"Good morning, husband," she replied.
"How do ye feel?Are ye sore from my attentions?"
Una blushed."No.I am very well."
He studied her to make sure she was not lying."Then 'tis a good thing, because we have a busy day today."
"What is happening?"
"I have an appointment to see my friend, but the seamstress will be here for ye after we break our fast."
They washed and dressed, moving around each other in the chamber with ease, Cormac stepping aside for her at the washstand, her handing him his belt without being asked.When she was dressed he crossed the room and kissed her, slow and unhurried, his hands framing her face, and she kissed him back and let herself have the moment.It was as if they had been living together for months, not mere days.
Eventually Cormac smiled and went to find Seumas.
Una stood in the middle of the chamber and looked at the tapestries on the walls and the curtained bed and the clothes press that now held her things alongside his, and felt the full weight of the previous night settle over her.
She had married a laird's son.She was going to live in a Keep.
She took a deep breath and walked across the corridor for breakfast.
***
THE DRAWING ROOM WASwarm and already occupied.Seumas, Ros, and Tam were tucking into a hearty breakfast while Guntar and Hilde moved about the room setting out dishes.
Cormac pulled out a chair for Una when she came in and put the best of the bread and cheese in front of her without comment.
She looked at him."Ye are going to keep doing that, aren't ye."
"Doing what?"he asked, entirely innocent.
"Serving me the best portions."
"Aye.Only the best will do for my lady wife."
She shook her head but tucked in, as she was famished.
As they ate and talked, Una noticed Cormac speaking to Seumas in low tones.She found herself wondering whether she was the subject, and whether she was fit for court.
"Ye're doing it again," Cormac said beside her.
"Doing what?"
"Worrying."He refilled her cup."Stop."
"I am not worrying," she said."I am thinking."
"About what?"
She looked at him."About the fact that ye grew up in a Keep and I have spent my entire life in a village.I dinnae want to disappoint or embarrass ye.In front of yer family.Or anyone else."
He was quiet for a moment."Ye could never embarrass me."
"Ye cannot know that."
"I can."His voice was certain."I know ye, Una.I have watched ye on the road and in that inn with my men and last night with Nessa.Ye are not a woman who embarrasses herself or anyone else."He held her gaze."The Keep is just a building.My family are just people.And ye are my wife.That is all that matters."
She wanted to argue.She could see several very reasonable objections.
