The next animal proved no easier, and by the time the last of the cattle were secured in the stern, his shoulders burned and his palms stung raw. Still, as he surveyed them penned and roped, breathing heavily but safe, something steadied inside him.
This was not just transport.
This was recovery.
“These beasts will be welcome,” Callum said quietly, following his gaze. “Our people will feel it.”
“Aye,” Kenneth replied. “They need this after the losses in the storm.” His face tightened. “And Aidan’s mischief.”
He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “Now I need tae wash, take some nourishment, and speak sense into Halvard before the tide decides fer us.”
Selene woke fully only after Kenneth had gone, the sudden absence of his warmth drawing her from sleep. For a moment she lay still beneath the fur coverlet, smiling faintly. Then reality returned with unwelcome sharpness.
I cannot be found here.
She sat up abruptly, the cold snapping at her skin causing shivers and goosebumps. Her fingers clumsy with cold andhaste, she pulled on her shift and wrapped herself in the robe. Still shivering despite the last warmth of the fire as she damped it, she collected her slippers, staying barefoot regardless of the cold under her feet. After all, there was no point in announcing her presence with clattering footsteps.
She opened the door and peeped out. No one. With a sigh of relief, she stepped out of the chamber and slid the door closed behind her making as little noise as possible.
She heard faint voices and clanking and banging sounds from the kitchen. The keep was waking and soon servants would be moving through the corridors.
It would not do at all to be discovered creeping away from Kenneth’s chamber like a thief – or, more to the point a ruined woman who had spent a glorious night in the arms of the man she loved. Gossip galloped faster than any horse and would probably reach Halvard before she’d even made it back to her own bedchamber.
For a moment an image of Halvard’s disapproving frown flashed through her mind. But it was quickly displaced with the memories of the night, her body still thrumming with the pleasure and delight of it.
Fortunately, she encountered no one at all as she slipped soundlessly through the passages and finally, heart pounding, pushed open the door and entered her own chamber.
She stoked the fire, bringing it back to life and then turned her attention to the washbowl and jug on the small side table – waiting there like a grim threat of torture.
She glared at the cold water, screwed up her face, bracing herself, then splashed her face and arms issuing a small gasp. “Barbaric,” she muttered aloud, taking the damp washcloth and applying it to the rest of her. “Absolutely barbaric.”
At Duntulm, she woulddemandthe water for her bath be heated. She would convince them that bathing with hot water was by far more pleasant than splashing oneself with ice.
After dressing in a plain woolen gown and jacket, warm woolen stockings and boots for travel, she sat by the fire untangling the knots in her long hair. Her thoughts drifted unbidden to Kenneth’s whispers as he stroked it from her face and kissed her.
She was tying a ribbon around her long braid when the door opened and her sister bounced in.
“Oh, there ye are,” Elsie said brightly. “I kent ye’d be sad at Kenneth’s leaving this morning and I thought I should keep ye company.” She stopped, frowning. “Why are ye dressed fer travel?”
Selene hesitated only a heartbeat. “Because I’m leaving.”
Elsie’s face crumpled. “Leaving?”
“I am sailing with Kenneth. To Duntulm.”
The silence that followed was sharp and sudden, broken only by a loud gasp from Elsie.
“But… ye’ve scarcely been here more than a day,” Elsie said finally, her voice quivering. “We’ve had so little time together.” A faint wail issued from her lips. “And now ye’re leaving.”
Selene crossed the room and pulled Elsie into her arms. “I know. I wish we had more time.” She clung tightly to her sister. “I, too, have been longing to see you. I’m so sorry we’ve had so little time together, after being apart for so long.”
Elsie drew back, wiping her eyes. “Well,” she said, straightening her shoulders and adding a series of sniffles, “I suppose I shall simply have tae come with ye.”
Selene blinked. “You will what?”
“I will nae miss your wedding,” Elsie declared. “Absolutely nae.”
Selene laughed softly. “There’s only one problem. No, two problems.”
