Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 99325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
“A mapmaker,” she said in a hushed whisper. “Kilkern needs a mapmaker to map the land for him, proving his claim.” It took a moment for her to digest the information and realize that she was in danger. “My friend Brigid has no need to worry?”
“Kilkern seeks Brigid for a different reason. He is a man that intends to get what he wants at any cost.”
“So he seeks Brigid for pleasure and me for mapping.”
“Aye, but at the moment the map is more important. He can find another woman to satisfy his lust; he cannot find another mapmaker with your knowledge of Kilkern and Dunhurnal land.”
“I am valuable to him.”
“More than you realize. Be careful and share this information with Magnus, for I am not certain he is aware of it.”
Reena remained silent.
“You hesitate.”
“Magnus will keep me confined once he learns of what you say.”
“For your own safety,” he assured her.
“He will worry over me.”
“He loves you and will worry regardless.”
She sighed. “Something does not make sense to me.”
“What do you mean?”
“I do not know.” She shook her head. “All this talk of the land and who has rightful claim to it.” She shook her head again. “Something is amiss.”
Magnus’s men began spilling out of the great hall, disrupting their solitude.
“Go speak with him now,” the Dark One warned her.
“I will tell him.”
“Now,” he reiterated firmly.
“As you say,” she said with a resigned sigh. “Can I offer you food and shelter for the night?”
“I have all I need, but thank you for your gen-erosity.”
“Be well,” she said in a soft whisper, but she knew that the Dark One had blended further into the shadows of the night and probably did not hear her.
She changed her direction and returned to the keep. She did not find Magnus in the great hall and went in search of him. She did not find him in his solar and decided to drop her cloak in her bedchamber before proceeding to his chambers. She was surprised to see him standing in the middle of her room looking perplexed and perturbed.
“Where have you been?”
“I thought to visit my parents.”
Magnus was beside her in two strides, his hands grasping her face. “Tell me when you leave the keep.”
“I was not going far.” She placed her hands over his to soothe him.
“If I do not know where you are, then it is too far.” He leaned down and kissed her, and the soft, gentle touch of his lips soon turned ravenous, along with his hands. It was as though he had to touch her, had to feel her warm, soft body and be assured that she was there with him, alive and well.
He stopped to take a breath and rested his forehead to hers. “I am a warrior used to fear, and yet when I am uncertain of your whereabouts fear rises in me like I have never known before. Damn, Reena, I love you so very much.”
Her heart swelled with joy. “I will do my best to not cause you fear.”
He laughed softly. “Why do I think that will be a problem?”
“I am adventurous; I cannot help it.”
He scooped her up into his arms. “Then you shall be adventurous with only me.”
She slipped her arms around his neck and placed her small nose to his. “Promise me?”
“You have my word,” he said and captured her lips.
They were on the bed in seconds, their garments discarded just as fast and entwined in each other’s arms with the same speed. He intended to linger in their lovemaking: she intended the same, but their passion took hold and they were soon fast in the throes of lustful sex.
He touched, she nipped, he tormented, she teased, she moaned, he groaned and they joined in a fiery union that had their naked bodies perspiring, their hearts beating wildly, and their climaxes exploding, leaving them completely breathless and thoroughly satiated.
They lay beside each other, catching their breath and cooling their heated bodies.
When common sense returned, Reena remembered the Dark One’s message. While now did not seem an appropriate time, she thought it best she deliver the information as she had promised. Now.
She turned on her side to face him. “I have something to tell you.”
Magnus turned his head. “This sounds important.”
“The Dark One spoke with me this evening when I was on my way to my parents’ cottage. He told me that Kilkern looks to substantiate his claim on Dunhurnal land and to do so he must produce a map designating the land as his. To do this he needs the assistance of a—”
“Mapmaker,” Magnus finished.
Reena looked at him oddly. “You were aware of this?”
“I have known from the start that Kilkern needs you more than anyone.”
She frowned. “From the start?”
Magnus stroked her hip, his tender touch meant to soothe.
“From when we first met?” she asked before he could answer.