“But Senara has labored for hours.” Gritting his teeth, as his better half let loose a startling crescendo of pain, he vowed never to touch her again. Just as quick, he quashed the speculation, as she was temptation personified, and he could never resist her. “How much longer must I endure this affliction, as it is killing me?”
The cry of a babe brought all activity to a halt.
Holding his breath, Arsenius locked forearms with his father, and Papa’s muscles flexed, betraying his tremulous state. For what seemed an eternity, a commotion ensued, and then the child’s squall grew louder and more impressive.
“Ah, that is a De Wolfe.” Beaming with pride, Papa chucked Arsenius’s chin, and only then did he sigh in relief. “The first of a new generation.”
Just then, Mama opened the door. Always the picture of elegance, she lifted her chin. “You may come inside, if you wish, and meet your firstborn.”
Without hesitation, Arsenius rushed to Senara’s side, as she remained in the birthing chair. Kneeling, he brushed aside a lock of hair from her damp forehead and kissed her. “How are you, my angel?”
“Wonderful.” She smiled and nuzzled his palm. “And you?”
“Better, now that I know you are all right.” To his dismay, he bent his head and wept. “I was so worried I might lose you, and what would I do without my heart?”
“But I am fine, and thither is someone I would like you to meet.” She flicked her wrist, and a maid brought their bundle of joy, swaddled in a blue blanket, to Senara. As his wife cradled the infant in a secure embrace, she glowed with unveiled elation. “My lord, may I present your firstborn and heir. Your son.”
The lump in Arsenius’s throat almost choked him.
“Talan Titus Ryol De Wolfe, in honor of his Cornish heritage and our sires, as we decided.” So many emotions invested his frame, as he leaned forward, claimed Senara’s lips, regardless of those present, and rubbed his nose to hers. Indeed, no one could shame him for loving his bride. “You have made me so very happy, and I love you.”
“And I you.” Amid the excitement and gushing family members, Senara yawned. “Sorry, my heart, but I am tired.”
“Arsenius, wherefore do you not repair to the great hall and celebrate this momentous event with the men, while we bathe Senara and put her to bed, that she might recover?” Mama reached for his son, but Arsenius retreated.
“By all means, tend my beauteous bride, but I shall remain in the solar, until you are finished, whereupon I will guard her rest, as I am reluctant to leave her, and you may take my son to the nursery.” He strolled into the outer room. “However, at this moment, I would become acquainted with him.”
“Of course.” Mama nodded and returned to Senara, as servants hefted steaming buckets of water to fill the ancere.
Holding his precious treasure, Arsenius gazed at his father and fought to find the words to express his triumph. “Is he not beauteous…incredible…”
“He is all that and suit of armor.” Papa sniffed, and thither was not a dry eye in the vicinity. “And I am a grandfather.”
“As am I.” Ryol wiped the wetness from his cheek. “This is a glorious day, which must be suitably marked.”
“I could not agree more, so let us adjourn to the great hall and commence the festivities.” Papa slapped Ryol on the back. “I, for one, am in dire need of a drink.”
“An excellent suggestion, my friend.” Ryol laughed, as they ventured into the corridor, debating myriad expectations for Talan’s future. “Mayhap we can indulge in some of Hedra’s roasted ham, as I am starved.”
Alone with his son, Arsenius walked to the window overlooking the courtyard. “One day, after I am gone, all of this will be yours, and you will uphold the traditions that have long defined your estimable ancestors.” The babe cooed, and Arsenius chuckled and hugged his heir. “First, you must grow and learn about life, and I will teach you to ride, to wield a lance and a sword, to fight, to fish, to hunt, and, most important, how to treat a lady.” His child gave vent to an adorable snort, as if to declare some innate skepticism. “What? You do not believe I possess sufficient expertise in that area? Well, just ask your Mama, as we created you, and I hope we produce several brothers and sisters, that you might never be lonely. For now, let us commence with a history lesson, because, as my father explained to me, to understand whither you are going, you must know from whither you have come. Thither was once a formidable knight known about the kingdom as William De Wolfe…”
ABOUT BARBARA DEVLIN
Bestselling, Amazon All-Star author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller, but it was a weeklong vacation to Bethany Beach, DE that forever changed her life. The little house her parents rented had a collection of books by Kathleen Woodiwiss, which exposed Barbara to the world of romance, and Shanna remains a personal favorite. Barbara writes heartfelt historical romances that feature flawed heroes who may know how to seduce a woman but know nothing of marriage. And she prefers feisty but smart heroines who sometimes save the hero, before they find their happily ever after. Barbara earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
Connect with Barbara Devlin at BarbaraDevlin.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, The Knightly News. And you can find a complete list of books on Barbara’s Amazon Author Page.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraDevlinAuthor
Twitter: @barbara_devlin
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