Chapter 19: Chapter Nineteen

CAYDEN

Cayden was enraged by what he was witnessing. Even though he had not said it directly to his friends, he believed his feelings, or at least his claim, for Ada were apparent.

He replayed the memory of Gosta’s hand touching Ada’s hair, and her hand on his face. The image made him even more infuriated.

“Does Gosta not know how you feel?” Sayer asked his brother dumbly.

“He clearly does not.”

“Are you going to stop him? Cayden? Cayden, are you hearing me?”

He knew Sayer was speaking, but Cayden sat dumbfounded at what he saw next. Gosta was helping Ada out of her seat. She fell into his arms, their bodies pressed against each other.

As he watched them head out the door together, Cayden sent the woman on his lap away. He proceeded to where Padriac and Egil were seated.

“Why are Gosta and Ada leaving together?” he demanded.

“Is it not obvious?” Egil snickered back to him.

“How could you allow this?”

“We did not think you wished to be with Ada. It has been a month since we met her, and yet there is nothing between you two,” Padriac backed up his friend.

“If I had known she was fair game, I would’ve made my advances long ago. Maybe even asked for her hand by now.”

“I agree. Gosta bested us both. She will give him beautiful children someday, maybe even tonight.” Egil toasted Padriac’s cup.

“Yes, her incredible beauty is sure to outweigh his ugliness,” Padriac added, taking a drink.

Sayer had joined them and saw right through the game they were playing on his brother. He was just as amused by it as they were.

“You two are worthless. Where are they going?” Cayden demanded.

“So, you ~do~ care for Ada?” Padriac mocked his friend.

Cayden did not answer, but stormed out of the hall. He walked outside and looked around, thinking of areas Gosta would take her.

He would have most likely taken her back to the house. Cayden swiftly walked to where they had tied up the horses.

ADA

I felt my heart drop into my stomach when I saw his figure appear outside of the hall. He looked around for a moment and made his way to the stables.

Leading his horse out to meet him, I could not help but smile. When he finally recognized me, his demeanor changed immediately from rage to confusion.

He usually carried himself in such a reserved, stoic manner. I enjoyed seeing that there was something underneath other than pride and strength.

“Ada. I did not expect to find you here,” he said, looking around for Gosta.

“And where was it that you expected to find me?” I shyly replied. “With Gosta…?” Before I could finish my sentence, he grabbed me around my waist and pulled me in for a deep kiss, just like the other night.

I could feel his passion, his yearning for me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and returned his kiss with the same eagerness.

“I’m going to kill them all tomorrow. Every last one,” he whispered through a smile. He got up onto his horse and helped me onto the back of it.

Holding onto his body as we rode back to the farm, I felt the all-too-familiar feelings of nervousness and excitement in anticipation of what was to come.

We approached the edge of the farm and Cayden slowed his horse down, allowing me to nuzzle my face against his back and hold him a little tighter.

He seemed to appreciate this embrace and looked over his shoulder at me.

“Do you trust me?” he asked.

“About what?”

“It’s a simple question, Ada. Yes or no.”

“I do.”

He commanded his horse to increase its pace again. We rode past the house and into the fields of grain until we reached one of my favorite places to frequent when I wished to be alone.

It was even more peaceful at night with all the stars above us and the moon’s reflection showing so brightly on the river below.

“The first time I found you sitting here was when I knew how much I cared for you.”

“And how much do you care for me?” I asked.

“You have my heart, Ada.”

He dismounted and then turned to help me off. I could feel his arm muscles contract as he lowered me to the ground.

Cayden did not let go of me at first, and I stood there motionless, letting him take charge of the situation. He moved his hands from under my arms up to my face.

I was scared I would do something wrong, so I followed his lead. He drew me close and began kissing me.

“You do not need to be afraid.” He paused and grabbed the animal skin from his side saddle. Even as warm as I was from the ale, it was still very cold outside.

He noticed me shaking slightly and told me he would build a small fire for us. I sat on the skin, waiting for him to join me. Cayden gathered a few small pieces of wood and some leaves.

He took out his dagger and made a spark. Seconds later, flames appeared. I was impressed at his skill and realized how ill-prepared I had been to leave Kilcoran alone.

In one quick motion, Cayden jumped from the side of the fire onto the blanket next to me.

“Now, where did we leave off?”

He leaned over to me and started to softly kiss my neck, one kiss after another. It sent shivers down my entire body. I turned my head to face him, meeting his lips with mine.

His hand found the back of my head and he gently lowered my body onto the ground. We kissed like that for the next few hours, entranced with each other.

He got tired of his position and adjusted himself so we lay on the ground facing each other.

Cayden looked at me as if asking my permission. By inching my body closer to him, I told him I was ready.

His hand trailed over my breast and hip until finally reaching my thigh. I let him take control. He lifted my dress and moved his body on top of me.