Page 91 of Ironling
Standing three blocks up, she was high enough for all to see. The two dozen or so guilders watched on in silence, anxious to see what their heiress would say.
As they lay in bed together the night before, Aislinn had confessed her worries over this meeting to him, how she wished to gain their support and respect. He assured her they would listen; she had worked with all of them before, and her plans for the bridge were not only sound but magnificent.
She’d blushed when he used that word, making him think fora moment that he’d gotten it wrong. He was coming to realize, though, that his pretty mate was unused to praise.
It was perhaps surprising for a noblewoman; Hakon would’ve thought all manner of people had showered her with compliments and flattery, so much so that she would expect it. Aislinn was just the opposite, and Hakon had to wonder if it was because of a lack, or because she mistrusted it.
Whatever the reason, he was determined now to praise her whenever he could, enough that she would finally start to believe it.
“Good morning,” she began. “As you can see, construction on the south bridge is scheduled to begin in spring. Today, I wanted to demonstrate the dimensions I had in mind and offer the chance for input.”
Hakon’s chest swelled with pride to see how the guilders gave her their attention, how she commanded them not with orders or fear but competence. She had nothing to fear; these craftspeople hadn’t woken early to come hear her speak for lack of respect.
She outlined her plan in a speech she’d practiced with him over several afternoons as he manned his forge. Hakon watched as some nodded, others scribbling notes onto notebooks.
Using gestures and the demonstrative blocks, she described her ideas for the bridge. Although it was early, she, Hakon, and several staff had arrived to hammer stakes into the ground on either side of the river and tie ropes between them, showing the planned dimensions of the construction. Stonemasons had arrived next with sample blocks of local limestone, showcasing the planned graceful façade.
It didn’t take her long to have the crowd riveted, and Hakon watched, just as enchanted, as she used words to help them imagine the elegant triple arches of the bridge, the wide lanes, and how the bridge would benefit everyone of Dundúran.
When Aislinn finished and asked for questions or concerns, several stepped forward—not to challenge her but instead ask over supplies to be sourced and labor projections. Already they agreed to her plan, whether or not she realized it, and were quick to inquire how they could help make her ideas real.
They love her.
How could they not? Gentle, kind, and brilliant, all of them could see what a leader she made. She greeted them with patience and good humor, offered a detailed, thoughtful plan, and ensured everyone would benefit not only from the bridge itself but the work of constructing it.
It would make asking her to step down as heiress all the harder.
The more time Hakon spent beside her, the more he doubted he could. And yet…
I love her more.
The love of her people was certainly something to admire, but he could love her better. He could give her everything else. He’d give her himself, be her mate in every way, her husband if she wanted it. Without the title of lady, she could have everything.
When it was time to show her drafts, Aislinn stepped down from the blocks. Hakon offered his hand again, and she took it with a grateful smile. She looked a little pale from having to stand up and speak before so many, and he hated to see the strain around her eyes.
It will be for the best.She could still help her people, could still draft and imagine and work—just without the worries and pressures of being heiress. He would give her a home, a family, a life so full, she’d never miss her castle or position.
He’d do anything to make it happen, anything for her.
My mate.
On nights when Aislinn couldn’t slip away to his bedchamber, she at least managed to meet her blacksmith in the baths. She’d taken to joining his nighttime ritual, showing him the secret way to open the grate that separated the sides of the baths.
She needed to rise early again the next morning for another day of receiving each of the guild-masters individually to discuss orders and labor costs, but she could at least steal an hour with Hakon.
Floating along the surface, her head propped on his shoulder and her fingers playing through the steam rising from the mineral water, Aislinn let the stresses and worries of the day seep away. They’d long since finished washing each other, taking opportunities to run their hands greedily up and down their slippery skin.
Limbs lax and head delightfully muzzy from the orgasm that still sent little sparks of pleasure through her body, Aislinn didn’t know if she’d ever been so relaxed. Certainly never so much after a day of public speaking and negotiating with guilders.
Hakon’s big hands were pure magic as they massaged away what felt like years of strain, that charming purr rumbling in her ear. Her eyes slipped closed as they floated, so warm and content, it defied belief.
In the fortnight since first laying with him, she’d come to not only crave her blacksmith’s touch but need him in a way she hadn’t anyone else before. She went to him with her worries andproblems. Some afternoons they spoke of nothing but forging or gardening or old orcish legends. Not everything was about sex—not every meeting led to a liaison; although, those were often the most exciting. She enjoyed spending time with him, whatever they did.
There were even times when…when he pulled her back from the brink of a fit. Overwhelmed with her duties, exacerbated by the fractured state of her relationship with Brenna, frustration and anxiety had nearly gotten the better of her twice now. Each time, she made it to Hakon, and somehow, he made it all right.
His calmness, his caring, his patience, it all helped soothe the worst edges of her panic. Enough that she could get hold of herself.
As if her body didn’t crave him enough, she sought him out whenever she could. For comfort, for pleasure, for reassurance. He was quickly becoming her favorite person, and Aislinn wasn’t sure if she was more pleased or terrified of this.
