Child of the Kindred, page 82
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“It is rather extraordinary to hear of their experiences. This Golan, Kaveh, looks very much like a larger version of the creature shot down in the village of Kent. In a few days, I would like to show him a drawing one of the Scribes made of the creature, to see if it is one of his kind,” Logan mentioned, as he stood to get ready to depart for home.
“An excellent idea. I am happy to hear the idea that Her Highness suggested, to begin including an Ollam in the local Patrols, has been useful,” Deaglan said to Angus as they made their way out of the study.
“Indeed, it has. Tara has been very helpful on several occasions.”
“And what do you make of this whole mine situation,” Deaglan asked.
“I feel that we must find it, and put a stop to this forced slave labour. I have no doubt, Prince Caleb will find the experience of the two former captives quite disturbing. He will most likely employ his Kedesh informers, to seek out any information they may be able to gather,” Angus informed him.
“How soon do you think the river camp will be reopened, Angus?” Deaglan asked as they walked out into the wide corridor.
“Not for another three weeks. The river will be running dangerously high and rough, as well as many of the roadways along the entrance to the foothills and highlands would still be muddy from the early thaw. It would be a hardship to send a messenger to Heathwin at present,” Angus answered, guessing Deaglan’s reason for asking.
“Very well. We shall have wait for our friends’ arrival for the usual early harvest schedule then. From what I have been told, the first planting has gone very well. We will have plenty to offer from the early harvest,” Deaglan remarked, feeling glad about this bit of good news.
“Speaking of friends, how is our newest acquaintance?” Angus asked with a wry grin.
“He appears to be doing quite well after he was brought to a quiet room and given something to eat. It seems he only eats raw vegetables and fruit. He is right now, happily dining on potatoes, cabbage and apples. He is still wearing the cloak you gave him, he rather likes it. He has also, in this short time, given us quite a bit of insight into his people and the mine. I have requested he stay until Prince Caleb arrives. He is considering it,” Deaglan explained with a broad smile, shaking his head in disbelief.
The sun was just beginning to show its farewell brilliance, turning the lovely horizon shades of red and mauve. Cian and Edeen walked out of the House of Healing, hand in hand, enjoying the sunset from the stone paved terrace.
“Are you sure you cannot join us for dinner tonight, Cian? We have not seen each other most of the week,” Edeen inquired with a soft sigh, leaning her head against Cian’s arm.
“I am sorry dearest. I have an early morning ride all the way to Village-York, tomorrow. You know if I join you for dinner, I never leave until much later in the evening,” Cian replied with a smile, turning to face her, drawing a bent finger across her lovely face.
Her large blue eyes and pouting lips, almost impossible for him to resist.
“Well, I have a suggestion. Just spend the night in one of the guest rooms, then you can depart from home. Mother will not mind as we are officially courting,” Edeen suggested with a coy smile.
“That is a most tempting suggestion, but I must decline. I will not be able to trust myself to wake up and leave early enough. Now do not pout. I have another suggestion. We both have the same days off duty at the week’s end. I shall spend the night then,” Cian said, smiling charmingly, as he leant in and kissed Edeen’s nose.
“Can you not stay, for the entire two days?” Edeen asked with a smile that lit up her face.
“I will see if that can be arranged,” Cian answered with a light laugh. “Come along my sweet, let me escort you home before it becomes dark. You know how your dear mother worries,” Cian remarked, leaning down for a warm kiss.
Marina walked down the corridor, her mind completely engrossed in the book she was reading. She walked into her bedroom, still reading, not even noticing the tall figure standing in the room. It was not until the door closed did she look up, startled for a moment, then smiled annoyingly at Aiden’s smug grin.
“You scared the wits out of me, I did not know you were in here,” Marina scolded, though still smiling, walking over and hitting his arm.
“I could not resist the temptation, seeing as how you were so preoccupied. What are you reading?” he asked, with the same smile, taking her by the waist and drawing her closer.
“It is another book on myths and legends. I find the history behind them so fascinating. You have the most interesting, and sometimes, peculiar ancestors, my love,” Marina giggled, as Aiden kissed her neck.
“Yes, well our family tree is quite large and has very deep roots, so you are bound to find the occasional nut here and there,” Aiden grinned charmingly, taking the book from Marina’s hand as she laughed out loud.
“I was not aware you had already returned from your errand. Why did you not send for me?” Marina asked, watching him curiously as he placed her book down on the small table.
“I wanted to surprise you,” Aiden answered with a roguish grin, putting his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
“By scaring me?” Marina asked with a giggle.
“That was not my first thought, but when the opportunity presented itself, I needed to take advantage of it. So, are you ready to give me a bit of your time?” Aiden asked, smiling enticingly.
“Hmm, I really was enjoying my book,” Marina replied with a coy smile, placing her hands on his shoulders.
“Oh, were you, now? I do have a much more pleasant diversion in mind,” Aiden remarked, his smile becoming more alluring, as he leant in and kissed her face softly.
“More interesting than my book?” Marina asked teasingly, giggling at Aiden’s droll grin.
“Yes, it should be. You are being a bit of an imp. Any particular reason for all this boldness and teasing for the last few days?” Aiden asked, pretending insult while his hands on her waist gripped her lightly.
“You have been teasing me back just as badly. I am only responding to you,” Marina answering, trying to sound indignant, but unable to stop from giggling.
“No, you are being far cheekier than you should be. Do I need to remind you, of whom you are dealing with?” Aiden inquired, smiling roguishly as he leant in and begin nibbling her ear.
“Whom, may I ask, am I dealing with?” Marina replied, pretending to be affronted as she lightly hit his arm once again.
Aiden looked at her in mild surprise, stifling a laugh, rather enjoying Marina’s relaxed and bolder demeanour. She had become more comfortable in their relationship, especially since formally announcing their betrothal a week ago. Aiden was both curious and amused with her fascination with his family’s history and how it closely correlated with many of Heathwin’s folklores and legends. They had not yet discussed when they would marry, though Aiden told her he did not wish to wait very long or want anything overly formal. Marina had no objections, telling Aiden that anything as grand as Laurel and Caleb’s wedding would be too much for her, preferring it to be more intimate as Owain and Tulla’s wedding had been. Right now, however, they were enjoying their time as a newly betrothed couple, and the close familiarity that was developing.
“That is the third time today you have hit me, mo cailin dana. I feel that I will need to teach you a lesson,” Aiden remarked, smirking and raising his eyebrow.
“Oh, really? And what lesson would that be?” Marina asked mockingly, as Aiden slowly slid his hand down her waist. “Ouch! Aiden!” Marina squealed out in surprise, looking at Aiden in injured disbelief after he swatted her backside sharply.
“What? You have the nerve to look surprised?” Aiden laughed, as she pouted at him angrily.
“That hurt!” she said in irked frustration, trying to pull away from him.
“No, it did not. You have on a full underskirt. How did you even feel that little swat?” Aiden asked with a doubting and mocking grin, holding on fast to her waist as she continued to try to pull away.
“It was not a little swat. This is a swat,” Marina replied hitting his arm, making a sharp slapping sound.
“Ouch!” Aiden exclaimed.
“Oh, now you have done it,” he countered back with a light laugh, pulling Marina with him as he walked backwards towards her bed.
“Done what?” she asked a bit worried, as she began to resist following him.
“Did you not tell me you have never been spanked before? Well, now I have no choice but to show you, that what I did a moment ago was just a swat. I obviously need to show you the difference,” Aiden said as he smiled wickedly, continuing to pull her with him.
“No, no you do not. Stop…Aiden, stop it. I…am serious,” Marina stammered, trying to control her surprised laughter. “I…I am not going let you,” she further argued, laughing shrilly now, as she began to struggle with more resistance.
“Not going to let me?” Aiden laughed, as he pulled her forward. “Silly girl, you are not going to have a choice,” he laughed again, as she let out a little screech while falling together on the bed.
They were now both laughing as they continued to struggle, Aiden was surprised and more than amused, at how strong Marina was. Pushing up her dress and underskirt, Aiden held Marina by her arms, as she continued to struggle and laugh now uncontrollably.
“You are wearing your new bloomers. Oh, this is going to be more entertaining than I thought,” Aiden laughed, as he sat up on the edge of the bed, still trying to pull Marina over to him.
Marina sat up, and with a final burst of strength, pushed and knocked Aiden off the bed onto the floor, where he landed with a thud. Marina laughed, and got off the bed on the other side, still laughing as she could not see Aiden. Standing for a moment with nervous curiosity, she waited expectantly. A few moments later, Aiden suddenly sat up, his arms resting on the bed.
“I suggest you begin to run, mo cailin dana,” Aiden spoke in a low threating tone, with a slow, wicked grin.
Marina’s eyes went wide, as she laughed shrilly and ran out of the room towards the west wing corridor. Turning slightly, she saw Aiden already running out of the room pursuing her. Letting out a little shriek, she hiked up her skirts more to run faster. As she rounded the corner, a very startled Wendell, holding several large ledgers, stood unmoving as she ran towards him. Grabbing Wendell by his shoulders, Marina turned him around with her, a moment later, shoving him with all her strength into Aiden, knocking them both to the floor. Marina stood for a moment laughing almost hysterically, then began running once again.
“Wendell! Wendell, get off me you twit!” Aiden yelled, pushing Wendell off him roughly, then stood up and quickly ran after Marina.
Wendell lay on the floor breathless for a moment, then rose shakenly and made his way once again to the Library to begin map reading lessons with Oriel. He just shook his head and rolled his eyes, not even turning around as he heard Marina shriek out loudly, as Aiden caught up to her.
“Come here you,” Aiden said with a laugh, grabbing Marina by her waist and pulling her against him.
She was still laughing frantically, then became quiet as Aiden kissed her passionately. Lifting her off the ground placing her legs around his waist, Marina wrapped her arms around Aiden’s neck. Aiden smiled, hearing her whimper, as his kisses became fervent and ardent. Pulling away slightly, still holding her up in his arms, he looked into her wide luminous eyes and smiled charmingly.
“Come, my darling, I wish to show you something,” he whispered seductively, walking down the corridor a bit farther.
Marina wrapped her arms tighter around Aiden’s neck, as he held her up against him and began kissing her again, feeling a rush of excitement. She had no idea where Aiden was taking her, having never gone this far down the west wing before. Aiden stopped and turned to a closed door to the left of them, then still kissing her, opened it and walked inside. Aiden shut the door behind them, placing Marina on her feet. She turned slowly around, looking about the beautifully rustic chamber. The ceiling, like in most of the rooms, was high with the wide beams exposed, large chandeliers make of antlers hung from them, where thick candles were placed. On one side of the room, stood an enormous fieldstone fireplace with two plush leather chairs in front of it. In the centre of the spacious room, was a magnificent bed that appeared to be framed by four trees, whose branches served as the canopy. On the other side of the room were two large, ceiling high windows, showcasing the splendid view of the forest and distant mountains towards Ardara. A wide, plush window seat, the size of a couch was built in front of the windows. An oversized wardrobe, with carvings of trees on the two doors, seemed to stand guard against the wall near the bed. Marina looked about in childlike awe, walking slowly about, first touching the bed then walking over to the window seat, sitting down and looking out the window. Aiden walked up to her quietly, placing his hands on her shoulders and leaning down to kiss the top of her head.
“So, what do you think?” Aiden inquired softly, smiling as she turned and looked up at him excitedly.
“It is truly splendid, Aiden. I have never seen this room before,” Marina answered standing up, placing her hands against Aiden’s chest.
“I know,” Aiden said, laughing back lightly. “This was my grandparents’ room. After my grandfather had died, my grandmother moved into one of the smaller rooms, closer to everyone. My mother had no desire to take this room, not feeling the need for this much privacy, especially not wanting to be that far away from her children as well. So this room has been unoccupied for many seasons. Until now,” Aiden stated with a knowing smile, watching Marina’s curious expressions.
“How do you mean?” Marina asked in a shaking whisper, her eyes filled with emotion as the realisation of everything began to softly drift into her mind.
“I am very glad you like the room, mo ghra milis, for it shall soon become our special place. I have had the servants preparing it for a week now. Nothing more needs to be done, except for bringing in our personal things and my desk,” Aiden explained, placing his hand on the side of her face, brushing his thumb across her trembling lips.
“I…I could never have imagined having a room, or for my life, to be as exquisite as this,” Marina exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion, blinking her eyes to stop the tears.
Aiden smiled at her lovingly, kissed her softly, then as he walked her over to the wardrobe.
“I have one more thing to show you, but first, you must turn around,” he directed with his usual charming grin.
Marina wiped her eyes, giggling and turned around as he requested, hearing him open the wardrobe. She soon felt his arms move over her head, then her breath caught, as she felt a necklace being placed about her neck. Feeling the coolness of metal against her skin, she looked down, touching it with trembling fingers. A delicate silver braided chain held the silver carving of an alder leaf with tiny shimmering green stones encrusted on it. Aiden leant down, softly kissing her shoulder, feeling Marina tremble her breathing light and rapid. He turned her to face him, smiling at the tears in her eyes.
“I wish to officially ask you. Mo chroi, will you please do me the great honour of becoming my wife?” Aiden asked in a voice barely above a whisper.
He smiled at her in patient amusement, as Marina placed her hands over her face and began to cry, her shoulders shaking.
“Yes,” came the tearful, muffled response, as she still had her face covered.
“Wonderful! May I kiss you?” Aiden asked with a light laugh, stroking back her hair.
Marina lowered her hands, sniffing and wiping her eyes, trying desperately to smile back at him.
“I…I cannot believe…this is really…happening,” Marina spoke in a shaking, weepy voice.
“Here, let me show you how very real this is, my love,” Aiden stated in a warm, loving voice, taking her face in his hands and kissing her passionately.
Taking her up in his arms, Aiden brought Marina over to the bed, lying her down on the lush, opulent coverings. Marina trembled breathlessly, as Aiden’s affections became more intimate, and ardent in nature. Aiden turned them both so that they were facing each other, his arm embracing her waist, while his free hand slowly caressed her hip and backside.
“Just imagine,” Aiden whispered softly, kissing her face. “Waking up together each morning in this room, going to sleep together every night. Spending quiet moments, sitting by the fire, making love in this beautiful bed. I had all these coverings made new for us, they were just put on yesterday,” Aiden said, smiling lovingly as Marina’s eyes widened in surprise, looking at the coverings and sheets.
“Really? You did?” she asked in surprise, gliding her hand across the bed.
“Yes. Notice, I had these made in your favourite colours, gold, green, and pewter,” Aiden laughed lightly, as Marina sat up slightly to look closer at the bedding.
“Oh, Aiden. They are lovely. How long did you plan all of this?” Marina asked, looking about then smiling down at him.
Aiden smiled back, then laughing, reached up and drew her back down to him.
“I have had this planned for some time now,” he replied, turning so that she lay beneath him. “I wanted to begin our life together in a room, and with things, I have never shared with anyone else,” Aiden said with a soft, but serious voice, as he gently drew his finger down Marina’s face.
“Thank you, my love. I love our new room; I so much look forward to being in here together. I will confess to you, I did find certain aspects of your room a bit…well disconcerting,” Marina said in a shy hesitant voice, as Aiden kissed her neck.
