“You’re sick in the head, husband. Don’t think for a second that I’m not aware you do it purposely. But you’ve only made me faster, Greylen. In fact, I’m gonna kick your ass.”

He did laugh at her boast that time. “I love you, Gwen.”

“I love you, too, Greylen.”

Chapter 32

Greylen and Gavin sailed early the next morning. They left only Kevin and Hugh behind.

Gwen missed Greylen terribly in the days that followed, but she kept busy and thankfully, the time passed quickly. She went for short runs in the morning and spent her days with Isabelle and the children. It was nice to have some time alone with her sister-in-law, and they took full advantage. Every night they ate decadent meals in her chamber, followed by girl talk in front of the fire.

The fourth morning after Greylen’s departure, Gwen awoke earlier than usual and decided it would be the perfect morning to go for her long run. She fed Tristan right before she left, knowing that she had at least four or five hours before he would need her again. He’d just started eating solid foods—oatmeal and pureed fruits—and Anna gave him breakfast now in the great hall with Lady Madelyn.

Greylen’s mother loved spending time with her grandson and watched him until his late-morning nap. Gwen gave Lady Madelyn this time alone, never bothering her unless she felt she’d burst from the pressure of not feeding him, or, as was often the case, her son became so fussy that Lady Madelyn had no choice but to seek her.

When she left the keep, Alex stood just beyond the doors. He’d been promoted from the ranks of the soldiers and was now training to become one of her husband’s elite circle of men. He’d had her guard on many occasions and the seriousness with which he saw to his duties dubbed him the nickname Captain. Not that the term didn’t apply to others in Greylen’s ranks, but Gwen used the name affectionately with Alex. He was ruggedly handsome, quick with a smile, and even faster with a glare. And in her book, that meant he was in. Greylen seemed to have a penchant for surrounding himself with control freaks. Alex was no different.

“Good morn, Captain,” she offered as she stood beside him.

“Good morn, Lady Gwendolyn,” he returned. “Off for your morning run?”

“Aye, I’ll most likely take my long one,” she told him. “I’ll not return for some time.”

“Very well,” he acknowledged. “Kevin rides just beyond the lake,” he said, pointing in its direction, as if she didn’t know where it was. “Make sure you inform him of this before you continue from there.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” She saluted, hearing his chuckle as she headed down the stairs.