Captive Heart (21 page)

Perhaps it was the gentle nature of his embrace, or the keen interest in his gaze, or merely the freshness of the spring day that overcame her usual reserve, but Celiese responded truthfully with one of her most frequent worries. “If I were to have your son, Mylan, would you set him free?”

Astonished by that totally unexpected query, Mylan grabbed her more securely, nearly shaking her as he asked, “What are you telling me, Celiese? Is this child a reality, or no more than a suspicion?”

Suspicion was scarcely the word, Celiese realized, for she was
terrified
she might already have become pregnant and wanted to know exactly what sort of life her child would have to face. “I am only asking the question because it is so strong a possibility, not because it has already happened.”

Relieved, Mylan relaxed his hold upon her slightly. “I see.” Chuckling softly to himself he then offered what he thought to be the most sensible reply. “Just bring me the child when he is born and I will decide then.”

Infuriated that he’d laugh at a matter that was so important to her, Celiese broke away from him and leapt to her feet. “I know a slave’s babe is a thrall too, a slave from the first breath he takes, but I had hoped you would think as much of our child as I will!” The man gave affection in such abundance, but why was it so empty, without the love she craved to inspire it? Searching her mind for a way to gain her own freedom and therefore free all her unborn children, Celiese stood proudly as she asked, “If I kill your bear, will you set me free?”

Getting to his feet and rising to his full height to give himself every advantage in their argument, Mylan continued to scoff at her fury. “Bring me his pelt and I may just do it.”

“No! I must have your word now!” Celiese demanded emphatically, not in the least bit intimidated by his height and strength as he towered above her.

That a mere woman, and a slender, pretty one, would suggest such an impossible task was so absurd that Mylan felt safe in agreeing. “I’ll give my word then, bring me proof the beast is dead and you shall be free.”

“It is agreed, then.” Celiese turned away to gather up the branches she’d found to make arrows, but her mind was already busily planning strategy. She lacked the strength to shoot arrows with sufficient power to slay a bear, so what weapon could she use?

Confused by the intensity of Celiese’s manner, Mylan shook his head in frustration. He knew he should have simply made love to her again rather than catering to her whims by answering her fanciful questions. Her figure bore no sign of incipient motherhood as yet, but he could not help count back over the days since their farcical wedding had taken place. Had she become pregnant that blasted night she’d know it by now, and he hurried after her, wondering how he could force that truth from her lips when she’d spoken no other credible words in the entire time he’d known her.

Chapter Eleven

The fields of grain were flourishing, the summer was full upon the land, and Mylan paused in his labors to wipe his brow. He’d been chopping the firewood they needed to roast the meat for their supper while Celiese had gone to bathe. She’d have his bath ready when he finished, but she still preferred the fresh running water of the stream to soaking in a warm tub as he did. Her fair hair sparkled in the sun, her skin glowed with the pretty bloom of youth, so obviously her preference for the chill water of the stream harmed neither her health nor her beauty in any way. He’d often invited her, but she would never join him in a hot bath, and the mere thought of their attempting to bathe together brought a mischievous grin to his lips. But in truth, he could not think of the lovely young woman without smiling widely.

Celiese had mastered each lesson he’d presented, and he no longer even considered the prospect of going hunting without her by his side. She had listened carefully to his instructions, then practiced so diligently with her newly made bow and arrows that she had soon proven astonishingly proficient. Were there ever need, he would not hesitate to send her out alone to bring home game for their table, but since that need had not arisen, he preferred that they hunt together. Her lively wit lit his days with laughter, while her delicate beauty continued to fill his nights with the indescribable joy of love. “Love.” He whispered the word softly to himself, knowing her love was only an illusion, a spell she wove with no more than a seductive glance as she came to his bed, but it was a magic he’d never tire of sharing. Despite his every attempt at caution, the delightful young woman had simply bewitched him. But too often of late she had been so lost in her own thoughts that she seemed unaware of his existence. He could fault neither her behavior nor her housekeeping, but he worried still that she held secrets in her heart that might again prove disastrous for them both.

“Mylan?” Celiese shook out her damp curls as she called his name. He had split enough logs to last them for many weeks since they no longer needed a fire for warmth in the evenings, and she could not understand his purpose. “Are you preparing for winter already?”

Finally noticing he had greatly exceeded his needs; Mylan turned her question aside with good humor. “It is never too early to begin the preparations for winter, Celiese, for it is long and harsh here, far different from those you’ve known on the coast.”

Coming near, Celiese reached out to touch his forearm gently. As usual, he’d discarded his tunic, and his warm skin felt so pleasant beneath her fingertips she did not lift her hand. “How did you pass the days when you had no one with whom to speak or share your meals?”

“I did not feel well enough to want company, but this winter I will have you to keep me amused.” He leaned down to bite her earlobe with a playful growl, sending her backing away with a lilting giggle that amused him all the more.

“Beast!” Celiese called over her shoulder as she ran toward the house, but the prospect of spending the winter in his arms was so thrilling she could not hide her happiness. With luck she would be a free woman by then, his woman still, but by choice rather than command.

Although he did not comment, Mylan considered the supper Celiese served him most delicious. She had a natural talent for cooking, which had developed rapidly once she had an opportunity to practice her skills. As usual, she had steamed the vegetables from his garden, then sprinkled them with herbs he’d found in the forest, so that their flavor was perfection. He’d never tasted better fowl than she prepared, and she’d roasted the wild hen they’d shot to a succulent brown that melted in his mouth. In so many ways she was a treasure.

When he’d eaten his fill, Mylan shoved his plate away and withdrew from his pocket an intricately fashioned silver chain. Holding it up for Celiese to see, he said, “I found this as I was getting dressed this evening. I thought I’d lost it, but it has been a long while since I wore this particular pair of trousers, so the necklace was only mislaid. Have you ever seen one of these?”

Taking the pretty chain in her hands, Celiese found it held a delicate silver charm in the shape of a hammer. For an instant she could not comprehend its significance, then realized what it must be. “Is this a replica of Thor’s hammer?”

“Very good, I see you do know something of value, after all. The god Odin’s son, Thor, owns three treasures, a hammer that can shatter rock and is useful to slay giants, a pair of iron gloves to hold the hammer and a magic belt that doubles his strength.”

Celiese nodded slightly. Mylan frequently spun tales for her now, but he had so many gods and goddesses upon whom to report she was certain she’d never be able to remember them all. Knowing Thor was a major god, however, she knew his possessions were worthy of being recalled and whispered the list softly. “Yes, I understand, a magic hammer, gloves and a belt.” Wondering about the necklace, she continued, “Is only Thor’s hammer used for charms?”

“Yes.” Mylan took the chain from her and walked around the table to stand behind her chair. He lifted her long curls out of the way to slip the attractive necklace over her head, then adjusted it so it lay comfortably around her neck. “There, it will bring you good luck now.”

Celiese touched the small charm lightly, uncertain as to why he’d given it to her or how she might refuse to wear it without offending him. “This is so pretty, Mylan, and I am very pleased you want to give it to me, but I cannot accept it.”

Forcing himself to hold his tongue, Mylan sat down by her side, trying first to think of some reason for her remark before he gave vent to his anger, but his gaze was too dark for his mood to be mistaken. “This is the only present I have ever given you. Why don’t you want it?”

Celiese spoke softly, choosing her words with care, sorry she’d insulted him without meaning to give offense. “I cannot wear this, Mylan, for the charm will have no value on me since my faith is not yours. I do not believe in the power of Thor’s hammer to bring me good fortune, and so it will not help me as it would you.”

Mylan waited a long moment, considering the wisdom of her words thoughtfully, while he took a deep breath. When he saw the first trace of tears glistening upon Celiese’s long lashes he leaned over to kiss them away, all thought of anger gone from his mind. “I don’t expect you to accept my faith, all you need ever accept is this.” He placed his fingertips under her chin to turn her face to his so he might kiss her lips tenderly, the reassurance in his touch as deep as that in his words. Never able to resist his caress, Celiese lifted her arms to encircle his neck, hugging him tightly as she welcomed his kiss. When at last he drew away, she was smiling. “I will wear it then, and think only of you.”

“That is better.” Mylan hugged her in return, grateful she had given in to him so easily. It was not often he won her acceptance for any of his requests without a long and bitter argument, and he’d not meant to begin a fight that night, only to give her something pretty. “Come with me, let us look at the stars for a moment.” Taking her hand in his, Mylan lead the way through the door, then stepped behind Celiese and wrapped his arms around her waist to draw her near. “This day was nearly a perfect one, for the crops are thriving without our toil, and we discovered a very beautiful part of the forest I’d never seen.”

Placing her hands over his, Celiese relaxed against him. With her loving care and fine meals he had gained a few pounds, his lean physique becoming more sturdy, but his muscular frame was still far from heavy. She found his warmth and nearness so reassuring that she almost purred as she replied. “How can you fault the day we spent? I think it was as perfect in all respects as any day will ever be.”

There, she had done it again, chosen to argue rather than agree, but he did not complain of her willfulness. “There is one important thing lacking still, Celiese.”

Frowning slightly, she turned to glance up at him. “If there is anything I’ve forgotten please tell me now, and I will see to it at once.”

Mylan did no more than return her steady gaze, holding her in a light but firm embrace so she’d not escape his grasp for any reason. “It is you I want now, Celiese, for only you will make this night as pleasant as the day.”

An enchanting smile lit the young woman’s features as she turned to tickle his ribs playfully. “Neither your day nor night is complete without my company? Is that what you’re saying, Mylan?”

Instantly Mylan grew wary, for he realized he’d said far more than he’d meant to, and her teasing questions demanded the truthful response he was still unwilling to give. Sweeping her up into his arms, he carried her back into his house and dropped her in a careless heap upon his bed. “I’ve lived too many years without your company to be dependent upon it now. Do not flatter yourself by pretending that I am! Sleep by yourself tonight and we will see just who is dependent upon whom!” Mylan started for the door without any idea of where he wished to go, but he was so intent upon teaching Celiese a lesson that he’d not considered where he would spend the night.

Leaping off the bed, Celiese came after him. “Must you be such an unreasonable bully? If my words displease you, will you not tell me why? I did not mean to make you angry when we were so happy together.”

Scowling impatiently, Mylan stopped at the door. “Can you not remember it is your place to do my bidding and not mine to do yours?”

Color flooded the fair young woman’s cheeks at that insult and she was suddenly as furious as he. “I am the worst of servants, it seems, but you must recall I was once your wife and forgive me when I treat you as my husband rather than my master!”

Mylan lifted his hand, nearly striking Celiese before he brought his temper under control. “Do not ever make the mistake of reminding me again of our marriage, when we both know you never expected to live for even one day as my wife!”

Celiese stared at the open door, for Mylan had simply vanished he’d fled the house so quickly. There was no point in following him, for he knew the land so well the coming darkness would be no hindrance to him, while she was certain to fall and be injured or at the very least to become lost. She clutched the small silver hammer he’d given her and began to pace distractedly up and down beside the open doorway. “Luck!” She shrieked in frustration, tempted to yank the fine chain from her neck and hurl it as well as the pagan charm out into the yard. How could the evening have ended in such a ridiculous way? Swearing at everything that caught her eye, Celiese cursed at the top of her voice, knowing Mylan was undoubtedly too far away to hear or criticize her language. Finally she noticed the hearth, which occupied the center of the small dwelling. “Damn Vikings, if they are so clever why can they not build a house with a proper fireplace and chimney!” They had roasted the hen outdoors so as not to fill the house with smoke. They often did that. Suddenly, as she considered the discomfort the smoke caused when she cooked indoors, she realized with a burst of insight that smoke could be a powerful weapon to use against a bear and felt foolish for not having thought of using it before that night. Nearly dancing with glee, her anger forgotten, she circled the room, then flopped down upon the large bed to consider the idea more fully. Knowing the bitter scene that had prompted Mylan to flee her presence that night would be repeated endlessly until she won her freedom, Celiese forced herself to consider all her options calmly in order to devise the most clever plan. According to Mylan, the bear roamed the woods near his cave during the day, then returned to it each night and remained there until dawn. If she were to approach his lair while he was sleeping soundly and lay a stack of green wood at the entrance, she could ignite it at sunrise. The beast would stagger from the cave, disoriented, blinded by the dense smoke, and she could kill him before he had a chance to escape or to do her any harm.