Chapter Twenty-Four
A month passed, and Lady Mary and Lord Eustance decided it was time for them to return to their home in Normandy. Even though Broc’s older brother was capable of filling in during Lord Eustance’s absence, they agreed they had been gone too long.
The day of their leave-taking was a sad one. Tears were not held back as Lady Mary and Ariel hugged each other goodbye. Sensing something was going on that involved his grandparents, Colwyn wrapped his arms and legs around Lord Eustance’s leg and refused to let go. Broc’s father took a moment to play with his grandson one last time as he walked around the yard, asking where Colwyn could be. That made Colwyn squeal with delight.
Once their departure could not be delayed any longer, Broc pried Colwyn’s arms from around his father’s leg and then swung him onto his shoulders. Deciding sitting there was just as fun, Colwyn grabbed a handful of Broc’s hair and commenced to hit him on the head. Broc winced with each blow his small son gave him as he bade his parents a fond farewell. The St. Ceneris made sure they received promises of a visit to their home in Normandy from Broc and Ariel before mounting their horses. Lady Mary even managed to convince Swein to visit as well.
A few days later, Lisette and Geoffrey made preparations for their departure. This farewell was a trifle more reserved. Since the birth of Brianna, Broc had grudgingly attempted to get along with Geoffrey. Surprisingly, they found a lot to like about each other.
There was a definite chill to the air, and everyone was wrapped in heavy cloaks. As they spoke, their breaths puffed out in clouds. Soon no one would want to be traveling for any long distances.
Lisette kissed Ariel and Broc, then went to stand next to her husband. “I expect you both to come see us at Kilsmere, say in about seven months from now. That should be approximately when our first child will be born. I would really like you, Ariel, to be with me when my time comes.”
Smiling, Ariel hugged Lisette. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Broc shake Geoffrey’s hand. “I am so happy for you, Lisette. I promise to come to Kilsmere, but be prepared where I go, husband and children follow.”
“We have plenty of room, as well you know. You are all welcome to come.”
Geoffrey assisted his wife onto her horse, and once more came to stand before Ariel and Broc. He seemed undecided about something. After taking a quick look at Broc, he swooped down and gave her a kiss. Just as fast, he stepped away and then mounted his steed.
As they headed through the village, Ariel could not shake the feeling that she was being left alone with Broc. Her blood pumped at a faster pace, but she forced herself under control before she could get out of hand.
“Is what you said to Lisette true?”
Startled, Ariel jumped at the sound of Broc’s voice. He stood close behind her. Her body quickly responded to his nearness, making her heart race. “What…what I said?”
His breath gently stirred her hair with each word he spoke. “Aye. Where you go, you would take me along.”
Ariel found it hard to think clearly with him so very close. “O-Of course,” she stammered. “You are my husband. We might not share intimacies, but we still can be friends.”
“Really?” Broc stepped even closer. Ariel felt the heat from his body radiating into her back. “I hope we can be very close friends.”
With her emotions running high, Ariel sought a way to discreetly step away. Before she had the chance to even try, a baby’s indignant wail could be heard coming from the hall.
Broc chuckled. “It sounds as if our daughter is hungry. She does have a way of demanding your attention.”
Already heading in that direction, Ariel cringed at the sound of Brianna’s crying. “That she does. It helps to have a good set of lungs as well. I had better rescue my father from her before she renders him unable to hear.”
Swein paced the floor with his granddaughter in his arms. As he walked, he bounced her, trying to settle her. Brianna was having none of it and continued to cry all the louder. Ariel had to give her father credit, though, he was giving it his all, even going as far as to offer the squalling infant his finger to suck on. His attempts were met with no success.
Ariel relieved him of her upset daughter and then went to sit in the chair next to the hearth. In passing, she noticed Colwyn on the floor with his small hands covering his ears, trying to block out the sound of his sister’s cries. She hastily unfastened her tunic and then offered her breast to Brianna. The baby clamped down on her nipple and greedily sucked. The hall fell blessedly silent.
Not having a howling child in his arms to contend with any longer, Swein visibly relaxed. “I am glad you were not too far away. I would hate to see what would have happened if you did not come back quickly. It seems as if your daughter has a slight temper.”
The thought of her father trying to appease Brianna for any length of time when her belly was empty made Ariel laugh. At the sound, her daughter opened her eyes and paused in her sucking. Ariel patted her back, and Brianna continued nursing.
“If you call Brianna’s temper slight, Father, I would hate to see what she would be like when it is full blown.”
Joining in the conversation, Broc said, “We will give her a sword once she is grown. Brianna is sure to be stiff competition for Colwyn.”
Swein and Ariel exchanged glances, then looked at Broc. He appeared to be quite serious. She had to ask just to make sure. “Is that what you want, Broc? You would not be bothered if our daughter chose to take up the sword?”
“How could I be? Her mother is a knight, by my own hand, I might add. It is in her blood. In fact, I will encourage her to take up the sword. I want her to be able to defend herself.”
Knocked speechless by her husband’s intentions, Ariel could only stare at him. Oblivious to her shocked expression, Broc sat on the floor with his son for some play time.
* * * *
A week later, Ranulf and Lily returned to Elmstead. They made much of Brianna. With Lily wed, Ariel had not expected her to continue in her duties, but Lily would hear none of it. She said until she had a child of her own to take care of she would lend assistance to Ariel.
The baby was settled into a daily routine, allowing Ariel to find more time for herself. Lily watched the children when Ariel wanted time to practice with her sword. Ranulf happily partnered her once more. He said while he had been in London he had hardly picked up his and needed to get back into shape. There were times when he would decide to stay with Lily and play with the children, then Broc would step in and cross swords with her, which pleased her.
Memories of the days spent training for her knighthood were fondly remembered. It was during those times that Broc had been the closest to her. Those days she missed, and was thrilled to be able to once more test herself against her husband.
Today, she decided to forgo her usual practice. The day was warm for that time of year and the sun shone brightly. Thinking to take advantage of such good weather, Ariel headed to the meadow. She had not been there since her return from Kilsmere. Suffering under Broc’s treatment, she had not wanted any reminders of what could have been.
Sounds of nature washed over her. Birds sang in the trees, and a gentle breeze pulled at her hair. The meadow was still her favorite place to go when she needed some time alone.
Her steps led her where they might until Ariel found herself heading in the direction of the pond. Like the meadow, it remained the same in an ever-changing world. Today she noticed a change had taken place. A hut stood near the water’s edge. A few trees had been removed to accommodate the structure, making its presence seem isolated in a sea of trees. It gave the feeling of privacy.
Ariel skirted the pond and went to the hut. It had been built using the same design the villagers used, but much larger. Curious as to what other changes might have been done to the inside, she grabbed the door handle and pushed it open.
That was where the similarities to the villagers’ huts ended. Instead of just hard-packed dirt, fresh rushes covered every inch of the floor. The walls had been whitewashed. A small table, along with two chairs, sat in the middle of the room close to a fire pit. What drew her attention the most was the large bed in the far corner.
It was covered in beautifully-made sheets, sun bleached to a perfect white. A thick pile of rich furs was spread atop the mattress. The overall appearance was of a lovers’ retreat from the outside world.
Only one person could have arranged for that hut to be built on that particular spot. It had to have been Broc. No other knew what had taken place there. She had not even told her father what had happened at the pond. Then, almost as if he had sensed her thoughts, Broc appeared at her side.
“Was this your doing?”
“Aye.” Broc went to the fire pit and placed some of the wood he carried inside it. “Do you like it?”
“It is lovely.”
Broc struck a flint, and a spark turned into a small flame that licked greedily at the wood.
With the fire well established, Broc stood. His eyes held an intensity that made Ariel aware of her woman’s body, especially when he moved his gaze up and down her body. She felt drawn to him.
“I am glad you approve. Consider it a marriage present.”
“How…why?” Ariel did not understand why he would do this when their marriage was not a close one.
Broc smiled, making her heart beat erratically. “As to how, I had some of the villagers build it while I stayed in London looking for you. My mother graciously furnished the inside. The bed was her doing. As to why, it is really quite simple. This place holds great meaning to me. Here is where I met and claimed my one true mate. Here is where I found the only woman I could ever give my heart to.”
A rush of desire so keen it made any kind of thought near impossible rushed through Ariel. Her whole being focused on the man who stood before her. Losing herself in a set of blazing gold eyes, the outside world fell away, leaving only the two of them in their own realm of existence.
Broc pulled Ariel hard against his body. “I need you, Ariel. More than I have needed anything in my whole life. Do not reject me. I have suffered enough for my past actions. Give me some peace.” He bent his head toward her. His lips hovered a breath away from her mouth. “Let me.”
Ariel could no more deny him then stop her heart from beating. For in denying Broc, she would be denying herself the pleasure only he could give. She sighed in acceptance, closed the short distance between their lips, and wound her arms around his neck. Groaning, he pulled her even closer. Her breasts flattened against his hard chest.
The joining of their lips was fierce, holding none of the gentleness as it had in previous meetings. Neither of them had the patience for such wooing. Their hunger had been too long denied and shoved aside. Once unleashed, their passion ran rampant. Broc lifted Ariel off her feet and walked to the bed in two long strides. After laying her on the soft mattress, he followed her down.
*
Swords dropped to the floor with a thud as they hit the rushes. Clothes were flung in every which way in their haste to be free of them. Broc knew he was going too fast, especially since this would be Ariel’s first time since giving birth. He hated himself for it, but he could not wait any longer. Too many nights he had been haunted with dreams of her, with her held in his arms exactly like this.
Now that she lay beside him in all her naked glory, he skimmed his gaze over every inch of her. For a woman who had recently given birth, her body was virtually unchanged. The only indication of her motherhood was a slightly rounded stomach and a faint brown line running from her navel to the curling hair that shielded her sex.
Broc claimed her lips once more until she wriggled impatiently under him. Wanting more, he nibbled her throat and down to her breasts. They were full and heavy with milk. Watching her for any sign of resistance, he suckled one. She closed her eyes and pulled him closer.
He released her breast, inched his way down her body, and placed feather-light kisses against her skin as he went. In his dreams, he had done that to Ariel over and over again. He spread her legs and tasted her. She moaned as he laved her clit. The taste of her drove him wild.
A keening moan escaped her lips. Not wanting to push her over the edge, he moved back up her body and kissed her. He needed her hands on him. He took hold of one of one and led it to that part of him that craved her touch the most—his throbbing cock. He closed her fingers around him, showing her what he liked as he moved them up and down his length. He released her once she squeezed his shaft and pushed down on him.
Broc groaned. He could not take too much of that. He was already on the verge of exploding. Unable to wait any longer, he pulled her hand away, slid between her legs, and joined their bodies in one thrust.
At the feel of Ariel’s hot, slick opening closing around him, Broc groaned in ecstasy. There would be another opportunity to love her again at a much slower pace. He pulled almost out of her body and then thrust back into her. He could not slow the pace, and from the way she clawed his back, she did not seem mind. She wrapped her legs around his waist, taking him deeper. Her climax claimed her as her hot channel squeezed around his cock. It pushed him into an intense release. He slid home one more time, then groaned.
Once his breathing returned to normal, Broc rolled onto his back and pulled Ariel until she snuggled against his side. He cushioned her head on his chest.
He pushed her white-blonde hair aside and kissed her forehead. “Does this mean you have forgiven me?”
Ariel smiled against his chest. “I suppose I best. Every time we make love, I end up with child. You better make an honest woman out of me.”
“Let us hope this joining does not bear any fruit. I would like to have you to myself for a little while.”
“Aye, that would be nice. We always seem to have obstacles between us.”
Growing serious, Broc lightly rubbed the pad of this thumb across Ariel’s bottom lip. “Nothing will tear us apart again—ever. I give my solemn word. You are my wife. The love I have for you will never die. I only hope you can learn to love me as you did before. That would be my greatest wish.”
Ariel went up on one elbow and kissed him. “I love you, Broc. My feelings for you never changed. Aye, you hurt me, but I am willing to forget. My life would not be complete without you by my side. I need you—always.”
Broc pulled her head down and thoroughly kissed her, leaving her breathless. With a groan, he pulled away and then slipped out of bed.
Ariel frowned. “Where are you going?”
He donned his tunic and trews before he searched for his boots. After finding them under the table, he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled them on. “We need more wood. What little I brought will not last us throughout the rest of the day. I will return. Do not worry about that.” He flashed a cocky grin.
Ariel returned it. “You want to stay here all day?”
“Of course. I have not had you to myself for a very long time. I intend to make the most of it while I can.”
“What about Brianna? She will need to be fed.”
“When I get the wood, I will stop by the hall and tell Lily to bring her here when she grows hungry. Relax. It will not take me long. I am not through with you yet, not by a long shot.”
* * * *
With Broc gone, Ariel lay back on the pillows and pulled the covers up. She felt drained and satiated, but happy. Very happy. Happier than she had been for quite some time. A smile formed on her lips as she allowed herself to drift off to sleep.
The door creaked open a short time later. Ariel did not stir. Figuring Broc had returned from his errands, she waited for him to slip into bed beside her. She stiffened at what felt like the cold steel blade of a dagger pressed against her throat. Wrenched fully awake, she opened her eyes to see a face she had hoped never to look at again.
Theodoric sat on the edge of the bed and smiled maliciously. “Did you think you could so easily escape from the plans I painstakingly made for you? If you did, then you were mistaken. I will remove the dagger from your throat. Please do not give me cause to use it. Get dressed like a good girl.”
Once more Ariel found herself in a situation she was powerless to prevent. With Theodoric’s hard eyes watching her every move, she hurriedly pulled on her clothes. She bent to retrieve a stray boot, and her eye caught the sparkle of a gem stone. Her sword lay half under the bed with the hilt easily within reach. She gave him a furtive look before she lunged for the weapon.
Pain shot through her head as Theodoric grabbed a handful of her hair and roughly pulled her out of reach of the sword. “Now, Ariel, did you think I would allow you to gain possession of your sword? Remember, I have watched you on the practice field. I would be a fool to allow that to happen. I do not seek my death by your hand.”
Theodoric yanked on her hair and brought her to her feet. Her eyes watered with pain. Ariel pulled her cloak around her as she followed the older man out the door. He seemed to have a destination in mind. He unhesitatingly led her deeper into the forest.
A wave of sickening panic washed over her. In the forest, they would be much harder to track. Their passage through the woods would go almost undetected. Her only chance was Broc’s ability to track them from the hut. Hoping to leave some sort of sign of their passing, she dragged her feet and brushed against trees, breaking off leaves and branches.
Deep inside the forest the air seemed cooler. Very little sunlight managed to penetrate the thick cover of foliage that rose high about their heads. It gave the impression that the day was further along than it truly was.
With a jerk on her hair, Theodoric came to a halt. Just as quickly, he released her and then pulled her hands behind her back. He proceeded to bind them with a piece of cord he carried with him.
He searched the shadows and wiped the sweat that trickled down his face. “It would appear we are alone for now. I will feel better when we have reached the deepest part of the forest.”
He took hold of her arm and once more dragged Ariel through the bush. With her hands bound behind her, she had trouble keeping her balance over the rough terrain. Theodoric took no notice. When she would begin to fall, he would only pull her up onto her feet and push her ever deeper into the trees.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, Theodoric stopped their travel. His breath came in pants and sweat dampened his hair as well as his tunic. Ariel guessed that was probably the most walking her captor had done in quite some time. His soft body gave testimony to his easy life.
Ariel looked around and realized Theodoric had to have been there before. He had set up a makeshift camp. A small lean-to type shelter sat off to one side in the natural clearing. A ring of stones filled with ash gave her the suspicion he had been there for more than one day.
After forcing her to sit with her back against a large tree, her captor took a few steps away. Theodoric reached for a saddle bag and then pulled out a length of rope. He walked back to her. He wrapped what he held around her chest and the trunk, binding her tightly to it. Unable to move, she would have to wait for another opportunity to escape.
* * * *
Broc stepped with a light heart and a small amount of anticipation as he hurriedly walked across the meadow. In his arms, he carried the needed wood. The others who had been at the hall where not too surprised to hear of his and Ariel’s reconciliation. Swein had clapped him on the back, saying she had needed the time to see what she had been missing. She was not a stupid girl. She knew when to hold on to something of great value.
Broc had been knocked speechless at his father-in-law’s words. He had thought Swein did not think too highly of him. It came as a surprise to find himself held in such regard by his wife’s father, considering Broc had taken Elmstead from the man. Broc had said as much to Swein. The older man had chuckled. He had said he was getting too old to run Elmstead, anyway. Swein made it quite clear he preferred to pass the responsibilities on to a much younger set of shoulders. He had no complaints with Broc’s ability in running the land.
With the pond in sight, Broc broke off his musings and lengthened his stride. The thought of Ariel lying naked in the bed was all the motivation he needed to hurry.
The door to the hut stood open. Broc came up short. Something was not right. A sense of unease washed over him. A feeling of Ariel being in trouble overwhelmed him the more he looked at the open doorway.
Broc dropped the wood and then ran into the hut. As he had feared, Ariel was nowhere to be seen. A quick inspection proved his uneasiness had not been unfounded. She would not have left willingly on her own. What they had shared told him he had not been wrong in his thinking. She had accepted him back into her life as well as into her body.
He searched the room for any kind of sign, something that could have caused Ariel to leave. All he found was her sword half hidden under the bed. Broc had all the proof he needed. His suspicions had been correct. She would never have left her sword behind. It was as much a part of a knight as was his sword arm. A knight would feel lost without it hanging at his side. The same would be true for her as it was for him.
Finding no other clue as to what had befallen Ariel, Broc searched the outside of the hut. He noticed the scuffed footprints that led to the back of the hut. He followed them and found others that headed into the forest. The prints in the fore were large, a man’s boot possibly. The other set had to be hers.
Needing nothing else to persuade him that Ariel had indeed been taken without her consent, Broc ran back to the hall. The day faded fast, and soon it would be too dark to see the trail she had left for them to follow. Time was of the essence. If they did not move quickly, his wife could very well be taken from him once again. This time he might not be so lucky in finding her. She could very well be gone from his life for good.