Page 77

“I agree. So, I will brew some chamomile for you, and you will enjoy a gentle sleep.”

“I would like that,” Ena said. “I heard Dru returned and a cleric along with her.”

Shade explained what happened while she set the leaves to brewing.

“We are all exhausted from this endless and unnecessary discord. Lord Torrance was once friends with Ryland and Nug.” Ena shook her head. “If only it had remained that way.”

“What happened to that friendship?”

“It died.”

“Why?” Shade asked and helped Ena to sit up, bracing a pillow behind her back.

“Most believe it to be jealousy. Ryland came by skills and wisdom naturally, not so Torrance. He had to work hard to achieve what Ryland achieved with ease. Ryland also had patience, something he inherited from his mum, Lady Delecia, a good woman, while Torrance inherited his father’s impatience and demanding manner. Then, of course, there continues to be the speculation that Torrance and Ryland are half-brothers.”

“Is there a possibility that it could be true?” Shade asked curiously.

“It was something one heard now and again until they reached about ten and two years. That was when their similar features became even more obvious. Anyone who looked at them standing side by side would believe them brothers.”

Shade handed the tankard to Ena. “There was no distinction between them at all?”

“None that anyone could see,” Ena said, then took a sip.

Shade moved a small bench over by the bed and sat. “Did you deliver Ryland?”

“Aye, I did. It was the easiest birth I ever attended. I wish they all were like that.”

“But Ryland’s mum never had another child after that?” Shade asked.

“Nay, which I fear is what sparked the gossip. Whispers circulated that Lady Delecia was with child when she wedRyland’s father, Chieftain Orrick. Rumors also say that the chieftain was aware of Delecia’s condition and wed her anyway.” Ena sighed and shook her head. “Stories abound when people have nothing better to do than speculate. It’s all nonsense. Besides, seeing the pair together, I believe they loved each other and there was no doubt Lord Orrick loved his son.”

“But rumors could have fueled Lord Torrance’s feelings toward Ryland, creating and building animosity,” Shade suggested.

“True enough,” Ena said and yawned.

Shade took the tankard from the woman. “You need to sleep. I will see you tomorrow.”

“I worry if Lord Torrance discovers what a skilled healer you are he will demand that you serve him,” Ena said as she settled herself comfortably in the bed.

Shade tucked the wool blanket around her. “Fear not, Ena, all will be well.” She hoped her words would find truth since she feared what The Monk would do if Lord Torrance made demands of his wife.

Quint enteredthe bedchamber to find his wife standing in front of the hearth, her head bent, staring at the flickering flames. He hadn’t gotten a chance to speak with her since leaving her at Ena’s cottage. He had spent time with Nug to discuss some things that needed to be done, and he also needed to see that things he had ordered done were finished. He stationed guards by the dungeon so that Witley or Monty could not speak with James. He refrained from hitting Witley again, though he gave him a warning, and he doubted he would even look Shade’s way now.

She had been in his thoughts the whole time. He missed her when she wasn’t near, missed her smile, the touch of her hand, the way she would drift into his arms, how she would lay her head on his chest, and how her soft hair would tickle his nose.

He went to her, easing against her slowly and running his hand down her arm in a loving caress. He nibbled softly at her neck when she leaned back against him and tipped her head to the side inviting his lips. He wrapped his arms around her locking her against him and continued to playfully nibble at her neck.

Shade relaxed in her husband’s arms, glad he held her locked against him or otherwise she might collapse, his nibbles sending such a delicious sensation through her and turning her body malleable.

“I have a need for you,” he whispered.

“Not as great as mine,” she said softly and wiggled her bottom against him until it settled on his hard shaft. “Though maybe you do.”

His hand slipped down to rub between her legs. “Then it is best I make sure you’re ready for me.”

Shade moaned, his touch, though through her garments, more than pleasurable.

Soon his hand found its way beneath her garment, and she spread her legs enough for his finger to find its way inside her.