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.Rose went immediatelyto their chamber while Dominic, the archbishop and Pembroke reported directly to the king.Fingers of aglorious dawn stretched out across the heavens when Dominic finally joined Rose.She was sleepingsoundly, and he tried not to awaken her as he shed his clothing in the dark and climbed into bed besideher.She stirred and whispered his name."Go back to sleep, sweeting.We will talk later."He brought her into the curve of his body; she turned in his arms."We will talk now.How soon can weleave? Once I depart this den of vice I never want to hear the king's name again.""I am still the king's vassal; naught can change that, and he did give me you.That is something to begrateful for.""Fate brought us together," Rose murmured sleepily."And fate will keep us together.I love you, my fierceDragon.""I love you, my prickly warrior woman.If we have a son, I hope he has your courage, but if our child is agirl, we will name her Lily, or Pansy, or Violet, for they are flowers without thorns.""A flower without thorns offers no challenge," Rose388countered."I thought you thrived on challenges."Dominic sighed heavily."You have been both the thorniest challenge and the sweetest joy since the daywe wed.Good night, my Rose."EpilogueMore than anything, I must have roses, always, always. Claude MonetMarch 1216On a cool March day ripe with the promise of spring, the lord and lady of Dragonwyck toasted their toesbefore the hearth in the hall, planning the christening of their eight-week-old babe.Lady Nelda sat besidethem, cradling the newest addition to the family in her arms and cooing nonsensical words into a tiny pinkear."I believe little Lord William is hungry," Lady Nelda remarked.390"He is always hungry," Rose said with a long-suffering sigh."My son is a growing lad," Dominic said proudly."And a greedy one," Rose added."I fed him but an hour ago.""I look forward to Will's christening," Nelda said."Think you all the guests will come?""Aye, as long as the weather holds," Dominic answered.Rose held out her arms."I will take little Will if you are tired of holding him, Mama.""I hardly think Will's slight weight will tax me," Nelda replied."But if you."Her words fell off when Raj entered the hall and strode toward them.Dominic could tell from Raj'sexpression that something unusual had occurred."What is it, Raj?""Murdoc MacTavish and his wife are at the portcullis, master.They beg your leave to enter."Rose got to her feet."Uncle Murdoc is here? And Robina is with him? Please Dominic, let them in.I doso want to see Robina.I cannot believe that Uncle won her back.""Aye, let them in," Nelda urged."I want to give my brother a piece of my mind for what he did toRose.'Twas despicable of him.""How many men accompany him?" Dominic asked sharply.He had made the mistake of letting Murdocand his kinsmen inside the keep once and he was not going to make that same mistake again.391"MacTavish is alone but for one man driving the cart carrying MacTavish's wife.""Very well, open the portcullis, Dominic ordered.When Rose started to follow Raj out the door,Dominic stayed her."Let them come to us.I swore your uncle would never again set foot inside my keepbut I bow to your wishes in this matter.However, I trust him not."A short time later, Murdoc and Robina strode into the hall.Rose rushed forth to embrace Robina butwas more reserved with her uncle."What brings you to Dragonwyck, Murdoc?" Nelda asked."I should think you would be ashamed toshow your face here after your detestable act.I never thought my own brother would wish harm to oneof his kin.""I asked Murdoc to bring me," Robina explained."I made a promise to Dragon and I mean to keep it," Murdoc vowed."Robina wanted to come, and Icouldna sway her.I knew you wouldna turn her away even if I wasna allowed to pass through the gate.""I cannot believe you returned to Uncle Murdoc," Rose said, bringing Robina closer to the fire."Youmust tell me everything.""I was wrong, niece," Murdoc said when Robina remained silent."I dinna realize how much I would missRobina until she left me.She is the best thing that ever happened to me.I went to Stirling and begged herto return.""I never expected Murdoc to show up at my father's manor," Robina said, taking up where Murdoc leftoff, "much less admit he missed and needed me.He refused to leave without me." She sent Murdoc aloving392gaze."He has changed [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]