Kenna-
After returning to the keep, I went about my afternoon activities, staying busy until Seth came in for the evening. We’d spent quite a bit of time cultivating the garden together during the few months we’d been married. In addition to growing some food crops for our family, there were different herbs for seasonings. My favorite part was the flower garden. While there were many varieties, my favorites were the “Kennas” Seth had magickally made for me. There were tucked away in spots all around the garden and courtyard. I teased him for doing it on purpose, so I’d never forget him.
“That just means I’m a brilliant man,” had been his reply. “This way, I’ll know you don’t have time to think of anyone else.”
Laughing, I hugged him. “I don’t want to think of anyone else.”
The memory made me smile at first, but soon it slipped into a frown. While the words had been true when I spoke them, they weren’t wholly accurate now. There were times I thought of another man. A gorgeous, dark-haired man with full lips, gentle hands, and eyes of cornflower blue. Those eyes were mesmerizing. They held so many unspoken words and secrets in them.
“Stop it!” I whispered sharply to myself as I grabbed a bucket and set to work watering the plants, picking a select few for some arrangements. I forced myself to pay attention to each leaf, checking for signs of rust or bug damage. My eyes skimmed the surface of every bed, looking for even the most minuscule weed to pull. I wished I could pull the one in my head. No matter how many times I tried to pluck it out of my mind, it always managed to grow back.
Straightening, that gave me an idea. Maybe I should tell Grandpa about my nighttime visitations. He might be able to help me. Seth would be the one to ask about herbs, though. He could grow anything I needed instantly. I just hated to ask him because it would make him worried about me. Maybe I could do it in a way where I didn’t have to mention my midnight lover. It was humiliating to be dreaming of someone else when I was so happily married to Seth and carrying our child. My life couldn’t be more perfect—if only I could stop the dreams.
Once I finished in the courtyard, I gathered my basket of cut flowers and wandered toward the kitchen area of the keep. I knew Bethna would be preparing dinner for everyone, as she did nightly. I enjoyed visiting with her while arranging the flowers in clay vases to go in the different rooms. Fresh flowers had been something I enjoyed my whole life.
As I drew closer to the kitchen, I caught a whiff of some mouthwatering scents. I hadn’t asked what was on the menu tonight, but I knew it would be delicious. Bethna always whipped up the best food.
Only moments later, I heard voices. As I drew closer to the doorway, I understood some of the clipped phrases.
“What did you tell her?” Grandpa Damien asked, and I was surprised. He was home earlier than expected from his business in the village.
“I did as you asked,” Bethna replied, and strangely, it seemed like there was a hint of fear in her voice. “I told her it was not safe, and you wanted us to stay away from the area.”
“Has she seen anything?” Again, the harshness of my grandfather’s tone gave me pause. Something wasn’t right here.
“Not to my knowledge, milord. I think the child was simply overheated and wanted to get out of the sun. Carrying a babe inside can make women feel so much warmer.”
“You see to it that she doesn’t venture anywhere near those woods. Understand me?” Grandpa growled the words at Bethna, and my eyes widened. I’d never heard him use a tone like this in my life. It was unsettling to me. “I want eyes on Kenna every minute during the day. Make sure she never attempts to enter those woods.”
“As you wish,” Bethna replied solemnly.
Turning, I hurried down the hallway and around the corner, steadying myself with a few deep breaths. Once I was sure my composure was safely intact, I continued toward the kitchen, humming a tune with a slight smile plastered on my lips.
Grandpa Damien’s tall frame filled the doorway, and I stopped short.
“Sorry! Didn’t mean to almost run you over,” I said, noting his frown. “You’re home early. What a nice surprise.”
My grandfather’s face changed from stern to relaxed and grinning. “There’s my beautiful girl. You look happy today. What’s got you in such a joyous mood?”
Laughing lightly, I popped up and kissed his cheek. “You know how much I love working with flowers,” I replied, continuing past him. “I’m getting ready to make fresh vases for dinner and our bedrooms.”
“Our home is always so cheery thanks to you, my sweetling. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’ll never be without me,” I replied, taking his hand, and gently squeezing it. “So, you don’t have to worry about it.”
Grandpa Damien smiled. “You make my life worth living. I hope you know that.”
“You’re the one who raised this incredible family. Give yourself some credit.”
His features darkened a bit, puzzling me. He seemed to be in such an odd mood as he released my hand, letting it fall to my side. “Yes, I did create this family, didn’t I?” A second later, he lifted his head and smiled. “If only all my days might have been as happy as we are now. Life would’ve been so nice if your parents were here.”
“I love listening to your stories about them. It makes me feel like I knew them a little.”
“Anything you want to know; you only must ask. Being only two when they died of the fever, I’m certain your parents want me to keep the memories alive in your mind. They both adored you.” Hand sliding over his chest, he rested it against his heart, patting it softly. “I miss those two so much. I wish they would’ve lived long enough for you to remember, too.”
“The fact that you know is enough for me,” I replied, moving around him, and taking several vases off the shelf. “At least I can know their love through you. That’s all that matters to me.”
My attention centered on my task, and when I glanced up, he was staring wistfully at me. I caught his eye, and he straightened, flashing me a wink before he moved out the door. “Let me know when dinner is ready. I’ll be in my study.”
“Yes, milord,” Bethna replied.
“Will you be needing my help with anything tonight?” I asked her.
“No, thank you. I think I have everything covered.”
“All right. I will finish up these flowers and take them around. Then I’ll set the table for you.”
Bethna smiled and nodded.
Slowly, I released a sigh of relief. Neither Grandpa nor Bethna seemed aware that I’d heard part of their conversation. I needed to pay attention to my activities because Seth and I were clearly being watched. Maybe I would ask him about the woods later to see if he’d noticed anything. Of course, I didn’t want to worry him either. Curiosity fueled my determination, urging me to figure out what was going on. If Seth didn’t want to help, then I would do it on my own.
“What’s up with you tonight?” Seth asked, closing the door behind us as we entered our room. “You’ve been fidgeting in your seat next to me during dinner. Are you feeling well?”
Sighing, I moved toward the plush bed, flopping on it. “I’m fine.” I glanced toward the doorknob. “Did you latch it?”
Seth reached behind him, sliding the latch into place. “Dare I hope you’ve just been excited to get in here and have your way with me?”
Grinning, I shook my head. “No.”
“Dang it!” he replied with a wink. “And I was so looking forward to it.” He began unbuttoning his shirt, revealing his sun-bronzed skin.
“I didn’t say it couldn’t happen,” I added, admiring his honed physique. “It’s just not why I’m feeling the way I am.”
This time, Seth paused and turned to study me. “Is the baby doing all right?”
“Yes, yes,” I replied, quickly waving my hand. “As far as I can tell, our baby bean sprout is doing fine.”
“Good,” Seth replied, his features relaxing. “Then what’s going on in that head of yours?”
Sitting up, I scooted closer to the headboard, adjusting the pillows behind my back. “I want to know, what is happening in the trees near the far pasture?”
Shock was the first thing I noticed, but he quickly schooled that into a semi scowl. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t give me the runaround. You know something. I could see it on your face when I asked.”
Irritation flashed briefly over his features, and I realized I’d read him correctly. Seth stared at me for a few moments before continuing. “I might know something, but that still doesn’t mean I know what you’re talking about. Can you fill me in a little more on the details?”
“Not until you tell me what you know.” I wasn’t trying to be an ass. I wanted to know if he was speaking about something different altogether.
“A couple of days ago, I thought I saw a pair of Fae warriors watching us from the trees. I’m certain they saw me watching them. They were both dressed in green livery with gold trim, suggesting they work as part of a team, possibly for one of the realms. I told Grandpa that evening. He said not to worry about it, and he’d make sure things got taken care of.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, feeling slightly hurt that he’d purposefully kept me from the loop.
“Because, my beautiful wife, you are taking care of more important things.” He crawled beside me on the bed and placed a peck against my cheek before rubbing my belly. “I love watching the changes happening to you.”
Laughing, I pushed him away slightly. “You’re trying to slyly change the subject. It isn’t going to work. I want to know what’s going on in those trees. Bethna was positively cagey when I asked her about it while bringing the water out.”
Seth grew more serious. “What did she have to say? How did this conversation even come up?”
“It was hot, and I thought about sitting under the trees to rest in the shade. Plus, I wanted to stay there a bit longer and watch you work. My eyes miss you if I go too long without seeing you.”
The grin was back. “Just your eyes, huh? You sure there isn’t more of you that misses me?”
Rolling my eyes, I shoved at him playfully. “Stop trying to distract me.”
“But it’s so fun,” he replied, flashing that boyish mischievous smile. “Besides, it makes me feel good that you like to look at me.”
“Whatever. You know you’re gorgeous,” I said. “May I continue?”
“Please.” He swept out a hand, gesturing for me to go on. “You were hot and wanted some shade.”
“Yes, when I mentioned it to Bethna, she got weird on me. She said the area gave her a bad feeling, and she thought she’d seen something lurking.”
“Lurking? Like what?” Seth seemed confused.
“I don’t know. I tried to press her on it more, and she simply said Grandfather wanted us to stay away from the area. That seemed odd since we’ve played all over these lands growing up. Grandpa never said there was anything to be afraid of.”
Seth pursed his lips, his brow furrowing, but he didn’t say anything.
“What made it even weirder,” I continued, dropping my voice lower and glancing to the door, “is when Grandpa got home. I overheard him and Bethna talking about our conversation. She told him she’d followed his instructions and told me to stay away. He said he wanted me watched every minute of every day. He said I’m never to be allowed near those trees.”
Releasing a long breath, Seth opened his arms, and I scooted closer to lay inside them. “I don’t know of anything sinister going on in the area. I wonder if Damien or Bethna also noticed the Fae soldiers before I mentioned anything. I could see where that might make either of them feel uneasy. My advice is, don’t worry about it now. Steer clear of the place, and all will be fine, it sounds like. However, while working in that area, I’ll pay special attention. I’ll report back to you and Grandpa if I see anything troubling. How does that sound?”
I shrugged. “I appreciate it, but I also wish Grandpa trusted us enough to let us know what’s happening. If there’s a threat, we should be told so we can look out for each other. I don’t like that he feels the need to do everything himself. Sometimes he seems so guarded.”
Seth placed a light kiss against my head. “I don’t think he’s trying to be malicious, Kenna. I think he just wants to know his family is protected. He takes that job very seriously.”
“You’re right. I just don’t want him to overdo it. He needs to be a part of his grandchild’s life. It would break my heart if something happened to him. I love him so much.”
“We both adore you,” Seth said, squeezing me tighter. “I’ll keep an eye on him too when I can. Just remember, he’s a very powerful man. I don’t think he’s even close to dying.”
“I know. I worry too much.” Running my hand down his arm, I laced my fingers with his. “My family is precious to me. I don’t have much of it, so I need to protect who I have.”
“Your family is my family, too,” Seth replied. “I’m right there with you. Safety is everything.”
“Promise me you’ll be careful?” I asked, tilting my head so I could stare at his face. “If something happens, run away. Get out of there!”
Seth chuckled and kissed my forehead. “It’s going to be okay. I promise not to get into trouble.”
“You’re my everything,” I said, my heart overflowing with emotion. “I couldn’t live without you.”
“And I don’t want to live without you either,” he replied. “Now, stop all this crazy talk and kiss me. I’ve been dreaming of this moment all day.”
He knew me so well. This was a request I couldn’t possibly resist.