The anger, worry, frustration, fear, melted away and Arran wrapped her in a tight hug, relieved when he felt her arms close around him.
“I thought I’d lost you, wife,” he whispered, his heart pounding against his chest. “I cannot lose you.”
Purity felt tears prick at her eyes. His words were the closest he had ever come to telling her he loved her and hoped soared in her heart. “I truly am sorry. I never meant to worry you,” she whispered. “I love you, husband.”
He hugged her tighter, her words of love calming his heart.
Princess’s bark drew them apart and they looked to see everyone staring at them.
“I should have known from the first where you went,” Oria said, breaking the silence.
Purity’s smile eased the tension. “It has been so long since I’ve been there and King and Princess were eager to be out of the bedchamber.” She quickly looked to her husband. “I should have woken you. I’m sorry.”
“I think we can all use food and a drink this morning,” Oria said. “Come, and let’s share the morning meal together.” Oria stopped Quiver when he turned to walk away. “That includes you, Quiver.”
The thin man looked surprised as he quickly joined them.
They all turned and walked to the keep, Oria waiting a moment until the others were a distance away and looked to Arran and Purity. “Take your time to join us.”
Arran looked to Royden. “You have a wise wife.”
Royden nodded. “So do you.”
As soon as Royden and Oria walked off, Arran turned and took his wife’s face in his hands and kissed her. It was a demanding, possessive kiss, letting her know… “I won’t lose you. You’re mine now,” he whispered after resting his brow to hers.
Her heart filled with joy, since once again Purity felt that he expressed his love for her the only way he could—for now.
“And you’re mine and I won’t lose you either,” she whispered. “And again, I am sorry.”
He raised his brow off hers, shaking his head. “I should have realized you went into the woods—the one place you feel at home.”
“I woke and you weren’t there so—”
“I’ll be there when you wake from this day on,” he said, realizing he had failed to be there for her when in need.
“Only if you truly want to be, Arran,” she said and smiled when her stomach grumbled. “I was up early and saw King and Princess fed, but waited to share the meal with you.”
An apology wavered on his lips for how he had treated her, but for some reason would go no further. While captive, he had learned that to apologize was a sign of weakness and learned never to offer one. It was far too ingrained in him to do so now, even if she deserved one.
He took her hand. “Come then and let us eat.”
“Were you told as I was that my father is away for at least a week?” Purity asked as they walked toward the keep.
“I was told and from the smile on your face I would say that it pleases you as much as it did me.”
“It does. I’m glad we can spend more time here before we have to go to my home,” she said, hugging his arm while leaning her head against it.
He enjoyed how easily she touched him and comfortably leaned against him. It was an intimacy he had never experienced before. He had shared many a quick poke, but never had he shared a comfortable intimacy with a woman as he did now with his wife.
“I thought I’d spend some time with Oria today. It has been so long since we’ve had a chance to talk,” Purity said as they neared the keep.
A surge of annoyance hit him and he had to tamp it down. Was he actually jealous that his wife would spend time with someone else? That was nonsense. He was simply worried as to her whereabouts.
“You will stay in the keep?” he asked, though it sounded more like a command.
She leaned her head back. “The gathering clouds and the heavy chill in the air would advise so.”
He hadn’t even noticed the clouds or the chill. He’d been too concerned about finding her, but she was right. The day did not appear promising and there was a scent of rain yet come.
“Where in the keep will you be?” he asked.
“Probably, Oria’s solar, and I imagine you will be spending time with your father and brother in Royden’s solar,” she said, turning a pleasant smile on him.
He couldn’t get over the difference in her when she smiled. Was that why he had never noticed her before? Surely, he would have spotted her beauty if she had smiled. He couldn’t shed the thought as they entered the keep. Why? Why had he failed to see her beauty before now?