Her hand went to her stomach. “Our babe. How wonderful that would be, though I think speaking with Kellmara may also help. Dawn suggested that I should. She feels that if he truly is my father, he would want to see me happy. And the only way he can do that is if he got to know me.”
“My sister is wise beyond her years.”
“I do not know how she does it, not being able to speak, and yet she does not let it stop her. And she is favored and respected by the villagers. She is truly a remarkable woman.”
“She is and I am so glad that my father and I found her, especially after losing my sister Teressa. She was much like Dawn.”
“She could not speak?”
Torr had not thought about discussing with her the affliction that plagued the women of his family. But she had a right to know, so he did not hesitate to tell her. “It seems that most of the women in my family are born voiceless like Dawn. No one knows why. It simply happens.”
“So we could very well have a voiceless daughter?”
“Yes. How do you feel about that?”
Wintra let out a hefty sigh and drifted off into thought for a few moments, to Torr not a good sign.
“I will need to learn more about how Dawn gestures so that I may teach our daughter if she should be born that way, though she will have a strong voice just like her Aunt Dawn. I will also make certain she learns how to defend herself as Cree has taught me, though you will also see that she knows how to handle weapons. And, of course, we will have many sons to protect her, though if we have more daughters than sons, then we will teach them to protect one another.”
Torr hugged her tight. “God, Princess, I was blessed the day I met you.”
She kissed his cheek. “Fate was certainly on our side that day.” She yawned.
“You should get some sleep.”
“I could use some sleep,” she admitted, her eyes growing heavy.
They drifted off together, sleeping the night through.
Wintra woke to see Torr getting dressed. “You leave me?”
“I thought you could use some rest.” He leaned down and kissed her quick, not trusting himself to linger.
She frowned when he hurried away from her and to the door though her mind had a quick thought and she laughed and jumped out of bed naked, extending her arms out to him just as he was about to step beyond the curtain. “Are you sure we do not have enough time to—”
Torr turned and had her on the bed and on her back in an instant. And he was inside her just as quickly, all the while cursing himself for not having enough strength to leave when he should have. But then he would have missed sharing the explosive climax they shared.
“You tempt me much too much,” he said lifting off her and standing to adjust his garments. “But then you satisfy me like no other.”
“Truly?” she asked eagerly.
“Yes, truly.” He gave her a quick kiss and headed once again to the door.
“Torr.”
He stopped though did not dare turn to look at her.
“I love you.”
He turned then. “Not as much as I love you.”
Before she could argue, he hurried out the door.
~~~
The Earl of Kellmara’s head shot up as Torr entered the Great Hall.
Cree motioned for him to join them at the dais. Torr nodded and took the seat next to Cree, not trusting himself to sit beside Kellmara.
“The King’s emissary will speak to both of you today so that we can get this settled immediately,” Kellmara said.
“My wife and I are eager to talk with the emissary. I am sure he will see what you refuse to that Wintra and I love each other and are happy together.” Torr said in a tone that left no doubt he meant it.
“The emissary will be the judge of that,” Kellmara said.
“Enough!” Cree commanded. “My sister will not be going with you, emissary’s decision or not, until I have a chance to speak with the King.”
Dawn entered the Great Hall then, a smile on her face and her hands gesturing.
Cree scowled and shook his head.
Dawn was persistent and gestured again, pointing to the Earl of Kellmara.
Cree turned to the man. “My wife invites you to our wedding celebration, though I have repeatedly told her that you will not be here by then.”
“When is it?” Kellmara asked.
“Two weeks,” Cree said.
“I would love to partake in your celebration,” Kellmara said, “as long as you do not mind that I extend my stay.”
Dawn answered with a shake of her head and a smile.
Cree did not know what his wife was up to, but she was definitely up to something. And as for Kellmara? He was trying to ensure that he would be able to remain here until all was settled with Wintra.