Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
He let the soft strands fall from his fingers, hearing the door open slowly.
“A bath is prepared in your mum’s bedchamber. I prepared that chamber for Sky to sleep, but she must have assumed she was to use this bedchamber where she bathed and slipped into bed and fell asleep. I was sure you would not want me to disturb her. So, I had a bath prepared there for you.”
Slayer approached Euniss, standing just inside the room, and ordered, “Out.”
Without speaking a word to her, he walked to the bedchamber that had once belonged to his mother. He hurried out of his garments and into the tub, eager to get done and return to his wife and wrap himself around her in sleep.
He noticed that Euniss was alone with him, no other servants lingered about with more hot water or waiting for further instructions. She had done that on purpose. She had questions for him.
“You can go, Euniss,” he ordered.
“You are not going to get rid of me that fast,” she said and walked to the tub and took a stubborn stance there, folding her arms across her chest. “What is going on? You are far too familiar with her.”
“I do not see how that should concern you.”
“And I do not see how it does not concern you. Do you wish to ruin her reputation, or have you already?”
Leave it to Euniss to notice and be blunt about it. She knew him too well and that was something that might just solve his dilemma.
Slayer looked directly at her. “Sky is my wife.”
Euniss gasped and slapped her hand to her chest.
“My mum trusted you, therefore, I trust you. This is knowledge that cannot yet be made known. Ross knows and now you. No one, not even Sky’s sisters, knows of this. Until I can make certain that Sky will be safe being my wife, no one will know we are wed. But I will also not be kept from my wife’s bed. So, you will be the only one who tends to these upper chambers. Sky is a kind soul, Euniss, and I will not have her treated badly.”
“That might prove difficult, sir.”
“Then let your tongue spread the word that there will be severe consequences to anyone who treats her poorly,” Slayer said with a snarl of anger.
Euniss realized she had said enough. He would tolerate no more from her and with a quick, “Aye, sir,” she took her leave.
Slayer wasted no time in washing. He normally would linger in the heat of the water, but not tonight. Tonight, he wanted to join his wife in bed as soon as he could. With a drying cloth wrapped around his waist, he made his way back to his bedchamber.
He felt his manhood react as soon as he got in bed and wrapped himself around his wife. While he knew he could easily wake her passion, she looked far too peaceful in sleep to disturb her. Tomorrow morning would be soon enough and content with that thought, he fell asleep.
CHAPTER 14
Sky crept through the keep, doing her best to keep her footfalls as light as she could so as not to disturb anyone, though more so not to alert anyone to what she was about. She had grown accustomed to waking up in her husband’s arms these last few weeks and often coupling. However, she presently needed the solitude of watching the sunrise to prepare her for the day to come. She wished she could go into the forest and be joined by some of the animals as was her way back home. Unfortunately, it was not safe for her to venture into the forest alone, so remaining inside the stone wall that surrounded the castle was her only choice.
It was a relief to wake this morning and slip on the clean garments Euniss had left for her last night. A finely spun, soft wool, light green tunic and a freshly washed linen shift to wear underneath it. She did not bother wearing the wool leggings. They were better left for winter, but she was grateful for the finely crafted leather shoes. Unfortunately, with as much walking as she loved to do, she feared they would not last long. She had braided her hair into a single braid, though her hair always had a mind of its own and would no doubt break free of its confines soon enough.
A board creaked beneath her foot, and she stilled, listening. When she heard nothing and no one appeared, she continued through the Great Hall and breathed a sigh of relief once outside. She might not be able to go to the edge of the woods to greet the day, but she would find a spot to enjoy the break of dawn and gather the strength she would need to begin her new life here. She hoped a few animals would seek her out and offer her some comfort as well as making friends with her. Animals would probably be the only friends she made here, not holding much hope that people would accept her.