“Do you miss your home, Gwen?” Greylen asked cautiously.

“I would miss this one more.” She made the admission with a sad shake of her head.

“You’ll never leave here, Gwendolyn,” he vowed. “You’re forever mine.”

Chapter 16

When they returned from the shore, Greylen carried Gwen upstairs and laid her in bed.

“Get some rest, Gwen, I’ve much to see to,” he said, reaching for the covers.

She wanted to tell him she didn’t need to rest, but she couldn’t spoil the moment. “Stay with me, please, just for a few minutes,” she whispered. He smiled and lay beside her. She didn’t remember him leaving.

She awoke to noises, and for a moment, she worried it had all been a dream. But as she rolled over, she smelled his scent. He was really home. Funny how that one word, home, a word that had always filled her with sadness and longing, now only filled her with happiness.

Anna was quietly putting their room back in order and had brought a tray with fruit and coffee. “There’s a bath by the fire, child,” she called softly.

“Thank you, Anna.” Gwen sighed happily. She was definitely enjoying her new way of life.

“I’ll see to the sheets while you soak yourself,” Anna said, stepping toward the bed.

Gwen felt her cheeks warm immediately. Good Lord! “I’ll do it, Anna.”

“You’ll do no such thing,” she admonished, stripping the sheets as Gwen stood.

“Let me help then, please,” Gwen insisted. But she turned when Anna pulled back the covers, revealing small spots of blood.

“You’re wrong to shame yourself, Lady Gwendolyn. ’Tis an honor you give your husband.”

“Anna, please.” While of course Gwen knew this, it was still a very personal topic. She grew up when everyone was on this kick about chastity and abstinence until marriage. She’d liked the idea, and honestly, good Lord, it was worth the wait. Anna shooed her to the tub, and she blissfully complied.

Gwen stuck to her usual habits during the day. She missed Lady Madelyn and Isabelle for breakfast but walked through the paths with Kevin. Obviously, she still needed a guard, even if he was a liar. At least he blushed when she asked about his leg.

“’Tis a miracle, lady. I seemed to be completely recovered,” Kevin lied again.

There was no mistaking the warmth in his eyes—his whole disposition, as a matter of fact. Something struck her that she’d never fully considered. Based on their actions, Greylen and his men always put her welfare first. Whether they had to lie to do so or not.

She finally caught up with Isabelle late that afternoon, and they sat together on one of the benches in the gardens behind the keep.

“Greylen took me to the beach this morning,” Gwen told her as she twirled a flower between her hands.

“I’m not surprised.”