious display above.
She then began to eat at a leisurely pace, smiling and watching Aiden point at different stars, telling her their names and some of the legends surrounding them. After their meal, they strolled around the front garden for a time, until Marina felt cold. They returned to the Lodge in time to say goodnight to the children, then retired to the sitting room with everyone for a short time, with no one bringing up the party. When they all had decided it was time to retire, everyone made their way to their respective rooms. Marina changed and then heard a knock on her door. When she saw it was Aiden, she smiled shyly having him come in.
