He wrenched away to reach for the door he had wedged into place. Throwing it out of the way, he turned back to her, and they staggered into the darkened interior -- where they fell together on the pile of blankets.

  That was where the trouble began. If she had been wearing a skirt, he could have pulled it up and fumbled for the slit in her drawers. Instead, he was confronted by the britches she had complained about that morning.

  Gods, I need you inside me now.

  I need that as well.

  While he pulled off her shoes, she undid the buttons at the front closure of the britches. Then she raised her hips so that he could slick the garment down her legs. It was still wrapped around one ankle when he covered her body with his. Still wearing his own britches, he opened the front so that he could plunge his cock into her.

  She cried out as he entered her, cried out again as she came in a burst of ecstasy, feeling him follow her.

  When he collapsed on top of her, they lay unable to move for several moments.

  Finally, he stirred. I’m too heavy for you.

  I like your weight on top of me.

  I believe I was not much of a lover, he apologized.

  You did exactly what I wanted -- needed. And I believe you know that.

  He shifted off her. “I will be right back. I must make Storm Chaser comfortable.”

  He only bothered with the top button of his britches so they would not fall off as he exited the cabin and began to unfasten the saddle.

  While he was busy, Bronwin hurried around to the back of the cabin and relieved herself. When she came back, she was wearing only the shirt Cameron had lent her, the hem coming down to cover her thighs.

  He gave her a heated look, his gaze skimming over her naked legs. Permit me to do a proper job of making love with you.

  The words sent need coursing through her, and she was hardly able to keep her hands off him as he brought the saddle and saddlebags inside. Setting them down, he turned to her and pulled off his shirt. When he heard her silently remarking at the change in his behavior from the night before, he answered, You were in danger then. The situation is quite different now.

  That truth sank into her consciousness. She had been branded a witch and a murderer. Now she was absolved.

  He nodded. Yes, everything has changed. And it is only going to get better.

  Catching her in his arms, he ran his hands up and down her back, his touch slowly sliding to the sides of her breasts and then to the front. He had brought her to an explosive climax a short time ago, but she felt passion rising again in response to his touch.

  She caught a devilish grin on his face just as she sensed the drift of his thoughts.

  We were in a hurry last time. This time you will be begging me to finish.

  Catching her in his arms, he swept her onto the pile of blankets and followed her down.

  “Lie back. Let me give you pleasure,” he murmured as he pulled up the front of the shirt, exposing her breasts. For long moments, he simply stared at her, and she heard his thoughts as the sight of her roused his passion. Yet she knew he would be true to his word. He would not rush this.

  Bronwin lay staring up at him, her body and her soul open to him. He absorbed her total surrender, smiling as he contemplated what he wanted to do.

  The idea shocked her. “You would do that?”

  Unless you don’t want to try it.

  She had never imagined such, yet she knew that if he desired it, she would probably like it. And she wanted to please him.

  All right, she answered.

  He started by burying his face between her breasts, turning his head one way and then the other so that he could nibble and lick at the inner curves. Slowly he worked his way to one side, using his tongue and lips to tease and excite the nipple, drawing it into his mouth and sucking strongly.

  When he began to kiss and lick his way down her body, she tensed, but she found she liked the intimate attention. It became even more intimate as he brushed the triangle of hair at the junction of her legs with his chin before moving lower.

  Again, she did not know what to expect, but she felt a wave of pleasure as he swept his tongue through her slippery folds.

  He knew how to wring the maximum pleasure from her with his attentions, circling the tender nub at the top of her cunny with his tongue before sucking gently. She felt heat rising in her body, but before she could strive for an orgasm, he had moved lower, positioning his mouth so he could blow into her channel, sending another wave of pleasure through her.

  Moving upward again, he returned to the place of maximum sensation.

  What is that bud called?

  Your clit. It is the seat of a woman’s pleasure.

  He didn’t have to tell her that last part. She knew it, felt it, focused on the knowing attentions of his mouth there.

  He reached up a hand to find one taut nipple as he continued to pleasure her with his mouth and tongue. The twin sensations were more than she could sustain, and she came in burst of pleasure that had her crying out.

  He came down beside her to cradle her in his arms, and she drowsed against him, until she caught his thoughts. He was bursting with the need to climax.

  He didn’t have to tell her what he wanted her to do. She read it in his mind as she sat up and leaned over him.

  His cock was standing up, hard and hot and red, and she grasped it in her hand, wondering if she had the courage to do what he wanted next. But he had done it for her and given her great pleasure.

  Tentatively, she brought her mouth to the head, sweeping her tongue in a circle there, finding a drop of moisture. It tasted salty.

  Her exploration had jolted up his need. She took a breath to steady herself and brought more of the shaft in her mouth. From his mind, she caught a vivid picture and compressed her mouth around him, sucking as she moved her head up and down, imitating the motion of his moving inside her channel.

  His passion rose quickly, and she stoked it, reading what he needed. She felt him come in a burst of ecstasy, which washed over her as well, sending another orgasm shuddering through her.

  Gods, he marveled as he felt her reaction. She nodded, her mouth still full of his seed. You can spit it out, he told her.

  She did, turning her head to the side where she could discharge the sticky mouthful onto the dirt of the cottage floor. He pulled her down beside him, and she fitted herself to his side. “I didn’t know about doing anything like that,” she murmured.

  “But you liked it.”

  “I believe you could tell.”

  “Do you want to rest here a while?” he asked.

  Her answer was ambivalent.

  You don’t have to be nervous about going to Glencarn.

  It’s hard not to be.

  My friends will welcome you.

  She caught a slight reluctance in his thoughts and knew he was worried about what the prince would say when he came back with no horses.

  He will understand when you tell him why we had to leave without completing your mission.

  We hope.

  Then let us not delay.

  They packed up quickly and went down to the stream to wash.

  “How far to Glencarn?” she asked.

  “I’m not sure. We should get there before nightfall, I think.” He sighed. “A long ride for you, I’m afraid.”

  “I will manage it.”

  Back at the cabin, he pulled open one of his saddlebags. “I will wear something more presentable,” he said.

  “And I will wear the dress you brought for me.”

  She went inside to change. Looking down at the fabric, she said, “I wish it were more elegant.”

  “It’s fine for now, and you will buy others from a seamstress.”

  “I never had a dress made by anyone but me.”

  “You will like not having to do the work yourself. And there will be lots of fabric and styles to choose from.”

  “I know nothing of styles.”

  “The wives of my friends can help you.”

  They spoke little on the ride to Glencarn. The closer they got, the more Bronwin felt her nerves jangling.

  Cameron kept silently reassuring her that everything would be all right, but she had trouble believing him.

  Until they drew near enough for another mind to touch hers. Another woman, who knew she was riding with Cameron.

  Bronwin startled. Who are you?

  Cameron’s friend, Morgan. All of the message was not quite smooth, but she caught most of the words.

  In astonishment, she asked, How can you speak to me?

  I am not sure. I know I am not as strong in my powers as you, but you are sending out waves of anxiety.

  I…

  There is no need to fear anyone in Glencarn. I know you are nervous about meeting us. But we will all welcome you. My husband is Royce, one of Cameron’s fellows. I will let him and the others know you are on the way. Come to my house when you get here.

  She felt Cameron twitch. “You are speaking to someone?”

  “Aye.”

  “I sense an unspoken conversation, but I cannot quite pick it up.”

  “A woman named Morgan knows we are coming. She said she would tell the others. She says to come to her house.”

  “Good.”

  Bronwin could only clasp him more tightly.

  As they entered the town, she looked around in awe. The streets were paved, the dwellings bigger than almost any she had seen in Ten Oaks, and many had a second floor.

  They came to a stop in front of a two-story stone structure where a group of women and men stood, some with babies or toddlers in tow. All were well dressed, and Bronwin was glad she was wearing a gown and not Cameron’s shirt and britches. She heard a babble of thoughts and questions in their minds and started to panic, until Cameron spoke silently to her.

  Focus on me the way I told you to do.

  I will try.

  Still, she was shaking as he helped her down from the horse and slung an arm around her shoulder, holding her against his side.

  She did as he asked, struggling to lock onto his thoughts and shut out the rest. To her surprise, it worked, and some of her anxiety subsided. And at the same time, she could hear reassurance from the woman named Morgan. We are Cameron’s friends -- here to welcome you.

  One of the men detached himself from the others and hurried forward. “We did not expect you back so soon,” he said.

  “Aye. Unfortunately, I had an accident on the way to look for horses, and I have brought none.”

  “But I see you have brought…”

  “My future wife, Bronwin. She saved my life after I was knocked off Storm Chaser by a tree branch in a storm. She brought me back to her cottage. It’s lucky I was there, because a villager accused her of murder and witchcraft.”

  At that, Bronwin heard gasps from the crowd, and with the sudden surge, she couldn’t shut out the babble of questions and the expressions of horror and sympathy. Instinctively she put her hands over her ears and pressed herself against Cameron’s side.

  He clasped her to him as he continued to explain what had happened.

  “The man who accused her was trying to cover a murder he had committed. He knew she has always held herself apart from the village folk. The thoughts of others… make a… confusion in her head,” he said, trying to let them know why she was with him without getting too detailed.

  She struggled to ground herself. These were not the villagers of Ten Oaks, who had always been prejudiced against her.

  She looked around at the group and saw only friendship and sympathy in their eyes and heard the same in their thoughts. That kept her from getting sucked into her old reaction to a crowd.

  The woman named Morgan came forward and embraced her, followed by the other females. Harri was Morgan’s sister, and their friend was Marissa. She also met the men. Steffan was Marissa’s husband. Harri’s husband was Garrett and Morgan’s was Reese.

  Would it help if we were a smaller group? the woman named Morgan asked.

  I think I will be all right, she answered, hoping it was true.

  “Come inside,” Morgan said, ushering them toward the door. When she saw the men heading off by themselves, she had a moment of panic. But the hostess put an arm around her shoulder. “The men will want to talk to Cameron. We ladies will make you comfortable.”

  Bronwin let herself be led to a sitting room more elegant than she had ever seen. A pot of tea and food waited on a table.

  “You must be hungry and thirsty. Come refresh yourself.”

  She sat on what looked like a padded bench with arms. Someone brought her tea and a plate of small pieces of bread with meat and other savories on top. Bronwin had never seen anything like them.

  Morgan explained, “The men have found it a convenient way to eat while they are having a meeting.”

  Nursemaids had taken the toddlers and babies away. The women ranged themselves around on comfortable seats -- large chairs that were also padded and with arms.

  For a little while they focused on the food, until Harri asked, “What do you need most?”

  “To find a priest,” Bronwin blurted, then flushed scarlet.

  “Do you feel you have sins to confess?” Marissa asked gently.

  “No. I wish to marry Cameron.” Again, she felt her cheeks heat as she hastened to explain. “I do not want to be separated from him, and I think it would not be proper for me to live in his house if we were not wed.”

  The statement made her feel like a slattern, but the other women did not show any disapprobation in their expressions or their thoughts. Instead, they seemed encouraging.

  “All of us here have… lived with our husbands before we were wed,” Marissa said gently. “None of us would fault you for it, but we do understand your urgency to get your status settled.” She stood. “I will ask Steffan to consult with our local priests and find out when the ceremony could take place.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  “Do you want to be married in the temple, or would you prefer a small ceremony here?” Harri asked.

  “Here,” Bronwin answered quickly. “I do not want a fuss.”

  “But you want it to be a day you will remember fondly,” Morgan said.

  Bronwin nodded.

  After that, things moved quickly. A priest could come that evening, and the women mobilized to make ready for the wedding.

  Squads were organized to arrange for food to be prepared, a wedding dress to be found for Bronwin, and a crew to put Cameron’s house in order.

  “You will want a servant to help with the cooking and housework,” Harri said.

  “I can do that myself,” Bronwin insisted.

  “Of course, but your life will be different now that you are here,” Harri said.

  “And you will want time for your weaving.” She looked up to see Cameron in the doorway, carrying the blankets she had brought from home.

  The women exclaimed over them. “Such fine work,” Marissa said. “You will have many people wanting to buy them.”

  “If we can bring my loom,” Bronwin murmured.

  “Or buy a new one,” Cameron said.

  “Aye,” Marissa answered him. “And now you must be off so that we can get your bride ready.”

  Bronwin was overwhelmed. She had always been an outcast. Now a group of women were rushing around getting ready for the wedding she had never thought she would have.

  The women showed her various dresses, and she picked a soft green one with puffed sleeves and lace at the collar. Then they arranged her hair and helped her put on a bit of makeup.

  By that evening, her stomach was in a flutter, and she was having trouble blocking out the thoughts of the crowd as she descended the steps to the front hall.

  She clenched her hand on the banister, trying to prevent herself from dashing back up to the bedroom where the women had helped her get ready.

  Then she saw Cameron at the bottom of the steps waiting for her.

  Focus on me he said in her mind, and she did, shutting out the murmur of background voices. Cameron took her arm and led her down an aisle between the chairs to where a white-robed priest was standing.

  He gave her and Cameron a warm look. They knelt before him, and he began the marriage service. To her surprise, Cameron produced a ring which he put on her finger, and Morgan came forward to give her a ring which she could place on Cameron. The service was over quickly, and they rose to receive the congratulations of the onlookers.

  Again, when she was overwhelmed, she strove to focus on one person at a time, and she found herself better able to do it.

  After Cameron’s friends had met and congratulated them, another man and woman came over, both well dressed and self-possessed. She caught her breath when she learned from the man’s mind that they were Prince Gawain and Princess Catrin.

  The princess hugged her. “Welcome to our family” she said in a warm voice.

  “Th… thank you,” Bronwin stammered. She had never thought to meet royalty, but here were a prince and princess at her wedding.

  “I did not want to intrude before the ceremony,” Gawain said, “but I did want to introduce myself and…” He stopped and did not say the next part aloud.

  “And you are hoping I can help you with a trading opportunity tomorrow,” she finished, her eyes widening.

  “Exactly,” he answered. “Cameron has told me about your valuable talent, and I would like you to tell me if a man named Syid Pardogian is speaking the truth. Can you do that?”

  “I hope so.”

  “Then I will expect you and Cameron at the palace tomorrow after the noon meal.”

  She looked at her new husband, hardly able to believe the things that were happening one after the other.

  A while later she heard Cameron thanking their hostess and saying they would take their leave. When they stepped outside, she saw a grand carriage waiting.

  “Is someone important leaving?” she asked.

  “Aye. You,” Cameron said as he handed her inside.

  The ride was only a few streets over to a house much smaller than Morgan’s. Yet it was two stories and made of stone. Cameron thanked the driver. After ushering Bronwin inside, he stopped short. Small lamps glowed around the room which was furnished with big comfortable chairs like those at Morgan’s house and one of the padded benches, which she had learned was called a sofa. Next to the seats were finely carved tables.

 

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