PREPARING FOR JOURNEYS
Amabel was in the bedchamber, eyes closed, watching the firelight play on her closed lids when she heard the door creak open. She held her breath, smiling and counting as her husband walked in, stumbling a little as he crossed the floor.
And three. And four...
“Ouch!”
Amabel giggled as he walked towards the bed. He paused, swearing under his breath. Then she heard him stripping down his clothes and sliding into the bed.
She rolled over.
“Husband.”
“Mm,” he replied sleepily. He kissed her brow and traced long fingers down her back.
She smiled and snuggled closer. “You were at a meeting?”
He sighed. “I talked to your uncle. We talked of raids. I am sorry, dear. I will tell you in the morning. Now, can I forget?”
He smiled and drew her into his arms.
Amabel bit her lip. She could already guess what he would say. Alina had agreed with her that Uncle would not rest on victory. If he saw a chance to finish his enemies, he'd take it. And following the successful campaign, he would want to complete the defeat utterly.
“You don't need to say,” she said softly. “I can guess it.”
She was looking into his eyes, stroking his neck.
He nodded. He bent forward and drew her close. “You know I'm going,” he whispered softly. “But you know I don't wish it.”
Amabel nodded. She closed her eyes. It was her worst fear.
“You will go to the MacDowell?”
He shook his head. “News from Dunkeld is good. My brother reports no incursions on the border from the north. I think this threat is something else. Your uncle agrees.”
She bit her lip. “He thinks it's MacAdam?”
Broderick nodded. “It's a sensible conclusion. We besieged their allies. We defeated them. Of course, they march on us.”
Amabel nodded. Perhaps that was correct. It made more sense.
“You don't think…”
“Hush,” he said gently. “I have my thoughts. But I cannot refuse aid to Brien. He's my ally.”
Amabel blinked rapidly. “But... what of Dunkeld?”
“That is what I fight for,” he said softly. “I may have brought revenge on my own head for my actions during the siege. The best way to protect it is by joining with your uncle. Crushing Bradley and MacAdam.”
Amabel wanted to say more. But she knew she could not argue. It could be true. They could not know yet. Not until she asked the Bradley.
She stroked his hair. “I believe you,” she said in a small voice.
Broderick laughed. “I don't believe that. I am only half-convinced myself. But what else can I do? Dunkeld cannot withstand large forces.”
Amabel nodded. She understood. But she would not let this venture take place without some effort.
“Dear?”
“Mm?” he asked, turning so that he lay beside her, her back against him. He pressed closer still.
“I was thinking,” she said, shifting to face him.
“Thinking?” he asked, stroking her hair gently.
“About a child.”
Broderick stared at her. His dark eyes narrowed, then widened. “What?”
His face was so suffused with joy that Amabel couldn't help giggling.
“Yes. That's what usually happens. When you...” She blushed.
Broderick roared with laughter. “Yes, I heard that.”
They both chuckled.
“You can't know yet?” Broderick gaped at her.
Amabel shook her head vigorously. “No. Not yet. I won't know for a month yet. At least. And that's why...” She trailed off, looking at her hands.
“Why what, sweetness?”
“Why I want to pray,” she said. “At Lochgrier Abbey.”
“There is a shrine there?”
“Yes. The patron saint of childbearing – she is honored there.”
“My dear,” Broderick said, leaning forward to kiss her brow, “of course you should go.”
Amabel smiled. “Thank you, dear.”
Broderick laughed. “I cannot restrict you. But I would be happier if you left before I depart?”
Amabel nodded. That was perfect. “I would like that, too.”
“Good.”
“Mayhap tomorrow?” Amabel suggested.
“Tomorrow!” Broderick looked shocked. “I suppose you...” He paused. “I cannot say no. I would prefer a day later. And I would like you to take an escort? Please, dear?”
“I'll take Fergall,” she promised. “If you'll spare him?”
Broderick nodded readily. “No one I trust more.”
They lay side by side a while.
“You're sure it's safe? The roads are perilous.”
Amabel smiled. “I would prefer not to travel alone.”
“Good! Please do take a companion.”
“I thought to take my sister,” Amabel said immediately. “She, too, would wish to pray there.”
Broderick breathed out. “Whew! Well, then. That is perfect.”
Amabel smiled warmly. “Yes, it is.”
She snuggled in his arms and the two of them lay quietly a while then, gently, so gently, began a slow exploration. As Amabel felt herself ignite under his touch, she closed her eyes.
Please, let me be safe. I cannot turn my back on this love.
It was her last thought until much later when, content and sleepy, she lay in his arms and together they drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow would be a day of plans.