Gybbon smothered a laugh when he realized Sigimor had not intended to have a priest at his table, and he led Mora to a seat and then sat beside her. He nearly laughed at the priest’s face when Freya jumped on the seat beside her. He did not think the priest would linger after the meal.
“Oh, dear, the priest is upset by the cat at the table,” Mora whispered.
“Aye, so he will leave soon,” Gybbon said quietly, and she smiled.
* * *
It was late in the afternoon before Gybbon got a chance to take Mora upstairs. Just at the bottom of the stairs, Harcourt stopped them and kissed Mora on the cheek and Annys did the same. Gybbon was pleased by this sign of welcome and shook his brother’s hand.
“Starting on the manor house soon?” Harcourt asked.
“Aye, intend to draw out what I would like and then talk to some of the craftsmen in town tomorrow.”
“Good. Just let me ken what ye plan as I have some craftsmen at the keep who wouldnae say nay to some extra work.”
As soon as they left, Gybbon hurried Mora up the stairs so fast she was laughing by the time they went into his bedchamber. Their clothes quickly hit the floor although he noticed she was very careful about laying the blue gown over a chair. He then tumbled her into bed after locking the door.
“Locking that didnae help last night,” she said as she curled her arms around his neck.
“Better lock, and no entrance to the escape tunnel in here.”
“Oh. Good. I have no wish to see my brothers tonight.” She smiled when he laughed. “I think they are no longer so angry.”
“Nay, I married ye without complaint or force. I think they would still like to punch me in the face though.”
“I dinnae understand that, as they are my brothers, nay my father.”
He shrugged. “Ye have no father, so they have stepped in as your guardians.”
“Weel, I am sorry they forced ye before a priest.”
“I told ye. There was nary a complaint and it wasnae force. Aye, I kenned it was the only choice if I didnae wish to get in a long fight with your kinsmen, but no one forced me before the priest. In truth,” he admitted reluctantly, “I was pleased I didnae have to think of a proper way to ask ye.”
“What is so hard about asking a lass to marry ye?”
“I dinnae ken. Simple words, aye, but a difficult thing for men to do especially if they ken they have no skill with pretty flatteries and love words.”
“I dinnae require any.”
“Good, although I imagine I may come up with some now and then.” He kissed her and held her close, loving the feel of her smooth skin against his.
Mora gave herself over to his slow lovemaking. He murmured things to her as he kissed and caressed her, and she decided he did not realize he had skill enough at pretty words when needed. Obviously, he needed some inspiration, she thought as she returned his caresses.
Wondering if it was because she was now legally married to the man, Mora felt daring and was soon kissing her way down his taut stomach. She made love to him with her mouth, savoring every groan of pleasure that escaped him. Then he turned her around so that he could do the same with her. As she felt her insides tauten and sensed what he had called her release rushing up on her, she pulled away and settled herself over him. He entered her a little roughly and she was proud that she had driven him to such desperation. This time she needed no direction and rode him until they both cried out softly from the strength and joy of their mutual release. She slumped down on top of him and felt him soften within her.
“Not a Saint’s day,” she said, not surprised by the breathless tone of her voice and smiling when he laughed.
“Nay, but we will add this day to the list.”
“Aye. Probably the only respectable day.” She pulled free and flopped down beside him.
For a while they lay quietly side by side, their breathing growing slower. He then turned on his side and began lazily stroking her. Mora liked it but was not sure she was ready to do anything all over again as she realized she was tired after a broken night’s sleep and a long day.
“So, ye plan to get started on your grand manor house?”
“Aye. I think I will etch out what I have in mind on the morrow.”
“So where do we stay while we wait?”
