by Glenda Diana
"On that I agree with him," Mrs. Reed announced, as she entered the dining hall pushing the cart ahead of her. Removing the silver tea server and cups, she placed them on the main table, before placing several platters of sweet cakes beside it.
Thomas moved toward the main table, a bright smile stretched across his face as he rubbed his hands together. "You've changed. I don't recall you ever serving me before."
Mrs. Reed's cheeks turned scarlet as her eyes narrowed. "You'll help yourself," she snapped out. "I have too much to do to wait on the likes of you."
"Charming as ever, I see." Thomas laughed.
"If you want to get nasty, let's talk about your girth. You keep feeding your face and when your time comes we'll have to dig a gorge to bury you in."
"And sweet words still fall from you lips as the droppings of passing vulture." Thomas gave her a mocking bow. "I'm happy to see that you haven't taught Arysa your bad manners."
"Enough of your carping. Keep it up and all I'll serve you is a platter filled with lettuce and carrots."
Thomas laughed harder, setting his large stomach to jiggling. "Now who's carping? I expect the same fare that you'll be feeding the rest."
Mrs. Reed let her gaze move down him. "If you want to freshen up, I had a room prepared for you."
"How kind of you, dear lady."
"'Tis a good thing that we have wide doorways or you'd be finding yourself sleeping outside." She delivered that remark with a cocky smile.
"Good thing, that I adore you or I might take you down and sit on you," Thomas countered with another gale of laugher.
"Though it's hard, do your best to ignore them," Justin whispered.
Arysa smiled. "I like it."
Justin's eyes twinkled as he shook his head. "I fear you've spent too much time around Mrs. Reed."
"Nonsense," she laughed. "You like it as well and don't bother to tell untruths, because I can see it in your eyes."
"You're either getting to know me too well or I'm going to have to learn to watch my expressions more closely."
"Now you sound like Mrs. Reed and Thomas ... rather carpy."
Justin laughed. "I'm wounded, my dear."
"Not likely," she countered with a smile.
"You look lovely," he stated and then blushed. "Zebual will be pleased."
"Thank you." Arysa could feel her own cheeks heating.
Mrs. Reed gave Thomas a glare before turning toward Justin and Arysa. "My, aren't you a vision, lass," she said, as she approached them. "You make my heart joyful today."
Arysa hugged the older woman. "My heart is joyful today, also," she whispered to her.
"What have you got there?" Mrs. Reed asked looking at the rose.
"It was waiting for me when I awoke this morning." Arysa smiled. "Do you have a vase we could put it in?"
"Of that I do, lass. Come along and we'll take care of it. I have a surprise for you."
"A surprise?" Arysa murmured.
"Aye and a lovely one it is."
"While the two of you do what needs to be done, I'll keep Thomas occupied."
Mrs. Reed shook her finger at Justin. "Make sure he doesn't eat all the food."
Laughter lighting his eyes, Justin gave a jaunty bow before moving off to the table where Thomas sat eating.
Mrs. Reed gave a sound of disgust as her gaze narrowed on Thomas. "I'll have to keep my eyes on him. A short stay with him in the manor could leave my pantries bare."
"He seems like a dear man."
With a huff, Mrs. Reed turned her attention back to Arysa. "Let's be about our business or there won't be any reading of vows." Mrs. Reed spotted Hanah as they entered the kitchen. "Will you find me a vase for Arysa's flower, lass?"
Hanah smiled and hurried off to the back of the kitchen. Within just a moment or two she returned carrying a vase of white china. "Here you go," she murmured. "I wish you the best of day's, ma'am."
Arysa hugged the younger woman, startling her slightly. "I want all of you there for the reading. That would be all right wouldn't it, Mrs. Reed?"
"Aye, it would," she replied with a watery smile. "You've always been a kind and thoughtful lass." With a soft sniff she directed Hanah to put the flower in the sitting room where the vows were going to be read and then she quickly hurried Arysa up the stairs.
"Where are we going?" Arysa asked when Mrs. Reed headed for the stairs leading to the third floor.
Mrs. Reed smiled. "Zebual has a special surprise for you. He wanted me to show you. I think he feared you wouldn't like it." Reaching into the pocket of her apron she pulled out a key and unlocked the door.
Arysa felt her heart flutter within her chest as they stepped through the doorway. Fresh candles had been placed in the ancient candleholders that lined the hallway, giving off a rich heady scent and filling the often gloomy hall with warmth.
"This way, lass. We haven't much time. Darkness is falling. I have supper all prepared to be served after the vows."
Arysa was still having difficulties believing that Zebual had prepared her a special surprise. First the rose and now this ... and she had nothing special to give him. Her eyes filled with tears and she fought to hold them back.
Mrs. Reed stopped in front of Connor's room. "Here we are, lass."
Arysa watched the older woman enter the room, but still she stayed out in the hall ... hesitating in entering and fearing what she would find. She took a step back, as a sudden shiver of dread washed over her. The urge to flee and to hide was overpowering. She turned ...
"Arysa, lass, are you all right?"
Again she took a step away from the room, as her gaze clashed with Mrs. Reed's.
"Lass, what's wrong? Have you seen the ghost?"
Ghost? Arysa shied away from the older woman's outstretched hand. Her mind filled with images dark and shapeless. She shook her head hoping to dispel them, but still they lingered.
"There's nothing to fear, lass." Mrs. Reed kept her voice soft. "I'll tell Zebual that it wasn't a good idea and that will be that."
Her back came up against the cold stone wall as Arysa frantically tried to get a hold of her rioting emotions and fear. Good idea? She didn't know what Mrs. Reed was talking about and it really didn't matter. All that mattered at the moment was her need to escape the feeling of dread that seemed to be closing in on her. Blindly she made her way to the doorway of the nursery. She crossed the threshold and ran to the nearest corner.
Mrs. Reed watched her for a moment and then hurried toward the stairs.
Arysa buried her face in her hands as she pressed herself into the corner as tightly as she could. But the dread followed her. Tears fell silently, as she squeezed closer and closer to the joining of the walls. The dark images swirled in front of her closed eyes, creating shivers that soon had her trembling from head to toe. She wanted to cry out for help, but she held her silence in fear that 'Dread' would attack.
Zebual stood in the doorway. He could feel Mrs. Reed at his back. With a wave of his hand he directed the older woman to leave. Arysa was pressed tightly into the dark corner of the room. Soft whimpers filled the silence around them. His heart ached at the sight of her and the fear he could taste. She was not conscious of his presence. Slowly, he approached her and called her name softly.
"Arysa. Arysa, turn and look at me." She didn't hear him. Still she tried to press herself into the wall. "Arysa, I love you. Do you feel my love for you? Look at me."
In the deep whirling hum that filled her mind she heard Zebual calling out to her. She focused on his voice, on his words. Love ... Do you feel my love? She aimed her focus more strongly on his voice, trying to grasp hold of it as one would grasp hold of a lifeline.
Zebual reached out and touched her shoulder lightly. When she had no reaction to his touch, he moved his hand along her back until he could pull her toward him. Her large green eyes stared at him as if she were not seeing him at all. He brushed the tears from her face with his thumbs, waiting for her to recognize him. She
blinked several times and then her gaze focused on him. Relief washed over him and he pulled her into his arms.
Warmth penetrated the bitter cold that had wrapped her in its cocoon. The scent of Zebual's skin made the dark images fade back to whence they came. With a soft sob, she collapsed against him.
"It's all right, my love," he murmured, as he pulled her closer. Each sob shook her body and he continued murmuring to her. Her arms wrapped around him in a crushing hug and he did his best to return the comfort.
Arysa gave a soft hiccup when the tears were finally spent. She was embarrassed by her behavior, but more than anything she was still frightened. Never before had her dreams invaded her wakeful state. What if ...
"My love, look at me."
Wiping the tears from her face, Arysa raised her head.
Zebual cupped her face with the palm of his hand. "Tell me what happened."
She shook her head. "I don't know," she whispered, as new tears filled her eyes.
"What frightened you?"
"It was my dream ... the dark doorway to Connor's room ... dread and dark images. The feeling of pain, of being lost and ... "
When her words came to a stop, Zebual kissed her lips. "And what, Arysa?"
She shook her head. "You weren't with me ... I was all alone."
"I'm here. Never would I leave you alone and unprotected."
They held each other in silence. Zebual giving her comfort, while Arysa absorb it. "Do you want to wait on the joining vows?" he asked, rubbing her back.
"Nay," she murmured. Lifting her head, she stared into his eyes. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For what happened."
Zebual touched her cheek with his fingertips. "You have nothing to be sorry for, my love. Sometimes things happen that we have no control over. We're together for now, for always, and forever."
His words touched a cord deep inside her. He had wanted his surprise for her to be special and she had ruined it, not purposely, but still she felt so bad. "Zebual, what was the surprise you had for me?" she asked, softly.
"It doesn't matter. I knew that you feared that room ... I should be beaten for having such an idea that had anything to do with that particular room."
Taking his hand in hers, she placed a kiss against the palm and stared up into his eyes. "Please, show me. I'm fine now that you are with me."
His light blue gaze moved over her face. "Are you sure you're up for it? I can have it moved down to my room if you would rather not go into the master bedchamber."
Arysa shook her head. "No, I want the surprise as you intended it be." She was silent for a moment. "You have given me so much, Zebual and I have nothing to give you in return."
"You give me existence," he said softly. "You give me love. But most of all you give me yourself."
"But you have given me the same and so much more. I just wished I could give you something to equal all that you have gifted me with."
"And if you could give me something of your hearts choosing, what would it be?"
Without hesitation, she answered. "Renewed health. To have you as you once were."
A lump formed in Zebual's throat. He hugged her, trying to hide the wetness of his own eyes. "You have just given me the greatest gift of all," he mumbled.
Arysa felt his chest rise and the slight pause it gave before it expanded. She knew her words had touched his heart. "I love you, Zebual."
"I love you."
"Now show me the surprise. We have a guest waiting downstairs for us. I have taken up enough time with my unexplained and crazy dreams."
Zebual was reluctant to let go of her. "Have I told you how beautiful you look?"
Arysa blushed as she took in his appearance. His white/black hair was pulled back with a strip of black leather tied around it. His face was smooth and freshly shaven. His lean form was dressed in mainly black except for the satin shirt of gray/silver. Though he was still much too thin his broad shoulders filled out the black jacket. He was slowly gaining weight and his clothing was beginning to fit him more properly. It made her feel good to know that she was helping him regain his health.
"You look so handsome and dashing," she murmured. "When I look at you I get this frantic bubbling that courses through my blood as if I can never and will never get enough of you."
"All of me belongs to you," he whispered, placing his arm around her waist and leading her toward the doorway.
As they started past the empty cradle, Arysa stopped. "That also is what I would give you if I could choose a gift. A child to fill the emptiness of this bed."
The beat of Zebual's heart increased. "It would be my pleasure to give you a child."
The deep timber of his voice stirred the wanton creature inside her. "Careful, Sir Knight, or we will make our visitor wait even longer to enjoy our company."
"Soon, my love. For I need to taste all of you upon my lips, to feel your wet heat sheathing my body, and to give you the greatest pleasure."
"You say the most beautiful things," she whispered. "Beautiful and rather wicked."
"Do you mind?" he asked leading her out of the room.
Arysa shook her head.
"Good," he growled out softly. "For I have the most beautiful and wicked thoughts of you, my love. And though some may say that I'm foolish to admit such to you, I find I cannot deny or refuse my hunger for you."
Laying her head against his shoulder, she looked up at him. "Nor, can I deny mine for you."
Zebual stopped in front of the doorway to the master bedchamber. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
Arysa looked at the door and slowly nodded. She held her breath when Zebual unlatched the door and it swung open. Her eyes widened in awe at the sight before her. There had to be at least a hundred candles burning within the confines of the room. Gone was the black and silver curtains that covered the windows and encased the bed. Also missing was the matching coverlet. In their place were yards of startling white silk everywhere she looked.
"Oh, Zebual," she sighed.
"Do you like it?"
"How could I not? It's beautiful." She turned to look up at him. "When did you do this?"
"I wish I could say that I had," he murmured, placing a kiss upon the tip of her nose. "I told Justin what I wanted and with Reese and Edmond's help they accomplished what you now view."
"It's the loveliest room I've seen."
"To match the loveliest of women that I have ever seen ... and the only one I have loved."
His lips met hers as she stood on tiptoes to kiss him. Zebual buried his hand in the cool silk of her hair as his other hand moved down to her bottom, pressing her against his hardness.
"I want you."
Zebual shook his head. "After the vows and after we partake of Mrs. Reed's food, then and only then will I make you mine in all. I want no interruptions this night with you. I want you all to myself."
"You have me all to yourself every night," she said with a smile.
"Ahhh, but every night we do not have the vows read over us."
"Very true, my Sir Knight. I thank you again for this special gift."
"You will not fear spending the evening here in this room with me?"
Arysa shook her head. "I'll have you at my side, how could I fear anything?"
Zebual wrapped his arms around her and held her. "Your faith in my ability is like a healing balm to my withering existence."
"You do not have a withering existence. We ... you and I have from this moment on."
"You're right, my love. Now look inside the box on the bed."
"What is it?" she asked, moving toward it.
"The dress you wore when first we married." When her startled gaze met his, he lowered his eyes. "If you don't wish to wear it I will understand."
"Whatever you want, Zebual. You know that what makes you happy makes me happy." Removing the lid, she pulled back the tissue paper and found herself staring at the most beautiful gown she had ever seen. Gingerly, sh
e pulled the soft white silk from the box. Not one trace of lace or ribbon had been added ... it was simplicity at its best.
"Zebual, it's gorgeous," she whispered in awe.
"The wedding gift is there also." Zebual reached into the box and pulled out a smaller one. "I gave this to you for our first joining."
Arysa gasped at the delicate strand of tiny silver/gray pearls. "Oh no, Zebual. You've given me so much ... "
Zebual placed a finger to her lips. "This was yours and it would please me so to see you wear it for this second joining between us."
Kissing his finger, she nodded.
"Mrs. Reed will help you dress. Will you be all right if I go downstairs and wait for you?"
"Yes,"
"Excellent. Now don't keep me waiting overly long. I wish to hurry this evening along, so that we may retire as quickly as possible."
"On that I agree."
Placing a kiss on her lips, Zebual walked to the doorway and motioned to Mrs. Reed. He gave Arysa one more look, before leaving.
Chapter Fifteen
"I forgot how enchanting you looked in this gown," Mrs. Reed murmured, as she ran the brush through Arysa's long black hair one last time. "I believe we're ready."
Arysa stood and smoothed her hand over the white silk.
"Are you all right now, lass?"
"I guess I should apologize to you for my behavior earlier. I don't know what came over me," Arysa whispered.
"You were terrified, I seen it in your eyes."
"I'm fine now." Arysa assured her, not wanting to dwell on her earlier episode or images, shadows and fear.
Mrs. Reed wisely nodded her head in understanding. It had frightened her just watching Arysa go through her ordeal, she wouldn't imagine what it must have been like for the lass.
Side by side they descended the stairs. As they entered the large seating room, they found everyone waiting for them. Hanah and Edmond, Tairam and Reese, Justin and Thomas were all clustered together. Zebual stood off to the side alone. He had his arm braced on the mantel and a glass of brandy held in his other hand.
Silence slowly filled the room.
Zebual had a hard time forming one coherent thought as he stared at Arysa. She was always beautiful, but even more so now. The silver/gray pearls dipped downward to the crevice of her breasts. A needful ache blazed to life inside him. Her black hair swirled and caressed her hips as she made her way toward him. Her emerald green eyes shimmered with a wetness that made his own eyes water.
