“Let us see, shall we?” James pulled the trunk from the top and set it upon the ground. He opened it and rummaged through it. “There is only garments, gowns, and womanly things.” He pulled an ornate comb from within and looked at it. The comb was an utterly feminine object.

Kenneth tugged on the next trunk and brought it down. “All there is, is fabrics, furs, and trinkets in this one. There’s a few jewels, but not worth a fortune.”

James peered inside. “They’re the gifts she received at her farewell feast.” The next two trunks held more garments, the gowns more elaborate. The fabric appeared lavish, for the gowns were made for a princess.

He chuckled to himself and found humor in her mother’s belief at what she considered a fortune. “Her daughter considers the items worthless. And yet, her satchel holds weapons and mail. Emlyn has an odd sense at what is valuable for a woman.”

Kenneth scratched the whiskers on the side of his face. “Och it makes me like the lass more.” He reached inside the carriage and pulled out the other satchel.

James reached for it and was hesitant to look inside. “I feel badly for prying through her things.”

“Best we know what we’re dealing with. Give it to me and ally yourself of the guilt.” Kenneth laughed when he tossed it to him. He opened it and whistled.

James’ eyebrows rose. “What? I can only image what she has in there.”

“I jest. There’s nothing but a pair of breeches and a few tunics. Ah, och what is this?” He removed a leather sheath. “A dagger, a well-made one at that, and long enough to cause a grievous wound.”

James snatched it from his hand and tossed it back inside. “She values her weapons more than what most ladies covet. Come, you carry the heavy one.” He handed him the satchel with the weapons. But before he closed the last trunk, he grabbed one of the gowns and a few pieces of jewelry from it, and added it to the satchel he held. He didn’t know why he did so, but there came a time when every woman needed to dress accordingly, even if she had no other interest beyond weapons.

“Angus, lad, ensure all these trunks are taken to our keep when you arrive.”

The lad bobbed his head. “Aye, James. What of the carriage?”

James looked at Kenneth before answering. “Do as she said, burn it. Use the wood to keep yourself warm on the journey home, lad.”

Angus grinned and thanked him.

He and Kenneth returned to their camp. Beneath the high pines, little light shown from the moon. Only the dimness of the fire’s embers afforded their way.

James saw that Emlyn had lain upon his tartan. He set  her satchel on the ground, next to the one that Kenneth carried. He went to his horse and pulled another tartan from his bag, along with the arrow he hadn’t finished whittling. Once he settled, he continued to pry the bark away and used the dagger Sean had given him to slice small slivers of wood from it, smoothing it as he went.

The night had gone quiet as all bedded down, but James was too riled to fall asleep.

“What are you doing?”

He glanced at her before answering. “Making an arrow.”

“I would like to learn to make them.”

“Would you?”

Emlyn moved closer to him, and even though he’d set his tartan so that it wouldn’t touch the one she lay upon, she joined him.

“You’re still ireful over my jest.”

“Oh you were jesting? Even though your father told me his words to you? Let me recall his exact words … ‘She gave herself to you and for once the lass listened.’ Do you deny you were instructed to take me to your bed? To use me for your purpose?”

He regarded the look of affront on her face, and even though James detested making a woman angry, he was more interested in making known his displeasure at learning what she’d done.

“Nay, I do not deny it.”

The lass was too bold, and he was sure he could withstand the desire to kiss her and love her again. He shrugged her hand away when she set it on his shoulder and moved closer.

“If I had to give myself to anyone, James … I’m glad it was you.”

“You used trickery to gain my aid when all you had to do was ask.”

He heard her sigh. “That is not the way I remember it. You wanted me and I … wanted you. You did not willingly aid me.” She moved a few inches away.

“I was drunk and remember nothing from that night. But you’re aright, for I did want you and still do. Aye, and probably always will.” James returned his attention to whittling the arrow, keeping his eyes downcast so he wouldn’t give in to his desire.

Emlyn stopped his hand from carving and took the dagger and wood from him, and set it aside. She crawled onto his lap, sitting astride his legs, facing him.

“Be not angry, James. I didn’t mean to deceive you. And I’ll always be willing with you.” She kissed the side of his neck, his face, and his lips.

He couldn’t resist her and realized he was definitely beguiled. James yanked her close and forced her mouth open when his tongue pressed onward. He clasped his hands around her back and held her close, feeling her breasts pressing against him. A moan escaped his mouth, for at that moment all he wanted was to be inside her.

Before he succumbed to his will, he needed a wee bit more privacy. James lifted Emlyn in his arms. She tucked her head by his neck, her breath heated the skin there and sent fervor through him. He hastened his steps until they were far enough away from the encampment. He stopped when he reached an open field, surrounded by several large hills. Night closed in on them.

“You make me forget my anger, for all I want to do is love you again.” James knelt on the soft grass, unwilling to release her.

“Then take me, love me again.”

Her words were akin to the wind, gently playing against him. James kissed her longingly and caressed her body. He sat her upon his lap again, without breaking their kiss.

Emlyn broke free and rasped. He could barely see her face in the obscurity of the night. She stood and removed all but the tunic she wore. When he tried to assist her in removing it, she slapped his hands away.

“’Tis too cold. I’ll keep it on.”

“You won’t be cold for long.” James leaned back on his hands when she settled herself on his lap. He was more than ready to please her. She gasped when she took hold of him.

“You see what you do to me? I’m beset—”

She cut off his speech, giving him a kiss filled with her desire. James moaned when he entered her. She was tight and wet, and to his surprise, just as needy.

Emlyn leaned forward and took her pleasure. James enjoyed the sensuality of it, for she made him grit his teeth in sheer torture. He wanted to move and to show her how much she affected him, but he withstood doing so.

When she slowed, he felt the pulses of her orgasm. He untied her tunic and exposed the sweet mound of her breast. His lips vied for nothing more than to taste her skin. James took the rosy mound into his mouth and thrust hard, meeting her woman’s essence.

Emlyn tilted her head back and cried her desire to the night sky. He grasped her hair and kept her in that position, kissing her throat, and continued to pump into her until her cries lessened and she became limp in his arms.

James was beyond pleased with the way she freely gave herself over to the bliss. He could do nothing more than join her. Driving into her, he met his own blissful end and shouted in besotted abandonment. He wasn’t sure how long they stayed in that position, for he wasn’t wont to move ever.

“God, how you please me, Emlyn.” He lay back on the high, soft grass, taking her with him. She cuddled beside him, her hand played over his chest.

The night basked them in its obscure protection. He lay back, keeping her tucked securely next to him and watched the sky above. Contentment came over him, and he smiled to himself, for he hadn’t felt such ease for a long time. James realized she’d fallen asleep. He lightly brushed a kiss upon her lips. “And I hope I pleased you.”