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His words sounded like a proclamation for all to hear and with no objections allowed.
The crunch of leaves and steady footsteps caught their attention, and Reena attempted to move away, but his strong hands held firm to her waist.
Philip, one of Magnus’s men, stepped out of the woods and looked to Magnus, unmoved by the intimacy of his lord and his mapmaker. “All is set, I sleep now until my shift.”
Magnus nodded, and the man took the rolled bedding tucked beneath his arm and spread it on the ground not far from the fire. He turned his back to them to sleep.
“We are as good as wed, Reena,” Magnus whispered and moved her so that they could stretch out beside each other, placing Reena closer to the fire’s heat. He cuddled against her back and draped a possessive arm over her.
She felt the length of him, and the heat of his body penetrated her slowly and steadily, unlike the rush of heat from the fire’s flames. She rested her hand on his arm, glad that they’d made their love known to each other, glad that they would wed and eager for her husband’s touch.
Life was good, so very good, and she was grateful, and she fell asleep with happiness filling her heart.
It dawned sunny, the air less chilled. After a quick morning meal the small group was off for a day of mapping. They stopped at a section of land thick with trees. Magnus stood talking with Philip, while Reena was busy surveying the area. It was soon evident that she did not have a good view for mapping, and she turned in a slow circle to determine the best position.
After several slow turns, she tilted her head back, staring up at the tall tree not far from her. “Perfect.”
She fashioned a satchel of cloth from her shawl to carry her sketching items and draped it around her neck to rest to the side. She then proceeded to grab at the lower branch of the tree and pull herself up.
Magnus caught her antics out of the corner of his eye and turned to watch her attempt to hoist herself up on the branch. Her feet swung wildly and her small hands looked as though they could barely hold onto the thick branch. She was going nowhere and tiring herself out fast, but she persisted.
He walked over to her. “Whatever are you doing?”
After a huff and puff or two she managed to answer. “Need a better view.”
He shook his head and with ease hoisted himself up onto the branch from where she dangled.
She cricked her neck and stared up at him. He did not wear his helmet; his handsome face was fully exposed down to his sinful smile, and the morning sun shone through the branches just budding with spring leaves to kiss the warm honey-colored streaks in his brown hair.
A handsome one he was, and he belonged to her.
“You smile as you dangle from the tree.”
“I smile at the man I love.”
He leaned over, grabbed her arms, and pulled her up, steadying her as her feet found their footing on the thick branch. “You are foolishly—”
“In love,” she finished and kissed him, almost sending them both toppling off the branch, were it not for Magnus’s quick reaction.
He steadied them and then braced her to rest against the thick trunk of the tree. “Is this tree climbing necessary?”
Reena looked up at the next branch.
“Absolutely not,” Magnus said, shaking his head firmly.
“I need a better view of the surrounding area. With the trees not fully in bloom I can see far and wide and produce a more accurate map. Then you will know all approaches to your land, for one map will follow the other and you will have a clear and concise drawing of your property.”
Magnus gave thought.
Reena suddenly looked alarmed.
“What is wrong?” Magnus asked and quickly surveyed the surrounding area. Seeing nothing to warrant concern, he turned his attention to Reena.
She immediately voiced her apprehension. “I will remain your mapmaker when we wed, will I not?”
Magnus took careful steps over to her side and placed a gentle hand to her cheek. “I would never deprive you of your work. I will provide you with paper, charcoal, quill and ink for as long as you wish, and you may map until your dying day if you so choose.”
Reena sighed in relief and kissed the palm of his hand.
