Page 9 of Her Warrior’s Redemption (The Legendary Warriors #3)

B rian rode alongside Velaria, while Ewan and Honora joined them. Ewan gave orders for the other men to go and alert the king and the remaining MacEgan soldiers.

‘We need a boat,’ Brian said.

The man gave a grim nod, and he spoke with Honora for a moment. ‘There were boats here earlier. At least two. But now...’ He shook his head. ‘We’ll have to go back closer to Laochre.’

Which would take even more time. Brian turned back to Velaria, who had gone pale. She was staring out at the water and then at the island fortress of Ennisleigh across from Laochre Castle.

‘What is it?’ he asked her.

She pointed out at the waves. ‘Look there.’

He followed the direction and saw a body floating in the water. Without thinking, he crossed himself. But Velaria was already walking into the waves, heedless of the cold water.

‘Velaria, no.’ He joined her, and the vicious chill of the water sliced through him. But she continued to venture closer to the body.

She meant to identify the man, he realised.

Velaria reached for the first man’s hair and raised it up enough to look at his face. Then she dropped it and stepped back. ‘He was one of our attackers.’

Brian judged that it hadn’t been very long since the man’s death. He started to drag the body from the water, but before he got far, he saw the second body floating on the waves.

‘Velaria—’ He pointed to the other man as he released the first.

She crossed her arms as she trudged deeper into the water. Soon enough, she reached the second man and raised his face to look at it.

‘But that man wasn’t the second,’ she said. ‘I don’t know who he is.’

Just as before, Brian helped bring the body to shore, but afterwards, they both stared in all directions, praying there would be no sign of the king’s daughter. Thankfully, there was nothing.

‘What do you think happened to Mairead?’ he ventured.

Velaria started to shiver the moment she left the water. ‘I suspect she defended herself. Or someone else defended her.’ Although her tone was matter-of-fact, Brian sensed the uncertainty beneath it. Her teeth began to chatter from the cold, and his own body was numb from the frigid water.

When they reached her aunt and uncle on the shoreline, Velaria told them, ‘I think we should search Ennisleigh.’

‘I agree,’ Ewan said. ‘There are guards posted at the tower at all times. If Mairead left these shores by boat, they would have seen her from the island.’

After they returned to their horses, the other MacEgans arrived to join them. Ewan quickly related their findings to the king and his son, offering the fallen May wreath as evidence. Liam took the wreath, and after a discussion with his father, they agreed to search Ennisleigh and send boats out in several directions.

Brian joined his horse alongside Velaria’s. For a time, she said nothing but merely followed the larger group. He could see in her posture, in her weariness, that she still blamed herself.

‘We’ll go with them,’ he told her. ‘And learn what they saw.’

She gave a nod of agreement, but he could tell that she was still uneasy about it. After finding the bodies, he didn’t blame her.

‘Or would you rather return to Laochre and change into dry clothes?’ he suggested.

‘No. Not until we’ve gone to Ennisleigh.’ She urged her horse faster, but he could see her clinging to the reins, her shoulders slumped as she tried to ignore the effects of the sea water.

They rode along the water’s edge towards the larger pier. But before they reached it, Velaria’s father joined them.

‘Are you all right?’ Ademar asked his daughter. ‘Wh-what happened? Why are you h-here? I ordered you to stay at Laochre with your mother.’

‘I needed to help Mairead,’ Velaria started to say.

‘You needed to r-remain safe,’ her father snapped. But the knight had no idea what she’d endured. And Brian had no intention of staying silent.

‘That’s enough,’ Brian said coolly. ‘Let her be. If she wants to go to Ennisleigh, then I’ll take her there.’

‘I h-hired you to look after my daughter. Not b-bring her into more danger.’

Before Brian could intervene, Velaria moved her horse between them. ‘You had no right to hire anyone,’ she told Ademar. ‘I didn’t need your help then. And I certainly don’t need it now.’

Brian saw the frustration in her father’s face, of a man who only wanted to heal his daughter.

‘Velaria—’ Ademar started.

But she moved closer to him and said, ‘Stop trying to make decisions for me. No matter what answers I’ve given, you’ve never listened.’ Her face turned pained, and she said, ‘I never should have come home again.’

And with that, she urged her horse into a gallop, leaving them both behind.

Her body wouldn’t stop shivering. Velaria ignored the clammy wet clothing as she joined a few other soldiers in one of the boats going to Ennisleigh. When she gazed out at the island fortress, her heart beat faster.

She shouldn’t have spoken such cruel words. But she’d been so angry with her father for his stubbornness that she’d blurted them out without thinking.

Now she wondered if she should have held her tongue. Savas’s expression had been unreadable, and she worried what he would think of what she’d said. Even now, her cheeks burned with embarrassment. But her wild emotions transformed into utter relief when she saw Mairead standing beside the stone wall within Ennisleigh. Her hair was tangled, her gown torn, and there was blood on her clothing. But the expression on her face was quiet and steadfast.

Velaria ran to her cousin and embraced her hard. ‘Did they hurt you? I’m so sorry, I—’

‘I wasn’t hurt,’ Mairead answered. ‘They tried, but...’ She paused and held Velaria’s gaze for a moment. ‘They’re dead now.’

She fully recognised that her cousin was hiding something—but what? Within another moment, Mairead was surrounded by her family and uncles. She accepted their hugs, and in the meantime, Velaria studied the fortress, searching for a hint of what had really happened. But she saw nothing, save the guards.

Savas came up behind her. ‘Come inside and get warm, Velaria,’ he urged. ‘You need to dry out by a fire.’

She nodded and led him up the stone stairs to the small keep. The island fortress was quite small, and when they reached the interior, there was only a single chamber with a large hearth. Velaria walked over to the fire, and Savas stood beside her while they warmed their hands.

‘Mairead wasn’t alone,’ he predicted.

‘No. But whoever saved her is in hiding,’ Velaria agreed. ‘Mairead isn’t a fighter.’

‘Not like you.’ His voice turned deeper.

‘No,’ she agreed. ‘Not like me.’

In the firelight, his blue eyes watched her with an intensity she didn’t understand.

An awkwardness washed over her, and she said quietly, ‘I know you want an answer about...a betrothal between us. But I’m not the sort of woman any man wants to marry. Not any more.’

‘I didn’t offer to wed you out of pity, Velaria.’ His voice held a deep timbre that seemed to reach past the invisible barriers she tried to hold between them.

A tightness caught in her chest at his words. ‘Why did you, then?’

She was afraid of the answer, especially when he looked away. For a moment, he held back his answer, until at last he said, ‘Because I don’t want you to ever lose your freedom again. And if I can stop it from happening, I will. You can live your life as you choose.’

She didn’t know what to think of his words. It reminded her once again of his earlier offer, of a marriage that was not a true one. And her heart bled at the thought of being married to a man who didn’t want her. ‘Savas, I’d rather not marry at all.’

He threaded his hands through her hair, staring into her eyes. ‘I know.’ An invisible shadow seemed to cross his face. ‘But I can give you the freedom you crave.’

She could scarcely breathe from the warmth of his breath upon her cheek. Heat flooded through her, and when he pulled back, he continued. ‘And I know your strength. Both here...’ He slid his fingers down her skin to her wrist. Then he brought his hand to her heart. ‘And here.’

She couldn’t speak, for her throat had closed up with unspoken emotions. She wanted to believe him, to lower the defences she held around her heart. But the thought of being vulnerable again, of sharing her heart and her love with anyone, only reminded her of her past failures.

She was saved from an answer when she heard approaching footsteps. Mairead entered the chamber, followed by her father, brother, and uncles. For a moment, Velaria caught her cousin’s gaze. Though Mairead’s expression remained sober, there seemed to be a hint of defiance within it.

‘What happened, Mairead?’ she asked.

Her cousin didn’t meet her gaze. ‘They’re dead.’ She didn’t offer any other explanation, and an uneasy feeling caught in Velaria’s stomach.

‘Who killed them?’ Liam demanded. ‘And how many more men were there?’

‘Only two,’ Mairead whispered. ‘And I killed them.’

Velaria didn’t believe her at all, and from the look on Patrick’s face, neither did he. But why would she lie? When she took a closer look, there was an iron resolution on Mairead’s face—almost as if she were protecting someone.

The king gathered his forces together. To his daughter, he said, ‘We will return to Laochre. Your mother will be beside herself with worry.’

Mairead inclined her head in agreement, but as they were leaving, Velaria caught her hand. ‘Did the May crown work?’ she asked softly so the others wouldn’t hear.

A slow smile spread over her cousin’s face before she turned away.

As they rowed back to the mainland, Brian was separated from Velaria. Instead, he was surrounded by Connor, Ewan, and Trahern, three of the king’s brothers.

‘A long day for you, was it?’ Connor remarked to Brian.

‘Very,’ he agreed. But his attention was fixed upon Velaria, who was in a boat with her cousin. He wanted to talk with her more, but she would probably refuse. Her mood had grown subdued, as if troubled thoughts weighed her down. He suspected it was because of their earlier fight.

But now what? He needed to travel north to find Morwenna, and he didn’t want to go without Velaria.

‘Has she given you an answer yet?’ Ewan asked. ‘You offered for her, didn’t you?’

‘I did. And she wants more time to make her decision.’

Ewan settled back with one of the oars. ‘We should help him out, Brother. The lad is wanting to marry Velaria, but Ademar plans to marry her off to a high-ranking lord.’

‘And why should we get involved?’ Trahern mused.

‘Because she can’t take her eyes off him,’ Ewan said. ‘And I think ’tis a good match. Honora agrees.’

Connor leaned back in the boat. ‘Slow your rowing, then, while we think on it.’ He eyed Brian. ‘Have you kissed her, then?’

Brian wasn’t certain he wanted this conversation at all, but he wasn’t foolish enough to ignore their offer to help. ‘A few times.’

‘But did she kiss you back?’ Ewan prompted.

He sent her uncle a pointed look and a nod.

Trahern’s expression shifted into a sly smile. ‘Well, then, it sounds as if all she needs is a nudge in the right direction.’

From out of nowhere, Brian felt a sense of uncertainty. ‘I promised her that if she agreed to wed me, I would leave her untouched, if that’s what she wanted.’

Then men started to laugh, even her uncle Ewan. ‘Oh, Danu, he does need our help,’ Trahern groaned. ‘We may as well drop anchor, for we’ll be here all night.’

‘Are you afraid that she’ll steal your virtue, lad?’ Connor teased.

His fists tightened, and he glared at the man. Though he’d never been with a woman before, he had no intention of admitting it. For a moment, the idea of swimming back to shore sounded appealing.

But before he could say another word, Trahern turned to his younger brother. ‘Ewan, she’s your niece. Will he make her a good husband?’

The man turned serious. ‘Aye. He allowed her to fight alongside him. I don’t know that many other men would willingly let their wives wield a sword.’

‘Velaria deserves the right to defend herself,’ Brian said. ‘I’ve never met a woman who could fight as well as she can.’

‘My wife, Honora, is just as strong,’ Ewan said. ‘And you’re right. A strong woman is worth more than gold. I would give my life for hers, just as she would for me.’

Connor nodded to Brian. ‘Seduce her thoroughly, lad, and she won’t be arguing about marriage. She’ll be eager to wed.’

Ewan’s expression darkened. ‘I was speaking of marriage, Connor. He’ll not be dishonouring my niece.’

His older brother grinned. ‘Well, then, he could tempt her in the right direction. Honourably, of course.’

Brian shook his head. ‘She was...hurt before.’ First by the knight who’d abandoned her and possibly again in Constantinople. ‘I’m not about to make her feel uncomfortable.’

‘Good lad.’ Ewan nodded his head in approval.

Trahern sobered and said, ‘Aye, then. In that case, you’ll tempt her—but without touching her. Allow her to make the choice.’

Brian said nothing, and Ewan exchanged a glance with his brothers. ‘I think we’ve a wealth of knowledge between us that our young lad needs.’

Brian wasn’t at all certain what her uncle was talking about, but Trahern set down the oars. ‘All right then. We’ll tell you what you’re needing to know if you want to win her heart. And if you have any wits about you, lad, you’ll not tell her father about this conversation.’

He paused a moment and regarded the men. ‘And why would you help me in this?’

Connor smiled. ‘Because it’s a road we’ve all travelled, lad.’

Although Brian wasn’t at all certain about this, he listened to their advice as they rowed back to the opposite shore. And he began to form a plan of sorts.

The only question was whether it would work.

The following evening, Velaria heard a knock at her door. When she called out for the person to enter, she saw her aunt Honora and her mother, Katherine, standing there.

‘Is something wrong?’ she asked the women.

Her mother shook her head. ‘Not at all. But Honora and I were hoping you would walk with us for a little while.’

It was a strange request, but Velaria reached for a wrap and pulled it around her shoulders. ‘All right.’ She followed them outside the chamber, wondering if it was something to do with Mairead. ‘Did you need something?’

Her mother exchanged a look with her sister but didn’t answer at first. Instead, they led her along the hall and down the spiral stairs towards the Great Chamber. ‘I wanted to see if you were all right.’ Katherine’s voice dropped to a low whisper. ‘After everything that happened with those men who attacked you.’

Her shoulders relaxed when her mother rested her hand on her waist. It was only a mother’s concern, and she was grateful for it.

‘I’m all right,’ she said softly. It was strange to realise that she hadn’t even thought about the deaths of those men. Just as she’d done in the arena, she’d locked away every emotion, refusing to think of the death and destruction. She had protected Mairead and wasn’t sorry for it.

Velaria lifted her gaze to Honora, knowing her aunt would understand. ‘I didn’t have a choice in what I did.’

Her aunt reached out to squeeze her hand. ‘I know.’

‘But there may be...consequences for it,’ Katherine said, guiding her outside and into the inner bailey. The night air had grown cool, and torches illuminated the space. Velaria saw guards stationed at every corner of the towers, vigilant over their enemies, and it brought her a sense of security.

Her mother continued, saying, ‘The men who died were King John’s men, sent on ahead before the king arrives with his own army.’

It didn’t surprise her to learn of it, but she still didn’t understand why her mother and aunt appeared so serious. They stopped walking a moment, and Katherine said, ‘When they buried the bodies, they learned that one of the men was Terence de Vere, Baron Marwood.’

Ice flooded through Velaria’s veins as she made the connection. Though she had never met Lord Marwood before, she’d known his son well enough. Past and present seemed to blur, and she turned to her mother, whose expression had gone pale. Katherine only reached for her hand and squeezed it.

Honora seemed unaware of their reaction and added, ‘The baron visited King Patrick on several occasions on behalf of King John.’

Velaria was starting to understand their concern. If the baron had died on King Patrick’s lands, then the MacEgans would be held responsible for her actions. But her own thoughts were caught up in what would happen next. There would be severe consequences for what she’d done.

And yet, she held no regret for taking his life. ‘They were planning to hurt us,’ Velaria said. ‘Even the baron.’

‘I believe you,’ Katherine said. ‘But if they learn that you were responsible for killing a nobleman—even though you defended yourself and Mairead—the king may demand a price for it.’

Velaria understood the unspoken threat. Her life could indeed become forfeit for the baron’s death—especially if his family sought retribution. And her father did not hold enough power to protect her from the king’s wrath.

Katherine looped Velaria’s arm in hers. ‘But we have a way to keep you safe.’ Her aunt joined on her opposite side, and they led her towards the family chapel. Once they were inside, Velaria saw a small altar and a wooden cross upon the wall. Inside, a priest stood waiting. Had he come to hear her confession? Or did they intend for her to seek the sanctuary of the church and join a nunnery? But when she turned around, she saw her father waiting.

His expression was grim, but he came forward and opened his arms. Without really thinking, she went into his embrace as he held her tightly. ‘I’m s-sorry for what happened to you, Velaria.’ There was no anger in his voice, only the tone of a worried father.

In his arms, she felt like a little girl again, lifted up after she’d fallen and scraped her knee. But this time, his blue eyes were filled with unspoken fear.

She turned to both parents. ‘What is happening?’ All around her, it seemed that her family was gathering for a reason they had not yet revealed.

‘We intend to protect you from the king’s wrath,’ Katherine said. ‘Whether you want it or not, you need to marry.’

Panic rose up in her stomach, and Velaria turned back towards the door—only to see Savas waiting there.

He was dressed in the same leather armour he’d worn earlier, and behind him stood the rest of the MacEgan brothers and their wives. One by one, the family entered the chapel, and she understood what was happening. They were here to witness a wedding—her own.

‘I need to talk to you,’ Savas said quietly.

Her emotions were tangled up inside her, for it felt like an ambush. She’d told everyone she didn’t want to marry. And yet, no one was listening. She didn’t move. Nor could she breathe when he stepped forward and took her hand in his.

He guided her to the far side of the room and lowered his voice. ‘You’re in danger. The king will be furious when he learns about Lord Marwood.’

‘He won’t,’ she started to say. But the moment she voiced the words, she remembered the attacker who had escaped. The soldier would make his way back to the king and the truth might come out.

‘We can’t stay here any longer,’ he said. ‘I have to take you north to my sister’s home where you’ll be safe.’

‘Then we’ll go,’ she murmured. Her voice broke, but she gripped his hand. ‘There’s no need to wed.’

‘Your father demands it for the sake of your honour. He also believes I can intercede with King John if necessary.’ His thumb edged her palm, and his eyes met hers. ‘Will you let me protect you, Velaria?’

She couldn’t speak, for her throat seemed to close up. The truth was, if her family truly forced her into marriage, there was only one man she would consider—the one standing before her.

Her heart pounded, and every muscle in her body tensed. She’d never had time to consider what she wanted, but in Savas’s eyes, she saw the calm face of a man who intended to keep her safe.

Everyone was waiting for her answer. And although she feared being a disappointment to him as a wife, she didn’t want to humiliate him in front of everyone by refusing.

All she could do was offer a single nod. The world appeared to freeze in place as he led her outside the chapel to speak their vows before the priest. Someone pressed a crown of rowan, woven with lavender, upon her hair.

Velaria hardly heard a word of the marriage rite, but she was fully aware of the moment when Savas brushed his mouth against hers in a kiss of peace. The warmth of the kiss slid over her, causing a deep ache of longing. Then he led her back inside the chapel where the priest held the wedding Mass.

She clung to his hand as if it were the only thing holding her upright. The scent of incense filled the space, and dozens of lit candles flickered shadows and light against the stone walls. But he was here beside her, and if his purpose was to guard her from being taken prisoner again, she could accept that.

After the Mass ended, the MacEgans congratulated them both. Queen Isabel invited them back to the Great Chamber for mead, honey cakes, and a small celebration. Savas rested his hand upon her spine and leaned in. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Overwhelmed,’ she admitted honestly. ‘It doesn’t seem real.’

He studied her and added, ‘I meant what I said. I will protect you from whatever happens now. But we should leave at dawn to travel north to my sister. We need to be far away from here before the king’s men arrive.’

She nodded in agreement, and he led her back into the Great Chamber. To her surprise, she saw flowers and greenery everywhere. Her cousin Mairead wore her finest léine and overdress and smiled warmly when she saw them. Beside her stood Adriana. It was clear that both women were responsible for the decorations and the food.

Mairead embraced Velaria and murmured, ‘I am glad you agreed to the marriage. You’ll be happy together. I know it.’ She led them up to the dais, and Velaria took her seat with Savas beside her.

A servant poured cups of mead, and Velaria drank hers, still feeling uncertain about all of this. One moment, she’d been in her chamber, and the next, she’d become a bride. Part of her thought she ought to be angry or upset at how it had all come about. And yet, when she looked at her new husband, she saw the face of the man who had been by her side during the worst moments of her life. It was Savas who had kept the broken pieces of her from falling apart. She couldn’t name the swirling emotions within her, but part of her felt a sense of unexpected hope.

Was it wrong to feel this way? He’d married her as a means of protection. But would he continue to desire a false marriage, one where they remained apart within the union? She didn’t know.

There was music and dancing, and he leaned in. ‘We’re expected to join them. Will you dance with me?’

She felt awkward about dancing in front of everyone, but she understood that it was expected. ‘I’m not very good at it.’

‘Neither am I.’ But he stood and offered his hand.

Just then, there came the sound of cups pounding against the tables and cheering. Velaria didn’t quite understand what was happening, but a moment later, Savas leaned down and kissed her.

It was not the same kiss of peace from the wedding, but something else entirely. His hands threaded through her hair, and he kissed her as if there was no one else except the two of them. His mouth was hot and hungry, and her own response frightened her with how quickly her body grew heated. Beneath her gown, her breasts tightened, and she ached between her legs. He’d only kissed her like this once before, and it had made her feel vulnerable and desirable.

His tongue threaded with hers, and she clung to him as her cheeks flushed. Never had she imagined he would kiss her like this in front of everyone. But when he broke off the kiss, there was loud approval from the crowd. He led her down into the dancing, and soon enough, they were surrounded by others. She took several missteps, but he lifted her up and held her for a moment.

‘I’m glad you agreed to wed me,’ he said. But there was a flare of heat in his voice that suddenly made Velaria anxious about the wedding night ahead. A rush of nerves caught her, and she tried to push back the rising uncertainty. Would he expect to consummate the marriage? He’d sworn not to, but what if he’d changed his mind? She didn’t know how to feel about it. When she’d lost her innocence to Sir Drogan, it had been awkward, and she hadn’t enjoyed it. But perhaps that had been her fault.

She couldn’t deny her own attraction to Savas or the way he made her desire him. But what if the same thing happened, and he no longer wanted her afterwards?

‘Velaria,’ he said, as he lowered her down. ‘Don’t be afraid of me.’

‘I don’t know what I’m supposed to do,’ she admitted.

He smiled then, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen a true smile on his face. His eyes held her captive, and he said softly, ‘Just dance with me.’

Brian was grateful to Connor and Ewan for their help in arranging the wedding, but his own nerves were rising when at last it was time for the wedding night. The king and queen had offered to let them stay at the smaller fortress at Ennisleigh to give them privacy for the night. He couldn’t deny that he was grateful to have an actual bed, as opposed to the pallet he’d slept on during the past few days.

But he didn’t know whether Velaria would want to consummate the marriage or not. He hadn’t told her that King Patrick had said the consummation was necessary to sanctify the marriage. Yet, no one would know the truth if he didn’t touch her, for Velaria was not a virgin. He planned to spill a few drops of his own blood upon the sheets as false evidence of her innocence, if need be.

Brian despised the knight who had seduced and abandoned her. In many ways, he wished he could take away her past suffering, but the truth was, he was the virgin tonight. And despite all the advice the MacEgan men had offered, he wouldn’t touch his new bride if she wanted to be alone.

He rowed the small boat from the mainland towards the fortress, and above them, the stars gleamed. The sea was calm, and he could see how nervous she was from the way she clenched the wooden sides of the boat.

‘How are you?’ he asked quietly.

‘I don’t even know. I never imagined that I would be married only a few hours ago.’ She pulled the edges of her brat around her shoulders, for the night air had grown cooler.

‘Neither did I,’ he admitted. ‘It’s hard to believe.’ As they drew closer to the island shore, he guided the boat towards the wooden pier. ‘But I don’t regret it. I would do anything to protect you.’

She shivered and said, ‘I only did what I had to. Those men would have hurt Mairead and me. But I also never meant to start a war.’

‘We won’t let that happen,’ he said. ‘With any luck, no one will know it was you. We’ll go north to my sister’s home, and we’ll be safe there.’

Brian tied off the boat and helped her to the pier. Behind them, the moonlight reflected on the darker waves of the sea. He escorted her inside the fortress and was surprised to find that the king and queen had arranged for more decorations. He didn’t remember seeing them the previous night.

A servant brought them to their own private chamber, and inside, there were several candles and lamps to illuminate the darkness. On one table, he found a small repast of bread and cheese, along with a ewer of wine. The hearth had been lit, and a peat fire burned brightly.

But Velaria glanced at the bed and appeared uneasy. He needed to reassure her that he would never demand something she was unwilling to give.

‘Come here,’ he bade her gently.

She walked over to stand by the fire, and he removed her brat . Then he pulled her into his embrace, and she rested her head against his chest. For a moment, he simply held her, and she did the same. The warmth of the fire was comforting, and he stroked her hair lightly.

‘I never imagined I would have a marriage like this,’ he admitted. ‘Especially after the life I led as a serf. I never dreamed of someone like you—your life was so far above mine.’

She raised her head and regarded him. ‘Is that why you pushed me away during our journey home?’

He gave a nod. ‘I knew I wasn’t good enough for you. It was different in the arena. We were equals then. But in England...’ He let his words trail off.

‘I’m not the same woman who left England,’ she admitted. ‘That maiden died when we wore chains.’

He reached for her wrists, turning them over in the firelight. There were still raised lines upon her skin, and he lifted them to his mouth, kissing one and then the other.

‘Savas,’ she whispered. ‘I don’t think I can be the sort of wife you want.’

I’m broken , she almost said.

Even now, though he’d been nothing but gentle, she was afraid of the darker memories. She’d locked them away for so long, refusing to face them. It was easier to pretend that the time in Constantinople had never existed.

‘You have nothing to fear from me,’ he said. ‘I won’t do anything you don’t want.’ He slid his hand against one cheek, and the warmth of his palm upon her skin evoked a yearning that threatened to open the doors of the past.

‘Will you let me kiss you?’ he asked.

That, at least, she could accept. She lifted her face to his, drawing his mouth down to hers. His lips were firm and coaxing, and she lifted her arms around his neck, welcoming her new husband.

It was so strange to imagine that they were now married—or even that her father had allowed it. She didn’t know whether it was because of Savas’s possible relation to the king or because she had finally agreed to wed.

And yet, to her, he was the man who had been her closest friend while they’d been captives. She had needed him then, just as she did now.

His kiss turned hungrier, his tongue sliding against hers. She clung tighter to him, uncertain of the feelings coursing through her. Drogan had kissed her before, but not like this. Not as if she were the very breath he needed to survive.

Savas kissed her deeply, his hands moving down her spine. Her body was awakening to him, and although it frightened her, she didn’t want him to stop, either. His mouth moved to her throat, and her skin erupted in gooseflesh. Her breasts tightened against the linen of her shift, and between her legs, she felt a warmth blooming.

He drew back the neckline of her gown, and it was then that she realised he’d loosened the laces. Her heartbeat pounded, and she wanted to protest. But all he did was bare her shoulder and press his mouth against her skin.

‘If you want me to stop at any moment, just say the word,’ he told her.

She took a deep breath and admitted, ‘I wish I had run away with you, instead of Drogan. I wish I were a virgin this night.’

It embarrassed her that she’d made such a mistake. And even afterwards, she hadn’t enjoyed it. She hadn’t pleased him, and the lovemaking had been painful and embarrassing. The same thing might happen tonight. And though Savas might be kind, she was afraid she couldn’t be the bride he wanted.

‘But if you hadn’t run away from home...if you hadn’t been sold into slavery, we never would have met,’ he said. He tilted her face to look at him. ‘We cannot look back on a past that can’t be changed. But we can make this marriage whatever you want it to be. We can remain friends. Or it could be something more.’

He was offering her a choice that terrified her. But if she pushed him away, she sensed it would be the same as when they’d been aboard the ship sailing home—distant and cool. It had hurt so much to feel unwanted.

But right now, when she looked into her husband’s eyes, she saw a man who did desire her. His kiss had awakened her own needs. Perhaps, if she dared to reach out to him, if she wanted something more, he might push the nightmares away. And that meant setting aside her fear and surrendering herself.

Slowly, Velaria lifted away her overdress and stood before him in her shift. His gaze turned heated, but he removed his leather armour and tunic until he stood only in his trews. She stared at the rigid lines that cut across his pectoral muscles and the ridges that led to his waist. He hadn’t lost any of his strength, despite the hardships they’d suffered. Uncertainty washed over her, but she forced herself to reach out and touch him.

Beneath her fingers, his skin was warm and hard. She reminded herself that this was Savas, the warrior who had fought to save her life. Her friend who had spent endless months at her side as they had tried to survive. And now, her husband.

He remained still, allowing her to explore his skin. She studied the reddened scar at his shoulder and stood on tiptoe to kiss it. ‘I’m sorry I hurt you,’ she whispered.

‘I’m not,’ he answered. ‘It was worth the price of our freedom.’ Then he bent down to claim her mouth again.

Once again, his kiss awakened her to a yearning she didn’t understand. She clung to him, and the softness of her own curves pressed against his hardened chest. He pulled her close, and it was then that she felt the ridge of his arousal.

Instantly, she froze, afraid to even move. He seemed to sense it, and he relaxed his hold, giving her the power to pull away.

‘It’s all right,’ he said. ‘We don’t have to consummate the marriage.’

Though she understood he didn’t want to pressure her, guilt weighed upon her. Not only because of her past, but also because she wanted to please him.

‘I’ll—I’ll be all right,’ she murmured.

From the look in his eyes, she sensed he didn’t believe her. For a moment, she couldn’t guess what he was thinking. But instead, he took her by the hand and led her over to the bed. He drew back the coverlet and lifted her onto the mattress before guiding her to lie back.

She told herself it would be all right, that he would never hurt her. But instead of covering her body with his own, he moved to the opposite side of the bed. He kept his trews on and got beneath the covers before pulling it over both of them.

Oh, God.

Her thoughts grew bewildered, for she hadn’t expected this at all. She stared at the hearth, feeling dejected that she had caused him to stop.

But then he drew his arm around her waist in silent comfort. ‘Goodnight, Velaria,’ he murmured as he kissed her shoulder.

She felt the rise of tears, knowing that this wasn’t what their wedding night was supposed to be. She had hoped to drive out the demons of the past, but instead, it seemed that their shadows still lingered.

For a moment, she didn’t move, didn’t breathe. Then it occurred to her that she would have to reach out if she wanted more. She had to show him that she wasn’t afraid.

Slowly, she eased back into his arms until her spine nestled against his chest. And she reached back to draw his arms around her in the embrace she wanted.

Her breath caught in her lungs, but she dared to bring his hand to her breast. His palm warmed the linen, and her body ached at the barest touch.

She spoke no words, nor did he. And yet, he caressed her softly. The bud of her nipple rose to his fingertips, and he gently encircled it with his thumb. She bit her lip, startled by the deep feelings that slid between her legs, coaxing her into a feeling that was...strangely pleasant. He adjusted his position and brought his hands around until he cupped both breasts. She held back her gasp of surprise, but she couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her when he stroked both nipples at the same time.

She pressed back against his erection and was rewarded by his own intake of breath. Though she ought to be frightened, she was too distracted by the sweetness of his touch.

‘You’re killing me,’ he murmured against her nape. ‘I was planning to leave you alone.’

She knew that. And yet, she couldn’t deny how good his hands felt upon her skin. It was nothing at all like the night she’d lost her innocence.

His hands skimmed over the curve of her breasts, down her stomach, and his fingers stilled at the apex of her thighs. Velaria understood his silent question. And for a moment, she considered removing his hand. Yet, nothing he’d done so far had been a demand—only an invitation.

And so, she reached beneath the coverlet and drew up the hem of her shift. Slowly, she removed the linen garment until she was naked in his arms.

Fear slid beneath her skin, but it was the fear that she wouldn’t please him. That this night would change their friendship and make it awkward between them.

Savas tensed behind her, but once again, he made no demands. She settled back against him, and in truth, she didn’t know what she wanted. Did she want to consummate the marriage and push past what had happened before? Or was it better to wait?

Dozens of questions and possibilities warred within her mind, but he silenced them all when he cupped her breast with one hand, and his other moved between her legs. The sweetness of his caress against her nipple brought a pleasure that stole her breath. For a moment, her hand tightened upon his heavy thigh in a silent plea for more.

He didn’t make demands, but the warmth of his palm against her thighs made her shift against him. Her body was wet with a need she didn’t understand.

But then, he slid his hand lower, caressing her intimately. Shock bolted through her, and though she couldn’t deny the pleasure of his touch, darker memories assailed her. She couldn’t do this. It was too much, too soon.

‘Stop,’ she whispered, even as she hated herself for speaking the word.

Immediately, he removed his hand from her body. He said nothing at all but moved away until their bodies no longer touched.

And as she huddled in a tight ball, she couldn’t stop the silent tears that flowed down her cheeks.