Caledonia Destiny by Lexi Ander

Author:Lexi Ander [Ander, Lexi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Paranormal, Historical, Romance, Gay, male/male, magic, seer, priest, pagan, royalty, king, shapeshifter, wyrbear, shifter, Scotland, Alba, gods, goddesses
Publisher: Lexi Ander
Published: 2018-07-05T23:00:00+00:00

XVII

ROI GRINNED to himself. They had risen early to journey down the river to the next place Ewen would hold an audience. Sitting astride his mount after a night coupling with Ewen would be less than comfortable, but worth every bit of pain.

The day before, Ewen had sent two men ahead to bear news of his imminent arrival. When Roi followed Ewen out of the cottage, those men already awaited them, accompanied by an escort sent by the mormaer’s steward. The taxes and goods collected at their stop several days afore, along with what would be collected this day, would be handed over to the steward’s guards to traverse the final distance to the mormaer’s castle, leaving Ewen and his kin free to return home.

With the addition of people not related to Ewen, conversation was kept to the everyday. Roi played the manservant, against Ewen’s wishes, but he was adamant. For though he spoke Gaelic, it was obvious Roi was no Highlander.

“I be a fresh face amongst a people closely acquainted with their neighbours. Though I speak the language, they shall yet peg me as an outsider,” Roi argued when they returned indoors to gather their belongings. “Better they believe I be yer manservant, for in their eyes I have not the station to be aught else.”

Ewen tossed his sword belt upon the table. “I would you be an advisor or steward of my house. Not…” He waved his hand in a dismissive manner and gave Roi his back. “You be no manservant of mine.”

Roi smoothed out the angry lines betwixt Ewen’s shoulders. If he had continued to worry about Ewen’s intentions towards him, this fit of temper would have allayed them posthaste. “Ye and yer kin know who I be to ye. We cannot change the world without in but a day. Later ye can grant me a different status afore the eyes of others. To do so now would be too soon. It mayn’t be understood why ye esteemed a stranger so quickly.”

Roi grinned at Ewen’s low grunt. “I be rushing along like a headstrong, youthful boy, whilst you speak calming and wise words. I be aware of what can and cannot be done. I have lived all my life hiding away some part of meself, even from my own kin. Yet, of a sudden I chafe under the fetters placed upon me.”

“Come. Let us be ready.” Roi rubbed Ewen’s back. “I would not argue over what cannot be changed. I am content. I would ye be as well.”

Ewen had turned into Roi’s touch, pressing warm lips to Roi’s neck. As tempting as Ewen may be, Roi moved away, sending him a silent vow they would continue this tryst but only upon their return to the intimacy of the cottage. Something in Roi’s eyes seemed to give away his thoughts, for Ewen’s gaze raked over him, a sly grin gracing Ewen’s shapely lips.

Roi held to that visage as they rode past farms and small hamlets in the wee hours of the morn, the heavy woollen cloak his only warmth.

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