“Marcus, stop.” He stopped where he was, but didn’t turn to face me. “Marcus, I order—”
Joden choked on his kavage. Simus sucked in a breath between his teeth, and Keir had his hand over his eyes. Apparently, I was about to do something very, very foolish.
Marcus turned on his heel, his one eyebrow arched. “Yes?”
Utter silence from the three men at the table.
“Marcus, it would mean a lot to me if you would call me ‘Lara’ occasionally.”
“I’ll think on it.” Marcus turned again and left.
Simus sighed. “You’re a brave one, little healer.”
“He wouldn’t hurt me.” I protested.
“Gruel. Cold gruel and watery kavage for a month.” Keir shuddered. “I’ve learned the hard way not to cross Marcus.”
“Aye to that,” Joden said and Simus agreed.
It was late when Simus and Joden left. I stripped and got under the furs, and waited for Keir to return from checking the watch. The braziers gave off their heat and a familiar glow lit the tent.
Keir returned, and I looked up at him with a smile.
He frowned and gave me a look. “We will sleep now, Warprize. You will be sore enough in the morning.
”
I smiled, reached out my hand, and pulled him into the bed.
Marcus’ voice cut through the morning fog. “Your lazy butts best be moving. There’s a morning senel.
Less than a mark to make ready.” I could hear him moving about, readying the privy area. “There’s more water warming. You can break your fast at the senel. I’ve a pitcher of kavage waiting. Shake yourselves now.” I heard him move off, but wanted nothing more than to go back to sleep. Keir and I had ‘
discussed’ matters for quite some time.
A hand stroked my warm cheek. I lifted my head and blinked sleepily into his eyes. Keir rolled me over and kissed me. “When you look like that, all drowsy and sweet it’s all I can do not to…”
“None of that, now.” Marcus came back into the room, with more warm water. He went into the privy area.
Keir sighed deeply, then kissed me again. He pulled his head back, just as I started to return the kiss with a rising passion. “None of that, now,” he whispered. I smiled at him. He sighed again, and levered himself up and off the bed. “I’d best go first.” He looked down at my face as an idea crossed my mind. He glared. “Alone.”
I threw him a disgusted look.
Marcus left, and Keir went to clean up. I lay there for a moment, basking in the remaining warmth. Then I arched my back, preparing to stretch… and stopped.
Oooo. That hurt.
I must have made a noise, because Keir was next to me in an instant, a towel wrapped around his waist.
Water droplets clung to his arms and chest.
“Are you all right?”
I blinked and just admired him. He looked down at me, slowly smiled, and repeated his question. “I’m fine.” I smiled at him. Marcus came into the room, and I flushed slightly, adjusting the blanket a bit higher. “My arm’s a little sore, that’s all.”
Keir frowned, then understanding came into his eyes. “Perhaps you should stay in bed today.”
I tilted my head and smiled wider. “Only if you stay with me.” His eyes flared, and I seemed to see some movement underneath the towel. My smile expanded.
