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“We can discuss what it is you wished mapped over apple tarts.”
Reena failed to notice the smiles on Maura’s and Justin’s faces, but Magnus did not. The two saw how easily she spoke with him and how he did not deny her her request but acquiesced in silence. Gossip would soon spread throughout the keep about him and the mapmaker, and the thought did not at all disturb him.
“I will bring tarts to the great hall,” Maura said.
“I will join you in the kitchen,” Justin said enthusiastically.
She smiled and held out her hand. “Let me show you the way.”
Justin knew the way to the kitchen but made no comment. He took her hand and followed along, his smile wide.
With a hasty glance at the cloudy sky, Reena hurried over to Magnus. “The weather may prove an interference.”
Magnus scrambled to choose an area he wished mapped, for he had no particular place in mind. He’d simply wanted her attention diverted away from Justin. And he was feeling foolish, since on closer look he realized Justin seemed interested in Maura, making him feel all the more the fool.
He had never experienced jealousy over a woman before, and it damned annoyed him. “The weather will not matter. I wish you to map the keep.” The idea actually would prove fruitful in more ways than he had first imagined. He would spend time with Reena as she mapped, thus learning more about her along with his new home, and he would be able to better determine a defense plan for the keep and the repair work necessary to restore the place. A wise decision, and one he was content with, for it served many purposes.
They walked in silence for a moment as they approached the keep.
Reena stopped and craned her neck to view the entire height of the imposing stone edifice. “A wise choice. You should know your home well; knowledge defends.”
Her intelligence often startled him, as did the similarity of their thoughts. “It will also help me to determine the extent of the repair work required.”
She continued walking, he slowing to match her steps. She was small, whereas he was large, and yet he felt they were equal in size. And she was thin; he could lift her with one arm, tuck her beneath it and carry her without an ounce of difficulty.Fragilehad come to mind when he’d first met her, but it had been a deceptive assumption, since Reena possessed an inner strength that surprised him, but which he very much admired.
She was swift and aware of her surroundings. He had watched her in the woods as they’d gathered feathers. She moved with a graceful agility and kept herself alert. She hurried over fallen logs, ducked out of the way of branches, and maneuvered her way through the woods as though she knew its secrets.
She was an intelligent, determined and talented woman who’d captured his interest by surprise, and he intended to see where that surprise would take him.
They entered the keep, and the promised apple tarts, along with a large pitcher of cider, were waiting for them on a table before the burning hearth. With equal speed they rushed to the table like two eager, hungry children and, laughing, plopped down on the benches, each reaching for a tart.
Reena poured the cider after taking a generous bite of the warm tart, and as soon as she did, Horace came racing out of nowhere to plop his plump body down next to her leg. He gave her one solid bark, letting her know he waited for his share.
“You spoil him,” Magnus said.
Reena reached down to Horace, a piece of tart in her hand. “I love him.”
Her simple words were like a solid blow to his stomach, and for a moment he felt robbed of breath. Why? Why did her love for the small pup hit him so hard? Was he jealous? Did he wish her to say she loved him? A foolish thought. He did not know her well enough to know if they could love. Why then did the thought haunt him?
Reena rubbed a contented Horace behind the ear, gave him a piece of the tart, and continued rubbing him. “Where would you like me to start in the keep?”
Magnus watched the way Reena lovingly stroked the pup, and he actually envied the small animal. Her long, slim fingers ruffled the pup’s fur behind his ear, then she rubbed beneath his chin. Finally she stroked his head and told him how wonderful he was, then finished with a hug. The dog lay contentedly at her feet and went fast to sleep.
He felt foolish indeed, that he wished he could feel her hands on him in such a caring and loving manner. The thought lingered.
“Would you walk the battlements with me? We can see the land and the distance it stretches, and any repair work that needs attention.”
“A good choice. I will map the battlements with the view of the surrounding land, though I suggest we go now while the storm brews. I can sketch a quick outline and then work on a more formal map later.”
Reena disturbed Horace when she stood, and he slowly stretched himself awake, yawned, walked closer to the warm hearth, plopped down and went back to sleep.
Magnus shook his head at the pup.
“I need to collect my charcoal and paper from my room,” Reena said. “I can meet you on the battlements.”
“We need to pass your room to reach the battlements. I will go with you.”
Her room was one floor below his, and when he entered he realized how much it reflected her character. The table held several inkwells and quills. Papers were piled to one side, and five candles lined the front edge, supplying sufficient light for drawing.
