Forty-four
There was a cause for celebration as Hugh’s men were led from the bailey by the king’s men. One knight among the many Dristan did not recognize caught his attention, and he bellowed out for the man to halt. He watched as the younger man took a deep breath afore raising his head. Their gazes met and Dristan strode forward to confront the man who was obviously Amiria’s twin brother.
“I feel we have met afore,” Dristan stated with a smirk upon his face. From the expression on Aiden’s visage, he apparently did not find anything amusing.
“I do not know what you are talking about, nor do I see a reason for your mirth.” Aiden’s teeth were clenched whilst his hand fingered the hilt of his sword.
’Twas so reminiscent of his own unconscious actions that Dristan’s laughter echoed in the air. He slapped the younger man on the back and, although the effort would have caused many a man to stumble from the force of it, Aiden held his stance, much to the pleasure of Dristan. He would look forward to training with his wife’s brother.
“Do not take such offense. There is much we must have speech about, but I must needs ensure that all is secure with the holding,” Dristan declared, watching Aiden’s gaze follow the king’s men as they left the baily.
“I would like to accompany them back to London to ensure none escape and make my plea afore King Henry.” It appeared he wanted to say more but clamped his mouth tightly shut.
Dristan observed the man and could understand Aiden’s resentment of finding his home occupied by an enemy. “Your sister and siblings will wish to see you afore you go,” he stated, attempting to reason with the man.
Aiden only shrugged, “I have been gone for several months. A few more will make no difference ’til I return.”
“As you will, then.”
Aiden turned to leave but halted his stride to level his gaze upon Dristan over his shoulder. “Take care of my family or you will answer to me!”
“They are now my family, as well, Aiden. You have my word I shall keep them safe.”
Aiden nodded his head and took off in the direction of the barbican gate. Looking around the baily, Dristan realized that Berwyck and all its inhabitants were once more under his protection.
Dristan motioned for his knights and those closest to the castle’s family to return inside the keep, knowing the garrison would take charge of returning his domain back to order. He smiled knowing who awaited him inside, and without further haste, he quickly took the stairs two at a time to return to her side. He looked forward to their reunion for he had a cheeky wife to tame, if only a little. He gave a shout of laughter. Mayhap, if he thought long and hard about it, ’twas, in truth, the Devil’s Dragon who had at last been tamed!
Hushed tones filled the lord and lady’s bedchamber as their shadows were cast upon the walls. They knelt side by side with their two heads touched one to the other. Amiria’s hand grazed over Dristan’s naked shoulders marveling at the strength she felt beneath her fingertips. She could perform this simple loving act a hundred times more and still she would never tire of touching his wondrous body.
She raised her head, reached for a cloth and dipped it again in the warm water. Dabbing at one of his wounds, she set the cloth aside and smoothed some ointment over the cut. ’Twas not deep, but still gave her cause for concern. She would spend the morrow in the chapel thanking God above that Dristan had returned to her for the most part unharmed. From this point forward, whenever he was to travel, she would spend time on her knees and pray to St. Christopher to always keep him safe.
“Do they hurt much?” she questioned softly with another gentle caress. She marveled at the feel of his warm skin upon her hands.
“Nay, my love. Do not fret so. I barely notice anything but your tantalizing touch,” Dristan replied, leaning over and nuzzling her neck. He began to nibble his way upwards ’til his mouth touched hers and a contented sigh escaped her.
His words finally registered in Amiria’s mind and she sat back on her heels to stare into his eyes. “What did you call me?”
Dristan gave her a lopsided and devilish grin. He then had the nerve to begin laughing from what she assumed was her own look of amazement him from his words. He caressed her hair afore leaning in for another stolen kiss. “I called you my love,” he said in her ear with a seductive promise.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and played with the silkiness of his hair. “You love me?” she asked hesitantly.
“Was there any doubt, my sweet wife?” he asked with a look of teasing. He put his hand over his heart, as if wounded. “I thought my love making would tell you ’twas so, but mayhap I must show you again.”
He lifted her up in his arms carrying her to their bed as she squealed in delight. His gaze roamed over her body once he laid her down upon the coverlet, and she attempted not to blush in embarrassment. Coming to lie next to her, he rested upon his elbow watching her most intently, and Amiria’s heart fluttered in her chest in excitement. Taking a lock of her hair, he twirled the tresses between his fingers. It seemingly came to life at his touch and curled around his fingers as if claiming him for its own.
“What is it, ma cherie?” he asked, when she only continued to gaze upon him with a strange smile.
Amiria took her hand, placing it around his neck and brought him closer. “I love you too, Dristan,” she said shyly. “If this is but a dream, I pray I never awake.”
“Ah, my dearest Amiria . . . if we are slumbering, than glad I am we have found each other not only as we sleep but in our waking hours, as well.”
They smiled at one another and shared another kiss. Their breaths became as one just as surely as their souls would be bound together throughout all time. Amiria thought on her words to him some time ago, and her eyes twinkled with joy with thoughts of their life together in the years to come.
“And will you love me for as long as your heart may see me, husband?” she inquired hopefully.
Dristan took her chin and tipped her head up slightly and nodded. “Not only will I love you for all our years together, my love, but I shall do so for all of eternity,” he honestly declared.
Satisfied at his declaration, she smiled again. “Then love me now, my dragon,” she breathed breathlessly. “I so adore it when you make me burn.”
“As my lady commands,” he said and lowered his head to seal their fate. He showered her with his love far into the early morning hours ’til they both at last were sated and met their slumber.
She never doubted he loved her ever again.