Ewan and his men mounted and then Caelen lifted Mairin and Isabel up onto Ewan’s horse. Ewan wrapped his arms securely around his wife and child and then gave the order to ride.

They filed out of the courtyard, over the wooden drawbridge, and into the moonless night.

Caelen returned to her a moment later. “ ’Tis late. We should retire now.”

She nodded and allowed him to take her arm as he escorted her inside. He paused at the bottom of the stair to discuss the next day’s events with Gannon while Rionna proceeded up the stairs.

She had plans for her husband this evening. Daring plans that no lady should ever entertain, which delighted her even more.

Once inside her chamber, she quickly added logs to the fire and straightened the furs on the bed. Soon she heard her husband’s heavy step on the stairs and then right outside the door.

She turned, hiding her smile, so that her back was presented when Caelen stepped inside the chamber.

“Rionna, there is something we should discuss,” he began sternly.

“Hmm, can you help me with my dress?”

She turned in time to see him frown. But he crossed the room and began to unfasten the buttons of her gown.

“Now what is it you’d like to discuss, husband?”

He cleared his throat. “There are certain things that should not be done in front of others.”

She lowered the sleeves of her gown and turned, holding the bodice barely over her nipples. She stared innocently up at him as she allowed one side to slip, baring the tip of her breast.

“Like what?”

His gaze tracked downward and he sucked in his breath. It took him a moment before he continued. “Displays of affection should be contained to our private chamber.”

She turned away again and let the gown fall, stepping from it and reaching for her sleeping gown. She tossed her head, allowing her hair to skim along her buttocks, and then she arched as if stretching before tossing aside the gown, seeming to change her mind about donning it.

“Such displays are never appropriate in front of my men,” Caelen continued in a strangled voice.

Rionna turned once more and stepped forward to loosen the ties of his trews. “Aye, husband, I’m sure you’re right. No show of affection in front of others. ’Tis unseemly.”

She reached inside and cupped his heavy sac, squeezing gently.

“ ’Tis not just … What on earth are you about, wife?”

She stroked up and down and then withdrew her hand. “I’m undressing you. ’Tis my duty, is it not?”

“Well, aye, ’tis sometimes. But right now ’tis important we have this discussion.”

“Oh, I agree. Do continue. Where were you? Ah yes, you said ’tis not just …’Tis just not what?”

He frowned and shook his head as her hand grazed over his chest and then began pulling at his tunic.