Written In Stone

Muredach sighed. It looked as if he would raise the Llewelyn's daughter after all.

Chapter Twelve
Family Feu d
 
    Muredach woke early and went to the bed where Bettina still lay sleeping. "Lass," he whispered. "Wake up. Yer maid will be here soon and we must mark the bed sheets for her." Bettina rolled over and sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Ye can go back to sleep after she's seen the evidence. Doff yer nightgown." Bettina gasped and crossed her arms over her small, budding breasts. Muredach nearly laughed. "Bettina, they have to think we consummated the marriage. I'll turn me back while ye take it off, then cover yer self."
    He waited a couple of minutes then turned back around. He threw the nightgown carelessly on the floor, lifted the bed coverings, drew his knife across the palm of his hand, and smeared the blood over the sheets. Then he slid into bed beside her, drawing the furs far enough to cover his kilt, leaving his bare chest for all to see. He put his arm around Bettina and drew her to the crook of it. "She must think we were together. Now close yer eyes as if asleep 'til she comes in."
    It wasn't long before there was a tap at the door, and Muredach groaned as if just waking up. "Who?" he called out.
    The door creaked open and a dark-haired maid stuck her head in. "Sorry, m' lord, for disturbing ye and the lady, but I have to make the announcement."
    "Shut the door and let me get me kilt on," he growled sleepily. The maid nodded, noticing the crumpled nightgown on the floor. She glanced at Bettina clutching the cover around her bare shoulders, looked at Muredach, and blushed before backing out of the door, shutting it. Muredach got out of bed, smoothed his kilt, then picked up the nightgown he'd thrown on the floor and opened the door. When the maid entered, he tossed the garment to Bettina, then went to the basin and poured water into it and began washing his face.
    Bettina slipped her nightgown over her head and slid out of bed, pulling it on as she did. The maid pulled the furs back to check the sheets, looking at Bettina. She looked quickly over her shoulder at Muredach still washing his face. "Was it horrible, m' lady?" she whispered. Bettina made a face and nodded. The maid snatched the sheets off the bed and left the room with them tucked under her arm.
    When he heard the door shut, Muredach looked up from the basin and saw Bettina smiling. "Thank ye, m' lord," she told him.
    "Yer welcome, lass," he smiled back at her. "I'll be leaving ye now, go back to bed, wrap yourself in the blankets, and sleep."
    "Aye, m' lord"
    Muredach went to the door, pulled it open, and looked back at Bettina. "Ye could've told her it w as like magic." He raised one brow at her as he left.
    Bettina gasped and Muredach heard her giggling as he shut the door.
    Muredach seated himself at the long table in the dining hall, and a kitchen maid ran to bring him his breakfast. He took a drink from his tankard then looked up, feeling his father's eyes upon him. "Aye?"
    "Ye said ye'd not touch such a wee lass," Fergus said in a hushed tone.
    "Aye?"
    "I've seen the evidence myself. Is the lass in one piece still?"
    Muredach shook his head, amazed that his father hadn't guessed the truth. He held up his hand so his father could see the cut across his palm. "Aye, she is still whole," Muredach said, returning to shoveling food into his mouth.
    "What the devil is going on?"
    "The devil Llewelyn himself is what's going on," Muredach said with an edge to his voice. "I canna tell ye now. When they have all gone, we will talk. The lass had some interesting news to share."
    Later in the morning, Bettina, accompanied by her lady's maid, entered the dining hall for breakfast. Her mother, father, and brothers were already eating. "Good morrow, Mum, Da," Bettina said cheerfully.
    "Ye are in good spirits, daughter," her mother said, looking questioningly at her.
    "Aye," her father agreed. "I thought ye'd be abed all day recovering from yer wedding night."
    Bettina blushed at her father's insinuations but said, "My husband was very gentle, Da. He did not hurt me. Much," she added, suddenly remembering her mother telling her how painful it would be.
    "Has he said anything about returning ye to our keep?" Her father inquired.
    "Aye, he told me he wanted to, but I was able to convince him to allow me to stay."
    Llewelyn nodded, satisfied. "See, woman? Our daughter is no worse for wear and she will accomplish what she is here for.