“Of course I know it, Killian, for ’tis how I feel as well. But you are a man of growing importance.”
“No buts, Lainna! Now my sweet and beautiful wife, show me this chamber.”
Alainn led him through their bedchamber and into the adjoining room. She pulled her nightdress close to her as the hearth had not been lighted and the chill in the large chamber caused her to shiver. Killian had wrapped a heavy quilt around his unclothed, muscular frame and he held it open so she could join him encircled within the warmth of the blanket.
“You should light the hearth and the candles as well!” He suggested.
When she attempted to move to seek the flint and do as he’d requested, he pulled her back to him.
“I could have lighted them myself, if I’d thought to see them lit in that fashion. I wanted to see you work you magic, for it delights me to see you create fire so effortlessly.”
She smiled up at him at his insistence of using her magical powers. She waved toward the fireplace and soon a hearty fire blazed in the hearth. The many candles throughout the chamber flamed as well.
When Killian looked upon the walls in the room, he gasped. “You did this, Alainn? I didn’t know you were so talented in your abilities to create such elaborate paintings.”
“Well, I’m not really, nothing like Rory. If he’d been here I would have asked him to assist me.”
“No, Alainn, ’tis truly beautiful and enchanting.”
Killian looked upon the many pictures painted upon the wall. There was a large detailed painting of the fairy glade that was located near Castle O’Brien, and many of the lovely fairies they had seen when they’d visited there after their wedding. There were pictures of the bubbling spring and the waterfall and of the lovely rolling hills so prevalent in Ireland and several dry-stone walls as well. Another painting clearly depicted a round tower and still another, the enormous dolmen that they had spent much time upon as youngsters and then again as adults. It had been beside the dolmen where they had first made love.
“Perhaps we won’t tell our son ’twas that location where he was conceived.” She jested.
Killian chuckled. “No maybe that might be one detail we might omit!”
There were also paintings of the four dragons, the thirteen hellhounds, and other mystical creatures, Alainn had seen during her time in the realm of the Celtic gods as well as some other mythical creatures of Celtic lore. There were pictures of Lugh and Aine, two legendary gods they had met also when they were in the glade.
“Where did you get the paint mixtures, Alainn?” Killian questioned in awe of the magnificence of the paintings she’d produced.
“I created many with herbal mixtures, plants, roots and flower petals for color variance, but some I got from Conner MacLain.”
“The Scot who is a groom at your grandfather’s stables?”
“Aye!”
“He paints, then?” he asked doubtfully.
“Aye, he paints lovely images of scenery, seascapes and landscapes, and sprawling castles in Scotland. He possesses a rare talent indeed.”
“You know he’s a dangerous man, Alainn!”
“Aye, well I know he could be if he was pushed. I sense he is mostly a gentle man and his aura is not dark, Killian. I think it has been circumstances in his life that have led him to live dangerously.”
“Are you aware he spent many years in prison?”
“Aye, I’ve heard it said!”
“And do you know why?”
“Aye, I heard he murdered a chieftain!”
“And did you know that chieftain was his brother?”
Alainn looked seriously at Killian, before she responded. “Aye, I am aware of that, but I also know it was because his brother took Conner’s wife to his bed.”
“Aye, I was told of that, as well. But after he was released he made his livin’ killin’ men for coin; did you know that, Alainn?”
“I wasn’t certain that was true. I thought perhaps it was simply gossip or rumor! Are you askin’ that I stay clear of him, then?”
Killian seemed to consider this question for a moment. “I would not ask you to stay away from him. I believe you are a good judge of character, but be cautious, Alainn. Will you do that?”
“Aye, I will, my love. And now I am most weary and sure you must be exhausted as well, after your long journey. Come to bed with me, husband, for I feel the need to fall asleep in these strong arms. I have missed the sensation of your arms around me as I sleep. And our bed is so large and cold without you in it. The heated stones might warm my cold feet well enough, but they do nothin’ for keepin’ the rest of me warm.”
Killian’s deep green eyes filled with warmth and love as she spoke so sincerely of her love and need for him. It pleased her to know he had felt entirely the same while they’d been parted.
“Aye, well, I can keep you warm, all of you, my sweet Lainna.”
As he lifted her into his arms and carried her across the room, she saw him stare at the large wolfhound curled up on the braided rug beside the bed. Alainn smiled at Killian’s reaction to the dog in the bedchamber for it was not preferred when he was present. Alainn clucked her tongue and gestured to the door.
“Outside the door with you, Wolf. Milord is home this night and he will keep watch over me. You must sleep outside our chambers.”
The old dog nudged her hand affectionately, wagged his tail, and obeyed without question as she opened the door with her magic and then closed it in the same manner.
Killian lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed where she curled up against his warmth. She sensed him gazing down at her. Her heavy eyes opened to meet his and soon they both fell into a contended sleep.
Chapter Eight
Alainn stirred early, though the morning sun still had not yet risen in the sky. The child within her had been moving for some time and at the moment was extremely active and presently causing great discomfort for she felt an urgent need to pass water. She had hoped to disentangle herself from Killian’s arms without waking him, but that had proven to be unsuccessful. He smiled down at her through the limited light pouring in through the castle window. He chuckled as he gently laid his hand against her belly and felt the many movements.
“He feels as though he’s doin’ somersaults, Lainna.”
“Aye, and if I don’t make it to the chamber pot soon, I’ll be sorry and, come to it, so will you!”
“And weren’t you up a few times in the night as well?”
“I was, indeed. I made several trips to the privy, and another to the kitchen. Sure I am famished half the time.”
Killian gently kissed her cheek as she moved from him. He sighed deeply and she realized how tired he remained. When she returned from the small closet that contained the chamber pot, she saw he had fallen back to sleep. She gently pulled the quilts around him, found her shawl, and left him to his sleep.
Some time later as Alainn stood in the kitchen and affectionately placed her arms around Cookson’s neck in response to a kind compliment he’d given her, she heard the deep male voice behind her.
“Now if Maire O’Donnel had seen my wife in this fond embrace with another man maybe then she’d have cause to question her behavior.”
They both smiled at Killian and Alainn went to her husband, pleased that he was jesting about her encounter with his cousin’s wife, after she had related the event to him. She also remembered how loudly he’d laughed in amusement when she told him she thought she, herself, was evil. She recalled their conversation the evening before.
“Whatever did you do to make you feel you’ve done something evil?” He’d questioned with humor in his voice.
“I told her she should write me a list of how to behave as a chieftain’s wife when I knew without a doubt she was unable to read or write. I wanted to take her down a peg or two for she always judges me so severely. But, it was very wrong of me and I feel horrid about it.”
“Then perhaps we might ride over
to their land immediately and apologize straightaway to the dear sweet woman?” Killian had jested.
“You’re incorrigible, Killian O’Brien. I was being serious.”
“As was I!” he’d said barely able to speak he was laughing so hard.
Now he was laughing once more and Alainn smiled at how happy he appeared to be. Perhaps Riley had been correct in assuming he needed the company of a woman in his bed to assure he maintained his good mood, for this morning he seemed joyful after the night spent together. Their lovemaking had most assuredly restored his usual good disposition and he clearly wanted to share his jubilance.
“I’m after planning a grand celebration, Alainn. I’m thinkin’ we should invite the neighboring lords and chieftains and their ladies; host a great feast, some games and challenges and a hunt. A great hunt! ’Tis time we entertained our kin, our clan, and our neighbors as we’ve not held such a formal event in all the time we’ve been here. Before I am called off to another gatherin’ of the Council of the Clans we will have a grand banquet and celebration. By week’s end, it will be so. Would you be in agreement, Alainn?”
Alainn smiled at her husband’s exuberance. His green eyes shone with excitement and anticipation.
“Aye, that would be a fine notion, Killian. Will you be capable of inviting everyone you want to attend by week’s end? Will you be capable of creatin’ such a grand feast with limited time and notice, Cookson?”
Both men nodded excitedly and Alainn became caught up in their merriment.
“Then tell me what I can do to assist the two of you in accomplishing this great celebratory event.”
“Well, you can assist me in inking the messages of invitation, and I’ll see them delivered on the morrow. But, for now, I’ve something to show you. I’ve brought you a gift I procured in Dublin. Come with me and I’ll present it to you.”
Her excitement grew as Killian escorted her out the door. Even his touch on her arm seemed to create a heat within her and, when she looked up into his eyes, she noticed his own desire was also present. She found herself drawn to him so unquestionably and soon their lips were together once more on the castle steps with the guards nearby.
“My God, Killian, I cannot keep my thoughts from you for but a moment. I think ’tis you who has some type of magical power over me. And when our son is born and my body healed from the birthin’ then we’ll share the torrid, primal, passion we once did. We’ll continue with the reckless abandonment we once shared in our physical love.”
She knew many men would be insulted to know she spoke of a time when they would share a greater level of passion since they had made love many times the previous night, but she sensed he knew precisely what she meant and he was not offended. In actuality, she was aware he was aroused in knowing they both longed to be together in a wild, reckless and uninhibited manner.
“Aye, well, if you speak of such things so openly, I’ll be driven to take you here and now, Alainn, and I am uncertain I can rein in my passion for much longer, if you keep lookin’ at me with that lustful expression in those unusual blue eyes.”
“I could freeze time, Killian. Make everything and everyone around us immobile so we can be together here or anywhere else you would desire it!” she whispered as his hands had gone from her back to her hips.
“I think I can restrain myself long enough to show you what I’ve promised, and to make it back to our bedchamber.”
“But perhaps I cannot!” She sensually cooed.
The sound of a cart approaching distracted them and, when Killian looked toward the cart, he smiled and glanced at her once more.
“It would appear I’ve two gifts for you.”
As Killian led her down the steps to the cobblestone street, he introduced her to the man driving the cart.
“This is my carpenter, William McCree.”
“Tis good to meet you, William!” She extended her hand to him and he shook it heartily. “I am most appreciative of the wooden bath you created. Your work is perfectly crafted.”
“Milady!” He beamed proudly at her praise.
Killian looked at the article in the back of the cart now draped with bed sheets. “Tis ready, Will? I’d thought it would take you longer.”
“No, I finished it as quickly as I could, Milord, for I knew you wanted to present it to your lady.”
Alainn was growing exceedingly impatient as the two men discussed what lie beneath the coverings. Killian surely sensed her impatience for he nodded to the man to reveal the surprise, and Alainn squealed and fought the urge to bounce up and down as she looked down at the beautifully crafted object. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she ran her hand along the smoothly carved wood. Killian lifted it from the cart and she stared down at the lovely cradle.
She still had not spoken a word and the tears still flowed in earnest. Killian took her in his arms and held her tight, and the other man appeared concerned.
“Is it not to your liking, then, milady? Would you like me to fashion another? If you tell me what design you would prefer, sure I can create whatever type might be more to your pleasure!”
“No, Will, she likes it most well! My lovely wife sheds tears of joy as often as of sorrow, and sure these are tears of joy.”
“Aye, ’tis beautiful, William! You must have worked tirelessly for a lengthy time to produce such a fine and lovely cradle.”
“Aye, well, your husband asked me to begin it as soon as you came here to Castle O’Donnel those weeks ago. And he has paid me more than fairly for the work I’ve done. In truth, he has called no rent due for the remainder of the time my family and I live in our cottage. Milord is an uncommonly generous man.”
“Aye, he is most generous! I thank you, Killian, and you, William, as well.”
Killian shook the young man’s hand. He sat back in the cart and was about to drive away when Killian called after him.
“Will, we’re to host a celebration here at week’s end. You must attend, you and your wife, and there’s to be a grand hunt as well. Would you be interested in accompanying me?”
“Aye, certainly, it would be a great honor, milord.”
“It’s settled then.” Killian smiled and waved to the man as he set off.
It was often customary for a chieftain to invite a servant to attend a feast or take part in a hunt with the nobles if they were pleased with the work a man had done for him. And Killian was well pleased with the wee cradle that he placed within the room next to his and Alainn’s bedchamber.
As he glanced at the many lovely paintings upon the wall, the quilts and blankets Alainn had created for their child, and now the beautifully made cradle, he thought the room looked nearly ready for the child they would welcome in only weeks. His heart felt as though it would burst with pride and excitement at knowing the woman he loved would soon give birth to their son. He felt a certain amount of fearfulness and anxiety at knowing many women died in childbed. In truth, he was only too aware that nearly one in three women died during the birthing, and many others from complications after the birth. But he would not allow himself to dwell on that horrid possibility. Alainn was a strong woman and a magical healer, sure she would remain well and survive the birthing, though the knowledge the child was surely large did cause him to worry for her, and he prayed it was unnecessary.
Alainn glanced at him and must have seen the concern in his eyes.
“I will be well, Killian. I will live to love you and our child.”
“Aye, it must be so, Alainn, for I could not bear to be parted from you, or to be the cause of your end.”
Alainn wanted to able to take away the fear he held in his eyes although something regarding the birth of their child had her undeniably fearful as well. Despite the fact she was a seer and often possessed the ability to know what the future held, when it came to her own future, she was often as uninformed as any other human. She changed the subject to distract their fretful thoughts.
“Come break fast with me now, and I believe y
ou’ve promised me another bestowment?”
“A wee bit greedy you are, wife.”
“Only when it comes to gifts from my husband,” she whispered as she then proceeded to unfasten his belt, and tug on his trews.
“My God, you’re a wanton woman, and greatly demanding.”
“And that is not likely to change, my love.” She softly spoke as she pulled his lips down to her own.
As they lay upon the rug on the floor in the room that would soon be their child’s, their many articles of clothing scattered about the room, Killian looked down at her lovely blossomed body.
“Tis clearly improper to bed my lady here upon the floor when she is with child.”
“Aye, well, you had little choice in the matter, I’d say, for I fairly accosted you and had my way with you. Maire O’Donnel would not think it proper by any stretch of the imagination, but she believes I should be hidden away to hide my shameful condition, so perhaps as long as I don’t leave the concealment of hidden rooms, this would be acceptable to her.”
“She’s an unpleasant woman, at best, Alainn. Don’t be grievously affected by her cutting words; she has always been difficult. I remember my mother finding her unkind and disagreeable even all those years ago.”
“I do attempt to hold my tongue; I don’t intend to speak rudely to her, but I seem unable to stop myself when she is so forthcoming with her unwanted advice and opinions. How did your mother contend with the woman then?
“I don’t actually recall how she dealt with her, for my mother was a more demure woman.”
“Less of a bitch, then?”
“Less spirited, I would suggest.” He chuckled.
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