Chapter Fourteen:

(Kayruoro’s POV)

I knew the horse was tired as we galloped farther into the forest. I finally reined the stallion and allowed him to walk slowly. We were far enough away to where I couldn’t sense her and hopefully she couldn’t sense us. I laid my forehead on the horse’s neck and felt the sweat and steam rising from his form. Slowly, I felt Sean move his frozen fingers and I sat back up, accidentally bumping into his chin.

I turned around slightly to give him an I’m-sorry look but he smiled lovingly at me. He rested his chin on top of my head and I sighed heavily inwardly. At times I wished I wasn’t the one who had to carry more than any other girl my age. I then sighed out loud and I felt Sean’s tender fingers patting me gently.

“Is something wrong?” he whispered, nuzzling the nape of my neck. I shook my head and waved my hand to show it was nothing. He laughed quietly and we came upon a small village. I perked up, hoping that we’d be able to find a place to stay for the night.

We made our way down the tiny snow covered road and several women ran into their warm huts. Half a dozen men or more came running towards us, spears and swords raised and ready to strike. Sean jumped down and reached up and helped me down as well. Then we both bowed low.

“Please sirs, we are not dangerous people. We’re merely traveling when the snowstorm struck. We are tired, hungry and cold. We’d only like a place for the night.” Sean spoke loud. Many of the men lowered their weapons but they still stared at us coldly. Finally one stepped forward and bowed to us as well.

“Come; you must be tired and hungry as well.” he held out his hand towards us. One man stepped forward and shouted,

“She’s a witch!” Then many voices followed after his.

“Look- you can tell she’s a witch! Look at her high cheekbones and dark hair!”

I sighed at their ignorance and was about to retort when the man who greeted us raised his hand and a hushed silence fell over us.

“Come travelers. I can tell you are weary and in need of a good night’s rest.” he motioned and we followed after him, leading the stallion as well. I felt Sean wrap his arm around my waist in a protective manner, giving glares towards the other men who could not contain their eyes.

“We do not have any wood cut but we have plenty of food that I’m sure some or a few would be willing to share.” the head villager spoke to us. We nodded and he led us to an empty hut. He left us there and we pushed back the straw door. The hut had three small rooms; a bedroom, kitchen and a bathing room. We slipped inside and Sean mumbled something about chopping some wood. I nodded, not paying any attention. My thoughts were elsewhere as I wandered about our life we were going to be starting together.

“Excuse me, Miss.” a scared sounding voice said from the door. I turned around and gave a wide and happy smile. The young woman was heavy with child, that much I could tell. Her long black hair was tied back in a French braid and her beautiful green eyes danced happily. In her slender hands she held a small basket filled with herbs and food that was stored ages back.

“Oh! Thank you!” I said, clapping my hands together and giving her a joyful smile. Then slowly I gave the woman a hug and she returned it.

“It isn’t much but it should last you for a few days.” she said in matter-of-fact voice. I nodded and took the basket gently out of her hands. I bid her to come in from the cold and she accepted. I moved quickly and found several blankets tucked in the corner and handed them to her and helped her sit. She sighed heavily and I sat down across from her.

“You are heavy with child. Tell me, do you wish for a girl or a young lad?” I asked carefully, choosing my words wisely. She smiled and laughed.

“I wish for a daughter. This is my first child and I wish it would be a girl.” I smiled and watched as the flap was pushed aside. Sean stuck his head in the door and I jumped up as I saw the load of wood he carried in his arms. The soon-to-be mother turned and watched as Sean waved my protests of helping him and carried the wood into the kitchen. He came out and grabbed me gently by the shoulders and quieted my voice with a chaste kiss.

She giggled and Sean pulled back, blushing brightly. I felt my own face heat up and she stood up slowly once Sean left the hut. “I wish we could talk more but my own man will soon worry when I do not come back quickly.” I nodded, understanding what she was referring to. She slipped out and as I was sitting down, Sean came back in quietly. I stood up again and he threw me a smile.

He threw his arms around me and I snuggled against his warm chest. His breath was hot on my ear as he nibbled at it gently. I moaned quietly and tilted my head back slightly for him. He rested one of his strong hands on my shoulder and I could feel his fingers rubbing tiny circles to relax me even more. I panted now, wanting him to continue.

He leaned down to where his lips touched my neck. In his wake as he moved downwards, he left wet kisses. Then he took my hand and led me towards the small bedroom.

Such a passion should not be spoken of, especially from the marriage bed.

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I awoke to the sunshine shining brightly in between the tiny cracks in the walls. I felt a warm arm wrapped tightly around my bare waist and I opened my eyes wider as I saw it was Sean. I smiled to myself as I watched his bare chest rise and fall with each breath he took. I wiggled in his grasp and rolled over to face him. My lips found his chest and I gave it a wet kiss. He mumbled something and quickly after his eyes opened.

“Good morning love.” he whispered, giving me a kiss back.

“Must we rise?” I asked quietly, snuggling close to him. He kissed my hair and replied,

“I think not. Let us terry in this wonderful and blissful day, dear one.”