Page 60 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
At last, feeling drowsy, she let her eyes close and the last thought she had was that it was not at all the wedding night she’d imagined for so many years.
For all the efforts to stay apart while they were awake, sleep had something else in mind for them.
They woke together, tangled in the sheets, Tyra’s arm over Ewan’s chest, his leg over hers, their warm bodies pressed close.
When they awoke, they jolted apart, both laughing awkwardly as they left the warmth. Tyra felt a strange regret in the separation. Mayhap waking this way each day would be a pleasant thing after all.
Tyra shook her head as she shrugged on her robe. There was nothing to say as they both looked sheepishly at one another without referring to their intimate closeness.
Ewan wrapped himself in his cloak and attended to the fire. It had burned low and he roused the still-glowing embers with the iron poker. Then, once the flames were flickering again, he loaded it with logs.
Concealing herself behind the screen, Tyra began dressing in the blue woolen dress that had been reshaped by Seamstress Maeve. When she emerged, Ewan was already clad in britches, a clean shirt and fur jerkin.
“I’ve rung the bell fer the maids tae bring us some nourishment tae break our fast.”
Tyra nodded, but her mind was elsewhere. “What are we tae dae about the sheets. The Council will be impatient tae see the evidence of our consummation.”
Ewan cast around for an implement with which to make a wound that would produce the necessary blood.
“Should I uncover the cut on me chest that Esmé has bound up so neatly?”
Tyra pshawed. “Of course nae. That would be foolish and put ye in danger of infection. Besides, the cut will be healing well by now and tae bring blood again would stop it from mending.” She put up a hand. “I’ve an idea.”
Ewan was reaching for his dirk, a wicked-looking blade that would readily pierce his flesh.
“Nay, nay. Ye could dae yerself a dreadful damage with such a weapon. Wait, I shall seek through me sewing box tae find a sharp needle. Many’s the time I’ve stabbed meself while sewingand caused blood. I think a sharp jab wi’ a needle will give ye what ye need and keep the Council happy.”
He waited while she sought her embroidery case and took out one of the bigger needles.
“Here.” She held it out. “This one is sharp and will make a pretty puncture on yer finger.”
He laughed. “And will ye dae the honors fer me, lass.” He held up his thumb. “A nice deep jab will start the blood flowing.”
She took the needle in one hand and his thumb in the other.
“Now. Close yer eyes, this will take but a moment.”
“If I close me eyes, can I trust ye tae nae pierce me heart wi’ that giant blade.”
“Hm,” she muttered. “Ye’ve given me an idea.” She let her fingers roam across his chest. “Would yer heart be somewhere near here?”
Laughing, he clutched at her hand. “Me thumb is here.” He stroked his thumb across her cheek and she seized his hand and pulled it down, her cheeks burning.
Taking the needle, she hovered it over his large thumb. She looked up, her heart thumping. “I cannae. I cannae inflict the pain on ye and make ye bleed.”
“Ah lass,” he said, laughing. “Ye’ll ne’er make a warrior if ye hesitate tae cause a wound.”
She sat up, huffing indignantly. “Ye’re nae me enemy, Ewan Mackenzie, but me husband. I’ve nay wish tae cause ye pain.”
He folded his hand over her and took the needle.
“There.” He thrust it into roughly into the pad of his thumb and beads of blood immediately appeared. He pressed his thumb across the sheet so that there was a smear of blood and a smattering of drops where the two of them had laid in the night.
“That will convince them. There’s nay set amount of blood that comes from the loss of the maidenhead. The Council will be satisfied with that fer the sign they wish fer.”
Tyra pulled the sheet from the bed and was folding it as a knock came to the door. A scullery maid entered bearing their porridge, bannocks, boiled eggs and cheese.
Ewan took his seat beside her. “The Council can cool their heels until we have finished breaking our fast. Then I must go tae me study where I’ll meet with them and hand them the sheet.”
