Claire could feel Cal’s eyes on her. She sat on the floor attempting to read the book he’d given her for her nineteenth birthday, but between the constant tug on her head and Cal’s continual appraisal she couldn’t seem to understand the words on the page. She flinched, but remained still. Behind her Midlyn and Lilith attempted to “braid” her hair. However, it felt more as though they were weaving a net.
“Girls, why don’t you run along and play outside for a minute, there’s something I want to speak to Claire about.” Claire glanced at him curiously, but helped the girls down from the bench so they could run outside.
“What’s going on?” She asked, patting cautiously at the mess of her hair as he moved towards her.
“Nothing really, I just wanted to steal some alone time with you, that ok?” He gestured to the brush. Claire picked it up to make room for him on the bench she leaned against.
“Sure,” she smiled, beginning the tedious task of combing her hair. “I have no idea how I am going to get all these rats out.”
“Here, let me try.” He took the brush and slipped behind her. “You’re right; I’m not so sure we can get all the tangles out. We might have to chop it all off. Oh, sorry,” he apologized when she winced.
“Sometimes I don’t know what I’m getting myself into when those two get an idea.” She nearly jumped when the brush caught on another knot. “I have the same feeling when I’m around you half the time.”
“Really?” He sounded pleased.
“Really, but not necessarily in a good way.” She elbowed his leg.
“Ouch. Not sure what hurts more, my shin or my pride,” he grinned, massaging his leg. “I don’t think I deserved that.”
“Oh, if you haven’t earned it yet, I am positive you will at some point today. Look at it this way now you have a freebee so the first stupid thing you do today you won’t get hit for.” She smiled sweetly over her shoulder. In the last several weeks their relationship had blossomed and Claire found that she quite enjoyed their banter. They spent many hours whispering and laughing together when they found time alone. They were alone now.
“That a promise?” He asked, smoothing the brush through her hair to release the last of the tangles.
“Yep.”
“Good.” He dropped the brush.
Caught off guard, Claire found herself whirled around, lifted and placed comfortably in his lap. “What are you…” Her words were cut off by his mouth crushing hers. She struggled at first, but slowly relaxed and melted into his embrace, thoroughly enjoying the way his lips felt on hers. When the kiss ended he quickly pulled back.
“Remember, I had a freebee,” he said, his hands up and ready to block the blow that didn’t come. “Glad to know you keep your promises.” He dropped his hands, one reaching behind to rest on her hip while the other draped across her lap. He gave her a dashing smile.
“I said it was a credit for doing something stupid. I’ve been waiting for you to do that for days.” He blinked in surprise at this admission and then gave a half-c****d grin.
“Well, Hunny, anytime I can grant your wishes I am glad to oblige.” He pulled her closer and gave her another one, this one softer and sweeter.
“Where’s Claire? I thought you were doing her hair?” Keith’s voice drifted in from the open doorway. Claire groaned and rested her forehead against Cal’s, savoring their last seconds of privacy.
“Cal had ta talk ta her, they’re inside,” a sweet voice chimed. Claire moved from Cal’s lap and straightened her clothing just as Keith’s frame filled the open doorway.
“And what is going on in here?” he grinned knowingly and took a moment to observe the two. “Now, if I didn’t know any better, I would swear I was looking into the two guiltiest faces I’ve ever seen.”
“Don’t be absurd, Keith,” she said with a laugh that sounded guilty to her own ears. “What are you doing home so soon? I thought you and Mark were going into town.”
“We did. He stayed with Clarissa, I came back.” He looked from Claire to Cal, and Claire chanced a glance over her shoulder. Cal stood behind the bench; his hands locked in front of him looking like Lilith did every time she was caught stealing from the treat jar. “I’m sorta glad Mark stayed in town now.” There was a teasing hint in his voice, but his eyes had an intense look. “If you two are done with your alone time I need to speak to Cal for a moment.”
“What’s happening?” Panic filled her. First Mark had demanded to talk to Cal and now Keith wanted a secret conversation with him? Had they received new information about Leishmann’s movements? She had hoped that Cal would tell her what he and Mark had discussed, but he kept his lips tight on the subject. Now with Keith asking for him she was growing highly suspicious.
“Please Claire, I need a moment with Cal.” Claire looked at him suspiciously and looked at Cal again over her shoulder. Cal was staring intently at Keith and that only confirmed in her mind there was bad news.
“Whatever you say can be said with me here.” She stubbornly folded her arms over her chest.
“No, C, I think you should excuse us. This is a private conversation.” She turned to Cal and attempted to read his stony gaze, still not believing he had just dismissed her. “We’ll come find you when we are through.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and gently urged her forward.
Reluctantly she walked to the door, pausing to glance back one last time. Cal and Keith were staring at each other intently, mysterious messages passing between them. She felt left out, but at the same time knew that she needed to leave them alone. With a sigh she left them to themselves and became immediately surrounded by two girls caught up in a frenzied game of tag. She attempted to allow the childish laughter to distract her from the possible secrets being discussed behind the door.
***
“Want some tea?” Keith asked when the door closed.
“Do you want tea?” Cal asked suspiciously.
“You’re right, I probably need something stronger. Too bad I don’t drink!” he grinned. Cal chuckled in return.
“Tea’s good.” He gestured for Keith to lead the way.
“Have a seat,” Keith invited, moving the ever-present kettle of hot water from its hot stone by the fire. The silence was unnerving, but Cal watched Keith make the tea and refill the kettle, setting it back on the stone to heat for the next person. He silently waited for him to start the conversation, but it wasn’t until Keith placed two steaming cups on the table that he began to speak.
“Another group of men showed up in the encampment last night. They state Leishmann and his followers are making their way to the Winslands. One man was especially interested in speaking directly to you. I am unsure how he knows you’re here, but he does.” Cal stared at Keith, surprised at the direction of the conversation.
“Leishamnn hasn’t been to Winsland for years. I wonder what prompted the urge to visit.” Keith raised a brow at Cal’s choice of words. “So what’s the man’s name? And did he mention anything new about the witch? ” Cal asked, lifting his tea cup for a cautious sip. He was surprised at how pleasant it tasted.
“Still unknown, some of the people from the grasslands swear she was in Nymac before Claire returned to Danyon, but she seems to have disappeared.”
“I think that’s where I should start then,” Cal said after a moment of thought, setting his cup on the table.
“So you are still determined to leave?” Keith asked. Cal nodded once.
“I have no other choice. I‘ve already dallied too long. If we are to have any chance against Leishmann, I need to go after Teisha and then you know what I need to do after that.” Keith nodded, his gaze dropping from Cal to his own cup of steaming liquid.
“Have you told Claire about the mission yet?” Silence answered Keith’s question. “She won’t take it well if you continue to hide it from her. You guys are starting to build something and you leaving will upset her more than you realize.”
“I know. I was planning on telling her today, but you interrupted us. It’s kind of the perfect time. I have a violence credit in my favor.”
“Take advantage of that while you can, but I doubt it will save you,” Keith chuckled. Cal grinned; he doubted ten credits could save him from her wrath.
“What are your intentions with Claire?” Keith asked abruptly. Cal sighed. He couldn’t expect to hide behind the war talk forever. After talking with Mark days earlier they had found Keith and discussed their plan, but Cal’s feelings for Claire had been left out of the conversation.
“What was the guy’s name?” Cal asked again, attempting to side-step the topic.
“Nope, we’ll come back to that one.” Cal only smiled at Keith. He had figured it wouldn’t work, but had to try.
“I love her,” Cal stated with conviction.
“Tell me something I don’t know. Have you told her?”
“Not directly, but I’ve hinted.” He ran his hand through his hair. “With Teisha and Leishmann’s army hanging over us, I’m not sure it’s the best time.”
“She’s been head over heels in love with you since Tyrell,” Keith said, taking a sip of his tea. “Mark and I have known you were the one she wanted when you came over that night to watch that stupid movie. We knew you would be asking for her sooner or later. You wear your feelings for my sister on your sleeve. Because every day is not promised it is all the more important for you to tell her how you feel.”
“So you’re not mad?”
“I’m not happy about it if that’s what you mean. She’s my baby. I raised her, taught her to walk and talk. I dried her tears, I’ve made her laugh. I told her bedtime stories and had tea parties with her. I was her pony, her knight, her hero.
“She is more like my daughter than she is my sister. Until now the only men in her life have been me and Mark.” Keith sighed. “A man’s greatest fear is that someday his little girl will grow up, find a man of her own, and no longer need him.
“Mark and I are her fathers. Neither one of us want to be replaced.” Keith placed his hand on Cal’s shoulder. “Hell, you have been our greatest fear since she was eight years old and started planning weddings for her dolls. You are my worst nightmare realized. ” Cal smiled, knowing the time would come when he would feel the same way.
“What’s the man’s name?”
“Trift.” Cal paled at Keith’s pronouncement.
“He’s one of Leishmann’s servants. If he has left the castle to bring me a message it has put him in danger.”
“Which means the news cannot be good,” Keith added. Cal confirmed with a nod. He strode to the door and called for Claire. When she stepped through the door he pulled her into the kitchen and away from Keith.
“A group of men have joined us. Among them is a man that works in Leishmann’s castle. I need to go and speak to him. I promise as soon as I get back I will tell you what he said, but I am going to ask you to please stay here with Keith and the children.
“If he was followed I do not want you or your brothers near the camp. As it is, if they only see me then I can claim I am recruiting and training more forces for Leishmann’s army. Do you understand?” Claire nodded and Cal exhaled in relief that it didn’t become a fight. “I will hurry. Go find Shaylee and have her go to town and bring Mark back here in case the village has been infiltrated. I believe she and Marcel are in the garden. I will see you as soon as I return.” He kissed her firmly on the lips then disappeared.
When he left she stood in shock, staring at Keith who had witnessed the interaction. He was actually smiling!
“Well what are you standing around for, let’s go find Shaylee.” Claire’s eyes brightened and she knew for the first time that Keith accepted her relationship with Cal.
Aksara