Birthright by Missouri Vaun

Author:Missouri Vaun [Vaun, Missouri]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978162634865
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2017-01-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-three

Relief rippled through Kathryn’s body when the towers of Starford Keep came into view. Covering the final distance seemed to happen quickly. Maybe it was the unspoken urgency that hastened time. The unmistakable stone towers of the keep were visible as they left the thick woods for the open grassy field that surrounded the walls of Kathryn’s domain. Her stomach seemed to settle a bit just at the sight of the stone gateway into the village’s interior.

Kathryn turned to look for Aiden. She should say something. They’d made a plan not to reveal Aiden’s true identity to anyone except Frost. Just until they were sure what course of action they should take, if any. Aiden would simply be a guest of the house, along with her woman-at-arms, Venn. Even still, Kathryn thought she should say something more to Aiden. The next few days were inevitably going to be difficult for Aiden, or at the very least confusing, and Kathryn would be tied up with other matters. She didn’t want Aiden to misunderstand her distraction with the political affairs of Olmstead as disinterest.

Aiden was at the rear of the small company of riders, with Venn trailing her. Kathryn peeled off and circled back. As she got closer, Aiden’s brilliant smile stirred things in Kathryn’s chest—a sense of longing and desire for her that had yet to be fulfilled. She’d had such plans for their transit aboard the wind ship, but things had conspired against her libido at every turn.

“How are you feeling?” Kathryn pulled Blaez alongside Sunset, matching her pace.

“I feel good. And you? You must be relieved to be so near your home.” Aiden sounded calm, relaxed, a sharp contrast to the intensity of her gaze.

“I am happy to be home. Listen, Aiden, I know we talked briefly about what things will be like when we arrive.”

“Yes, was there something else?”

“No, I just… Well, I will have many demands on my time when we first arrive. I don’t want you to think it’s my choice to not spend time with you.”

“I think I understand.”

“Good, well, if there’s anything you need once we arrive, the servants in my house are at your disposal. Just ask them.”

Aiden nodded and Kathryn offered her a weak smile as she rode away to resume the lead as they neared the large stone gate. Venn materialized at her side as she watched Kathryn’s back, her hair blowing in the wind as they approached the looming gray walls of Starford.

“What do you suppose that was about?” asked Aiden.

“That sounded like a woman who wants you to know she’s interested.”

“You think so?” Aiden looked at Venn, who was amused by Aiden’s doubt.

“Absolutely. Trust me on that.” Venn slapped Aiden’s back and laughed.

They rode single file past the gatehouse with its complex of towers, bridges, and barriers whose only purpose was to keep those unwanted from gaining entrance to the inner sanctum of the keep and the small clustered dwellings of the village that surrounded it. The scene within the walls reminded Aiden of the street market in the small town near the monastery.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.