The Dark Desires of the Druids: The Tryst

Raven adjusted her hat as she crossed the yard toward the stable. Lord Preston stood by his horse, talking softly to the stallion, unaware of her approach. She took the opportunity to study him.

Tall and well built, he carried himself with a confidence few possessed but many tried for. Mac seemed a natural leader. Several scars marred his hands, leaving Raven wondering about what happened to him. He is hardly a simple merchant, she mused.

Raven blushed, remembering her behavior at the stream the day before. But surely he?s come across more aggressive women? Curious as to what it was like to kiss someone other than Gareth, she?d relished the chance to do so. Her fiance was a fine kisser, but failed to make her heart stop like Lord Preston. She loved Gareth and planned to marry him; but never had she wanted to be intimate with him or anyone else before their marriage night.

Shrugging, she continued for the stable.

This might be my only opportunity, she thought, my only chance to discover what it could be like with another man.

Before her wedding, Raven was free to explore: it was part of their ancient heritage. Druids believed in the sanctity of marriage, but only after vows were said. Before that moment, Raven realized as she studied Malcolm, I am free to do as I please.

She didn't know what Lord Preston?s views on magickers were, and didn't care. For the first time in her life, this was something that didn't involve her druidic heritage. I am not an arcane master with him. I am a woman.

This was normal, something all her own.

"A fine day for a ride," she greeted, pulling on her riding gloves.

"Yes," he agreed with a final pat on his horse's nose. "Just as you described it. I trust you'll be able to find your way?"

His tone was cheeky, but his smile was welcoming. A challenge, then. "I can hold my own," she said. "Just try and keep up."

Malcolm laughed. The deep sound sent shivers up Raven's spine. Oh, my. Gareth never affected her like this.

"Miss Drake, I think you'll find me able to do that and more."

They were off along the grounds moments later. Raven set a brisk pace and made sure to keep close: not because she feared she'd lose him in the mist (she had great faith in his ability to find his way in the fog), but because she enjoyed being so close to him.

Raven smiled and kicked Sterling into a gallop. She heard Malcolm?s laughter behind her, followed by the pounding of his horse as they crossed the wide expanse of Harrington grounds. Exhilarated, Raven headed for the woods. She made sure Mac knew where she went.

She pulled up and turned, laughing and breathless, to her companion.

"This was invigorating," She said.

"A hard ride always is," he agreed.

Raven laughed over the lump in her throat. What would it be like to ride him? She?d heard of such things but never imagined them. Shaking her head at those thoughts, she dismounted and led her mare.

"I don?t think I've ever been along these paths," she admitted.

"Isadore and I always headed for the ones closest to the stream."

"Shall we tie the horses, then, and explore?"

"Yes," she nodded, "I'd like that."

Malcolm tied off his horse and waited for her. Her breath was short at his nearness. No matter how she tried to steady herself, it was no use. She stooped to pluck a wild rose.

Fidgeting with the flower, Raven wondered how to bring up the kiss from yesterday. Nothing like plunging in, she thought.

"I'm not in the habit of kissing gentlemen I've met mere hours before."

"How long do you normally know a gentleman before kissing him?" Mac asked.

Raven laughed, the tension leaving her. "At least a day," she smiled.

"There must be something terribly special about you."

"I'd like to think so," he said, and took her hand.

She glanced down at their joined hands. The way he held hers felt natural to her. Raven wanted to take off her glove and feel his skin on hers. She looked up at him. "There?s something I should share with you..."