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“I grow annoyed that she speaks with a mere lad and looks happy in doing so.” He sounded as agitated as he felt, and that annoyed him all the more. “Listen to me, I sound like a jealous lover, and over what? A woman I have only just met, and who thinks of me as her lord and nothing more.”
Thomas laughed, though it barely could be heard, a mere chuckle of sorts beneath his breath.
“I heard that,” Magnus accused with frustration.
“Reena has her own way about her, and she is determined to see you and Brigid together.”
“That is not going to happen, and Reena is too stubborn to understand that.”
Thomas did not hide the next chuckle. “Is Reena too much of a challenge?”
Magnus scowled, his eyes on the kitchen area where a young lass had joined Reena and Justin. The three stood talking in what appeared to be an enjoyable conversation.
“Justin is but a friend to Reena.”
“He is a man,” Magnus said as if the few words explained it all.
Another chuckle from Thomas received another scowl from Magnus. “I am glad you find this situation so humorous.”
“I have never known you to be at a loss when faced with a challenge.”
“I am not at a loss,” Magnus said adamantly. “You know well enough that when I want something I go after it.”
“Do you want Reena?”
Magnus nodded, then shook his head. “I want to know what it is that attracts me to the skinny lass, for I find myself drawn to her like no other woman I have ever known.”
Laughter rang out from the trio several feet away from them.
Magnus grew more annoyed. “Reena ignores her work.”
“What work?”
“She should be tending to her feathers she collected for quill making, and I have mapping I wish from her before the first snow falls.”
“Then you best hurry her along, for I think this eve we will see a snowflake or two. What is it you wish her to map?”
It was Magnus’s turn to chuckle. “Me.”
Reena watched Maura and Justin as they all talked. At first Maura appeared shy, her gentle green eyes avoiding direct contact with Justin’s dark ones. After a hesitant start Justin grew more confident, and the conversation began to flow smoothly. Soon Maura was smiling and laughing. Justin even caused her to blush when he mentioned what a wonderful cook she was.
“Would you like to sample the apple tarts I made? There are more than enough,” Maura said, drawing her blue wool shawl more closely around her.
Justin was quick to answer. “I would love to, apple tarts are my favorite.”
Maura’s green eyes brightened. “Apple tarts are my favorite too.”
Reena rolled her eyes to the heaven. The two were getting along well, and her presence was no longer necessary. “The two of you go and enjoy. I have work I must—”
“Reena!”
The three jumped, startled by the raw power in the voice that called out her name.
“I need you to map,” Magnus said as he approached her.
Reena was elated. He had not requested her mapping services since their arrival at Dunhurnal.
She glanced at him with a smile that played havoc with his heart, not to mention his senses—but then he wondered if he had any senses left at all since meeting her.
