by Morgan Henry
Aenid sighed. How often in her duties as a healer had she counseled the families left behind? She knew her feelings were to be expected, but they were hard to bear. She told herself she could do it, though. She would miss her father, grieve for him, but she was strong enough to carry on. He had taught her that.
* * * *
Aenid stood in the great hall. Her father’s body was laid out at the far end. She would receive mourners near the entrance to the hall, and then they would pay their respects to his body and partake of refreshments in the dining hall, if they chose. There were several chairs near her, and she would likely sit as the day went on.
“Baroness,” a deep, gravelly voice greeted her.
“Lord Merrin,” Aenid acknowledged her guest. Her heart should not be leaping at the sight of him. Not appropriate in mourning, she admonished herself.
“Would you allow me to be present when the mourners arrive? I would be pleased to be of assistance wherever I could.” Merrin took her hand in his as he asked this.
“Of course, as the representative of the king, you have every right to be here,” responded Aenid.
“Lady Aenid, I do not ask this as a representative of His Majesty, but as a friend of your father’s…and as your friend, if you will have me,” he said sincerely.
“Thank you.” Aenid was caught off guard by the rush of emotion that swept through her. A simple offer of friendship was enough to just about have her in tears today. “Thank you, My Lord. I would be honored.”
They stood to face the doors as Tanis opened them to admit the mourners. All were welcome to pay their respects to the dead in Kerban. It was customary to bring a sprig of greenery, or a single flower to lay with the deceased. There was already a line of servants and villagers.
The main hall in the manor was large. It occupied the center of the main part of the house and stretched up three stories. It was mostly wood paneled, but there were enough windows to ensure it wasn’t gloomy for lack of daylight. There was a grand staircase that led to the second and third floors, carpeted in the rich burgundy that was the house color for Clawynd. Several tapestries hung around the upper levels depicting various scenes—battles, pastoral views, and the house crest.
It was a long day. The line never seemed to falter. Baron Jero had been a good man and was well known to his people. It seemed as though everyone in the holding of Clawynd wanted to pay their respects. Aenid knew many of them by sight, if not all by name. Lord Merrin stayed with her all day. He seemed to keep a sharp eye on her. He had the servants fetch her coffee, tried to make her sit down and rest off and on through the day, and tried to get her to eat. By the end of the day, there was a huge pile of greenery and flowers around her father’s bier, and she was exhausted.
Tanis closed the doors to the manor when the sun was low in the sky, and Aenid sank into a nearby chair.
“Thank you, Tanis. Please make sure all the servants know how grateful I am for their work today. They all did an exceptional job.” She smiled up at the butler.
“I will do so, My Lady,” Tanis responded gravely. “Lord Merrin tells me the knights will be departing the day after tomorrow, but he will stay on for another day or two. We are well prepared for the internment tomorrow and most of the servants are planning to attend, if that meets with your approval.”
“Of course I approve. I’m pleased they wish to attend. I will try to make an appearance at the informal dinner this evening.” They had planned to have the guests serve themselves a light dinner this evening. There had been food and drink out all day, so it was unlikely anyone would be terribly hungry.
Aenid stood, intending to rest and freshen herself upstairs before heading to dinner. She swayed and it seemed as if the room dimmed for a moment.
The next thing she knew, Merrin had swept her up in his arms and walked briskly into the small parlor nearby.
“Bring a cool cloth for her forehead and some tea. Have cook send up a tray with a little something. She’s barely eaten all day,” he ordered Tanis.
The small parlor was just off the main hall. It was a room for intimate discussions or a quiet respite from the rest of the house. There was a chaise and two winged chairs around a central coffee table. The room was done in shades of deep burgundy and gold. A small stove in the corner served to warm the room in the colder months.
Merrin sat on a chaise and placed Aenid in his lap, cradling her close to him, and she rested her head on his chest. A part of Aenid was a little shocked at her behavior. She barely knew Merrin and was cuddled in his lap as though she were his lover. But she so needed the comfort of another person right then, she couldn’t have pulled away if she had wanted to. She really didn’t want to, if she were truthful with herself. She was very attracted to Merrin and he was offering her solace.
She heard Tanis arrive and leave a tray. Merrin took the cool cloth and gently wiped her face and neck. He tossed it aside and held her chin, gently forcing her to look at him.
“You need to eat and drink, then rest. There is no need for you to appear at dinner this evening. I insist you look after yourself.” Merrin’s eyes bore into hers and Aenid saw concern and caring in them. She also saw that he was used to being obeyed without question.
“Thank you,” she whispered. She closed her eyes for a second. When she spoke her voice was stronger. “I will eat and rest, but I will visit my guests at dinner. I have ignored them for too long, and I will be polite and show them my appreciation for their support.” She softened her tone to appease the frown that had appeared on Merrin’s face. “I will not stay long, I promise.”
Merrin’s jaw twitched. She could see he was holding back a desire to bark orders at her, as if she were one of his soldiers. “I will be by your side, then. And I will ensure you are in bed at a decent hour.”
Aenid thought that was about the best compromise she would get from this determined man. She was a little affronted. He should not presume to give her orders in her own house, King’s Champion or not. But she suspected his commands came more from caring than from a desire to control. It was hard to admit to herself, but she liked the caring. She nodded at him and laid her head back on his shoulder. Again, she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t help but soak up the comfort of his touch.
Merrin insisted she eat. She thought for a moment that he was going to feed her, but he contented himself with watching her eat. He cajoled her into finishing most of what was on the tray. They sat for a while, her head resting on his shoulder again. Aenid didn’t know how long she remained cradled in his arms. She rested in that place between awake and asleep, where reality seemed like a dream. His arms were strong and secure, and he pulled a light blanket over her to keep her warm. He smelled so good, like male and wood smoke and clean. In that drowsing place outside reality, she could forget for a moment and simply feel the pleasure of being in his arms. Finally, Merrin roused her a little and was adamant she go back to her room.
She rose, and Merrin insisted on accompanying her to her rooms upstairs. He would not leave her until he was sure she was delivered into the care of her maid. Merrin even gave her Setha instructions on how long she was to rest and when he would reappear to accompany her to dinner.
He took her hands in his before he left the room. He placed a gentle kiss on each palm that she felt through her entire body. “I will return for you,” he said softly.
After Merrin left, Aenid did lie down on her bed for a short rest. She couldn’t help but consider how he made her feel. Somehow, his presence made her feel safe, not merely because his honor as a knight and King’s Champion would demand that he protect her. It seemed to be more than that, as if it were more personal to him. It irritated her that her feeling of safety depended upon another. She was the one who was supposed to be providing safety to the holding. It also irritated her the way he gave instructions to her maid. She was quite capable of looking after herself and giving instructions to her staff. On the other hand, sitting in his lap with his arms around her felt good
in a way she had not ever experienced before. It even made her feel a little aroused.
Aenid was no stranger to sexual relations. Her training as a healer demanded she know the intimacies of the act, and, like most Kerbans, she had the basics of sex explained to her as she matured. She had also assisted at many births. But she had yet to take a lover. There never seemed to be the time or the opportunity, as she was busy from a young age learning how to be Baroness and how to use her healing gifts. She had also never met anyone that piqued her interest like Lord Merrin. The men that had expressed interest in her all seemed to be too immature, too greedy, or just plain uninteresting. Merrin was just the opposite—mature, strong, hardworking, and very, very enticing.
Aenid sighed as a fresh wave of guilt swamped her. Her father was dead, and again, she was thinking about how attractive Lord Merrin was. She started to cry as she thought about how her father would never have the fun of intimidating her future husband, or see his grandchildren born. She rolled over on her side and sobbed herself to sleep.
* * * *
Merrin left Aenid’s rooms and went looking for Micha. He had sent his man to examine the ravine where Baron Jero had his accident. He found his trusted servant awaiting him in Merrin’s allotted bedchamber in the manor.
“So?” he questioned Micha.
“I think you need to check it out for yourself, My Lord,” Micha replied somberly. “The place feels wrong, not just because the baron and his horse died. I’m not as proficient with kerfios as you, but there’s something about the felled tree he was jumping.”
Merrin looked out the window. “It’s too late to go now, the sun is setting. We’ll go tomorrow afternoon, once the mourners from the burial leave. Make sure the horses are ready. I take it no one knows about your visit there this afternoon?”
“Not that I’m aware of, My Lord. Sir Robal seemed curious about where I was, but I told him I went to the village to get a green leather thong for your hair.” Micha looked a bit sheepish at that.
“For my hair?” Merrin’s voice dripped contempt.
“It was the only thing I could come up with that the manor wouldn’t have. I did actually get it for you.” Micha sounded defensive, but he knew Merrin wasn’t actually angry with him.
“And you think I’ll wear it?”
“It wouldn’t do to give Sir Robal cause to wonder.” There was a glint in Micha’s eyes now and the corners of his mouth twitched upward.
“I’m not worried about Robal’s loyalty, I’m more worried about wearing baubles in my hair.” Merrin snorted at his man.
“Baubles is going a bit far, I’d say, My Lord. It’s a very masculine hair tie. And it’s been quite some time since you’ve trimmed your sable locks.” There was definite laughter in Micha’s voice now.
Merrin growled but let the subject drop, for now. “I’ll need to bathe before dinner, Micha.”
Lord Merrin arrived at Baroness Aenid’s rooms precisely on time. Her maid greeted him with a formal curtsey and modest demeanor. Merrin found this somewhat amusing, as Micha told him that Setha was the biggest flirt in the servant’s hall. Setha was reputed to have a healthy sexual appetite, but choosy about whom she bedded. Right now, she appeared to be the picture-perfect, reserved lady’s maid.
Aenid appeared in the sitting room, looking somewhat refreshed. The dark circles under her eyes were a shade lighter, at any rate. “Good evening, Lord Merrin,” she greeted him.
“You’re looking much better, Lady Aenid,” he approved.
Aenid blushed. “I feel foolish about earlier. I am capable of working all day at Healer Hall without collapsing. It seems ridiculous that I should keel over merely from greeting people.”
“I hardly think it is comparable. The last couple of days have been draining, and you were foolish enough not to eat properly. I doubt you have slept well over the last day or two.” Merrin couldn’t help the little bit of censure in his voice. He actually felt a little angry that she wasn’t taking care of herself. Or was he angry because he wasn’t officially allowed to take over her care?
“I’ll try to do better, My Lord,” responded Aenid, with a hint of amusement in her voice.
Merrin snorted at her amusement and because she wasn’t likely to obey him. He held out his arm and Aenid took it and they went to the small dining salon. It was the dining room most commonly used for breakfast and luncheon. In comparison to the formal dining room, it was smaller and less grand, but still tastefully decorated in blues and yellows, with lighter toned woods. The table still seated a large party but was more oval, signifying less ceremony.
They entered the room together, the knights rising as they came through the door. Aenid greeted them politely and walked over to the sideboard laden with food. Merrin stayed at her elbow as she picked up a plate. He took it from her. “Please allow me,” he murmured. He could admit to himself that he had an ulterior motive of making sure she took a reasonable amount of food. He loaded her plate at her directions, ignoring her protests of his portion sizes. He seated her at the head of the table and filled his own plate, seating himself to her right.
The knights exchanged small talk among themselves. Then Sir Robal spoke up.
“Are you planning on managing the entire holding yourself, Baroness?” he asked.
Aenid frowned a little in confusion. “I’m not sure what you are asking. I am the baroness, and I will discharge my duties as such. Part of that is ensuring the lands are managed appropriately. Is that what you mean?”
“I merely wondered if you felt comfortable taking on such a large responsibility,” he responded smoothly.
“I have been responsible for much of it over the last several years. My father has been preparing me to be Baroness for quite some time.” Aenid was just as smooth.
“Of course,” Robal murmured, then turned to his neighbor and started another discussion.
Merrin’s interest was piqued at Robal’s questions. Aenid had shown herself to be more than capable of discharging her duties as Baroness. She had shown them around the estate and surrounding land when they first arrived. Her knowledge of the holding and its people was evident on the tour, and she could converse with the party about the kingdom in general in the evenings. Why then, would Robal be wondering if she was “comfortable” being Baroness?
Merrin didn’t think that Robal was angling to marry the woman—he hadn’t shown one iota of sexual interest. Actually, the thought of anyone other than him marrying Aenid made Merrin jealous. The more he was around her, the more interested he became. It was such damn bad timing to find a woman he might be able to love, just when it was completely inappropriate to pursue her.
And what had Merrin to offer a woman like Aenid anyway? He had a tiny holding and a position at court that had him travelling most of the time. She deserved someone who would be better able to take care of her. Except that thought had his teeth on edge.
So, what was Robal’s game? His nosiness into Micha’s business this afternoon combined with his seemingly innocent questions to Aenid made Merrin wonder. Or maybe he was just seeing conspiracies everywhere. After all, that was part of the job of the King’s Champion. Merrin had no reason to doubt Robal’s loyalty before, so why did he have a bad feeling about the knight now?
Merrin kept up his end of the small talk at the table while keeping an eye on Aenid. He was pleased to see she managed to eat a fair amount of what he put on her plate. If she were able to sleep tonight, she should be fine for the burial ceremony tomorrow.
Aenid nodded to the footman to take her plate and rose. The rest of the party rose politely as well.
“Thank you, good Sirs,” she acknowledged them. “I hope you will forgive me for retiring early, but Lord Merrin has made me promise not to stay up late carousing with all of you.” She gave them all a small smile in her attempt at humor.
The knights laughed lightly at her small joke and murmured their good evenings as she left the room. Merrin followed her and escorted her to the doo
r to her rooms. She turned to face him before she entered.
“I appreciate the way you have cared for me today, My Lord,” she said politely.
“It was my honor and my pleasure, Baroness. If I may say, you are a remarkable woman.” Merrin dared to enfold her in his arms. He meant to comfort her, but he couldn’t help but enjoy how she felt against his body. She smelled fresh and clean. Her body seemed to mold against his perfectly, a soft armful of delightful curves that seemed to be made for him. Merrin’s cock started to harden, and he gently released her. He didn’t want her to think he was taking advantage.
“Sleep well, My Lady,” he murmured, and opened the door for her.
“Thank you, My Lord,” was her whispered reply.
Chapter 4
Baron Jero was given to the goddess mid-morning. He was wrapped in a shroud and laid to rest in the ground. The priestess said the blessing for the dead and the greenery and flowers were heaped over him before the grave was filled in and the mourners drifted away. Aside from the blessing, burials were a silent affair in Kerban. Mourners were expected to reflect quietly upon the life of the deceased.
Aenid stayed until the last shovel of earth was laid over her father. Her deep green mourning gown rustled around her legs in the light breeze, and the scrap of green silk covering her hair fluttered. The men bowed to her after they were done and left her on the small hill where the Clawynd family was buried. A few more tears slipped down her cheeks, but Aenid had found a small measure of peace. Her father was in the arms of the goddess far too soon, but she could carry on.
After a while, she turned to walk back to the manor and found Lord Merrin leaning against a tree at the bottom of the hill. He walked toward her as she descended the small rise. Neither of them spoke, but he offered his arm to her and they walked back to the manor in silence.
Aenid was grateful for the company and for the quiet. The burial had been so peaceful she didn’t want to ruin the little bit on contentment she had gained from the ceremony. Merrin seemed to intuitively understand this.
