Flora went and fetched her cloak from where she had left it, slipped it over her shoulders and shivered with relief, the bedchamber colder than when she last left it. She returned to Torin and tapped at his chest a few times, the strength of his muscles beneath sending a strange yet pleasant sensation through her.
“You, my husband, are in need of love,” she said and walked out of the room.
Torin shook his head and hurried after her to precede her down the dark stairwell to keep her safe and he could not help but wonder how it would feel to fall in love with his wife.
* * *
“Haveyou run out of breath to talk, wife?” Torin teased when she barely said a few words to him after supper.
She laughed softly. “Never will that happen. Exhaustion has caught up with me from the journey here. I feel as if I could sleep an entire day but with so much to be accomplished in the keep tomorrow, I believe I should seek my bed early. There is, however, the consummation of our vows to consider. Your kiss made me more than curious about coupling, but I honestly believe we owe it to each other to make sure this marriage is what we want. It will not hurt us to wait a month or more to make certain.”
He laughed hardily. “There is no way I will wait a month or more to bed you. I will give you a week, no more, to adapt to me and your new home. After that, our vows get sealed, and we forever remain husband and wife.”
“A week seems hardly sufficient for such a serious commitment.”
“I will not bargain with you on this, wife. I will give you a week since by then your endless questions and curiosity will have you knowing all you need to know about what awaits you as my wife and life here in the Highlands.”
Flora stood with a stretch. “I accept, husband, and I am pleased that you will be tolerant of all my endless questions and respond without hesitation or annoyance.”
Torin’s smile faded. “When did I agree to that?”
“When you said that my endless questions and curiosity will have me knowing all I need to know, which means you will willingly answer any and all questions I ask of you.” She yawned as she stretched her shoulders back.
“You use my words against me,” he argued.
“Did you not speak the truth?”
“Of course, I did,” he said. “I have no reason to lie to you.”
“There then you admit it and I am pleased to know you will be truthful with me since I will always be truthful with you even when you may not like what I say.”
“That, my dear wife, is probably going to be more often than I would like.”
“At least it will not be unexpected, husband.” Flora smiled and went and sat on the bed. “Where will you sleep tonight?”
It was Torin’s turn to smile. “Beside you.” Her shock actually kept her from responding and he went on to explain. “I told you that from this point on we would always share a bed. That does not mean I will always bed you.”
“What if I want you to?”
Of course, his shaft sprang to attention at that.
“I will do my best to make it so,” he said.
“And if I do not care for coupling?” she asked.
His shaft withered in disappointment as did he. “I want bairns at least four of them, lie with me when necessary and I will not bother you otherwise.”
“Will you seek out other women then?”
“Men have needs, Flora, as do women, but if you’re a woman who does not like coupling, I will not force it on you. But that does not mean I will not fulfill my needs.”
Flora tapped her chin. “This is all remarkably interesting, and I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I must admit though, I do not like the thought of you bedding other women. You are my husband, and I should be able to please you. You will allow me time to learn and not mind tutoring me if needed?”
His shaft came back to life. “Aye, I will do that. I told you earlier I will teach you all you need to know.”
“I do appreciate that, and you should know I am a fast learner.” She yawned again.
He hoped not too fast since it would be enjoyable teaching her. “You are tired. Sleep.” He stood and went to the door.