Page 61 of The Darkland

“I hope you like ships, Sir Spencer,” he said casually, “because you shall find yourself aboard one very shortly. Your liege has graciously pledged you to my service when I sail for Ireland later this week to quell a minor rebellion on de Cleveley lands.”

This was the first Mara had heard of such a thing. She sat straight in her seat, the brilliant eyes wide. “Ireland? You are going to Ireland?”

Kirk had meant to unbalance Spencer, forgetting the fact that Mara knew nothing of his plans. His expression softened when he saw the shock in her eyes.

“In a few days, love,” he said softly. “I shall hardly be gone long enough for you to miss me.”

Her jaw dropped. “But… you have said nothing of this. Why did you not tell me before?”

He could see the rising storm and hastened to ease her emotions. “Because nothing was for certain until a day or two ago. I saw no need to worry you.”

“Worryme?” Mara would not be soothed. She was angry as well as surprised. “You are going to Ireland to quash an uprising and you do not have the courtesy to tell me of your future plans?”

Spencer smiled smugly over his goblet, enjoying Kirk’s distress. Kirk could sense the taunting gaze and it only served to inflame him.

“You are not directly involved in my military operations, Mara,” he said quietly. “I need not clear my plans through you before I proceed.”

She gasped with outrage. “I never indicated that you must. Certainly, it would have been polite to tell me what was happening. Simply so I am prepared for your departure which, I find, may not be soon enough for my taste.”

Even though he was remorseful for his snappish statement, he refused to be baited into a verbal brawl. Collecting Mara’s chalice, he pushed it into her hands. “Drink.”

“But I do not…”

“Drink!”

He nearly shouted at her. Mara took a large swallow, her expression a mixture of fury and fear. Kirk made her take another drink before they continued their conversation, and still another. He was determined to calm her before she veered out of control. And, as he had so often experienced, she could veer out of control quite easily.

“Now,” he said softly, shifting in his seat so that Spencer could not hear him. “I apologize for my remark. But I am truthful when I say that the business I handle for Edmund is none of your affair. And I did not want to spoil our last few days together with thoughts of my departure looming over our heads. Can you understand this?”

Her lips were jutted out in a pout, but she nodded. “Aye.” The wall of anger crumbling. “But how long will you be gone?”

He collected both of her hands, bringing one and then the other to his lips. “I am not sure. Certainly a few weeks. Maybe months.”

“Months?” she repeated, distressed. “But… you cannot leave me!”

“You will be well taken care of.”

“Not at Anchorsholme!” She shook her head firmly, fearfully. “All of those women were murdered while you were away and…!”

Kirk shushed her sternly. Even though the rumors regarding The Darkland were common knowledge, still, he did not want Mara adding fuel to the fire.

“No one will touch you.” There was urgency to his tone that she dare not dispute. “Do you understand me? No one will touch you. Or Micheline.”

Mara would not be convinced. “This is all a convenient ploy,” she hissed. “Edmund is sending you away so that he can kill me!”

“Nonsense,” he said patiently. “He will not touch you. Have faith in my word, lass, that no harm will befall you. Please?”

He was terribly sincere. Still, Mara was frightened. Frightened for Kirk facing a rebellion and frightened for herself. But most of all, she simply did not want to be separated from him.

“Then I shall come with you.” She scooted closer to him, her expression eager as if she thought her idea grand. “I shall be very quiet and obedient and I shall take care of you while you fight.”

Kirk shook his head sadly. “You cannot come, lass. A battle is no place for you.”

Mara could feel the sting of tears, the painful ache of distance already piercing her heart. “Please, Kirk,” she whispered. “Please let me come. I promise I shall not be any trouble.”

He touched her cheek tenderly, feeling the painful swell of longing in him as well. “You would come along on a ship full of men, distracting me with your beauty and sweetness when I should be concentrating on my duties?” He shook his head. “You would be the death of me. Not to mention the fact that I would be quite useless.”

Mara’s brow furrowed and Kirk saw the glimmer of tears. Grabbing her chalice, he forced her to down the contents in the hope of staving off the tide of emotions. But the alcohol was not having the desired effect and the tears began to fall as he gestured to the serving wench for more wine.