Securing Aisling

by Andrea Boyd

  We spent the next day at rest and left on Monday morning. The next couple of days were some of the worst I had ever spent in the saddle. The pain from every bruise I received during my ordeal seemed to be magnified by each day’s end. I tried not to complain, but Gwen showed up every night with some of her tea.

  Although there was privacy to be had at the fort and in the inns where we stayed for the remainder of the trip, Garrett never touched me in the way that a husband does his wife. He never said, and I would not have dreamed of ever asking, but I suspect it was because he detected my misery. Things would be different once we arrived in Aisling.

  Seventeen

  Garrett

  I HAD NO problem believing that my father had intended for Brianna to die during that battle. I could even imagine him eventually coming after me, but then what? How far did he plan to go to get what he wanted? How many people’s lives would he be willing to risk? I could not stand the thought that I may have lost Brianna before our life together had even begun.

  We were ambling through the town of Aisling headed toward the castle by noon on the ninth of June. Summer was well on its way here. My last visit to this kingdom had been over six years ago and in the dead of winter. Other than the change in the season, everything was just as I remembered.

  I looked ahead to my new home. It was made up of white stone, and where Gilvary’s castle was a combination of squared off additions, this one was more rounded. It looked more like a grouping of towers. I remembered from my last visit that it looked taller from the back than the front since part of the castle had been attached to the cliff facing the sea.

  From this view, you could see the sparkling blue waters of the Moya Ocean in the background. Unlike Gilvary, there was a profusion of trees and plants everywhere. The foliage here seemed to be greener than could be found anywhere else in Kearnley. Everything seemed more alive in Aisling. The waves crashing the shore, the congregation of sea birds, and the constantly blowing wind all made up a symphony of sounds.

  I reached out toward Brianna as we rode through the gates, and she placed her hand in mine. “I have always loved this castle.”

  “I am glad you like it. I would not want to live anywhere else.” I could see the truth of that statement in the way she lifted her smiling face toward the sun, inhaling deeply the salt-misted air.

  We made our way to the stables at the left side of the castle. Several stable hands were available to take care of the horses. I was there to help my wife down from her horse as soon as we stopped. I realized it was overly romantic on my part, but I could not wait to carry her over the threshold.

  The smile she sent my way as we walked toward the front of the castle was big and contagious. If she could read my mind right then, she would be blushing. I had held off on the physical part of our relationship to give her more time to heal, but now that we were home, we would finally come together as husband and wife. I could hardly stand to wait any longer.

  We were almost to the door when an older lady came running out of the castle with her arms opened wide. She caught Brianna in a big hug. “I have heard the good news. You are married at last.” Brianna smiled, but she never got a chance to reply as the woman went on with her monologue.

  As she spoke, she held Brianna at arm’s length and proceeded to examine the bruises on her neck. The love and concern she felt for her queen was unmistakable. “Just look at you. It breaks this old woman’s heart to see you looking so. It is a good thing you are home now so I can look after you.”

  “Healer Kerwin took care of me at the fort. I am fine now, I promise.”

  The old woman shook her head. “You would not believe the rumors we have heard. First, that you had married Coman’s eldest and then no, it was another. I heard that you were with child and had to get married, but I knew that couldn’t be true. Could it? Please say it isn’t so.”

  I had been forgotten for the moment. I could almost guess that this had to be the nursemaid Brianna had spoken of, but I could not believe her rudeness. My heart sank when she mentioned the rumor of a child to come, a rumor I was sure my own father had started. If this person whom my wife considered to be family had doubts, then everyone else would have no trouble at all believing it to be true. That thought made me feel sick to my stomach. The only way around this dilemma would be if more than nine months passed by without us producing an offspring.

  Brianna barely got in the shaking of her head before the woman started again. “And then I heard that you had died. I almost grieved myself into the grave right after you before word got back that you were recovering at the fort.”

  She hugged her once more before turning to me. The look she gave left me feeling exposed, as if she could see into my very soul and know of every transgression I had ever committed. “You must be our new king.”

  Brianna cut in before I could answer. “Garrett, this is Agata.”

  Even though this woman had just ruined this day and too many days beyond, I remembered Brianna’s feelings about her old nursemaid. I bowed low before her as if she were royalty. At least it put another beaming smile on my wife’s face.

  Agata grabbed me and pulled me into a tight hug. I was shocked at first, but then I bent to hug her in return. The show of affection was unusual to me, but I would get used to it. “It is nice to finally meet you. Brianna has told me so much about you.”

  She smiled at me. It was as if I had somehow passed a test I did not remember taking. “Welcome to Aisling, My King. I am sure you are a gift sent straight from Heaven.”

  She turned and winked at Brianna. “He is one fine looking man, Brianna. I bet he could compete with one of God’s own angels, and you know how beautiful they are. Just imagine the gorgeous babies the two of you will make. I can hardly wait.”

  This had me blushing for a change. Brianna grabbed Agata’s arm and started toward the castle door. “I hope there is something good to eat waiting for us. We held off on dinner since we were so close to home.”

  So much for my plans of carrying my wife over the threshold.

  Everyone else had already entered the castle. As soon as we came through the door, a group of servants were there to welcome us home. We were told that dinner would be served in half an hour to give us enough time to get changed and cleaned up.

  Brianna led me up to our suite which was at one of the highest points of the castle. I had never been this high up before. I could tell she was excited to show me the view when she led me straight to the balcony leading out from the bedchamber. The sun had already made its way out of view, giving us full shade from the roof overhead. It was near high tide, and the waves of the ocean were making a spectacular display against the rocks below us.

  I could feel Brianna watching me as I took in the view. I turned my gaze toward her. As much as I had enjoyed the sights of Aisling, my wife was the most beautiful to behold. I tucked the auburn locks that had come loose behind her ear and caressed the soft skin on the side of her face.

  I should not have done it, but I pulled her into a fierce kiss—the most passionate so far. Dinner was forgotten and so was every other person on the planet. I lifted her feet off the floor, and she wrapped her legs around me. My mind screamed for me to stop, but I did not want to. I had already taken things farther than I ever should have. I leaned down, and she reluctantly allowed her boots to touch the floor once again.

  “Everyone will be waiting for us to come to dinner.”

  “So.”

  I laughed and could not help but to kiss her again. She tried to hang on, but I was already backing away. I had no choice. “You can go first. It will take me some time to find a change of clothes anyway.”

  I reached down and gently tugged at her bottom lip with my fingers. “I would love to take that pout away, but I want to make a good impression on my first day here. Now go.” I turned her toward the door and walked her back inside, keeping my hands on her shoulders. She went into the bathing chamber, and I made my way to the sitting room.
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  I sat down on one of the couches and let my head rest in the palms of my hands. I could not allow things to go as far as it had out on the balcony again. Not for a while anyway. I would confirm the suspicions of everyone in the country by allowing her to become pregnant so soon. I would just have to find an excuse to put her off for a little while longer. I mentally calculated how long I would have to wait. Would two more weeks do it?

  A light tap sounded at the door. I opened it to find Agata standing in the hallway. She looked past me, searching for Brianna. “You must have been waiting by the door to have answered so quickly. What have you done with our girl?”

  “She is in the bathing chamber getting ready for dinner.”

  “No worries. Come with me. There is no reason you can’t dress at the same time.”

  I looked back through the suite in indecision. I did not feel right leaving without saying anything to Brianna. Agata walked on down the hall as if she fully expected for me to follow. I shut the door behind me and hurried to catch up. It was then that I noticed a set of my clothes draped over the old woman’s arm.

  She led me a little further before opening a door to the left. “These rooms used to belong to Brianna. You will find everything you need in the bathing chamber at the back of the room. Here you go.” She handed me the clothing and headed back the way we had come.

  I went in and shut the door behind me. I had never been in a teenage girl’s bedchamber before, but I had no doubt that was what I was seeing now. There was a profusion of bright blue and purple everywhere I looked. It was blaring compared to the soothing colors of the suite I had just left. I wondered how long ago Brianna had vacated these rooms. A canopy bed took up space on one side and a small sitting area on the other.

  I remembered that time was of the essence, so I made my way back to the bathing chamber. A bowl of fresh water, soap, and toweling waited for me there. I hurried through my preparations. I did not want Brianna to have to wait on me to eat. She had already said she was hungry. My own stomach growled at that very moment, letting me know that she was not the only one.

  Brianna

  I had never been so delighted to be back at Aisling. Judging by the look on his face while he viewed it for the first time as his new home, Garrett seemed pleased to be here as well. I know because I had been studying his face as we rode up, anticipating his reaction. I loved it here, and I wanted him to love it as well.

  I had been concerned about him meeting Agata since I knew how blunt she could be. I should have known she would reveal all of her character flaws to Garrett the very first time she opened her mouth in front of him. Maybe it was best to get it over with all at once.

  Showing him the view from the balcony was my final little test that I had planned ahead of time for my husband. I had hoped that he would look out over the Moya, and I would be able to visibly tell just by the look of him that he felt the same elation I felt every time I came to my favorite spot.

  My assessment did not go according to plan, but I was by no means let down. I felt that kiss all the way down to my toes. Right then, I did not care what anyone else thought. I wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the week exploring with my husband without ever leaving our chambers. I did understand Garrett’s desire to make a good impression, but it was so disappointing.

  There was always a lot of catching up to do after a trip away from Aisling. The rest of the evening went by in a tiresome blur. I had somehow gotten separated from Garrett before the day ended. I gave up looking for him after a while. That night I practically had to drag myself up the stairs to my chambers, but I perked up when I came through the door to find him curled up on one of the couches with a book.

  He had already had a bath and was wearing one of the loose outfits he always wore to sleep in. He looked so handsome with his damp hair curling up in the back. The scent of his manly soap permeated the entire room.

  “You are just in time. Someone just came in and refilled the tub with hot water for you.”

  Before dinner I had been so ready for the intimate part of my marriage to begin, but now I felt suddenly shy. “I will not be long.”

  “It has been a tiring few weeks. Take all the time you need.” He smiled and then went back to reading his book.

  This time when I entered the bathing chamber, there were candles already lit, and a basket sat on the chair that had not been there before. It was filled with scented soaps, along with a white nightgown embroidered and trimmed with lace. It was more feminine than the simple shifts I normally wore. This gesture had Gwen written all over it, but I wondered when she would have had time to have the gown made.

  I took my time bathing and washing my hair. Normally a chambermaid would have been here offering assistance, but tonight would be a private time between me and my husband. What would Garrett have thought if I had asked him to help me? I dried my hair with a towel as best I could before slipping into the gown, sliding my hands nervously down the front. I took a deep breath and released it out slowly trying to calm my fluttering nerves.

  I expected Garrett to already be in bed when I got there, but instead he was still curled up in the sitting room. He was asleep. I stood there gazing at him for a little while, but he never stirred. I covered him with the quilt draped over the back of the couch, guiltily hoping the movement would wake him, but it did not.

  I blew out the candle and made my way into the bedchamber in the dark. This was nothing like what I had expected this night to hold. As nervous as I had been before, it had not outweighed the disappointment I felt as I climbed into bed alone. I thought I would stay awake all night contemplating what had not happened, but in truth exhaustion overtook me. I was out almost as soon as my head hit the pillow.

  Eighteen

  HE WAS NOT there when I arose the next morning. There was a much smaller dining chamber off to one side of the dining hall where Gwen and I ate breakfast and dinner. When I entered that morning, I was disappointed to find Garrett sitting near the end of the table, having already started breakfast without me. He was alone except for a couple of servants.

  He stood and helped me into the seat beside him, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Good morning. I hope you slept well. You must have been exhausted from the trip. I know I was.”

  I watched as coffee along with a plate of food was placed before me. It was the moment I had needed to gather my thoughts before replying. The night before had left me feeling awkward about facing him this morning, but he was right. We had both been exhausted, and there was nothing to fret about.

  “Yes I did. It was wonderful to be able to sleep in my own bed again. I think I was asleep before my head even hit the pillow. What about you?”

  “It seems like one minute I was reading the book in my hand, and the next minute I was looking at the sunlight streaming into the room. It was a while before I even remembered where I was. I do not even remember dreaming.”

  “I know how that can be. It often happens to me when I travel. Hopefully it will not be long before you feel at home here.” He only nodded as he chewed a bite of sausage.

  I took a bite of my potatoes, but my mind was on something else besides my breakfast. “Have you seen Gwen this morning?”

  “No, I have not. Do you need her?”

  I studied my plate for a moment. He took my chin and turned my face toward him. His brow puckered with concern. “Is something wrong?”

  “No. Not really. I know things will change now that we are married, but sometimes it is hard to decide what should change and what should stay the same.”

  He sat back and made a motion with his hand as if to encourage me to continue. “This is good. I want us to talk over each thing that comes up in our marriage and make a decision together. So, what changes are you concerned with right now?”

  “Gwen and I usually eat together except for supper where, as you know, we are required to sit over our people like spectacles. Agata never joins us, but Eamon sometimes does when his wife visits her fam
ily. This was one of my times usually spent with my family. You truly are my family now, so does that mean my time with them is over?”

  He gave his low, rumbling laugh again, but this time it did not have the same effect. He was taking my concerns lightly while I was being serious. It was hard for me not to let my irritation show.

  “Why are you laughing?”

  “A couple of reasons. First, I have sat on that same platform eating supper for my entire life, and I never felt like a spectacle. Second, I just never pictured Eamon with a wife.”

  “You never felt that way because you never had to sit up there alone. And the reason no one ever mentions Eamon’s wife is because, well, Doireann is not very . . . sociable.” I had not wanted to speak ill of the woman, but I was glad I did not have to spend too much time in her presence. She had insisted they take up residence outside of the castle gates. I did not know her story. It was one of those things that you could be curious about, but you dare not ask for details.

  Garrett placed his hand over mine, pulling it to his lips to kiss the back of it. “I am sorry to have upset you. I can see now how that would make you feel like a spectacle. I am glad I will be there with you in the future. And as for your question, I am sure Gwen has been trying to give us privacy, but we will invite her to join us from now on. If we ever want a private meal, we will just request one. How does that sound?”

  “It sounds perfect. I am glad we had this talk.” I really was glad. All of my tension had drained away with his touch. I loved the fact that I had been able to communicate my thoughts and feelings to my husband.

  As I started back in on my breakfast, he slid a bit of parchment across the table toward me. “I found this in the drawer of one of the end tables while looking for matches.”

  I had no idea what he could be giving to me. I looked at his face for some indication, but his expression was blank. After taking one look at the parchment, I could feel the blood drain from my face. I took a sip of water after placing the page face down on the table. Hiding the words did no good. The familiar script seemed to be imprinted into my vision.