FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

Deragan was pleased when Bronwynn, now known as Ms. Morris, and her daughters joined him near the fire. More so when he noticed Nora partaking of a late-night snack of bread and cheese watching intently.

Unsure how she feels about them socializing with me.

She’s nothing to worry about. But it was true he did enjoy the company. It’s a relief to have someone here who knows what I am. Who’ll understand if the Knight Sleep comes upon me.

All three women leaned in as he told them about Meadowbrook, like eager children. Interest sparking in their eyes.

They’ve not been out of the Elven tunnels afore coming to Rosie and I. He recognized their awe.

The next day he noticed Nora passing the Dining Room doorway as Bronwynn offered him tea and Mary approached to see if he’d rather have some water. Offering to rub the tension from his shoulders.

Nora choked a little and walked quickly away. Heading up the stairs.

Probably thinking it odd her servants are so attentive to the guest.

They see me as their King currently. He knew. A smile turning his lips as he shook his head. Unsure how to handle this strange turn of events.

Thanks for this, Rosie. He grunted as he took a cup tea. Turning down the offer of a shoulder rub.

I prefer not to be touched by any woman but my mate. He typically acted contemptuously when women other than her tried to touch him. But he understood elven ways were different. These women are merely caretakers. Not trying to seduce me.

But Nora doesn’t know that. He reminded himself. Brow knitting as he watched her climb the stairs.

Her gaze was on the steps.

Refusing to look back at me.

I need to be careful she doesn’t confuse their kindness with me being charmed.

The next morning when they returned to sit around his feet next to the fire asking about the lands of Ardae, he didn’t know Nora had even come down until he heard Marcus Bishop speaking to her in a hushed voice next to the doorway.

“What are you doing lurking about here”

She murmured something so softly, even Deragan couldn’t quite hear it over Lily’s excited questions.

He put a finger to his lips and all three women obediently silenced. Twisting to look toward the doorway, following his gaze.

“If you feel left out it is only your own doing. Go in there. The girls and even Ms. Morris are personable enough. Especially the girls.”

“I noticed you thought they were.” Nor replied in a hushed whisper. Sounding accusing.

Marcus tilted so just his brown hair and eyes were visible peering through the doorway. Then he leaned from view just as slowly. “They’re staring.”

“Well, you’re being rude.”

“No. You’re being rude. Go in there and quit creeping.” Catching her upper arm, he shoved her into the Dining Room a stumbling step.

Looking stiff as a board and guilty as sin her blue eyes coursed over the four sets staring back at her.

“Good morning.” She greeted. Clearing her throat at the rough sound of her voice.

“Join us.” He called. We’re just talking about the adventures of the NightGuard. They’re unfamiliar with Nightway.” He gestured to the women. “And your brother told me much of them.”

“Nick?”

“No, me.” Marcus said sarcastically as he entered. Aiming for the tea platter to serve himself.

“We can do that!” Lily leapt to her feet to scurry over and pour him some.

“Why, thank you.” He beamed at her. Grinning charmingly.

A bit too charmingly. Deragan noticed. Deciding he’d have to fill the boy in on the innocence of these maids.

Not normal Grier maids experienced in the art of loveplay.

Nora sat on the bench and sipped her chocolate, furtively glancng over as she listened to the discussion. The next few nights would be similar.

It wasn’t long before Deragan was hungering for some time alone with her.

The following night as they completed the meal, the children and the twins scattered to their chambers to relax for the evening.

But Bronwynn and her daughters soon gathered for Deragan’s tales.

Nora stood and lifted her trencher.

Bronwynn leapt to her feet and held a hand out for the trencher. “We’ll get that.” She gestured to the ladies. “They usually do it after talking with him.”

“I know.” Nora said quietly. “They hang on his every word.” She commented feigning a teasing note in her voice.

She’s hurt. I need to let her know she’s my priority.

“They haven’t had an opportunity to talk to many people.” Bronwynn stacked the trenchers. “I assure you though, Miss Bishop. They’re no threat to you.” She offered as reassurance before sweeping from the room.

“He’s been good to us.” She commented as she returned for more trays.

Nora frowned. “But you hardly know him?”

Dammit. He looked up at her from under lowered lids as Lily and Mary spoke to him.

“You should probably help your mother.” He suggested. Hoping they’d distract Nora from the conversation.

Left alone, Deragan crouched before the fire to toss in another couple logs. Staring into the licking flames consuming the logs.

The first drops of rain hit the pane next to him and his attention moved toward it as the water trailed crystalline fingers down the glass. Brow furrowing his chair creaked as he whipped around to look at her, his face assessing.

She’s so disturbed she’s brought an onslaught of rain. I didn’t even know she had that ability back yet.

Unwilling to allow that penetrating gaze to see through her, she exited the room. Leaning against the wall outside she heard the click of boots over the floor and turned to see Sebastian entering the Dining Room through the door to the kitchen.

He shook his hair like a wild animal. Tossing droplets around the room. “What’s causing it?”

Deragan twisted to give him a long look. Nora’s upset.

Peering around the doorframe, Nora saw Bast stop behind Deragan to study the glass with a frown.

“What’d you do?”

“I don’t know.” Deragan said quickly.