The innkeeper, a rotund man with a jovial face, hurried over when he saw them.His eyes widened slightly when he recognized Boyd.
"'Tis an honor to have ye here.I've my best room available and—"
"I'll take it," Boyd cut him off."Have food and ale sent up.Enough for two.My men will need warm meals as well, and access to your stables."
"Of course, right away!"The innkeeper bobbed his head eagerly, his gaze sliding curiously to Bella."And the lady?"
"My wife," Boyd replied flatly, and Bella did not miss the way the innkeeper's eyebrows shot up.
"Congratulations!I did not ken ye'd taken a bride.This calls for celebration—"
"It does not," Boyd growled."Just see that the food is hot and the room is clean.I'll also need hot water to wash.My wife is tired from travel."
The innkeeper nodded then shouted orders to two serving women as he led them up a narrow staircase to a room on the second floor.It was simple but clean.A large bed dominated the space, with a washstand and tub in the corner and a small table with two chairs near the window.
One bed.
Bella's eyes locked on it as her heart began to race.
"There's a garderobe at the end of the hall and I'll have hot water brought up for bathing," the innkeeper said, already backing toward the door."And the food will follow shortly."
Then he was gone, and Bella was alone with Boyd.
The room suddenly felt very small.
"Freshen yourself," Boyd said curtly, moving to the window and staring out at the darkening courtyard below."I have matters to discuss with my men.I'll return to our bed later."
Our bed.
Bella's throat went dry."But, I thought ye said—"
"Dinnae flatter yourself."Boyd did not turn around, but she heard the harsh edge in his voice."There's nothing I want from yer body.But these roads aren't safe, and these inns even less so.I'll not have my wife stolen or harmed because I was too proud to share her chamber.I need to guard ye."Boyd continued, his voice dropping lower, "So dinnae read anything into it."
Bella lifted her chin."Of course.I understand."
"Good."He strode toward the door."I'll be back later.Dinnae go below or outside alone.Understood?"
"Aye."Bella seethed inside.The way he spoke to her was blunt and abrasive.She wanted to throw a flowerpot at his head but instead simply nodded.
He paused with his hand on the latch, his back to her.For a moment, Bella thought he might say something else.But then he yanked the door open and left without another word.
Bella stood frozen in the middle of the room, listening to his boots thunder down the stairs.Then she sank onto the edge of the bed and allowed herself, finally, to acknowledge how much pain she was in.Her entire body ached.Her heart ached worse.
Bella quickly made use of the amenities then returned to her room.Shortly after, a knock at the door made her jump."Hot water, mistress!"
Bella opened the door to find a maid with a sympathetic smile and steaming buckets of water.Behind her was another serving girl also with buckets in her hand.
"Thank ye," Bella replied.
They moved past her and filled the large washbasin.
"Food will be up shortly, mistress.Is there anything else ye need?"The girl's eyes were kind, curious.
"No, thank ye.Ye've been very helpful."
After they left, Bella stripped off her travel-stained gown, stepped into the bath and with her lavender soap, scrubbed herself clean.She relished the feel of hot water on her aching muscles.
Once finished she dried herself by the fire and donned a clean shift and plain slippers when another knock sounded.
