Chapter 12
Kallen sensed the change in Sir Griffith.
In the dark, with only moonlight to mark their way, colors shone brightly.
The constant shades of blues that dogged her escort began to blend into one band, and even that band became faint.
Instead of indicating how sad and wistful Sir Griffith was, how he lived in the past, the new blue showed more that he was honest and patient, even contemplative.
Kallen knew the nobleman had come to some life decision about his deceased wife, but she had no idea what sparked this change.
Now his bands grew more vibrant than before in their color.
As she saw earlier, he was a rainbow of colors, unlike anyone she had ever encountered.
The yellow revealed his intellect and good mood, while the purple showed his athleticism and confidence.
A different band that had not appeared earlier, one of bright green, showed a healing or new growth within him.
He possessed more balance now than when they’d first met.
Kallen also became aware of the quickening of her heartbeat, the lopsided turn of her stomach, how every breath came shallow and quick. What did these things have to do with this nobleman? They were connected, as she did not experience these symptoms when away from him.
She beheld the structure they approached and blurted out, “I can’t imagine how many trees were felled for such a stack of wood. ‘Tis almost wasteful, I would think.”
He laughed heartily, a sound she found comforting. “You must keep that notion to yourself, my lady. Lord Percival’s workers would take it as insult. Every All Hallow’s Eve bonfire must burn brightly. ‘Tis how this land has always done things, back to ancient times.”
“Then I shall be a perfect guest and smile at its great height, I suppose.”
“Where would you like to stand? Here?”
Kallen glanced around as others in the crowd began to approach. “Yes, I can see all from this spot, and hopefully the blaze won’t singe me.”
After a few more minutes, Lord Percival’s tenants surrounded the stack of wood.
The nobleman made his way to the front and gave a long-winded speech that Kallen found she could not possibly listen to.
Instead, she became fascinated by the many couples that paired off.
Was it the apples and such nonsense that led men and women to act so cozily?
Or was Sir Griffith correct in thinking many of these already knew whom they wish to couple with, the feast day and its customs being their excuse?
Her gaze skimmed the group present. Many men had their arms about a woman, while others stole kisses as the clouds drifted across the sky, hiding the moon’s light momentarily. Although she thought seeing such actions would cause her embarrassment, she found quite the opposite was true.
She longed to be receiving such amorous attentions.
And she wanted very badly that they come from Sir Griffith.
The thought shocked her. She had never, ever contemplated such wicked doings.
Mother Superior often railed against the sins of the flesh.
No, Kallen admitted silently, her daydreams had been about what life was like outside the convent, what it would be if she could wear bright, pretty clothes, about wishing she could discover she had a family somewhere.
Never about kisses and caresses.
Until now.
Suddenly, Kallen sensed a new awareness within her. Sir Griffith stood next to her, slightly behind her, giving off a heat that radiated sweet warmth. She was aware of him as a man—his scent, his height, his strength.
Instinct told her this spelled trouble.
She lifted a hand in front of her and stared at it, wishing for once she could read her own aura.
“Are you growing hot from the blaze, my lady?”
His voice startled her from her reverie. “Why do you ask?”
The earl shrugged. “I thought mayhap the flames grew too warm for your comfort.”
Kallen looked up and realized the bonfire was already lit, the flames reaching their fingers into the night sky. The crowd, illuminated by the strong light, watched in amazement.
“’Tis an awesome sight,” she said weakly, not believing she’d missed its lighting.
“Quite impressive indeed.” He placed a hand upon the small of her back. “Are you certain you don’t want to retreat a bit?”
Retreat? The only thing that warmed her was the heat of his palm as it penetrated her surcoat and kirtle.
“Nay, I like the warmth,” she said softly, willing him to leave his hand there.
And he did. Kallen leaned slightly into it, feeling his strength, savoring his masculine scent.
“Are you weary, my lady?” he asked softly.
“A bit.”
“Then we should make our way back to the castle.”
“Nay, wait a few more minutes, my lord.”
His hand floated up to her shoulder, and Kallen leaned more into him. Within his grasp she felt totally protected, a strange and new feeling.
One she liked very much.
Griffith realized Kallen was more tired than she imagined.
They had traveled several days now, which she was unused to, and she’d ridden alone for the first time today, an action that always brought about soreness.
The late hour and the rich foods she’d consumed also added to her fatigue.
He should escort her back to the castle now.
But he chose not to. The feel of her against him was too pleasurable. She smelled of lavender, one of his favorite scents.
“Are you chilled, my lady?”
She hesitated a moment. “Just a little,” she admitted.
Griffith pulled her close, placing her in front of him, wrapping both arms about her.
"Here, share my warmth as you enjoy the burning fire.” He held her gently as she leaned against his chest. Without thinking, he brushed his lips upon her silken hair, his eyes closed.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so content.
They stood like that some minutes before the burning wood began to shift. As parts of the fire fell, the people gathered jumped back amidst squeals and shouts.
“We should return to the castle,” he murmured close to her ear, wishing to nibble on her lobe with his teeth. Just the thought sent a quick shiver through him.
“Come.” He turned away from the bonfire and dropped his left arm from her front, but he kept the right one about her shoulders. She voiced no objection as they continued through the crisp night, the smell of burning wood wafting through the air.
They spoke no words until they reached inside the keep.
“May I escort you to your room?”
Lady Kallen nodded. They climbed the stairs slowly and walked down the stone corridor, their footsteps echoing in the heavy silence. A few lighted sconces guided their way.
“This is my bedchamber.”
Her voice sounded far away to him. The night took on a surreal air, and he wanted nothing more than to remain by her side.
“I wish this night would never end,” she said wistfully, echoing his own thoughts.
Griffith had not been impulsive in years, but suddenly he felt young and foolish. He spied an alcove directly across from her chamber door and without thought to the consequences pulled her into it.
“My lord—” she began, but he cut off her words with a kiss as he backed her against the wall. His hands ran down her arms as he entwined his fingers with hers.
The kiss started slow and sweet as he softly brushed his lips against hers, back and forth. He heard her sigh and became more daring, running his tongue along the seam of her mouth. Her lips parted in surprise, and he gently thrust his tongue inside, tasting the sweet nectar within.
Oh, she was heavenly. He raised her hands and brought them to his shoulders. She instinctively locked them around his neck. He wrapped his arms about her and drew her close. He wanted to feel her body next to his, feel her heart beating rapidly against his chest.
And he did. He deepened the kiss now, wanting more from her, giving of himself to her, his fingers running through her silky strands. Her body began to tremble, her own fingers playing with the hair at his nape, soft moans escaping from her.
Griffith tore his mouth from hers and moved to spread kisses along her jaw, down to her neck, and even lower. The sweet curve of her breasts had taunted him all night, and he ran a tongue along each, delighting in her shivers and moans.
He wanted nothing more than to peel her surcoat away to reveal her perfection, but if he did, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to control himself. He reclaimed her mouth with his and cupped her face between his hands. He pressed one more fervent kiss upon her lips and then released her.
Lady Kallen opened her eyes and stared up at him. In the dim light he could see her swollen lips, her breasts heaving as she tried to catch her breath. She leaned against the wall for support, her silvery blond hair mussed and tangled.
She was the most beautiful sight he could imagine. Griffith wanted to offer some explanation for his actions, knowing these were her first kisses, but the words froze in his throat.
Instead, he took a step toward her and captured her waist in his hands.
He bent and took possession of her mouth once again, his hunger for her surprising him.
The surprise faded as her mouth became his world, all thoughts simply on Kallen and pleasing her.
He took. She gave. He possessed. She allowed him full rein.
They clung to each other like ones starved for affection.
Griffith had allowed no one to come near him emotionally since Carina’s death.
He realized beyond Savina, no one had ever cared for Kallen.
He wanted to be the one to comfort her, protect her, bolster her self-confidence in her new and strange world.
Slowly, he broke the kiss and gazed down at her.
She smiled up at him. “’Tis much nicer than bobbing for apples.”