Rebel by Linda Windsor

Author:Linda Windsor
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Windsor, Celtic, King Arthur, Camelot, druid, Celtic Church, Merlin
Publisher: David C. Cook
Published: 2012-04-11T04:00:00+00:00

Her father’s spirit would not allow Kella to mourn a moment longer. She remembered him sitting at the end of the family table, roaring with laughter, teasing the ladies, and watching, with a hawk’s eye, the young men watching Kella. But when that sharp gaze fell upon Alyn, it lost its edge. How oft had Egan nudged her with a nod when Alyn sought to invite her into the hall merriment? That was why she thought it right to spend their first night together as man and wife under Da’s roof. His blessing was here, even while—she was certain—he was away, using all his skills of survival to come home to her.

Once Kella took to the floor, the oppressive shadow her grief cast over the hall dissolved. Others joined in the clapping and stomping, swinging and skipping, twirling and laughter. She counted each person a blessing as she wove her way through the O’Byrne and Gowrys men, women, and children. Each hug renewed the spirit that had drained from her very soul these last days. Each congratulation whittled away at the stone in her breast.

Even Alyn seemed to gain a second wind. The darling of Glenarden’s womenfolk from the day he was born overlooked not a one with his dancing and kisses. He even dragged Annie the cook and her girls from the kitchen for a reel. But then, Alyn had always loved the world, and it loved him. Tonight, his priestly and scholarly decorum was abandoned, and the lad of sixteen that Kella had adored was back.

“Gotcha!” Alyn grabbed Kella’s hand at the end of the line and spun her into his arms.

As her husband.

He pressed his forehead to hers. “I’m done, my love. I’ve kissed every woman here, including toothless Annie, but now I’d have my wife.”

His hand splayed at Kella’s back, drawing her closer until the heat of his body drew the breath from hers. Or was it the heat closing in from the room? Even her clothing sought to smother her.

Alyn kissed her long but ever so tenderly.

Her body cried yes. Her heart, nay. Her senses drifted up as though trying to escape the contrary swirl of reactions. The room moved about Kella and her knees, but they had abandoned her—

Alyn swept her up into his strong arms, concern etching his flushed features. “To bed with you, milady.”

His hoarse command shattered her thought into icy slivers, one falling upon another.

Would she?

Could she?

Celebrating a marriage was one thing. Consummating it—

’Twould be an insult to her child’s father, hardly cold in his grave.

And an insult to Alyn for all his sacrifice if she refused him.

Kella could barely hear the tumbling thoughts over the chorus of cheers that gained and gained in volume as the guests realized she and Alyn were about to leave. But for Daniel’s ear-piercing whistle to silence them, none would have heard Alyn’s declaration of gratitude.

“There are not enough words, not even in the five languages my wife speaks,” he said, teasing Kella, “to thank you, each of you, for making this day so wonderful.

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