Chapter Ten

CHAPTER TEN

C antia looked very calm, Tevin thought. Much calmer than he felt. As he entered the solar where Val had convalesced, his gaze was entirely on his cousin. He was afraid to linger on Cantia, afraid that Geoff would read emotion in his face. He was terrified he would give something away.

Geoff had a smirking grin on his face as he caught sight of his massive cousin. Leaning casually against Charles' enormous desk, he waved a hand at Tevin.

"Come in, cousin," he sounded suspiciously as if he was gloating. "See who I have found? Why, it's the lovely Lady Penden. Shame on you for keeping her locked up in her room. Why on earth would you be so cruel?"

Tevin cocked an eyebrow. "Because she is in mourning for her husband. It is not proper for her to be socializing and well you know it."

Some of the grin left Geoff's face. He wasn't expecting that answer. His gaze moved to Cantia, raking over her in a manner that made Tevin's blood boil. "Mourning?" he repeated. "Why should she do that? Penden has been dead over a month. She's far too young and lovely to waste her life in mourning."

Cantia had been watching the exchange on pins and needles. The moment Tevin walked into the room, she felt a sense of relief and joy that she could not begin to describe. It was as if her savior had walked into the room and it was all she could do not to run to him for protection. But in the few short sentences exchanged, she immediately understood where Tevin was leading the conversation. He was trying to help her in a way that no one could dispute, not even Geoff. Being the sharp woman that she was, she would help her own cause. She knew what she had to do, and she had to do it quickly.

With a muffled sob, she suddenly put her hand over her face and turned away from them. The soft sob turned into a flood of larger ones, pitiful and deep. It was drama at its very best. Geoff stood up from the desk, his dark eyes wide with surprise.

"What's this?" he demanded. "Why is she weeping?"

Tevin couldn't tell if the tears were real or not, but he was thankful either way. It made his reasoning much more stable. He sighed heavily as he looked at his cousin.

"Geoff," his voice was low with admonishment. "The woman is distraught. You really should have been more considerate. She is in no condition to entertain you."

Geoff lost all of his smugness. "I did not ask her to entertain me. I simply asked to be shown Rochester. It is my holding, after all."

"And I could have shown it to you." Tevin moved towards Cantia and gently took her by the arm. "She was in her chamber for a reason and you really should not have taxed her so. I am taking her back to her room and you will leave her there to properly deal with her grief."

Cantia was sobbing as if her heart were broken. Tevin had a good grip on her as he led her towards the door. Geoff just stood there like a dolt, watching the scene with a mixture of outrage and astonishment.

"She was fine until you came into the room," he told his cousin. "Why did she suddenly burst into tears when you appeared?"

Tevin cast him a long look. "She more than likely kept her composure simply not to upset you. But she can control it no longer."

Geoff's brow furrowed. "I do not want her to mourn any longer. It has been long enough. She must sup with me tonight and I will have no more weeping. I do not like it."

The problem was that Geoff meant every word. He was childish and demanding in such ways. Tevin continued with Cantia towards the door.

"Have pity, cousin," he said steadily. "The woman has lost her husband and her grief has not spent itself. Allow Brac Penden that mercy before you seek to erase him from her mind."

Geoff pursed his lips and put his hands on his hips. "I am not attempting to erase him, for God's Sake. I just want to talk to the woman."

"There will be other time for that," Tevin was through the door. "Go entertain yourself elsewhere. Leave Lady Penden to her sorrow."

Geoff would not be quashed so easily. He went to the door, hovering in the archway with an imperious stance as he watched Tevin gently help Cantia up the steps. "And don't think that I am not aware that you hid Val from me, either," he yelled after him. "Do you hear me? Do not hide her from me again!"

Tevin didn't say a word. He didn't have to. When he was out of sight, Geoff went back into the solar and, in a fit of rage, smashed Charles' big oak desk with the hearth shovel.

Tevin heard the sounds of crashing furniture as Geoff's temper tantrum gained speed. But he maintained a steady grip on Cantia as they reached the third floor landing.

"Are you all right, sweetheart?" he asked quietly.

She stopped weeping in an instant, the violet eyes turning to him without a hint of redness. "Of course," she replied, her gaze moving back down the stairwell towards the sounds of anger below. "But thank God you came when you did."

Tevin didn't like the sound of her voice. "Why do you say that? Did he move against you somehow? Did he try…?"

She shook her head, winding her hands around his forearm and laying her cheek against his enormous bicep. "He did nothing. In fact, he was quite friendly and curious. But the way he looks at me… I feel as if he is undressing me with his eyes and I want no part of the man. He makes my skin crawl."

Tevin's recently abated anger threatened but he fought it. Silently, he took her to the fourth floor, knocking softly on the bolted door. A demanding little voice shouted at him from the other side.

"Go away!" Hunt roared. "I won't open this door!"

Tevin looked at Cantia, who couldn't help but grin at her son's bravery. He fought off a smile as well.

"'Tis me, Hunt," he said quietly. "You may open the door."

It was several long seconds before the bolt was thrown, with some effort, and the door creaked open. Hunt's big eyes peered at his mother and Tevin before he allowed them inside. Tevin lifted an eyebrow when the boy slammed the door behind them and shoved the bolt into its socket.

"You make a fine sentry," he told the lad. "A man would think twice before crossing you."

Hunt gazed up at him, his face suddenly slack with surprise. "Really?" he asked, awed. "Did I thound fearsome?"

"Terribly."

He grinned proudly, looking over at Arabel to see if she heard. But the young girl with big black eyes was looking at her father.

"Where is Cousin Geoff?" she asked.

Tevin went to sit on the bed next to her. "He is down in the solar," he replied, taking Arabel's hand and kissing it sweetly. "I have decided to send you and your Aunt Val and Lady Penden on an adventure. Would you like that?"

She took the bait of the swift change in subject. "An adventure? Where?"

He smiled at her enthusiasm, his dark eyes twinkling at her. "To a faraway castle. You can pretend you are the Princess Fair and hide away from the evil dark knight who wishes to abduct you."

She grinned at her father. "Can I give this castle a name?"

"I suppose so. What would you name it?"

Arabel's eyes were alight. "Castle Mandragora!"

Tevin's eyebrows lifted. "Mandragora? Where did you hear that?"

The girl giggled nervously, looking between her father and Cantia. "I heard someone speak of it once," she said. "'Tis another name for mandrake. I just like the name. It sounds mysterious."

Tevin cast her a reproachful look. "Mandrake is used by witches and half-wits. What would you know of it?"

Arabel shrugged, glancing down at the big yellow dog when it brushed against her. "Some of the servants at Thunderbey were speaking of it, once. One of the women wanted it for her husband. She said it was an apro… aprodisiac. I did not ask what it was. Do you know?"

Tevin cleared his throat and averted his gaze, glancing up at Cantia with a pleading expression. Cantia could see the panic in his eyes at the young girl's question and she fought off a grin.

"I believe it has something to do with medicinal purpose," she said evenly, answering for the stricken father. "But I like the name, too. It sounds very powerful."

Arabel was successfully diverted from any more questions about aphrodisiacs. "Are we going soon?"

Cantia nodded. "As soon as I can pack a few things."

Arabel's expression was aglow with the possibility of another adventure. She'd spent most of her life safely locked away at Thunderbey and now she was about to have two great adventures all in the span of a couple of weeks. It was the stuff that young girls' dreams were made of.

"The sooner the better," Tevin grasped Cantia's arm gently and their eyes met. "Hurry and pack. I would have you gone within the hour."

Cantia gazed steadily at Tevin, not voicing what she was thinking. When will I see you again? But she smiled after a moment, nodding obediently as she moved for the wardrobe and pulled out two large traveling satchels. Tevin watched her, thinking the same thing she was, his heart squeezed with sorrow. She began shoving garments into the bags and he tore his eyes away only to see that Arabel was watching him intently. He felt a jolt, as if she could read his expression and know what was in his heart. He smiled warmly to cover his thoughts.

"We do not have to pack for you, I would wager," he went to her, laying an enormous hand on her blond head. "You've hardly been here long enough to unpack. Where is your baggage?"

"On the wagons that Cousin Geoff brought with him," she told him. "But what about Gerta and Mary? Will they come, too?"

She was referring to the two maid servants who had tended her since birth. Tevin thought a moment before shaking his head. "I think not," he stroked her head gently. "I must get you away quickly and those two will only slow you down. They will be safe here."

"But who will take care of me?" Arabel asked.

"I will," Cantia said before anyone else could respond. She looked up from packing and noticed that a few pairs of astonished eyes were on her. She smiled at Tevin and then Arabel. "I have only had a son all these years, my lady. I have always wanted a girl. It would be my pleasure and joy to tend you until such time as I am no longer needed. Would that be all right?"

Arabel nodded timidly, looking to her father to see what his reaction was. Tevin, however, wasn't quite sure what to say. "That is very generous of you, my lady," he said hesitantly. "But Arabel requires more than usual tending. She cannot… well, she cannot…."

"She is a strong, lovely young lady and I look forward to helping her," Cantia interrupted him, winking at Arabel. "It will give us a chance to become better acquainted."

Arabel smiled brightly while Tevin's eyes were riveted to Cantia. He wasn't sure what more he could say. She seemed so determined. As his dark eyes stared at her with some uncertainty, Cantia simply smiled at him and went back to her packing. He continued to watch her, every graceful move she made, until she was finished with one satchel and almost finished with the second. Then she stood up.

"I must get some of Hunt's things," she told Tevin. "May I go to his room next door?"

Tevin nodded silently, moving to open the door of the chamber and peering outside to make sure Geoff wasn't lingering close. Quietly, he extended a hand to her and she slipped her delicate hand into his as he took her out of the room.

"Hunt," he addressed the young boy, now lying on the floor with his big yellow dog. "Bolt the door after we leave. Do not open it until I return."

Hunt leapt up and slammed the door when Tevin and his mother quit the room. He hit Tevin in the rear as he shut it. In the dark hall landing, they could hear the lad throw the bolt loudly. Cantia giggled softly as Tevin merely shook his head.

"He is going to make a fine sentry," he whispered, reiterating his previous opinion.

Hunt's small chamber was cluttered with toys and old rushes. A bone for the dog lay near the sooty hearth. Cantia tripped over a cart fashioned with twigs as she made her way to a big chest near the wall. Tevin shut the door quietly and bolted it as she opened the chest and began removing garments.

"Good lord," she held up a pair of breeches with a big hole in the seat. She stuck her hand through it. "How on earth did this happen? That boy destroys more clothing than I can keep track of."

As she tossed the ruined breeches aside, Tevin walked up behind her silently. She was muttering to herself about a warm sweater that had a huge rip on the sleeve when he suddenly grabbed her from behind. Cantia gasped as his mouth slanted over her tender neck.

"I do not know when next I will see you," he murmured against her flesh. "The mere thought is driving me mad with sorrow and loneliness."

She moaned softly as he suckled on her shoulder. It sounded like a kitten's purr. "You know where I will be," she tried to sound confident, not sorrowful and lonely herself. "Darland is not too far. We will be quite safe."

"I will send a contingent of men along for protection," his hands were moving over her torso, feeling her softness, memorizing it for the lonely days to come. "I promise this separation will not be long. I can hardly stand the thought of it now."

She turned in his arms, winding her arms around his thick neck. Their gazes met and she smiled as he kissed her nose. "I am looking forward to coming to know Arabel better. She seems like a very sweet girl."

He kissed her forehead, her temple. "She is," he muttered. "But you should know that she has no control of her bodily functions and must wear a type of garment usually reserved for infants. More than that, she has started her womanly cycle and…."

Cantia cut him off before he embarrassed himself too much. She could see that he was uncomfortable speaking of such things. "Not to worry, Father," she smiled at him. "It will be no trouble at all."

He gazed down at her, the warmth in her expression, and felt himself softening towards her even more. He had always known her to be inordinately strong but to take on the care of his disadvantaged daughter deepened his respect for her more than he could express.

"To know that the people I love best in this world are going to be away from me for an undetermined amount of time is testing my control," he stroked her face. "I know this is the best course of action but my emotions have the better of me. Up until the day I met you, the only human beings that mattered to me were Arabel and Val. They are my family. And now, with you…."

He trailed off when he saw the look on her face. Cantia was staring at him with wide eyes. Tevin's ardor cooled at the look on her face.

"What is wrong?" he demanded softly. "Why do you look at me so?"

She opened her mouth to speak, seemingly unable to for a moment. She just stood there and shook her head. "What you said… you said that the people you love best will be away from you."

He nodded, pulling her against his broad chest. "Aye, I did. What about it?"

"I will be away from you also."

"I meant you."

She inhaled unsteadily, almost like a sob. "How can you say that?"

He smiled, amused. "Because it is the truth." His grip on her tightened. "Did you truly believe that my attentions towards you are anything less than blind, crazed adoration? Of course I love you, Cantia. Did you not realize that?"

Her eyes welled with tears as he watched. The hands around his thick neck flew to her mouth as if trying to stifle the tide of emotion. "It's not possible," she looked truly upset. "It cannot be possible."

He smiled gently at her even though his brow was furrowed. "Why not?" he asked, wiping away tears with his thumbs as they fell. "I did not intend to cause you tears. I simply meant to tell you what is in my heart."

She nodded quickly even as he spoke, as if knowing his reasons for expressing himself even before he said them. She threw her arms around his neck again, hitting him in the throat as she did so. He coughed, laughing softly as his big arms enveloped her.

"Your reaction is most confusing, madam," he whispered into her hair. "Are you horrified by my declaration or pleased by it?"

She sobbed softly into his neck. "I'm simply overwhelmed," she wept softly. "Brac has hardly been gone these few weeks and already I find love again? It doesn't seem possible. It does not seem right."

His smile faded and he pulled her out of the crook of his neck, his nearly-black eyes fixed seriously on her. "Why not?" he demanded softly.

She wiped at her eyes, struggling with her composure. "'Tis too soon."

He cocked his head, watching her lovely hands as they wiped away the tears. "Do you believe that there should be a proper schedule for love or do you believe it simply happens when it happens?"

She sniffled delicately, taking his question seriously. "It happens when it happens," her lavender eyes came up to capture him. "I think I knew I loved you the moment you lit yourself on fire at Rochester Cathedral. From that moment on, I just knew. It terrified and thrilled me beyond comprehension."

His smile was back and he pulled her gently into his arms once more. "Oh, Cantia," he whispered. "I cannot tell you how happy you have made me. I've never been this happy in my entire life."

She clung to him, holding him tightly. He hugged her to him for a long moment, savoring the feel of her warmth against him, her body against his, before his kisses resumed with intensity. Before long, he had her backed against Hunt's messy bed, laying her gently upon the straw and feather mattress and snaking his hands beneath her skirts. Cantia encouraged him to explore her, feeling his hands on her buttocks and thighs, helping him lower his breeches for his swift and heated entry.

He thrust firmly into her, his hands on her hips as he kissed her with a deep and abiding passion. It didn't seem to matter that they were still nearly dressed. All that mattered was that they demonstrate their feelings to one another and feel each other, one inside the other.

Cantia panted softly as he thrust into her, feeling her climax build and biting off her cry of passion against his shoulder as she peaked. Tevin answered shortly and she could feel his member throbbing deep inside her as he spilled his seed. Now there was a new element to their lovemaking, with true love involved that magnified the intensity of the act. The emotions involved were overwhelming and Cantia's eyes swam with tears at the tenderness of Tevin's touch, the feel of his flesh against her. When it was over, all they could do was lay there and hold each other tightly.

"I love you, Cantia," he confessed, feeling liberated and free that the truth had been spoken. "Never forget that. No matter how long we are apart, know that my love for you will grow by the day and I will come for you as soon as I am able."

She gazed up at him as he lifted his head, her lavender eyes glimmering. "Know that I shall be waiting every second of every day for that moment when we are together again," she whispered.

He smiled faintly, kissing her once more in a painfully sweet gesture before rising from the bed and pulling her up with him. As he secured his breeches, she smoothed her surcoat and returned to gathering Hunt's things. It was difficult for them to focus on the tasks at hand because they very much wanted to fall back into each other's arms. Cantia seemed to be the strong one and more than once gently pushed Tevin aside or avoided his seeking mouth as she finished gathering her son's possessions. Finally, Tevin simply stood aside and watched her as she finished. She was mesmerizing to watch.

"When this madness is over and Geoff has returned home, I shall take you and Hunt to Thunderbey Castle," he told her. "I have a white and brown pony that Hunt might like. Someone gave it to Arabel as a gift but she cannot ride it."

Cantia went over to him and indicated for him to hold out his arms, which he did. She deposited a bundle of clothing in them.

"Do you not think to ask Arabel first if she would mind giving her pony to Hunt?" she asked, collecting the rest of her son's things. "Perhaps she does not want to give it to another."

"She would rather know the pony was being ridden and loved," he told her, moving for the door to open it. "She is a generous, reasonable girl."

"As her father is also generous and reasonable."

She winked at him as he opened the door, passing by him with her arms full. Tevin was in danger of pulling her back into his arms, knowing it might be the last time before their separation that he would be able to do so. Gently, he grasped her arm and kissed her forehead, his lips lingering on her flesh. Cantia closed her eyes with bliss, memorizing the feel of his lips against her. It was a swift, stolen moment of the sweetest measure.

Tevin released her and crossed the hall, knocking softly on the panel. He knocked again a few seconds later when there was no answer.

"Hunt?" he whispered loudly. "Open the door."

After a moment, the bolt was thrown and the door jerked open. A little blond head and big eyes gazed back at him expectantly. As Cantia pushed past Tevin and her son and on into the room, Tevin put his fists on his hips and gazed down at Brac Penden's son.

"Well, lad," he said, a twinkle in his nearly-black eyes. "Are you ready for an adventure?"

He couldn't recall ever seeing a bigger smile.