Warsworn Read Online Free PDF Page B

Keir's horse as he dismounted. Keir looked up at me, smiling with anticipation. I look down into twinkling blue eyes. "What mischief are you planning, Warlord?"
    His smile grew. "None, Warprize. Shall I carry you? It's not far."
    "I can walk." I started to slide from my perch but Keir put his hands on my waist and slowly lowered me to the ground. The gesture by itself was not a suggestive one, but my face grew hot at its implication as he placed me gently on my feet.
    Keir chuckled slightly, and took my hand. "Come, shy one."
    My feet were still a bit tender, but I could walk in the soft slippers that Marcus had provided.
    Keir led me through the bushes, keeping the lower branches off me with his strong arm. Birds twittered and protested, taking flight as we worked our way through the growth. We emerged on the shore of a small pond, surrounded on all sides by thick, yellow alders. A blanket had been laid to the side, with bundles piled next to it. I had that brief glimpse before Keir swept me off my feet. "Perhaps the shy Warprize would enjoy a bit of seclusion, for a bath and a meal with her Warlord."
    "What? No guards? Just us?"
    "Oh, there are guards." He placed me on the blanket and started to divest himself of his swords and daggers. "Beyond the alders, out of sight. I can raise them with a shout, if I need to." He placed his weapons on the corner of the blanket, close at hand in case of need. "Iften is my Second. Yers is my Third. The army will be safe with them for a time. I have something more important to do."
    The blanket was soft beneath me, cushioned underneath with grasses. I lay back, and watched as he removed the stiff leather armor, stripping down the under-padding, leaving him in only his trous. My breath quickened as I watched him, and he knew it too, if the occasional flash of his blue eyes in my direction was any indication.
    With wonderful grace he settled on the blanket next to me. "Oh?" I arched an eyebrow at him.
    "And what important task would that be?"
    He gave me a knowing smile, and leaned closer, reaching out to pull me in to his body. I yielded willingly, loving the feeling of being wrapped in his strength. Ken-nuzzled my ear, and whispered softly. "One that requires my complete attention."
    His free hand worked its way under my tunic to stroke my waist. I caught my breath at his touch, shivering with need and anticipation. The alders danced over his head, the pattern of shadow and light all around us. Somehow all my miseries disappeared when I was in his arms. It all seemed clearer, easier. Perfect.
    Keir moved his hands up my back, claiming a soft, warm kiss that went on and on. He sat us up, and it was only when my breastband was pulled over my head that I realized he'd left me with naught but my trous. I shivered, and Keir wrapped me in his arms again, easing me back down on the blanket, and I welcomed him into my arms, letting my hands explore those broad shoulders.
    His skin was spicy and warm, and I nuzzled him behind his ear as his hands gently stroked my shoulders, stopping to hover over my upper arm. I pulled back and watched as his fingers traced the two pale scars that lay there. His voice was a soft rumble in my ear. "These are well?"
    "Yes." The scars were from an attack that had come at my brother's behest. They would fade in time, but the memory would take longer for both of us. Mine, for the fear of the moment, Keir's for the guilt he felt, that I'd been hurt. I reached up to stroke his face, letting my fingers run through his hair.
    "And your feet?"
    "They're fine." I gave him a look as his fingers drifted down to the waist of my trous. "If we're to bathe, Warlord, why are we lying on this blanket?"
    He tilted his head, smirking slightly. "Well, we need to get dirty first, don't we?"
    I laughed. "Dirty?"
    His hands moved again, burning the skin of my breast with his touch. "Perhaps 'sticky' is a better word?" He grinned at me then, his entire face lighting up.
    I smiled back,