The Golden Goose (Kenelm Chronicles 01) by Felicia Rogers

Author:Felicia Rogers [Rogers, Felicia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-07-29T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven: The Ceremony

Every muscle in his body hurt. If he ever made it out of the mass of furs he slept in, it would be a miracle. Once they’d left the hide, hunting the deer hadn’t been easy. As they’d tromped through the woods, Jones had continually explained—as if trying to make up for not telling him earlier—that it could take days to find the deer and finish his quest.

Kenelm had deemed that unacceptable. He wasn’t supposed to eat, sleep, or change until the quest was complete. Very unacceptable.

And, if the discomforts weren’t enough, in his absence Rose no doubt had faced unspeakable hardships, and he needed to wed her, get the ship, and leave the island for good before she never forgave him.

The flap parted, allowing in the morning sunlight and five native men. A strip of animal hide with a rope attached was thrust at him. He took the offering. What else could he do?

Jones entered next, his lips twitching as if he found something humorous.

“What?”

“Those are your wedding clothes.”

“You can’t be serious.” The flap would barely cover his rump. Not to mention his top half would be completely exposed. Rose hadn’t seen him in such a manner, nor should she before their wedding night. The thought sent heat to his face.

“They will provide paint. These men are here to guide you.”

“I cannot. Rose—”

“—is your wife, remember? This is purely for show, to show your love for her.”

“You must find a way out of this.” He brought the leather cording around his waist but left his breeches in place.

“Miss Walsh can marry Chief Duma, if you prefer.”

The natives’ eyes narrowed as their chief’s name was mentioned. Kenelm lifted the cloth and smiled. Maybe they would believe he was thanking the chief for the gift.

They nodded and clicked their tongues. At least he’d calmed someone. His insides were churning like a ship on choppy seas.

“She might not understand the plan, and then what will we do?”

“I will prepare her.”

“I’m glad someone will be prepared.” He’d muttered the words, but he’d been heard and understood.

“It won’t be all bad. I see the way you study her.”

His feelings had been spotted. “But not like this. We’ll be married in a tribal ceremony. Will it be real?”

“On this island, yes.”

“We must perform the ceremony to protect her and retrieve the ship.” Jones knew the information, but Kenelm needed to repeat it for himself.

“Aye.”

A chord of music was struck.

“It is time.”

“Go warn Rose.”

Jones scurried away. His companions lingered, staring at him. He’d yet to remove his breeches or his shirt.

Might as well get it over with. The sooner the better.

****

“May I enter?” Jones was outside. Finally.

“Please.”

He held back the flap and stepped in. The gauzy material of her gown was almost see-through and she wrapped her arms around her middle.

“Do you understand what is happening?”

“I’m getting married. Which is strange, because I seem to remember, before a fainting spell, that Kenelm told the chief he and I were already married.” The ring of flowers woven and shoved on her head had confirmed her suspicions.

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