Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“Good idea,” Lachlan said, relieved that she would remain close by.
Lachlan wasn’t surprised that she pressed her cheek to his before placing a faint kiss on his lips and whispering, later before she walked away. He had the overpowering urge to go after her. However, he was surprised when she stopped and began looking over the display of battle plans made with an assortment of pebbles and stones on the table, two over from theirs.
She started shaking her head. “This would have never worked.”
Cavan turned as did Artair while their wives smiled.
Lachlan walked over to his wife. “You need to rest.”
She brushed him off with a shake of her hand. “Look at this,” she said pointing to a grouping of smaller rocks. “Your assumption of Septimus’s approach is not logical.”
Artair hurried off the bench. “It most certainly is.”
“No, look here,” she said stressing where she pointed. “You assume he would strike from this point because it is the most common attack point, right?”
Artair nodded. “It truly is the only accessible one.”
“No, it isn’t,” she insisted and began moving the stones around, though Artair protested.
“Let her show us,” Cavan ordered.
“Not all battles are fought equally,” she said as she maneuvered the stones. “You must consider your foe and his tactics, or you’ll find yourself in trouble.”
“But you aren’t always familiar with your foe,” Artair objected.
She looked at him startled. “You should be. Many times friendly clans turn unfriendly and when strangers linger in the area or stranger after stranger show up, then it should be an alert that someone is scouting your home for a possible attack.”
“A good point,” Artair admitted. “Tell us more.”
“My wife needs to rest,” Lachlan said.
“This is important, Alyce,” Cavan said. “I would prefer to discuss it now, but if you are too tired—”
“You’re right, it is important,” she agreed. “It needs to be discussed now.”
Lachlan was about to object when he saw his wife’s face brighten with delight. He could see how excited she was that Cavan actually respected her opinion and he himself was proud of her.
“I feel fine, Lachlan, so no need to worry,” Alyce said and then returned her attention to the display table.
Lachlan stood speechless. He had not expected his wife to consider what he thought. Yet she took a moment to assure him, knowing he would be concerned. She had considered him and that not only stunned him, but pleased him.
He, his brothers, and his wife were soon converged over the table, listening and sharing opinions with Alyce’s suggestions making the most sense. Soon the stones and pebbles were rearranged and the three men nodded their approval.
“You’re right,” Artair said. “That is a much better plan of defense and attack if necessary.”
“I also suggest you change your sentry stations,” Alyce said and detailed where and why.
Cavan continued nodding. “You make good points. I’ll see to those changes immediately.”
“You are a remarkable strategist,” Artair said. “I’d be interested in discussing more with you.”
“Another time,” Lachlan said, slipping up behind his wife and wrapping his arms around her waist. “She needs to rest.” He was prepared for her to protest, since she appeared to be enjoying herself, but she surprised him.
“My husband is right,” Alyce said, caressing her protruding stomach. “His son grows restless, which means he wishes me to rest. Besides I wish to be refreshed for our guests tonight.”
“Septimus and his men will be welcomed as your friend,” Cavan assured her.
“I know,” she said. “If I doubted your intentions I would have never showed you the error of your battle tactics against him.”
Lachlan gently urged her away from the table, feeling enough had been said on the matter. But after only a few feet he was surprised when she stopped and turned around.
“Another thing you should be aware of, Cavan. The men you sent to trail me lack in skill, but don’t feel bad, Septimus’s men weren’t much better.”
Lachlan scooped up his wife in his arms and hurried from the room before another rousing debate could start between the pair.
Chapter 33
“Don’t waste your time arguing or chastising me for my actions,” Alyce said, slipping her arms around Lachlan’s neck after he deposited her feet on the floor in his bedchamber. She favored the feel of the strong corded muscles in his neck and often allowed her fingers to linger there.
“And why is that?” he asked, resting his hands at the curve of her hip.
His simple touch felt more intimate, or perhaps that is what she wanted from him…intimacy. Lovemaking with her husband was something she thoroughly enjoyed and something they did often. It had not suffered because of disagreements. Rather it had grown stronger bonding them more closely than ever.
When they made love, nothing came between them. They simply surrendered to each other, and Alyce had never felt so safe and secure than at those moments. It was then she knew how very much he loved her and always would.