“What is not fair, my dear Lady Faith, is what I would suffer if Eric learned I told you the tale.”
“I would not tell,” she offered.
“He would find out anyway.”
“Aye, that he would,” she agreed and yelled to Rook not to wander off. “How does he know everything that goes on? I hear the keep gossip and many whisper of his powers.”
“The only power Eric possesses is the ability to listen and hear more clearly than others, even when more than one person speaks. Therefore, he hears and knows much.”
“He knows, then, you want a wife?”
“His threats are but teases.”
Faith shook her head. “But I think a wife is what you want.”
“Trust me, Lady Faith, I would not make a good husband.”
“I think otherwise.”
“You think as all women do.”
“Do you not wish to love?” she asked, stopping not far from where the heather grew profusely.
Colin turned serious eyes on her. “Aye, I ache to love, but I charm instead. I am not capable of loving, and that is all I will say on the matter.”
Faith knew better than to pursue the subject but thought to discuss the matter with her husband and see if a good woman could be found for Colin. He was a handsome man, kind of charming but scarred—not physically like her but inside—and she wondered just how deeply the wound went.
Rook ate berries and Stuart and Colin helped her collect heather. It was a joyful trio and dog that returned to the safety of the castle grounds. After collecting her healing basket and promising to return the borrowed basket even though the woman insisted she keep it, Colin and Faith, along with a tired and full Rook made their way back to the keep.
They were not far from the stone and wood edifice that countless men continued to work on all through the day when Faith bluntly asked, “How do you think Eric will explain that he no longer wishes to return me to my father as he wrote in his letter?”
Relaxed and caught off guard from his enjoyable trek, Colin responded without thinking: “Eric demanded your father’s presence but made no mention that you were to be returned to him.” He halted abruptly after the remark escaped his mouth and turned a suspicious glare on her.
“Thank you,” she said and gave his cheek a light kiss. “You confirmed my own suspicions.” She ran ahead, her step light and her smile bright.
Colin chased after her and caught up with her before she entered the keep. “I think it would be best for me if you did not mention where you learned that bit of information.”
“I will not tell him,” she said, then added, “He will find out anyway.”
“Then I am done for,” he said dramatically and dropped his head.
She laughed. “You cannot fool me, Colin. I know my husband would never inflict harm on you.”
Colin raised his head and she was surprised to see his expression serious. For a moment she thought she caught a peek of his wound that had scarred him so badly, but he quickly concealed it from her.
“Nay, that he would never do. Lord Eric is a good man no matter what they call him and I am happy and pleased that he has found an angel to heal his soul.”
He pushed the thick wooden door open before she could respond and they silently entered the great hall.
o0o
The hearth in Eric’s solar blazed with its usual intensity, keeping the large room at a comfortable temperature and the occupants warm. Unfortunately, Lord William found the room not at all to his liking. It was much too hot—why else would he be sweating so profusely?
He dabbed repeatedly at his damp brow with his square lace cloth and also patted along his equally damp neck. He felt the moisture building beneath his arms and crawling over his body and he wanted nothing more than to have done with this business and be on his way.
Eric watched the short, pudgy man’s nervous actions. His own fear had him sweating like a man too long in the summer sun and his constant use of his lace cloth would have it drenched in no time. Eric was pleased by his unsettled attitude; it meant he was frightened and a frightened man was always foolish. But then Lord William was a foolish man no matter what the circumstances.
Lord William gladly accepted the tankard of ale Borg offered him but Eric declined it, too anxious to ask questions and even more anxious to hear the answers.
The three men sat in the chairs in front of the hearth, William taking the one that was the furthest distance away and keeping his square lace cloth in hand.
Eric wasted no time with unnecessary talk. “Why did you lie to me?”
“About what?” William asked, his voice trembling.
“About what?” Eric repeated irately. “Does this mean you lied to me more than once?”
Borg kept his smile well concealed and enjoyed watching the cat and mouse game Eric played with the man.
“I-I nay, nay I—”
“What is it you lied to me about?” Eric demanded sharply.
“Fai-Faith,” he stammered, attempting to answer,
Borg prayed the man was wise enough to say naught against Lady Faith.
“Faith needs protection,” he finally got out and paused to wipe his brow yet again.
Borg was relieved, though it was short-lived.
William unwisely continued, “From herself.”
“What say you?” Eric said much too calmly and leaned forward in his chair.
William immediately realized the foolishness of his words and hurried to rectify them. “She is stubborn and persistent instead of docile and obedient as a good woman or wife should be. She speaks without thinking—”
“A family trait, I see,” Eric finished for him.
“I have done well by the girl,” William insisted, feeling courageous with each gulp of ale he took. “After all, who would take a soiled woman as a wife?”
“The devil?” Eric asked casually.
The man paled and wiped his brow. “Y-you insulted her virtue.”
“So you demanded I compensate for the insult.”
“Y-yes, of course. What kind of father would I be if I did not protect my daughter?”
“Yes, what kind of father?” Eric asked slowly.
William once again gathered his courage. “You are wed, your vows consummated, you cannot return her to me.”
“Did I ask that you take her back?”
William shook his head. “Nay, but I thought—”
“Thought what?”
He shook his head again, though followed it with no response.
“You thought little of your daughter and even less of me.”
“I did what was best,” William said, his hands trembling.
“Best for you,” Eric confirmed.
“Best for all,” William insisted. “You sullied her with your sinful words and she condemned herself with her shameful actions. She deserves the devil for a husband.”
“And she has got him, which you would do well to remember,” Eric warned and stood, his large shadow looming over the small man like a beast rising from the depths of hell.
“Why did you summon me here?” William asked, wishing to end his torment and be on his way.
“I want to know of her attack.”
William appeared shocked. “Why?”
“Think before you speak,” Eric warned.
William did not heed his caution. “She acted foolishly and suffered the consequences.”
Borg thought now the perfect time to interrupt; Eric looked about to kill the man. “Lord Eric, perhaps it would be best to allow Lord William time to rest and refresh himself before evening’s repast. Tomorrow will be time enough to talk again.”
Lord William stood, nodding his head repeatedly. “A much appreciated suggestion, my good man. Lady Terra and I are exhausted after our strenuous journey.”
Borg smiled graciously and waved his hand toward the door. “Come and let me show you to the guest chambers.”
The giant and the short man were a
lmost out the door when Eric’s sharp voice stopped them. “Lord William.”
The trembling man stood behind Borg and turned to venture a peek past the big man’s wide shoulder.
“We speak tomorrow,” Eric said. “There is much you have yet to answer for.”
Lord William gave him a brief nod, turned and hurried out of the room. Borg simply turned a smiling face on Eric before closing the door behind him.
o0o
Faith was not certain when her guards changed. One minute Colin had been beside her and the next moment she looked, Borg was there. She shook her head in confusion and went about her task, attempting to disregard her new and large shadow.
Rook must have sensed the problem, or perhaps he was attuned to her own sense of fear, for he did not leave her side for more than a brief moment and his alert eyes followed her every move.
She was busy seeing if all was well in the kitchen, a place Rook was more than happy to linger in. Mary had not been feeling well, though most of her sickness cleared by midday and the remainder of the day she was her old self. Faith was relieved to see that today she looked healthy and full of energy.
Faith sniffed the air, the delicious aroma causing hunger groans to attack her belly much too loudly.
Mary shook her head. “Your belly needs filling, my lady. You do not eat enough.” With that she sliced a thick piece of brown bread from a loaf she had recently taken fresh and hot from the stone oven. She covered it with a generous spread of butter, then drizzled honey over it.
Borg and Rook’s mouths were watering as she handed it to Faith.
Faith thanked her and asked if she required any more help. Mary laughed, shook her head and shooed the three out of the kitchen. By the time they returned to the great hall, Borg and Rook were sharing Faith’s slice of bread.
They would have been caught off guard if it had not been for Rook who scurried in front of her and with the chunk of bread protruding from the side of his mouth, growled and snarled at someone who was about to emerge from a darkened corner.
Borg immediately joined Rook, his dagger drawn.
“I will speak to my stepdaughter,” Lady Terra demanded as if she were lady of the keep.
“Only if Lady Faith so desires,” Borg informed her.
“I will—”
Borg did not allow her to finish. “Do as you are told.”
Lady Terra grew red with anger. “How dare you—”
This time Faith interrupted her. “What is it you want?”
Borg stepped aside, though remained beside her.
“I want to talk to you,” Lady Terra said sternly.
Faith nodded to Borg and he and Rook stepped a discreet distance away, giving the two women privacy yet keeping them in sight.
Lady Terra was quick to attack with her tongue. “I hear that your shame follows you.”
“Whatever do you speak of?”
“I was told that Nora was viciously attacked as you once were but she had the decency to die.”
Faith stared at her with horrified eyes. “You think it was decent of her to die?”
“She was a good girl and knew better than to bring shame to her family. At least in her death she retained her honor.”
“Do you not even care she is dead?” Faith asked incredulously.
“I care that you did not respect your family enough to have done the same.”
A look of sheer disgust crossed Faith’s face. “You are not only cold and callous, you are foolish and crazy.”
“You think me foolish and crazy?” she all but laughed at Faith. “You who is married to a man of no importance and who cares naught for you. He will be on you until he fills your belly with his child and then he will find his pleasure elsewhere. You are nothing more than chattel to him. And he is nothing more than a barbarian who bought his title, land and wife with the blood of Irishmen.”
Faith advanced on her stepmother, her voice clear and strong. “You know nothing of kindness, goodness and truth. It is you who care naught for anyone or anything but yourself. You may think me shameful, but I think your selfish ignorance disgraces the name of every Irish man, woman and child who died fighting for this land.”
Fury raged over Lady Terra’s reddened face and her hand arced wide as she swung toward Faith.
Rook charged for the attacking woman, pouncing on her with a fierce snarl and causing her to stumble and fall on her backside. The large dog stood, his sharp teeth bared, growling over her until Faith summoned him to her side.
“I should have killed that dog when he was a pup,” Lady Terra said, stumbling as she attempted to stand on trembling legs.
“Do not ever threaten my dog, Lady Terra, or you will be sorry,” Faith ordered and turned on her heels, Rook beside her, Borg following and Lady Terra staring at the departing trio in disbelief.
o0o
Faith walked the castle grounds with Rook. Dusk had long since fallen and night was full upon the land. The air was crisp and fresh, the stars were bright in the dark sky and raised voices, laughter and song could be heard from the great hall.
Borg sat nearby, watching her and waiting. She was expected in the hall, should have been there by now; yet she could not bring herself to enter the same room as her father and stepmother. But she was lady of the keep and expected to act accordingly, which meant joining her husband and guests at the dais.
“Finally,” she heard Borg say and turned to see her husband approach.
He looked so handsome and intimidating. He wore all black tonight; not a trace of red could be seen. He blended with the darkness as only the dark lord could.
He spoke quietly with Borg. The large man nodded his head and then walked off.
“What keeps you out here, wife?” he asked as he approached her.
She wanted to run to him, throw her arms around his neck, beg him to love her as much as she loved him and beg him not to make her go inside.
“Rook needed a walk.” The feeble excuse sounded poor to her ears and her trembling voice did not help her lie.
He raised her chin with his hand. “I respect the truth, as do you. Why do you not speak it now?”
She sighed and reached up to take his hands in hers. “I do not want to go into the hall, Eric.”
To her amazement he answered, “Neither do I.”
“You don’t?” she asked, fearing she had only heard what she wished to hear.
“Nay,” he assured her.
She felt hopeful. “Where do you wish to go?”
He leaned down and stole a brief kiss. “I know where we go.”
“Where?” she asked, still hopeful.
He kissed her again and then whispered, “Follow me.”
Chapter Twenty-nine
Faith hurried alongside her husband, taking two steps for every one of his. She was surprised when they came upon her healing cottage and she saw two men standing guard by the closed door.
Eric greeted the men with a nod and a command. “No one passes through this door.” Their quick nods told him they understood, and he opened the door.
Rook entered before them and when Faith entered she gasped. The room was lit with a preponderance of candles. The table was prepared with a small feast; the finest of linens were used; and the two chairs were draped in a rich, thick tapestry for the lord and lady’s comfort. Extra pillows had been added to the bed and a soft, white wool blanket was drawn back in anticipation. A fire burned brightly in the hearth, keeping the room comfortably warm.
Rook settled himself contentedly with the large bone that had been purposely placed on the rushes he usually napped on. Faith looked with grateful eyes on her husband.
“He deserves the treat for a duty well done.”
“And the rest?” she asked with a wave of her hand around the room.
He walked over to her. “You deserve this.”
“Why?”
“I command it,” he teased and took her in his arms.
“Do you want me?”
<
br /> He nibbled at her neck. “I always want you.”
“Are you sure?” she asked and teased his lips with her own nibbles.
“Shall I prove it?” He stepped back and stripped to his waist.
The firelight made his body appear golden—more like a god than a devil—and his naked flesh glistened as if touched by the morning dew.
“Come to me,” he ordered softly, and she did.
He brought her up against him and kissed her with an urgency that made her understand they would soon be in bed. But this time she wanted their joining to be different. This time she wanted to know how he felt toward her and she knew where she would start.
“Have you always wanted me, Eric?” she asked between kisses.
“Always,” he assured her and struggled to remove her soft green tunic.
She assisted him, though grasped his hands when he took hold of her shift. “You want me here, Eric?”
He smiled and slipped his hands out of hers. “Here and now.”
Her shift came off in a flash and his mouth descended on her breast. Her nipple disappeared into his wet mouth and he suckled on her like a man in need.
“You don’t want me gone, you want me here?” she repeated.
His response was to attack her other nipple in the same fashion.
She held firm to his muscled arms as she asked, “Then you will not be returning me to my father?”
Her words stopped his pleasure and he raised hot blue eyes at her. “What nonsense do you speak?”
“The letter you sent my father when we first arrived here. Did you not advise him that I would be returned to him?”
He smiled much too wickedly. “You know I did not; Colin told you so. What is this about?”
“Why did you not return me? Why do you wish me to stay?”
Eric brushed a soft kiss over her lips. “Easy answers, wife.”
“Then tell me, husband.”
Eric had waited for this moment, not sure when or how to tell her of his feelings, but now it seemed so natural, so right, so perfect. And he did not wish to wait any longer to hear the meaningful words spill from his lips.
His blue eyes softened, his voice grew gentle and he pulled her closer as he spoke. “I never intended on returning you and I wish you to stay here with me and be my wife because I love you. You captured my heart when first we met and my suggestive words caused you to fall on your backside. You won my admiration and respect when I watched you deliver that babe on our wedding night, and I discovered my deep, unrelenting love for you after our wedding when we spoke while riding my horse and you slept in my arms. I knew then and there that I would spend the rest of my life loving you.”
The Irish Devil Page 31