You are the most beautiful...

Cree thought her beautiful and he had meant it, she had heard the sincerity in his voice. And oddly enough at that moment she had felt beautiful and never, ever in her life had she thought herself beautiful. Cree had given her the courage to feel that way about herself, another gift she was grateful for.

She did not know what would happen between them, but she did know that she would never stop loving this man. She pulled the soft wool blanket over them and cuddled against him. Even in his sleep he sought her out, his muscled arm wrapping gently around her and tucking her close.

Dawn fell asleep more content than she had in a long time.

A pounding at the front door woke them both the next morning and had Cree mumbling several oaths as he slipped into his leggings before he yanked open the door.

Sloan grinned. Sorry to disturb, but a messenger arrived and there seems to be a problem with getting Gerwan and his party here, and I think it is advisable that you see to this one yourself.

Cree agreed reluctantly. Ill be right there.

He returned to Dawn who had donned her shift and was adding wood to the dwindling fire. Cree eased her aside and tended the fire until it blazed heating the small room. He then scooped her up and carried her back to bed, tucking her beneath the warm covers.

I must go, though reluctantly. I would much prefer to climb in bed beside you and spend the morning making love, but duty calls.

She gestured that she would see him later.

He leaned down and kissed her briefly before whispering, You can count on it. He turned to leave, and then stopped, his hand going out and running down the side of her face, along her neck, continuing over her breast, her stomach, and slipping beneath her shift to stop between her legs. I love the way you greeted me yesterday and hear me well, for it is the truth when I tell you that you are the most beautiful woman in the world.

He leaned down and kissed her again, as his fingers slipped inside her.

She grabbed hold of his massive shoulders and arched against his playful teasing, though when he pulled away from her and stood, she frowned and shook her head at him.

I want you ready and waiting for me when I return later.

She shook her finger admonishing him and he laughed. I will see you later.

The pillow struck him in the back of the head when he reached the curtain that separated the two rooms. He turned with a playful scowl. You dare strike your lord and master?

Another pillow hit in square in the face.

He ran at her and she scrambled across the bed to get away from him but wasnt fast enough. He had her pinned beneath him in no time, and she smiled inwardly for that was exactly where she wanted to be.

Needless to say Cree did not leave as soon as he had planned, though he left the cottage a much satisfied man.

Dawn did not know what to do with herself. She wished she had parchment and charcoal for she would spend her time drawing. She hoped when William returned in the spring that he brought drawing materials with him as promised. She could spend many hours drawing and never grow tired of it.

After glancing outside and seeing the gray skies that possibly promised more snow, she decided to spend the day stitching the few garments in the chest that required alterations for the clothes to fit her properly.

Flanna arrived with breakfast and Dawn was glad that her friend sat to chat for a while.

You watch out, Flanna warned. That Lucerne is an evil bitch and intends harm and with Cree gone there is no telling what she will do.

A chill ran through Dawn and she gestured asking if Sloan went with Cree.

Flanna shook her head. No, he remains here, though Bree seems to have caught his attention, too much of it if you ask me.

Dawn frowned.

Theres nothing like a besotted fool who fancies himself in love and Sloan does not know the first thing about love.

Dawn smiled and nodded agreeing with Flanna. The man had had his share of women but when it came to love he was a neophyte.

The villagers talk, Flanna said. They wonder what will happen if it should prove true that you are Kirk McCluskys daughter. You will no longer be a peasant and you will have a father and brother to protect you from"the devil.

Dawn smiled, hugged herself, patted her heart, and stuck two fingers up from her head.

Flanna laughed. You love the devil.

Dawn nodded and hugged herself tight.

Very much, Flanna confirmed. And it is easy to see that the devil loves you just as much. And that has the villagers talking for they do not see the devil surrendering you to your new family and they worry it will be the cause of a war between the clans. And with life having turned good in Dowell many do not wish to see that happen.

Dawn shook her head trying to reassure Flanna, though truthfully she could not say what Cree would do. He often told her that he would let no one take her from him. But would he truly go to war over her? It had taken years and many battles for him to finally achieve a home and some modicum of peace for his warriors. Would he risk all that for her? And would she let him?

Lucerne is no longer locked away in her bed chamber, so be careful, there is no telling what that mad woman will do, Flanna cautioned.

Dawn thanked her and enjoyed the meal, her appetite having returned. She cleared the table, leaving the remnants of the meal in a basket by the door and scrubbed the table with some fresh, clean snow. She then gathered the dark red velvet gown that she favored and was set to stitch when a knock sounded at the door.

Lila entered before she opened it.

Her best friend hugged her tight. I wanted to make certain you were all right and to find out if it is true that you are not a peasant but a noblemans daughter.

Dawn dismissed her claim with a brief wave, as if it was nonsense.

You should not make light of it, Lila said as both women took seats at the table. Perhaps it could afford you a good marriage.

Dawn shook her head gesturing that Cree was already promised to Lucerne and that would not likely change.

Lila reached out and took hold of Dawns hand. I dont mean Cree.

Dawn shook her head adamantly. Was Lila crazy? She would not wed another.

I knew you would dismiss this claim without giving it thought and without realizing that you may not have a choice.

Dawn shook her head even more vehemently.

Do you truly think you would have a choice if it is proven that Kirk McClusky is your father? Do you think the man would allow your liaison with Cree to continue?

Dawn waved her remark away as if not wanting to hear it. Then she gestured quite adamantly that she loved Cree and always would.

I know that, Lila said with tears in her eyes. And surprisingly it is obvious how much Cree loves you, but he is promised to another. And I worry what will become of you. I want to see you happily wed like Paul and I. And Thomas loves you dearly; you would make a wonderful mother and should be able to have children of your own.

Dawn stiffened for a moment. She didnt mean to but she couldnt help it, and it was enough for Lila to take note.

Her eyes turned wide, Oh dear Lord, youre already with child. You carry Crees babe.

Dawn tapped her fingers to her mouth warning Lila that she must not tell anyone about it.

He doesnt know?

Dawn shook her head.

When?

Dawn gestured the sun high in the sky and fanned herself to demonstrate heat.

Summer, Lila confirmed and smiled. I will pray for a miracle, for I could not abide you moving away. While I want what is best for you, what will make you happy, I am selfish and want you to remain here so that Thomas and your child can grow up together and become the best of friends just like we are.

Dawn smiled and nodded and patted her chest and gestured that staying in Dowell was what she wanted.

Lila got up and rushed around the table to hug Dawn, then the two women talked about what birth is like and how they best get started on stitching clothes for the babe. Until finally Lila realized that she had to leave and with a quick hug and kiss and a promise that she would not say a word, she left.

Dawn was glad Lila knew about the babe. She had wanted to share the news with her but feared doing so, not wanting to place her friend in a difficult situation with Cree. But time was drawing near when she would have to tell him and so she wasnt as fearful as sharing the news with her friend as she once had been. And she was right, clothes would need stitching and there were a few items in the chest that she would not make use of for herself but would serve well to turn into several baby garments.

She returned to work on the red velvet dress when she heard a commotion outside her cottage door. She opened it to find Elwin blocking the doorway and Bree standing a few feet away in tears.

I just wanted you to know that I mean you no harm, Dawn, Bree said.

And now that youve told her, take your leave, Elwin commanded.

Bree wiped at her falling tears. I am sorry for all the problems I have caused.

Nonsense, Sloan said approaching and slipping his arm around Brees waist when he came alongside her. You have caused no problems.

Elwin crossed his arms over his chest. Cree ordered that Bree be kept a distance from Dawn and so it shall be. Besides shes said what she came to say and now she can be on her way.

Sloan looked past Elwin to Dawn. Have you anything to say about this?

Dawn felt for the lass, but she also worried for Crees babe she carried. Lucerne very well could have forced Bree to put poison in Dawns food, but what if Bree had done it of her own accord? And what if she tried again? There would be a chance that Dawn could lose the babe and that was a chance she would not take.

Dawn shook her head, turned, and went inside closing the door behind her. She felt terrible for hurting the lass, but she was more concerned with the safety of her unborn child and therefore couldnt take a chance.

She got only a few stitches done when Dorrie showed up with the noon meal. The scent of the delicious food had Dawn realizing that more time had passed than she had realized and she was hungry. With all her unexpected visitors this morning, she had lost track of time.

Dorrie smiled as she unloaded the basket full of food. You have become much admired by the villagers. They believe you bring good luck to them, though they also fear that war will be waged in your honor. I tell them it will never come to that, that you would never permit it and would do what must be done to keep peace and the village protected just as you did when Cree arrived here. She grabbed the breakfast basket as she went to leave. One thing everyone agrees on is that you are a brave soul. You have more courage than the fiercest warrior, for you have commanded the devil.

Dorrie disappeared out the door and into Elwins arms.

Dawns status in the village certainly had changed and continued to change, not that she minded. Going from mostly being ignored to being acknowledged and now praised was nice, though she could have done without the praise. She had done what she had to do; she had no choice, though she supposed it did take courage to do things that you feared or didnt want to do. But it wasnt until later that you realized that you had courage after all.

The day turned quiet and as night settled in, Dawn began to miss Cree more and more. It was rare that he didnt spend the night with her. Missing him, she crawled into bed earlier that night not bothering to wait for supper to be delivered. If she woke later she could eat. She found the bed much too empty. She tried reassuring herself that he would return in a day or two and soon be back in her bed. But all the reassuring in the world didnt help chase the loneliness or fill the empty spot beside her or ease the ache in her heart.

Hours passed with her twisting so much that she became entangled in the blankets. Finally, exhaustion claimed her and her eyes drifted shut. Hours, though perhaps it had been minutes, Dawn was so disoriented she couldnt be sure how much time had passed. She had to focus a moment to see what had jostled her from her sleep. She bolted up when she heard pounding at her door and a voice shouting her name.

She hurried into a skirt, blouse, and boots and grabbed her fur-lined cloak from the peg as she rushed to open the front door.

Elwin stood there, his face solemn. A messenger just arrived. Theres been an attack on Cree and the Gerwan troop.

Dawn felt as if her heart slammed against her chest.

The news sounds bad, though we cant be sure if anyone has been killed or injured. Sloan gathers men now to ride.

Go with them, I will see that Dawn is kept safe, Torr said stepping out of the night shadows. I give you my word. Ill see no harm comes to her.

Dawn could see how badly Elwin wanted to join the warriors who would go to help Cree. And so she also urged him to go, stepping out of the cottage to shoo him away with her hands and then pointing to Torr and nodding that she would be fine. With only a bit more of coaxing Elwin left, though not before telling Torr that he would cut his heart out if anything happened to Dawn.

We can watch them leave if youd like, Torr offered.

Dawn nodded and Torr shut the cottage door before they turned and walked to the keep. Torches flickered in the dark night as the warriors mounted their horses. Sloan vaulted down the keep steps and hurried to his horse waiting in the lead.

He stopped before mounting when he caught sight of Dawn and Torr and walked over to them. If you let anything happen to her Cree will kill you and it wont be a slow death.

I understand, Torr said, and Ive already given my word that Ill see that no harm comes to her. Now go and help your fearless lord.

Dawn grabbed Sloans arm before he could leave and hoping hed understand, slowly gestured for him to bring Cree home safe and unharmed.

Sloan patted her arm. Cree is a heartless soul; he cant die.

Tears sprang to Dawns eyes as she watched Sloan hurry off and mount his horse. His remark was meant to ease her concerns but it only made her worry more. Cree was no heartless soul. He had a generous and loving heart that was as silent as her voice.

Soon the troop disappeared into the night and when she turned to return to her cottage Kirk was standing there.

I am so sorry we have to do this, Dawn, but I have no choice. I know that youre my daughter and I must protect you.

Dawn didnt have a chance to react. Torr scooped her up, tossed her over his shoulder and hurried off into the night.

Chapter Eighteen.

Dawn was angry. It wasnt until several hours later when the sun was barely on the horizon that they finally stopped at a deserted croft and she was able to let her anger loose. Her hands flew wildly around her in gestures and though Kirk and Torr probably didnt understand a word of it, they certainly could see how upset she was She repeated her last gesture several times, patting her chest and pointing to the door.

Kirk shook his head. I am sorry; I cant take you back to Dowell.

Her hands started flying again and then slowed as she realized that the cottage had a blazing fire in the hearth, food on the table, and three narrow beds across one wall. They hadnt randomly chosen this place to stop; they had planned on stopping here. They had planned on abducting her.

Dawn ceased all gestures and looked from Kirk to Torr, shrugged and scrunched her brow asking why.

Kirk pulled out a chair at the table. Please sit and well talk.