Free Mysty McPartland by Black Warlock's Woman Page A

windows and underneath those were seats covered in cushions. Not able to help herself, she went further into the chamber and whirled around, so much space.
    Without thinking, she went over to the fire and smiled when she saw that it was ready to be lit. Her gaze searched for tinder and spied it sitting on the mantle. Snatching it up, she soon had the fire blazing in the hearth.
    Afte r tossing a few logs on the burning kindling, she straightened to get a better look at the room and she noticed that the walls were painted a soft apricot color. At each window were lush pillows of blue and dark sapphire curtains hung on each side.
    Her gaze moved to the bed and she saw the same colored material in the bed hangings and the spread upon the feather mattress. At the foot of the bed, were two beautiful crafted chests that also matched the tables beside the massive four-poster.
    There were large dark blue mats scattered around the floor. Though it seemed that no one was using the chamber she did wonder though if it belonged to someone. Why , she wondered would it be kept clean and ready for occupancy, suddenly she grinned.
    Well, since it did not seem to be in use by anyone else, she would claim it as her own. She went over to gaze out one of the windows when she spied another door. Frowning, she opened it and laughed happily when she saw that it contained a large tub and toilet facilities. Yes, most definitely she would claim this lovely chamber for her own.
    ****
    Rieph rode hard all day; he ignored his men’s grumbles not just because they missed their meals but because of the cold rain that continued to fall late in the afternoon and now, nearly too late for the evening meal, they all hurried inside.
    The very second he entered the hall, his eyes searched for his wife and when he saw her sitting at the high table eating her supper, the rage started to burn deep inside him. Another open defiance and his mouth twisted in anger.
    It was her duty to wait for his return to start dinner, his eyes met hers and he could see no softening in their grey depths. When he saw her rise and walk away, he wanted to shout loudly demanding for her to remain and with great strength, he fought down the words.
    Furiously , he strode the length of the room and took his seat. Dissatisfaction burned his chest as he sat alone at the high table; he gazed around the hall and frowned when he noticed the subdued talk and the occasional worried glances sent his way.
    H e wondered if they all knew what was going on between himself and his wee wife and sighed heavily, knowing that nothing ever went unnoticed for very long among a close knit clan. He waved for Mary and when she reached his side, he noticed there were no welcoming smile and frowned in displeasure. “See that a bath is ready for me and tell one of the lads to bring me some wine.” He turned away from her, not liking to see the condemnation in her eyes.
    Damn females , he was laird here and they better not forget it. His meal arrived and as he ate he pondered his day. During his ride, he kept going over the words that were last spoken between Trista and himself. It had taken him some time to realize exactly what he’d said wrong; he shook his head and once more cursed his stupidity.
    Even now he couldn’t believe what a fool he’d been. To have said to her that what was between Devena and himself didn’t have anything to do with her. What a great idiot to utter such a foolish thing. But still, the things she said and the contempt she’d shown him was not something he could allow.
    With a shake of his head, he had hoped by the time he arrived home she would make some attempt at an apology. He would have forgiven her, but she hadn’t made any effort at all. No instead, she rudely ignored him and had eaten without him. Damn her stubborn hide, if this is the way she wanted it so be it and until she apologized she could have her cold marriage.
    Only when the last candle guttered out he raised his