Page 23 of Highlanders for the Holidays
Cathalin left with a wink, coyly waving the stockings she’d picked out.
This was a disaster. Ysenda had still hoped she could persuade her sister, if not her father, to see reason. Surely Cathalin wouldn’t wish to be the target of two kings’ wrath. But now it would be impossible to convince her sister that she’d never consummated the handfasting.
No?l didn’t seem to note her distress. He had only one thing on his mind. And the longer Ysenda gazed into his smoldering azure eyes, the more she had to agree that nothing else seemed important.
What started as feathery, inviting kisses grew urgent and demanding. Against her better judgment, she began caressing his flesh and then grasping at his clothes. By the time they tumbled headlong onto the bed, they were already half undressed.
She told herself it didn’t matter if they made love again. After all, they’d consummated the handfasting. What difference did it make whether they coupled once, twice, or a dozen times? A lie was still a lie.
But the truth was she was too overwhelmed by desire to think straight. She wanted him. She wanted this. And when No?l peeled off his surcoat and tossed it aside, the sight of him left her breathless.
There was no time for the play in which they’d indulged last night. They both knew what they needed. There was no reason to delay.
He pushed up her skirts and smoothly sheathed himself inside her. She welcomed him with shivering desire.
This time it felt like they were running together up the slope of a great brae. They panted with exertion as they neared the top. When they reached the peak, they paused to admire the beautiful glen below. Then they tumbled down the other side as fast as a waterfall, rushing over the rocks and diving into a deep, refreshing pool.
Afterward, as they caught their breath, Ysenda thought she’d never felt as contented as she did, lying in No?l’s arms. A brilliant glow seemed to surround them, protecting them from regret and guilt and sorrow. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the peace of utter satisfaction.
But all too soon, it faded away. Then she was left with remorse and worry.
What would he think when he found out she was a pretender? Would he think she was no better than a wanton harlot who had used him for her own gratification? Or just a heartless betrayer?
She bit her lip as an even worse thought occurred to her.
What if he’d gotten her with child?
He leaned on one elbow, gazing down at her with adoration and gratitude, two things she knew she didn’t deserve. But she forced a smile to her lips.
“Let’s get out o’ here,” he said with a lopsided grin.
“Now?” For an awful instant, she thought he meant to leave immediately for France.
“Aye.” He brushed her hair back from her brow. “Why don’t we pack a wee feast, and ye can show me this wishin’ well o’ yours?”
She let out the breath she’d been holding. Brilliant idea. She needed to get away from the temptation of the bedchamber. There was still a chance that Cathalin would decide to do the right thing and agree to wed her intended husband. Ysenda didn’t want to jeopardize that possibility any more than she already had.
Still, it was with great regret that she donned her sister’s warmest clothing and boots. She bid a silent farewell to the downy bed and to the ecstasy she would never have again…yet never forget.
* * *
No?l knewhis men were restless, eager to be home. And now that the handfasting had been sealed, there was no reason to remain in Scotland. If they left on the morrow, there might even be some of the holiday left to enjoy.
He smiled at the thought of sharing his new bride with his family. He couldn’t wait to show Cathalin the beautiful Christmas crèches. He wanted her to see the jongleurs performing caroles in the hall. And on his birthday, he wanted to drink warm mulled wine with her beside the fire.
Still, he didn’t wish to appear rude to her clan. One day, all of this would be his, and he hadn’t even given it a decent inspection. So as much as he’d prefer to lie in bed with his delectable wife all day, he decided he should do the proper thing and make a tour of the land.
Now, as they slogged through the snowy field toward the forest, No?l had to admit he was surprised by just how extensive the holding was. It appeared the king had been quite generous. They’d been hiking for some time.
“How much farther is it?” he asked.
“Not far. Just through those trees, in the clearin’.”
Her cheeks were rosy with the cold. Her breath made fog on the air. And her gray eyes shone with excitement. It almost seemed a pity to tear her away from the land she loved so much.
“There,” she breathed when they finally reached a small clearing in the wood where stray beams of sunlight seemed to cast glittering gems in the snow.
The well wasn’t much of a well anymore. It was a ruin. A winding stream ran into what was left of the stone walls and trickled down the other side. Ferns grew up around the moss-covered rock. Snow-laden pines crowded near, their tops bent inward as if to shield the well from intruders. If No?l didn’t know better, he’d say itwasa magical place.
