The rawness of his words, the reddened skin on his body from the days at sea attested to his weakened state, but he was alive. “Aye,” she whispered as joy poured through her, “I am here.”
Cailin helped him to sit and then pressed the water pouch to Aiden’slips. “Drink.”
After several slow sips, Aiden pushed the pouch away. Tender eyes shifted to her. His hand shaking, a weak smile creased his face as he pressed the palm against her cheek. “Y-you saved me. Brought m-me ashore.”
She wiped away her tears. “I knew you were alive.”
“Indeed,” Cailin agreed, his voice rough. “She refused to stay at the castle.” He secured the container, stood. “I will retrieve the horses.”He walked away.
“I was so frightened,” she admitted. “I thought—”
Aiden drew her against him. “I would never leave you.” He cupped her face, his glance so fierce she trembled beneath the intensity. “I vowed that once we reclaimed Latharn Castle I would leave and never return. Never in my life have I broken my word.” He gave a shaky breath. “Until now. I love you, Gwendolyn, and canna let you go. You are all I have thought of these past three days.”
Happiness exploded inside her and fresh tears spilled down her face.“You love me?”
“I do,” he rasped, “and if it takes forever, I will win your heart.”
Tenderness tightened in her chest, entwined with her love for this man. “You willna have to. After you didna return, I realized I canna imagine a life without you. I love you, Aiden, and need you with myevery breath.”
His mouth crushed over hers, and she welcomed the heat, the need only he inspired. Too soon, he broke the kiss and drew herinto his arms.
A horse whinnied, and she smiled, never so happy in her life.“Can you ride?”
Warmth glittered in his eyes. “Aye.H-help me up.”
She slipped her arm around him, assisting him into a stand, and moments later, Cailin settled Aiden atop her horse. With a wide grin, she climbedup behind him.
“Let us ride,” she said, her arms sliding around his waist as she reached for the reins. “’Tis time to go home.”
Chapter 19
At the beach below the castle, Aiden lifted one of the last damaged planks from the sand and tossed it into the fire. He appreciated the stretch and strain on his muscles, proof that, after, a fortnight he had completely healed from hisordeal at sea.
A gust whipped across the incoming waves, casting sprays of white into the air. He inhaled the aromatic scent of thesea and smiled.
Life.
Such a fleeting gift, one he’d pondered little until the battle of Latharn Castle and his brush with death.
Emotion swelled inside as he glanced at his wife, working at his side. The time spent overseeing repairs had allowed him to heal, but also to be with her, to learn more about thewoman he’d wed.
A distant rumble of thunder resonatedfrom the west.
“A storm is brewing,” Gwendolyn warned.
He frowned at the dark clouds in the distance. “’Twill be a while before the rain arrives.” Completeness swelled inside Aiden as he took in the stronghold. The most important repairs to the castle had been seen to. Still, ’twould take several months before everything was complete. “I depart in the morning, comforted in knowing the knights I leave behind willkeep you safe.”
Her lower lip trembled as she cast a shard of wood into the fire. “I dinna want you to go. Nay tomorrow, next week. Ever.”
Desperation rose like bile in his throat, and for the first time in his life he damned his leaving. Being apart from this incredible woman, even for a short while, seemed tantamount to forever.
On a hard swallow, he faced her. “I will be away a few months at most.”
“But youcanna be sure.”
“Nay.” On a silent curse, Aiden drank the ladle of water she offered, refilled it, and then handedher the scoop.
From the tower, a guard called out, “The king’s banner waves inthe distance!”
