Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“ H ow is Adrian settling intae his duties?” Darren growled the question out, trying to ignore the ever-present ache in his shoulders.

The massage had helped, but the sleepless night he’d spent hadn’t done him any favors. He’d spent well over a candle-mark trying to quell his arousal enough to get to sleep. Trying to do so without letting images of Alayne giving him pleasure fill his head had been even harder.

He’d been horribly tempted to give in to her innocent explorations. He’d wanted to let her touch him, and had wanted to touch her in return. To give her a practical demonstration of what intimacy could be like. But she was so inexperienced and untaught, he was afraid of going too far, too fast.

That was why he’d stepped away, afraid he couldn’t stop himself if he had given in to even the tiniest of advances. Even a kiss had seemed like a dangerous indulgence.

“He’s doing fair well. He has a knack for the duties o’ a war leader.” Ryan’s answer drew him back to the present, and their discussion of Adrian’s progress. “He has a talent for seeing how things need tae be arranged.”

“Aye?”

“Aye. He was a braw hand supervising the warriors and their training as well.”

“What about coordinating with Bard? The second-in-command and the war leader need tae be able tae work well taegether.” It hadn’t been a problem when he’d had Marcus serving both functions, but now that they were two distinct positions, he needed to be sure there were no problems between them.

Ryan frowned. “Hard tae say. Bard left soon after ye did yesterday, and we didnae see anything o’ him until he came tae the meeting last night.”

Darren scowled. “He mentioned having duties. But I didnae hear what it was that took him away fer so long.”

“Och. I thought ye kent.” Ryan blinked. “There was a message from the village, asking for someone tae mediate a dispute or an incident o’ some kind. Since ye were gone with yer new wife, Bard went in yer place. It must have taken some time. He could probably tell ye more o’ the details.”

“Aye. Perhaps I’ll ask him later.” Darren frowned.

He wanted to believe it. But the timing was coincidental, and it made him feel uneasy. “Dae ye ken if the problem is resolved?”

“I dinnae ken fer certain, but I believe Bard said everything was resolved.”

Perhaps it would be best if he went down to the village later and confirmed that. It might also make for a pleasant outing for Alayne. She’d not had much time to get to know the clanfolk of MacLean, and they’d not had a chance to greet their new Lady MacLean. Both were things that should be remedied as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the council needed to be informed about the possible threat, and the risk of a new enemy. The warriors needed to be readied to fend off any possible attack. He couldn’t let danger creep up on them unawares.

There was a knock on the door, and it opened to admit Adrian and Bard, still amiably discussing something or another. Darren sighed and shelved his thoughts to consider later. For now, there was work to be done, and he couldn’t afford to neglect the things he knew needed to be dealt with in favor of the problems that had not yet showed themselves.

The morning was bright and the temperature was warming with the first hints of spring, and yet, Alayne couldn’t shake a feeling of uneasiness. She’d spent the morning exploring the keep, familiarizing herself with the layout and the locations of things like the servant passages, the store rooms, and the stillroom. There was a disused solar that she was looking forward to filling with light and herbs and her little projects. In fact, there were several places that she could see adding a woman’s touch. She wasn’t sure she dared do anything without Darren’s approval, but she had some hope that he might allow her to make some changes.

There was also the library. Her family had never had much in the way of books. There weren’t a lot of books, but there were several she hadn’t read, and she was looking forward to perusing them.

However, some time in the past candle-mark or so, she’d come to feel as if she was being watched. There were no overt stares, and any time she looked around, she couldn’t see anyone paying attention to her. But the feeling persisted, until finally she felt compelled to leave the castle in search of the outdoors and company.

She found the MacLean Healer, Evina, tending to the herb garden and carefully snipping the ones that could be used in potions and poultices. “Can I help ye?”

Evina glanced up. “Me lady… ye dinnae need tae, but if that’s yer wish, I’d welcome the assistance.” Her smile was warm.

Alayne fell into step beside her, helping hold the plants that required careful trimming and plucking the ones that didn’t require such gentle handling. They worked in companionable silence for a while before Evina spoke. “Ye have an interest in herb lore and healing?”

“I cannae say fer certain. Still, ‘twas one o’ the few pursuits me faither didnae disdain or sneer at me fer showing an interest in. And it was a way tae be useful tae me clan, even though he made it clear that I wasnae wanted.”

“A foolish faither, tae nae see what a gift a child is.” Evina’s voice was soft. “But I’m glad ye’ve come here. Ye’ve got some skill, and I’m nae getting any younger.”

Alayne watched her work. She had a quiet confidence that was inspiring. Eventually, she found herself relaxing enough to ask a tentative question. “Healer Evina, dae ye ken much about… things between men and women?”

“I’m a healer, and I’ve been a midwife, if that’s what ye’re asking.” Evina’s voice was still gentle, and there was no trace of judgment.

Alayne hesitated, but curiosity drove her to continue. “I meant… other things.”

“I’m nae a virgin, and I’ve learned a few things otherwise. Is there something ye’re curious about? Or someone?”

Alayne felt her cheeks heating with a blush. “Nae one in particular, but… I didnae have a maither tae teach me anything, and the healer o’ our clan didnae tell me anything save how tae handle me moon cycles. I… I’ve never learned anything. And now that I’m wed…” She trailed off.

“Ah. Ye’re nae certain about the bedchamber? And yer husband hasnae showed ye?”

“He’s been kind tae me. He’s been… waiting.” She couldn’t admit that Darren didn’t seem to want her in that manner. “He kens I’m nae the best informed, and more inexperienced then I should be at this age.”

“I heard something about the wedding sheet though. I was surprised tae nae see ye the morning after, but it makes more sense now.” Evina’s voice was still quiet, friendly.

Alayne stared at her, terror filling her at the idea that someone might know the secret that she and Darren were keeping. “Ye… ye cannae…”

She stopped as Evina gave her a soft, almost motherly smile. “Dinnae fret. I keep a healer’s confidence, me lady.”

“Thank ye.” Alayne felt her shoulders loosening in relief. She hesitated. “Why would I see ye the morning after?”

“Fer women, the first time is a wee bit uncomfortable. The claiming o’ the maidenhead is painful fer a brief moment, and can leave soreness inside. There’s a potion that can ease the feeling. And others that can help or prevent child bearing.”

“Oh. I dinnae think I can take the ones preventing a child to be conceived. Part o’ the purpose o this match is tae bear an heir tae the lairdship.” Alayne took a breath. “I didnae ken about the first time. Is there anything else ye could tell me, tae make it easier?”

“There’s much I can tell ye.” Evina’s smile widened, and she laid a hand on Alayne’s arm. “Come. We can talk while we work tae preserve and prepare the herbs. I cannae tell ye everything, but I promise that I’ll nae leave ye feeling any more uncertain or unprepared than any other lass on her first time.”

Alayne smiled, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from her spirit. The unease she’d felt before fled in the face of her relief. “Thank ye. I’d like that.”

By the time they’d finished their work, evening was falling. Darren sought out Alayne, and found her in Evina’s company. The two of them were smiling, and chatting as they worked on various medicinal preparations.

Evina was the first to notice his presence. “Dae ye need something, me laird?”

Darrens hook his head. “I dinnae need any medicine. However, I was thinking tae visit the village fer supper this evening, and I was wondering if me wife might like tae accompany me.”

“Ye want me tae come with ye?”

Darren nodded. “Aye. I’d like tae try again fer a pleasant outing, since our last was interrupted. I thought a chance tae meet some o’ our clansmen might be nice fer ye. And I ken me folk would like tae meet their new lady.”

For a moment, he saw a flash of hurt in her face, and thought she might refuse. Then she set aside her tools. “If me laird wishes, I’d be pleased tae accompany ye.”

“Then I’m pleased tae have yer company.” He offered her his hand, and she took it.

She looked calmer and more confident than she had, and he made a note to find Evina in private and thank her. It was clear that she and Alayne had become friends, and that it was something his new wife had needed.

Together, the two of them walked down to the village. Bard, Ryan and Adrian were already there, settled at a table when they entered the tavern. Darren guided Alayne to a table and lifted a hand.

The serving girl was a woman he recognized, and one with whom he’d enjoyed many a night’s casual company. Darren smiled easily as she came over. “Shannon. I’d like tae introduce ye tae me wife, Lady Alayne MacLean.”

“Och, I’d heard ye were wed.” Shannon’s smile was wide, teasing. “First Marcus and now ye, it seems as if all the best MacLean men are off and getting wed.”

“There’s Adrian and Bard.” Darren indicated his advisors. “And mayhap Ryan, though I ken he’s a MacMillan lad.”

“Och, I dinnae ken those three. I’ve hardly met any o’ them.”

Darren frowned. “But I’d heard that Bard was visiting the village just yesterday. Some sort o’ dispute that needed a mediator.”

“Och, there’s been naething o’ that sort happening here. We ken we’re the laird’s closest village, and we ken better than tae bother ye with small things we can manage ourselves.” Shannon shook her head. “And I’d ken if the laird’s advisor had been about the village yesterday.”

“I see. Well, I might have misunderstood.” Darren gave her a small smile. “But enough o’ that. I’d like a flagon o’ honey mead and two plates o’ whatever’s being served taenight.”

“As ye will, although…” Shannon tipped him a wink. “If ye want more than a meal and a drink, I’m happy tae serve ye that as well.”

“Dinnae be such a tease in front o’ me wife. I’m nae one tae be so brazen or rude tae the woman I pledged tae.” Darren huffed and waved her off.

“As ye say.” Shannon winked again, and flounced away, making sure to flash her assets at him as she did. Darren snorted and turned away, his thoughts turning down another path.

Bard hadn’t come to the village. There hadn’t been any altercation. If that was true, then what had Bard been doing the entire day? And where had he been, if not in the village?