Child of the Kindred, page 79
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Good evening everyone. I was wondering if we may have a moment of your time Prince Aiden, as well as yours, Miss Marina?” Murtagh enquired graciously, though his eyes showed his discomfort.
“Yes, Murtagh of course,” Aiden expressed in a friendly, calm voice, as Marina smiled gently at both of them.
“Good to see you this evening, Murtagh, Shannon,” Rian said, as he inclined his head, before walking away with Ione, who only smiled knowingly.
“I hope for Murtagh’s sake, it does not get any more awkward than it already is,” Ione leant over and whispered to Rian when they were out of hearing.
“Shannon wishes to say something to both of you,” Murtagh stated in a quiet voice, then looked over at Shannon.
Shannon raised her eyes to look at both Aiden and Marina, relieved that they did not appear angry or hostile, in fact, to her surprise Marina looked sympathetic.
“I…I wish to offer my sincerest apologies for my recent behaviour. I take full responsibility for my actions, Sire, and I ask that you do not blame my husband for what I have said and done,” Shannon expressed with a nervous, shaking voice, her eyes filling with tears.
“Shannon…” Murtagh began to interject sadly.
“No, please…I must say this. I was wrong about a great many things, Sire and Miss Marina. I was influenced by the bitterness of others, for which I make no excuse, it is just what happened. I very much wish to start over again. As my husband brought out to me today, not many actually know who I have become, but rather who I was. If you would both be so gracious as to give me a chance to show you, I would be most grateful,” Shannon entreated, swallowing back her tears as Murtagh reached over and held her hand.
Aiden looked over at Marina with a gentle smile, then back at Shannon and Murtagh.
“Thank you, Shannon. Marina and I appreciate and accept your gracious apology. I know this was very difficult for you and fully understand what you are dealing with. Nothing more of this incident ever needs to be brought up again. Now, may I suggest we put this behind us and walk over to enjoy some of the cider that has just been brought out,” Aiden replied with his charming and easy grin, as all of them let out a relaxed sigh of relief.
Walking over to the table, they began to make casual conversation, when Shannon noticed Marina’s bracelet and complimented her on its beauty.
“Thank you, Shannon. It was my mother’s bracelet, her wedding gift from King Garron,” Marina related softly, her eyes beginning to tear up.
“I am so very sorry about your mother. I can only imagine your pain,” Shannon answered, holding Marina’s hand in comfort.
“Did you not lose your mother as well?” Marina asked with a shaking smile.
“Yes, but it was four seasons ago, and…well not under the terrifying type of circumstances you and you siblings had to endure,” Shannon replied with a warm tone.
“Perhaps we could go and talk over in the seating area by the back terrace?” Marina asked, wiping her eyes.
“Yes, that would be lovely,” Shannon smiled, entwining her arm through Marina’s and walking to the seating area together.
Aiden and Murtagh watched them for a few moments, sitting down, and beginning to talk together, when Laurel joined them, causing them both to smile. A few moments later, they noticed the three of them laughing as the conversation grew livelier. Aiden then turned to Murtagh with a roguish grin hitting his arm roughly, Murtagh laughing lightly.
“Thank you, Aiden. She just needed a chance,” Murtagh said in a more serious tone, looking over at the three of them again.
“They all did. The three of them have suffered much in the same way. It is the bonds of commonality that draw us closer together, is it not?” Aiden said, sounding more statement than a question.
“It is indeed, Sire,” Murtagh smiled, then looked over adoringly at the smiling face of his beloved, holding her hand against Laurel’s stomach.
That evening Murtagh sat on the bed with a very amused expression, watching Shannon change for the night, and talking animatedly at the same time.
“I still cannot believe that the Princess herself invited me to be her first student, with Marina as well. She gave me all these wonderful ideas to try for dear Mother, to give her comfort. I will be going to the Lodge twice a week to begin my lessons. Oh, Murtagh, I could not have imagined how incredible the evening would end,” Shannon sighed happily as she got into the bed.
Murtagh smiled at her roguishly, pulling Shannon towards him and laying on top of her, as she gave a little shriek of surprise.
“The evening has not ended yet, my love,” Murtagh stated in a quiet and enticing voice.
Shannon giggled then closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck as he kissed her passionately.
Aiden opened his eyes blinking drowsily, trying to focus as the sun softly filtered in through the light coloured drapes. He smiled as he turned his head, looking into the lovely sleeping face of Marina, her head nestled in the crook of his arm. Aiden reached over, softly tracing the outlines of her face, kissing her forehead tenderly. It had been a very eventful week, King Fergus and Queen Alana would be arriving home tomorrow, and Laurel had a special dinner planned with all the family coming to welcome them back from their holiday.
Caleb had joked, “Mother has passed the reins on to you, I see,” teasing Laurel over arranging an elaborate meal and inviting everyone to the Lodge.
Aiden would be going today, on his sad but necessary trip that he had planned all week. He had not mentioned what he was doing today to Marina, only saying it was an errand long overdue, that he needed to see to. She saw the sorrow behind his smile and decided not to question him further, knowing he would at some point bring it up. Marina began to stir, opening her eyes slowly, then smiling back at Aiden.
“Good morning, dearest,” Aiden whispered, kissing her lips softly, then running a few strands of her hair through his fingers.
“Good morning,” Marina murmured back sleepily, reaching over to touch his cheek.
“Would you care to have breakfast brought to your room today? I will need to leave early, and I thought it would allow us to spend some time alone before I depart,” Aiden mentioned, leaning up on one arm, brushing her hair back softly then fingering the lace on the collar of her nightgown.
“That would be very nice. Do you have any idea when you will be returning?” Marina asked sitting up, trying to be cheerful seeing the sadness returning to his deep blue eyes.
“No, I cannot say. Though I do hope that it will not be too long,” Aiden replied, then paused thoughtfully for a moment. “Marina, there is something I should tell you, about today. I will be going to the small village of Roundstone, it is the one just before Welstone. There is where many artisans reside, my mother’s favourite silversmith lives there. His name is Eanruig, and he is, or rather was…Corrin’s father. You see, I…I have not been there since her death. I never paid my last respects, and I wish to do so, as well as tell him and his wife Abiageal about our relationship. I want them to know before I have it formally announced next week,” Aiden expressed in a soft but sombre tone.
“I think that is very kind of you, my beloved. Take as long as you need, I will be here, waiting,” Marina relayed, placing her hand against his face, smiling lovingly.
Aiden smiled back, putting his hand on the back of her head and drawing her to him as he kissed her intensely. Pulling away as he heard Marina whimper, he smiled, once more taking her into his arms and lying back down on the pillows.
“Ask me anything about Corinn, mo chroi, and I will tell you. There will be nothing between us any longer,” Aiden said, pulling her closer.
“Um…are you sure? Will it not be too difficult for you at this time?” Marina inquired with concern.
“I am sure. Now, what do you wish to know?” Aiden remarked smiling warmly.
Marina thought for a few moments, hoping her questions would not cause him to feel anymore saddened then he was already.
“How long were you together, before she…died?” Marina asked carefully.
“A bit more than half a season. We met when Corinn came with her father to deliver a new necklace Mother had requested. It was the same necklace that Laurel wore to the festival, during her formal introduction to Heathwin. We had a very passionate and fervent relationship, I found myself not wanting to be apart from her for any length of time. I was very protective of her, as she was very shy and slow of speech. She would stutter if she became enthusiastic or nervous. Either way, I thought it was adorable,” Aiden laughed lightly at remembering, looking up at the ceiling. “A week before she died, we had made plans to secretly wed at the Inn in Welstone. I did not wish the formality of a formal affair, and she did not either. I was hoping to make Captain before then, but Caleb once again denied my request, telling me I was not yet ready. I was quite sullen about it but did not say much. Then…a week after Corrin died, Caleb made me Captain. I was furious at him, asking why now and was it only out of pity,” Aiden related, turning to look at Marina who was watching him intently.
“What was his answer?” Marina asked, her eyes tearful but warm and loving.
“He said, “It has nothing to do with pity. When we arrived at the village after the attack, you knelt next to Corrin for a moment, covered her in a sheet, then you walked about the village aiding others, and helping everyone to calm down. You did your duty under the most trying of circumstances.” He then said, at that point, he knew I was ready. By the end of that week, I became Captain,” Aiden explained, wiping a tear from Marina’s cheek.
“I am so very sorry, Aiden. Your kind and loving heart is so filled with pain,” Marina whispered, leaning over and kissing his face softly.
Aiden turned on his side, caressing her cheek, smiling warmly at her.
“No, my darling. It is now filled with hope, and happiness because of you. There will always be a part of me that will be sad over the tragedy that befell Corinn and her family. But I am no longer consumed with the pain and guilt, for knowing that you and me…we have a future together. It has given me the courage to face the feelings I have long held back and denied,” Aiden stated in a calm, relaxed voice.
“Why would you feel guilty? Was not the attack something that was considered a surprise and unexpected?” Marina asked in a tearful, soft tone.
“Yes, but that still does not take away the feeling that perhaps I could have stopped it. This is one of the reasons I need to go, to say goodbye, and make peace that I was not there,” Aiden replied, his eyes filled with emotion.
“I am sure her family does not blame you. Do they not still make jewellery for Mother and your cousins?” Marina inquired, gliding her fingers through Aiden’s hair.
“Yes, they do. However, I have not spoken to Corrin's parents since that day. When I do, and they tell me of their feelings, I will finally be able to accept whatever those feelings are. Elsa, the tavern wench at the Blue Dragon, had urged me to make peace with this for some time. Whatever you may have heard of my relationship with her, I am sure most was not accurate. Elsa was a friend, and I hold her in high regard, even now. Yes, I did enjoy an intimate relationship with her, but it was not always physical. She became one of my most trusted informers and is still used by Chieftain Argon to gather information concerning travellers looked upon as suspicious. She also gave me comfort, when my feelings of guilt or grief would become overwhelming. When I told you in Gwenlais, I had not been with anyone for almost a season, she was the last woman I was with. I knew I wanted to pursue a relationship with you, so I told her this, and we spent one last night together to say goodbye. She then wished me happiness, and in the morning, I awoke, and she was gone. I was told she went to spend time with friends, and that she wished me well, but did not wish to see me in the cold hours of the morning. I saw her briefly just before Caleb and Laurel’s wedding, she was the tavern hostess at that time, no longer entertaining guests. I gave her a bracelet I had bought at Welstone, it had a blue opal in the centre that matched her eyes. I told her it was a goodbye present, and that I would always cherish our friendship. That was the last time she kissed me, and the last time I saw her. I have told you everything, my love. Yes, I have had relationships with other women, but the only one my heart yearns to be with is you. Corrin herself did not calm my heart or make me feel this content with who I am, as do you. I have never needed anyone the way I need you. Please believe me when I tell you, I wish to build my whole world around you,” Aiden expressed with such sincerity and earnest seriousness, Marina could not help herself from becoming emotional.
Marina’s heart almost sighing in relief with Aiden revealing everything to her.
“I…I do believe you, my love,” she whispered with trembling lips, as tears slipped down her cheeks.
Aiden smiled at her adoringly, placing his hand on the side of her face, drawing her to him as he took her mouth in a passionate kiss. Lying Marina back against the pillows, Aiden continued his affections, his caresses and kisses become more intimate and ardent.
“Mmm…um…Aiden, we must stop. I…will not…be able to hold back,” Marina spoke in a breathless, trembling whisper.
“Are you sure, mo chroí ar mhian? Do you not wish to feel the joy of our love for each other? I can do this for you. We will not break our vow,” Aiden whispered back seductively, continuing his passionate attentions.
“I…I do, my love, but…um…it will not be enough I fear. I will not be able…to control my feelings, for long. Perhaps now, but what of next time? Ione already felt it was unfair of Caleb to expect this from you,” Marina replied, trembling visibly as she glided her hands through his hair.
“What? When did she say this? Does she really think I have no self-control?” Aiden asked suddenly, stopping his affections to look at her.
“No, Aiden. It was not said in a mocking or teasing way. They were actually concerned, as they felt it was not something you were accustomed to and that Caleb was expecting too much of you,” Marina explained, smiling at him in mild amusement at his demeanour.
“They? Who are they, and why was this a topic of conversation?” Aiden asked sitting up, his voice fully conveying his irritation.
Marina sat up smiling, wrapping her arms around his arm, leaning against his shoulder.
“It was Ione, Kerrie, Laurel and I. We were visiting with Ione and Kerrie a few days after the banquet,” Marina answered smiling demurely, reaching over to move his hair out of his eyes.
“I suppose Laurel felt Caleb was expecting too much of me as well?” Aiden inquired sulkily.
“No,” Marina replied, giggling. “Laurel said that she realised the girls meant well, but that Caleb had complete confidence in you. He was actually more concerned with how I would handle the newness of our relationship with all that has happened,” Marina remarked, leaning into his shoulder and looking up at him with a coy smile.
“Oh really? Well, that does make me feel better. Though I do not wish to admit it, I suppose, you made a valid point also. I do find you irresistible, and it would be very difficult not give in to…certain feelings,” Aiden smirked charmingly, leaning over and kissing her forehead, making her giggle once again.
“Shall I go and have a light breakfast arranged for us?” Marina asked in a soft voice.
“Yes, I suppose. I will go back to my room to change, then meet you here. I will be leaving shortly, love,” Aiden mentioned, holding Marina in his arms.
“Take as much time as needed, Aiden. I will be here for you when you return,” Marina murmured, as Aiden leant over kissing her face tenderly.
“Eanruig, you must come out to the garden. He…he is here,” Abiageal exclaimed as she rushed into her husband’s workshop, her eyes filled with surprise.
“Who is here, my love?” Eanruig asked in a distracted voice, as he continued to concentrate on the bracelet he was making.
“The Prince. It is Aiden,” Abiageal whispered back, with trembling lips.
Eanruig turned and looked in surprise, pausing for a moment. Then he placed the bracelet down carefully, and wordlessly stood and walked over to his wife, taking her hand and walked out to garden together. Upon their approach, Aiden smiled almost shyly.
“Good day to you, Sire. This is a most unexpected pleasure,” Eanruig said in a warm, kind voice, extending his hand, sensing Aiden’s discomfort.
“Good day to you as well, Eanruig. Please, there is no need for formalities. I know this is far too long in coming. I am here to pay my last respects, and to…to ask for your forgiveness,” Aiden replied, grasping Eanruig’s hand in a handshake, his voice halting and overcome with emotion.
“There is no need to ask for forgiveness, Aiden. No one knew this would happen. We do not blame you, your brother or your father. The King was most generous to our village after the attack. Prince Caleb himself came to speak with Abiageal and me, explaining the Rabkins themselves did not condone the attack. That it was done by rogue warriors acting on their own accord. None of what happened could have been predicted,” Eanruig mentioned, laying his hand on Aiden’s arm comfortingly.
“I only wish I could have been here, I cannot help but think I could have stopped it, or the very least protected her,” Aiden responded, his eyes filling with tears.
“Now listen to me, my boy. It would most likely be that you would have perished with Corinn and the others. It all happened so fast that it was over before we all fully realised what had happened. I have comfort in knowing our dear Corinn did not suffer. She died very quickly, you know this. I can also tell you, she would not want you to mourn her loss forever. She loved you dearly, she would not want you to suffer for her your entire life. If you honour her memory, you will stop blaming yourself and live life as you should. Is it not so that you have found someone to claim your heart?” Abiageal asked with tears in her eyes, but her voice strong and steady.
“Yes…yes, I have. Her name is Marina. She is the daughter of Lady Ellos of Gwenlais,” Aiden answered in a soft voice, smiling through the tears now falling from his eyes.
