Gifted

Love

A discrete knock at the door preceded servants who moved around the bedchamber like wraiths. Magnus's first inclination was to order them from the room but, looking down at Alina snuggled naked against him under the furs, he decided to let them build up the fires and tidy the room. In fact, when Alina showed no sign of being disturbed from sleep, he bade the servants to set up a bath and change of clothes for her.

They did all that plus they brought up a light breakfast and fresh clothes for him as well. Either Alec or Mairi must have brought his belongings to the castle at some point. Magnus got up to one of the windows flanking either side of the head of the bed. The sun was just rising but the bailey was already bustling below.

It was odd to be steeped in such luxury. He buttered a piece of bread and ate while roaming the chamber. All the furniture, including a writing desk and large mirror beside the other fireplace, exhibited fine craftsmanship. A door to the side led to a dressing chamber and on the other side of that was a private garderobe. Tapestries hung on all four walls and thick rugs covered the floors. One could almost forget it was winter outside with the two fires blazing on either side of the bed.

The feather mattress felt like it was trying to swallow him last night. But he slept well because she was there beside him, dreaming of unicorn goats and a gingerbread man version of Father Francis. In the dream, she told him that the snow-white creatures had to be led away by the priest because she wasn't a virgin anymore.

Alina started stirring awake and he poured a cup of hot water for her. She stretched extravagantly as he slid under the covers with her. He managed to kiss her forehead but she squirmed away when he tried to capture her mouth. She opened bleary eyes at him. He offered her the water. She scooted up against the pillows then took the cup with both hands, seeming to need to absorb its heat. He watched as she took a full minute just sipping and staring blankly. Her expression brightened when her eyes fell on the hip bath with steam still rising out of it. She looked to him with her half-smile and he felt like a hero.

He said, "I said I'd take care of ye today."

He took pleasure in leading her to the bath and helping lower her into the water. She sighed as the warmth soothed away soreness and he felt a twinge of guilt for causing it. He considered shaving so he'd not abrade her golden skin as much but she seemed to enjoy the feel of his beard against her. Also, seeing his love marks on her this morning brought a certain primitive satisfaction. She looked delectable. He promised himself that he'd let her recover today but his cock was not cooperating.

"I'll get dressed," he said, still gawking at her. "I have tae meet with Alec and my men but I'll be back within the hour. Will ye wait for me?"

She nodded absently.

"Wait for me here," he emphasized. "Ye should rest from the visions. When I get back, I'll escort ye down tae meet with everyone together."

"Hm? Yes, together," she replied.

Then she scrunched down to her chin in the water. If he didn't have true sight, he'd wonder if she was distracted by some weighty matter, but she really did seem to have nothing on her mind other than enjoying her bath.

He finished quickly getting dressed just in time to hear Alec knocking on the door. His brother was sailing north this morning. Magnus poked his head out, said he'd join him soon, then walked back to Alina who was still in the tub. He knelt down and pressed a tender kiss to her lips. She smiled at him dreamily as he pulled away.

"I'll see ye here in an hour." He paused before adding, "I love ye, Alina."

Her eyes widened to saucers. He cursed internally as he felt her blocks go all the way up. True sight would give him no clues as to what she was thinking but he could guess. He probably should have waited to declare his feelings when they had more time to discuss but he was a straightforward man. When he decided something was important, he did not dither. She was important to him and he wanted her to know.

Alec knocked on the door again.

He kissed her on the forehead and repeated, "Wait for me."

Alec was grinning widely when Magnus joined him. They walked down to the great hall.

He asked, "Had a good night, brother?"

Magnus ignored the question. They instead discussed which of their men would stay at Glenkerrloch. Those with families would return north but most of the unmarried men wanted to stay here. They had more men than needed. Alec had already been pulled aside by several castle guards as well as the village men who'd stayed overnight after the bedding ritual. They all wanted to serve under Magnus's command.

Kerr Castle would be well defended when the English garrison finally left. It pleased Magnus to be able to do this for Alina. She wanted to marry a protector for her clan and that's what he would be.

They met with their men in the bailey outside their barracks and finalized plans for Alec's trip north with some of them. Alina's two massive deerhounds played underfoot.

"Ye're not at happy as I'd expect a man tae be the morning after his wedding night, brother," Alec commented after they dismissed the men. "Did ye already manage tae quarrel with yer wife?"

Magnus scowled. "Why do ye think we'd quarreled?"

They walked toward the drawbridge and the dogs followed.

"Well, ye only ever talk tae soldiers so it's only tae be expected that ye don't know how tae talk tae women." Alec added, "In fact, ye don't talk, ye give orders. To me, to Mairi, to everyone. Ladies especially don't like tae be given orders. They want ye tae talk more gentle and loving with them."

Magnus considered this then said, "I am gentle and loving with Alina. I told her I loved her just before I joined ye."

One of the hounds yelped as Alec tripped over him. Magnus kept walking. Alec had to jog to catch up with his brother.

"Ye said..." he had to stop to wrap his mind around it. "Ye said ye love her? Love?"

Magnus nodded once.

"And what did she say?" Alec asked.

"Nothing," Magnus replied. "She just sat there looking... panicked."

"Panicked?" Alec repeated. "Well, how did ye say it?"

"The normal way," Magnus said shortly. "I felt it so I said it."

"Well, ye have tae say it with emotion so they believe it," Alec said. "Else they think ye're putting them on. Tell ye what, say it tae me like ye said it tae her and I'll tell what ye did wrong."

"No."

"Fair enough." Alec said, "Maybe she just needs time. Ye did only meet three days ago."

"Hm." Then he added, "Safe travels, brother."

"Thank ye," Alec said as his brother turned away. "And Magnus?"

Magnus turned back.

"I'm happy for ye," said Alec.