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"Iver!My lady!Wake up!"

The words were relayed in a harsh whisper but were obviously spoken with intent. Both were brought instantly awake as the large warrior stood above them in the darkness.

"It is well past the midnight hour and if you wish to avoid detection, you had best make your way back to the keep. And separately. Are you two looking to get caught?"

With those words spoken, Gwyn quickly rose to her feet and blushed heavily. It was obvious she had fallen asleep as had Iver or it would not have taken Donnan to find them and startle them awake.

"Iver, you are lucky I came in search of you. I happen to catch a glimpse of you as you made your way from the bailey and over the rise more than a couple of hours ago. If I had not wished to speak to you and when you did not return-"

"Enough, Donnan, I get your point. And yes, we are relieved you are here. But there will be no bone within your dish for your efforts."

Gwyn did not quite comprehend the meaning to Iver's words.

Nor did she even pretend to want to especially since there was a real fear growing deeply within her for the gravity of the situation.

It was very late and she feared grave consequences if they were discovered by anyone or more importantly, by the laird, himself.

"Oh heavens, what have we done?"

While the Laird Errol never appeared to in the past really care where she went or what she did, never before had Gwyn done anything that would cause him anger such as this.

Nor shame him. However, if he knew of this transgression there was no telling how he would react.

In the days of late, his temper seemed to spark so easily and his actions had become quite unpredictable.

"Iver, you should go back first to ensure no one is about in the keep. If there is, simply come back out for some reason. If you do not return, I will send Lady Gwyn in after a short while. Now go!"

Iver reluctantly stood as he looked down upon the one who had stirred his desires only a short time ago.

He suddenly wished he could take her yet again.

He also knew the longer he tarried, the more likely they were to be discovered.

And that knowledge made public would be devastating for both of them.

Before Iver complied, he moved the single step separating his body from Gwyn's.

In one swift motion, he pulled her firmly into his arms as he crushed his lips to hers.

In those few seconds, he drew from her hungrily and she responded heatedly.

He openly kissed her right there and right before his friend.

"Good eve, my lady."

Although Iver knew their time together was a secret that could never be shared, he felt the need to acknowledge her in this way and before the one to whom he trusted with his life.

His most loyal cousin must see all she had inspired within him since he could not think of any words to describe it.

As swiftly as he had grasped her, he released Gwyn's body and quickly strode away.

Iver moved in the direction of his quarters and there was no one about in the stilled keep so he easily slipped into his chamber at the end of the hallway. He knew Gwyn's room was at the far other end, but was not worried.

Once he was safely inside, he laid himself down heavily upon the bed. For a second time on this night, Iver found himself contentedly falling asleep with a smile upon his lips and a warm sense of fulfillment within his heart.