Alaric kissed his wife on the lips, and she kissed him back. Her hands held his face, and he took her face with his own. It was a deep kiss filled with passion and love. A kiss that told of how he felt for her, as she felt for him. A kiss that wiped clear the pastand made way for the future. A kiss between a man and wife, a love match, a marriage that was destined to stand the test of time.
It was the kiss of a man who would do anything to protect the woman he loved.
And when he pulled away, tears streaming down his face, there was but one thing left to say, so he said it. “I think it is time we return home.”
She smiled. “Both of us?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Alaric took Clara by the hand and lifted her from the cot. Then he led her outside and helped her onto his horse. And then, together, they rode from the forest and back toward Ravencourt Castle toward home.
Twenty-Five
The castle looked different when they returned.
Sitting behind Alaric on his horse, arms wrapped tight around his waist, Clara could not help but smile to herself when she saw the castle that was now her home. The sun shone brightly overhead. The once ominous feel that the castle brought had turned toward inviting. And there was a pull coming from the castle as if it was bidding her to enter.
“Are you sure this is the same place that I left?” she asked.
“What do you mean?”
She laughed. “Nothing. Nothing at all…”
Alaric held her by the hand as he led her inside, and where it was indeed dark and empty in the foyer, and throughout the rest of the home, it did not feel that way. The staff remained hidden as they so often did. The curtains were drawn. The silence wasdeafening. Even still…I feel comfortable here for the first time, as if I belong.
“You must be tired,” Alaric said to her.
“I am,” she agreed.
He nodded. “Perhaps a nap? I will instruct the kitchens to prepare supper.”
She considered the proposal but then shook her head. “I would much rather a tour, if it pleases you.”
“A tour? You have lived here for weeks.”
“Have I?” she raised an eyebrow at him, and Alaric smiled.
“I see your point.” He stepped into her again, kissing her full on the lips in a way that she was quickly growing used to. “A tour then.”
They spent the next few hours walking the halls of the castle. Only this time, with every closed room that they passed, the duke stopped to unlock the doors and open them. Most were empty bedrooms, but she sensed some had a deeper meaning. She did not press him on it, simply glad that he was finally ready to set the past where it belonged so that they could look forward to the future.
What Clara appreciated most was when the duke led her into the western wing. Previously forbidden, now open to her.
“You have probably been wondering why I kept you from this side of the castle.”
“I simply assumed that you liked your privacy.”
He laughed, bringing her hand to his lips to give it a kiss. “This was where Helena and I spent most of our time. And I was worried that if you came here you would see…” He trailed off as they reached the main hall, on the walls of which she immediately spied a series of portraits.
Some where of Alaric’s family from the past. She noted a family portrait of him as a child with his father and his mother. Another of just him and his father alone. And then one that was of Alaric and Helena, painted on the day that must have been their wedding.
“I will have it taken down,” Alaric said when he saw her looking at it.
“No,” she said to him as she studied the portrait, noting the smile he wore on his face. “Leave it.”
“Are you certain?”
“I am.” She turned to him, taking his hands and looking at him properly. “What happened between you and Helena is nothingto be ashamed of. If anything, that short time in your life should be remembered for what it was. Happy,” she confirmed when she saw his frown. “My only hope is that you will be just as happy with me.”
