Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
The door to the Great Hall opened and Elsie did not have to look to see who entered, she felt her husband’s potent presence as soon as he stepped into the room. His steps were powerful, the wood creaking beneath his confident footfalls.
“Chieftain Cavell,” Wadely greeted with a bob of his head. “I finished the vest you requested.”
“It is beautiful craftsmanship,” Elsie said as she turned to face her husband, her stomach fluttering at the sight of him, her heart beating a bit faster, and her face lighting with love for him.
“Aye, it is,” he agreed, though it wasn’t the vest he looked upon… it was his wife.
Elsie blushed, still trying to get used to the fact that her husband thought her beautiful.
Cavell slipped his arm around his wife and eased her against him as he spoke to Wadely. “Show me the vest.”
Wadely snatched it off the table and displayed the front and back, explaining how the side straps would hold it firmly in place.
“You do exceptional leather work,” Wadely. “You are welcome to make a permanent home here and provide us with your skill if you ever choose to.”
“I will give it thought, sir,” Wadely said and after placing the vest back on the table, took his leave.
Cavell’s other arm went around his wife as he kissed her lips gently. “I love seeing how your face lights with love for me. It fills my heart with joy.”
“I am glad it pleases you since I cannot help but brighten with love for you when I see you.”
“That’s because I am irresistible,” he said with a chuckle.
“Only to me, no other woman,” she ordered sternly.
“Is that an order, wife?” he said with mocked annoyance.
“Aye, an order you better obey or else?” she threatened playfully.
“What punishment do I suffer if I don’t obey?” he whispered near her ear before nibbling along her neck.
She sighed softly. “You will lose favor with me.”
His lips left her neck suddenly, his head shooting up to look at her. “I never want to lose favor with you.”
“I was but teasing,” she assured him, seeing how much her words had disturbed him and feeling guilty for upsetting him. “I will always favor you, always love you, always desire you, on that you have my word.”
He kissed her hard and strong, forever sealing her words.
Cavell assisted her in taking a seat at the table near the hearth rather than the dais and they shared a brew as they talked.
“I asked Wadely if he ever came across a woman living alone and he said the same as you that the Highlands are a vast area, though he asked if there was anything specific, I knew about the woman. When I told him that she was good at hiding, he was surprised. He knew of such a woman but said she died about two years ago. If, by chance, it was Eudora, it means we will never know who mine and my sisters’ true parents are.”
“Not so,” Cavell encouraged. “Someone searches for one of you, so someone knows the parents of at least one of you three. As difficult as it might be, you need patience in this, wife.” He grinned. “Thankfully, you have me to distract you.”
She returned his grin. “As you did this morning when I woke with endless questions on my tongue. Your kisses and teasing touches quickly distracted me.”
“A perfect way to greet the morning.”
“On that we agree, husband.”
The door opened and Elsie’s smile faded as warriors entered who she didn’t recognize, but obviously her husband did since he smiled and nodded at them. Then she spotted Melvin and her smile returned.
“Melvin!” she shouted.
He hurried his way through the warriors, to the table, and spoke to Cavell first. “Lord Slayer sent these warriors,” —he raised his voice and snickered teasingly— “a helpless bunch if you ask me.”
“Far more skilled than you,” one warrior called out with a laugh.
“Far better features as well.” Another laughed.
“It is generous of Lord Slayer to send you all,” Cavell called out.
“There are far more than just us few, Chieftain Cavell,” one warrior said.
“I am most grateful to Lord Slayer, Henry,” Cavell said, knowing not only the man well but the others with him. He had fought many battles alongside them.
“Lord Slayer takes care of those who pledge their fealty to him, and he knows you will be there without question if he should need you,” Henry said.
Cavell stood. “With sword in hand, ready to fight.”
Henry nodded knowingly. “You always were quick to join the fray. Never saw anyone move as fast as you do.”
“Sit and enjoy some food and drink. We will talk once I finish speaking with Melvin.” Cavell reached out to his wife and when she took his hand, he helped her to her feet, then turned to Melvin. “My solar.”