MorningStar's Kitten

They reached the garden and found Colleen fussing over a man seated at the table. He appeared to be older than Cade, his dark hair starting to show some silver. He was dressed in the finery of a noble in red and silver, and had several gold rings on his hands. A half dozen guards stood about ten paces away from the table surrounding it. Keira hesitated and looked up at Cade, who smiled down at her and gave her a gentle kiss.

“Are you going to introduce me to your bride, Cade” Regan joked “or take her back to bed?”
“Tough choice.” Cade answered with a laugh.

He led Keira over to the table and the man stood and gave a slight bow, then gave Cade a hug. Colleen motioned to the waiting slave girls to bring out breakfast and after giving Keira and Cade a quick hug went inside. After the girls had brought out the trays of food and prepared the plates they all went back inside, except Danae who stood back by one of the King’s guards. Regan, Cade and Keira sat at the table and started to eat.

“Regan, this is Keira. Kia, my best friend Regan, and sometimes we let him pretend he’s King. “ Cadeyrn said with a grin.
“I was very curious to meet the girl who snagged, Cade.” Regan said “and after Arlen’s report I knew it couldn’t wait.”
“Cade said you were good friends.” Keira said shyly “I’ve never met a King before.”
“We’re best friends and I hope you will be too. Now, about the incident yesterday.”
“Cade said the guards would be punished.”
“And they have been. The two that assaulted your maid were stripped of their commissions, and whipped.”
“And the one that…” Keira hesitated “grabbed me? What of him?”
“He was executed this morning.” Regan answered quietly

Keira gasped and the color drained from her face. She looked at Cade who was still eating unaware of Keira’s distress. Regan seemed very nonchalant about it, but when Cade saw that Keira was upset took her hand and assured her the punishment was standard for such an offense. Regan added that had Arlen not stopped him to attend to her, Cade would have killed the man himself. Keira looked at Cade who simply nodded. They sat in silence eating for a few moments before Cade spoke again.

“So what made you decide to drop in this morning?”
“After Donell dropped in and then Arlen’s visit I knew I had to meet your bride.” Regan explained “Your reply to my request made it clear that Keira probably wouldn’t handle a Royal audience well, so here I am all informal and friendly.”
“We got a request to go to the palace and you refused?” Keira asked her husband, stunned.
“No, I simply asked Regan if it could wait.” Cade said
“I’m a very understanding King, Keira.” Regan said with a smile “I even let her majesty sleep in today.”
“She just had a baby.” Cade retorted
“Well, there’s that too.” Regan laughed
“What’s the Queen like?” Keira asked curiously
“Loralynne’s very much like you, my love.” Cade said “She’s beautiful, sweet, gentle, and loves her husband dearly.”
“She is like me,” Keira mused “although maybe not so much the last one.”

Keira looked very sincere until she saw the hurt look on Cade’s face. She jumped up, burst out laughing and threw herself in his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and assured him that she did love him very much. Cade held her tight and looked over her head at Regan, who grinned to see his best friend so happy and obviously in love with Keira.

“I’ve known Cade a long time, but I’ve never seen him truly happy before.” He stated “Thank you, Lady Keira.”
“Please, call me Kia, Sire. All of my family does.”
“I would be honored. And if we’re family you will call me Regan.”
“Of course.”
“Regan, we do have an errand to run before we leave, and I want to make the stronghold well before dark if possible.” Cade said
“Understandable. Are you returning for the Autumn Festival?”
“Actually I was going to ask if you’d hold a ball to formally announce my marriage and introduce Keira.”
“I’d be pleased to do so. I’m sure Lora will be happy to make all the arrangements.”
“Good, and of course we’ll return for the Yule ball as well.”
“So many balls.” Keira commented.
“It keeps the women busy and out of trouble.” Regan said
“Yes, but don’t you usually complain about how much all those new gowns cost you?” Cade chuckled
“Only when Lora’s not around.”
“Naturally. We really should get going.”
“The carriage has arrived and is waiting, M’lord.” Danae said stepping forward.
“I’d better go anyway.” Regan said “Lora will wonder where I got off to so early.”
“I’m very glad I got to meet you before we left.” Keira said
“So am I. I knew you had to be very special to catch my fiercest Warlord.”
“Who? Cade?” Keira said trying not to laugh “He’s a teddy bear.”
“Have you ever seen the claws on a bear?” Cade snapped

Keira giggled and kissed him, causing Regan to laugh. He rose and signaled his guards who moved forward. Cade stood and shook Regan’s hand before Keira gave him a hug. Regan wished them a safe trip then walked off, his guards following. Cade, Keira and Danae left a few moments later and went out to the waiting carriage. Cade lifted the girls up into the carriage then climbed up. He asked Danae the best place to get Keira shoes and directed the driver to the shop she suggested.