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He just hoped his fanciful dreams and boyish hopes held some promise as he embraced the future.

10

Never would it cease to amaze him, this bond that swelled and flourished each day. ’Twas not enough that their souls were so tightly entwined—little could be hidden from the other, and only with extreme care and caution—but distance proved no obstacle to their bond.

The corners of his mouth lifted as he stared up into the flower-speckled vines that wound through the pergola’s grated top. Sunlight trickled through the thick crawling vines, shimmering over the soft pink petals of trumpet flowers and blue bells. In this small section of the immense garden, he could think without his dour mood casting the castle beneath a blanket of unease.

Yet there was no escaping his sweet love.

The gentle swish of satin and silk sounded against the rustle of brush and leaves in the breeze. He rolled his head against the bench he lay upon, arms folded beneath his head and knees bent. The sweet scent of flowers took on the familiar sultry scent of lavender as Moira came into view. She smiled and held up a wicker basket she dangled over her arm.

“Figured you might be hungry after mulling over yourthoughts most of the day.” Her smile faded as she crossed the emerald patch of spongy grass and rested the basket on the ground. Shaye sat up and dropped his feet, gathering her in his arms and pulling her down onto his lap. Her eyes alone belied her worry, needling him with guilt. “This is the first time I’ve seen you disassociate yourself after a Court summons.”

Shaye combed her hair from her cheek, tenderly tucking the curls behind her ear before he took a self-indulgent moment to trace her brow, the slope of her nose, and finally her lips. He hated the disturbing news he learned today, but he could not hold it from her long.

He pressed a chaste kiss to the corner of her mouth, dropping his arms to encircle her waist. Her belly rippled as their son moved within his safe haven, a sensation he would never tire of. His beloved Moira would never know how much joy and wholeness she brought to his life. There were simply no words to express how much he loved her.

“I can hide naught from you, my perceptive wife.” He chuckled, trying to mask the concern that consumed him since he returned. They’d enjoy a small meal before he unloaded the latest incident upon her shoulders. After all, it would affect her as much as him. “First, let’s eat.”

Shaye shifted them to the grass, making sure she was settled comfortably before he opened the basket and rummaged through the plates and bowls. Aye, Killeny and Aspen sure went out of their way for this late day meal. As he spread out their meal over a small blanket from the basket, his stomach grumbled. Moira laughed and rested her head on his shoulder.

“It’s not very often I get to hear your stomach growl.”

He craned his neck and pressed a kiss to her head. “I had not realized I’ve yet to eat a meal since yester eve.” He lifteda bowl from the basket and unfastened the lid, releasing the mouth-watering aromas of lamb stew. “Here, my love. For you and our babe.”

Moira straightened up and took the bowl from his hands, inhaling the aroma with a soft moan. “I love Aspen’s stews. Horano wasn’t lying when he told me her stews were some of the best.”

Shaye chuckled as he took out another bowl and opened the lid. “Horano can’t lie,ghra. None of us can.”

“No, but you’re really good at playing with words.”

He glanced at her and winked. “Must I play with words?” He dipped his spoon into the stew and lifted a heaping portion to his mouth. “I can play with you so much better.”

A potato tumbled off her spoon and splashed in the bowl. She gaped at him, her cheeks turning red. He savored the hearty stew and swallowed it down, not once looking away from her.

“You’ve no shame.”

He shrugged. “I’ve naught to be ashamed of with you.” He stretched out his legs and crossed his ankles, leaning back on the bench as he ate. “Nor do you have anything to be ashamed of with me.”

“You’ve seen me at my worst and my best, so no. Guess I’m shameless, too.”

She nestled against his arm, lowering her bowl. “I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have you as my husband and my soul mate.”

“Mo ghra, those feelings are shared immensely.” He scooped up another serving of stew and held his spoon to her mouth. “Here.”

She accepted the small bite and grinned, her fingers playing with the intricate buttons on his leather vest. After a few more bites, he lowered the bowl beside hers and tippedher chin up, capturing her mouth with a slow burning kiss. Goddess, how he loved the taste of her mouth, the curve of her neck, the swell of her belly. She consumed his senses, his mind, his world to the point naught existed beyond his Moira.

Except for the reason he was summoned to Court.

Hating the separation, he teased her lower lip with a tender nibble and tipped his head, resting his forehead against hers. Her shallow breaths taunted his moist lips, her lashes fluttering as her eyes remained closed. He curled his fingers around the back of her neck, rubbing her jaw with his thumb.

“My sweet, lovely Moira,” he murmured.

She reached up and fit her hand over his. “What’s bothering you, Shaye? Why are you unsettled?”

’Tis an understatement, truly.He was more than unsettled.

Hefeared.