closing her eyes as she listened to the rustling of the wind through the tree tops. “There is something magical in this place, Sebastian. I swear you look healthier.”
“I feel stronger and more alive. My Order believes that Romania fills her children with her power through the love of God. This is a land of mystery and miracles. I have a strong favor to ask of you.”
“Certainly, whatever I can do.”
“I wish you to allow Marcas to take you to see the pastures and the town tomorrow.”
“He will not permit you being left alone.”
“I will have the maids available to me if help is needed. I wish you to picnic in the high fields and enjoy the beauty there. It was a favorite place he had as a boy and I know that he would love to share it with you. Do not be afraid of your feelings or your desires, child. I can see the struggle on your beautiful face.”
“Sebastian, are you suggesting I should let him make love to me? For a man of God, you sure don’t seem to have any problems with the carnal sins,” Courtney scolded lightly, feeling her body tense with the thought of Marcas’ hands upon her.
“I did not suggest that!” Sebastian chuckled, winking at her. “That was your conclusion, my dear, which implies it is your desire. No, I only wish that you learn to allow yourself permission to enjoy the gifts around you. Besides,” he shrugged, “it is only a sin if not ordained by God. What you and Marcas have is predestined. You already know this, as does he. Please, just allow yourself to feel and toss away your fears.”
“You are unbelievable,” Courtney chuckled. “I never thought I would meet a horny monk. No, Sebastian. I’m not ready to give up my control just yet, especial with a man whom I barely know. I mean, we are nothing more than mere strangers and not even close to being friends. I will not allow my body to dictate the direction of my life. No way. I made that mistake once.”
“See how you struggle? Your fear is your weakness, angel. As long as you hold to your fear so deeply, you will never be free of it. This is no mistake. You will see. Now, enjoy the singing of the wind. If you listen carefully, you will hear the songs of the First Church.”
Courtney leaned back, closing her eyes again. With her mind quieted, she could hear the sweet sound of voices traveling the distance over the valley as the monks reverently lifted the psalms in their morning worship. Tension and worries were washed from her in that moment and she felt the reassuring calm of true peace. Romania was calling to her and, like Marcas’ touch, she was finding it impossible to resist.
* * *
Marcas walked outside and paused to gaze about him. It was the first time in over five years that he could enjoy the warm sunlight without the stabbing pain in his eyes. He was grateful of the gift Courtney had given him and was determined to show her how much. The question was, how? Hmm, he would have to consider this.
He approached Sebastian quietly, noticing the healthy pink glow in the man’s face as he dozed in the fresh, clean mountain air. Courtney sat next to him, holding his hand and appearing more relaxed than he had yet seen her. Good, he pondered, she was feeling the peace of their home. It would make her transition easier.
“Come inside. I will take you to your room and show you around my home,” Marcas said, gently rousing Sebastian as he pushed the wheelchair into the manor. Courtney rubbed her eyes, slowly standing and following him through the tall, heavy dark wood doors. She paused to look around, surprised by the bright and airy décor that showcased the darker, heavy antique furnishings and paintings. It was a mesh of past and present, tastefully done to provide comfort and a sense of home. Courtney could not help touching the rich, dark wood of an ornate armoire.
“This is beautiful. Are all these antiques? They are spectacular.”
“They are. Most are from my family. Many are hand carved.
“I feel stronger and more alive. My Order believes that Romania fills her children with her power through the love of God. This is a land of mystery and miracles. I have a strong favor to ask of you.”
“Certainly, whatever I can do.”
“I wish you to allow Marcas to take you to see the pastures and the town tomorrow.”
“He will not permit you being left alone.”
“I will have the maids available to me if help is needed. I wish you to picnic in the high fields and enjoy the beauty there. It was a favorite place he had as a boy and I know that he would love to share it with you. Do not be afraid of your feelings or your desires, child. I can see the struggle on your beautiful face.”
“Sebastian, are you suggesting I should let him make love to me? For a man of God, you sure don’t seem to have any problems with the carnal sins,” Courtney scolded lightly, feeling her body tense with the thought of Marcas’ hands upon her.
“I did not suggest that!” Sebastian chuckled, winking at her. “That was your conclusion, my dear, which implies it is your desire. No, I only wish that you learn to allow yourself permission to enjoy the gifts around you. Besides,” he shrugged, “it is only a sin if not ordained by God. What you and Marcas have is predestined. You already know this, as does he. Please, just allow yourself to feel and toss away your fears.”
“You are unbelievable,” Courtney chuckled. “I never thought I would meet a horny monk. No, Sebastian. I’m not ready to give up my control just yet, especial with a man whom I barely know. I mean, we are nothing more than mere strangers and not even close to being friends. I will not allow my body to dictate the direction of my life. No way. I made that mistake once.”
“See how you struggle? Your fear is your weakness, angel. As long as you hold to your fear so deeply, you will never be free of it. This is no mistake. You will see. Now, enjoy the singing of the wind. If you listen carefully, you will hear the songs of the First Church.”
Courtney leaned back, closing her eyes again. With her mind quieted, she could hear the sweet sound of voices traveling the distance over the valley as the monks reverently lifted the psalms in their morning worship. Tension and worries were washed from her in that moment and she felt the reassuring calm of true peace. Romania was calling to her and, like Marcas’ touch, she was finding it impossible to resist.
* * *
Marcas walked outside and paused to gaze about him. It was the first time in over five years that he could enjoy the warm sunlight without the stabbing pain in his eyes. He was grateful of the gift Courtney had given him and was determined to show her how much. The question was, how? Hmm, he would have to consider this.
He approached Sebastian quietly, noticing the healthy pink glow in the man’s face as he dozed in the fresh, clean mountain air. Courtney sat next to him, holding his hand and appearing more relaxed than he had yet seen her. Good, he pondered, she was feeling the peace of their home. It would make her transition easier.
“Come inside. I will take you to your room and show you around my home,” Marcas said, gently rousing Sebastian as he pushed the wheelchair into the manor. Courtney rubbed her eyes, slowly standing and following him through the tall, heavy dark wood doors. She paused to look around, surprised by the bright and airy décor that showcased the darker, heavy antique furnishings and paintings. It was a mesh of past and present, tastefully done to provide comfort and a sense of home. Courtney could not help touching the rich, dark wood of an ornate armoire.
“This is beautiful. Are all these antiques? They are spectacular.”
“They are. Most are from my family. Many are hand carved.
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