Bay of Fear by Kathryn Le Veque

Author:Kathryn Le Veque [Veque, Kathryn Le]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Medieval
Published: 2018-10-24T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

Baiadepaura Castle

ANNALYLA AWOKE TO someone gently shaking her.

“Annalyla?” came the soft whisper. “Wake up, sweetheart.”

Annalyla resisted. She could hear the voice, a soft male voice, but she ignored it. She was so exhausted that she simply couldn’t open her eyes, but then she heard a female voice in her other ear.

“Annie, wake up. The day is new and we have much work to do. Get up!”

Annalyla’s eyes flew open at the sound of Maude’s stern voice. When she saw both Tenner and Maude looking down at her, she sat up so quickly that she nearly hit Tenner in the jaw. He laughed softly as she struggled to catch her balance.

“Easy, lass,” he said, his hands on her shoulders to steady her. “There is nothing to panic over. You were sleeping so peacefully that we did not want to wake you, but it was necessary. I am afraid that it is our first day in our new home and I need your assistance.”

Annalyla stifled a yawn. “I am honored to assist you,” she said. “What can I do?”

Tenner was snorting at her, half-asleep even though she pretended not to be. She was blinking her eyes, pretending to be instantly wide awake. But he could tell she wasn’t. He cupped her face between his big palms and kissed her on the forehead.

“You can help me assess the keep once you have fully awakened,” he said. “Unless you plan to sleep in the great hall forever, then I suggest we find chambers that please you. Maude will see to the morning meal if you will accompany me.”

Annalyla stifled another yawn, but she nodded her head. “I would be happy to,” she said. “May I at least comb my hair first?”

Tenner was smiling at her as he stood up. “Of course, you may,” he said. “Your baggage has been brought in. May I bring you what you need?”

It was a sweet offer and his eyes were twinkling at her as he said it. Annalyla gazed up at him, her heart never fuller than it was at that moment. Every day saw the man grow more attentive and, perhaps, even kinder, if such a thing was possible. But as she looked at him, she realized that he looked rather exhausted. His hair was hanging over the right side of his face as it always did, exposing the left eye, which had a dark circle beneath it.

“Did you sleep at all last night, Tenner?” she asked. “You look weary.”

The smile never left his face. “I took the night watch, along with every man here,” he said. “Our first night in a place with no walls and no gates, I could not sleep. But I am glad you did. That means I did my job; you felt safe enough to sleep.”

Annalyla nodded her head, smiling gratefully at Maude when the woman handed her a cup of warmed, watered wine.

“You have done so much while I slept the morning away,” she said, looking between Maude and Tenner. “I am ashamed I slept through everything.

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