'You should go home,' Grisell laughed softly.

'Why?' Eskine resisted, tightening his arms around her.

'The sun is just about up. My maids will arrive shortly to clean my quarters.'

Eskine moaned gruffly. He had stayed the entire night. They'd made love over and over till the wee hours of the morning. Grisell smiled now, draping one arm around his neck. It was so beautiful, being absolutely stark naked in bed with her brawny lover. She felt it liberating to have her body entwined with his, just touching, caressing and smiling into his eyes. She found him irresistible, as she closed her eyes, pressed her lips to his and indulged in a slow lingering kiss.

'I love you,' he murmured against her ear.

'And I love you, but you must leave.' she whispered back.

Sighing, he reluctantly got up, quickly dressed and escaped from her room before being caught in her bed.

After a lazy breakfast, under the sun, Grisell called on her parent. She felt as happy as a lark, it was clearly evident from her glittering eyes and the ever present smile on her angelic looking face. Her father smiled at her adoringly, as she sat down to have tea with him.

'I love you child. I want you to know, I am so proud of you.'

'Are you ill father? Her eyes were immediately concerned.

'No,' he laughed.

'Oh.'

Grisell studied her father, his words sounded ominous as if he had a dreaded disease and was going to leave her... leave her all alone.

'Tell me what's wrong father? You must tell me!' Her eyes filled with unshed tears.

'Nothing child! I am perfectly all right. I have no terminal illness,' he laughed again; accurately reading her concern.

She continued to stare at him, disbelievingly. He took her hands. 'I am very happy my child. Happy for you. DeMartino seems a fine young man. I am very proud of you.' He repeated himself. 'You are more than I hoped for. As my successor, I find no fault in you, none whatsoever. I love you very much,' tears slid down his eyes.

'Then why the tears father?' she reached out and wiped away the tears.

'It's tears of joy. I am at peace. You will have DeMartino protecting you, when I am no more.'

Tears rushed down her cheeks. 'I hope you won't be leaving me too soon. I want you to see your grandchildren.'

He laughed. 'You better hurry and make them then.'

She laughed awkwardly, 'Eskine ___.'

'Has not offered as yet? He will. I saw the way he looks at you.'

She flung her hands around her father. 'Oh Father, you are making me feel very happy this morning.'

'Go outside. Enjoy the sun and fresh air and cherish your moments with DeMartino, they make good memories.'

She wondered if her father had regrets about his life; his wife; his past. He never spoke of it. She never asked. She hoped it was not too painful. Sometimes she suspected it had pained him, for he never took another wife, since her mother's beheading.

'I will be taking supper with Eskine father. He has invited me.'

'Hah! The first Blane to receive an invitation in centuries,' he laughed.

She smiled. 'It is a good gesture, is it not? And our relationship will hopefully end this unnecessary feud.'

'Yes,' her father acknowledged sadly. He thought about all the wasted years and opportunities. They should have put their pride aside and made peace. Peace is always preferable to wars.

Eskine and McCrae were galloping on their horses along the sea shore. McCrae was reporting to his Chief on the successes they were having with the desalination plant. 'The storage pipes are massive. They can hold enough water for both our tribes for probably a whole week. Then we just haul more out of the ocean as we need, to desalinate. The Lady Chief sure is smart,' McCrae laughed. He enquired from Eskine, if they could also copy the Dalmahoy and reclaim more land for their tribe.

'Nothing is impossible,' Eskine grinned broadly. 'We can try,' his face reflected one of peace and filled with joy and contentment.

'Chief?'

'Yeah?' Eskine adjusted his hat, slapping it back on his head.

'The Dalmahoy Chief is extremely beautiful. You think I will ___'

'I'm going to make her mine!' Eskine cut his second in command off.

McCrae almost fell off his horse. He had hoped he could get his chief's permission to court from the Dalmahoy camp. His target had been the Lady Chief herself.

'You think the Lady Chief will be agreeable? She is mighty feisty and independent from what I observe!'

Eskine laughed. 'I will make her.'

McCrae smiled. He didn't doubt his chief. He was fearless, confident, single minded when he needed to be and courageous. If he said he will make Chief Dalmahoy his woman, then she would become his woman!

Just before eight pm, Grisell was dressed and patiently waiting for Eskine. Her glossy hair was loosely falling in waves over her shoulders. She had on, a long flowing crème dress. Its hem wrapped around her ankles. It was pretty with fern green borders around the short sleeves and similarly around her waistband. She had wanted to put a green ribbon around her hair, but thought against it, knowing Eskine's preference for her hair, to hang loosely about her shoulders. She heard a galloping horse come to a standstill just outside her quarters and its corresponding melodious bray. She rushed out to see Eskine sitting rather elegantly on his black stallion. He looked so dash and debonair in dark trousers, a white shirt and a full buttoned blue waistcoat. He looked so arresting, she cold not take her eyes off him, nor could half the Dalmahoy clan it seemed for all were admiring him on his stallion, like a suave knight without his shining armor. She smiled shyly, before she greeted him. Eskine hopped off his horse and bowed like a true gentleman. She laughed softly.

'My Lady Chief,' he extended his hand, 'care to join me?' He pointed to his horse.

She smiled again, nodded and stepped forward.

Grisell was delighted, when a loud chorus of applause and laughter echoed around her. Seems like her clan were heartily in favour of a Dalmahoy/DeMartino union. As Eskine, lifted her onto his horse, she received more applause and shouts of well wishes. Shyly she laughed, waved her hand to her clan, as Eskine galloped away. She tightened her arms around his waist. Pressing her cheek against his shoulderblade, she hugged him, feeling totally ecstatic. She never wanted this joy she felt to ever end. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world.

The short distance, via the new trade route, between the camps was covered in just over ten minutes. Grisell wanted to continue riding, forever along the shore. She didn't want it to stop. She loved the feel of the wind blowing through her hair and the exhilarating speed of the horse, as it carried her into the DeMartino camp.

'I will show you the lay of the land after our supper,' Eskine spoke over his shoulder.

'Okay,' she shouted into the wind.

Eskine stopped his horse outside a building that looked newly built. It was very large, brightly lit lanterns around the place, made it look like a lighthouse. Beautiful flowers and shrubs, were attractively in display in beds around the front entrance of the building.

Eskine hopped off, extending his hands to Grisell. 'Welcome, my darling,' he smiled.

She hopped off, into his arms and looked around. 'Thank you. It is very beautiful,' she acknowledged.

Eskine chuckled. 'There are some serious botany enthusiasts in our camp. I will show you more of their handiwork around our camp. They are very creative.' Eskine waved his hand to the building in front of them. 'This is my private space,' he smiled, opening the door.

Grisell stepped in. It was huge, bigger than her father's quarters. This building had about four doors leading to unknown rooms inside his quarters. Grisell's quarters held just the front room, her bedroom and a private bath. Her father's had a much larger front room and open plan dining area and working station and then his private bedroom and bath. Eskine's quarters was enormous. The front room has long sofas in a bamboo colour. There were lots of shelves with ornaments, and collection of artifacts, it seemed from his many travels. The one shelf had a display of fancy swords and guns. She stared at them admiringly. His collection of arms were nothing liked she'd ever seen before.

'They're all in working order and ready for immediate use,' he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

'They look impressive,' she murmured.

'This is my library,' he opened the closest door. It held a large table, some chairs, and lots of shelves with books. There was even a corner stand that held bottles of different types of alcohol. He opened a second door. It was similar to his library, sans the book shelves. This one was clearly his office. The next one, his bath, adjoined what was his bedroom. It held a huge bath. Surprisingly, there was an area that was not enclosed. It just held a free standing shower pipe amidst lots of trees proving privacy. Grisell laughed.

'You are brave,' her eyes lifted to his.

He chuckled. 'It is totally private. The area is cordoned off. Nobody can access it, except if they enter from my quarters. I love using it. Feels wonderful having a shower, under the sun or the stars. Perhaps one day soon you will join me.'

'You are crazy!' She quickly rushed away. Opening the door she suspected was his private bedroom. It looked stunning. Eskine's eyes followed her curiously. The king size bed looked inviting. She wanted to go to it. She wanted him to join her on it. She looked at him, desire in her eyes, very evident. She walked further into his room, creating distance between him and her. She admired the beautiful armoire taking up an entire wall. It looked extremely spacious, in a dark colour, most likely, holding his clothes and personal effects.

'What is that lovely smell?' she whispered, feeling him close behind her.

'Sandalwood,' he pressed his lips to her neck. 'My bed posts are made of it. I believe it can keep its scent for centuries.'

'I love it,' she smiled, turning around in his arms.

'Will you stay the night with me?' He smiled.

'No,' she shifted away out of his arms. Whilst she has been indiscriminately sleeping with him, she had to outwardly maintain an air of dignity. Neither his tribe nor hers should know they were already lovers. 'It shouldn't be public knowledge as yet, that you've thoroughly compromised me,' she grinned.

'We shall continue to be discreet then,' he smiled, drawing her back into his arms.

'Where's this supper you promised?' she wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling into his eyes.

He kissed her lips. 'Come. You must be hungry. If you don't mind. I have a table set up outside. It's a lovely evening.' He looked up at the warm, milky glow of the full moon and the night sky filled with brightly lit stars.

Grisell followed Eskine outside to a lovely, romantic looking table setup. It held three lit candles. There were glasses ready for wine or softer drinks. There was a bowl that held William pears, grapes and apricots. Grisell reached out, helped herself to an apricot and brushed it down on her dress, before biting on it.

'Mmm...sweet. So lovely,' she took another bite.

'Regrettably not from my garden' he laughed, 'those come from the continent. One of my ships just returned from France.'

Grisell smiled distractedly. She would love to go to France or the Americas. She read so much about exciting and progressive living in those neck of the woods. Could she ever leave her camp for that long? Could she be away for more than three months and not face a coup when she returned? She sighed heavily, wondering if she would ever get that opportunity.

'Here goes!' Eskine laughed, as he rang a bell. He held out a chair for Grisell.

Three male servants entered carrying an array of assortments. Grisell could smell lamb stew, roast pig, and fish. She was ravenous. Her stomach growled with delight.

'Good evening,' Eskine greeted his men. 'This is Lady Grisell Blane. Chief of Dalmahoy.'

'Good evening,' Grisell smiled.

'Lady Dalmahoy, this is Patrick, Nardus and Nimrod,' he pointed to each man respectively.

'Thank you for the delicious smelling supper,' she smiled.

'You are welcome Chief,' one of them announced, as all three bowed graciously.

They ate at leisure. Eskine brought some wine, from his cellar, for them to have with supper. There were more plates of side dishes brought in, breads, pastries, meat pies, cheese, salads, more fresh fruit and dessert comprised sponge cake, Angel food cake and fruit cake, with fresh cream served separately in bowls.

'How are you not obese?' You laughed accusingly.

'They don't feed me this well every day,' he grinned. 'I told them to make an impressionable spread for you.'

'Did you say you invited your lover to supper?' Her eyes lifted to his questioningly.

'No. I informed them the mighty, inimitable, courageous Chief of Dalmahoy is visiting our humble abode,' he spoke theatrically.

She laughed, as she bit into a juicy strawberry. 'May I have more wine please?' she extended her glass to him.

'I hope you are not done with supper? You have hardly done justice!'

She patted her tummy and sighed. 'I should not have eaten so much of the pies and pastries.'

'The night is still young. Perhaps you will get hungry again,' he grinned

'No thank you darling,' she declined. 'I could not eat another morsel. Supper was truly delicious.'

Eskine rose, going around to help her out of her chair. 'Come. Let us walk off our supper. We can return for coffee.'

As they walked around, at a respectable distance from each other, for propriety sake, Grisell was surprised at just how much more expansive the DeMartino property was. The residential structures were well maintained. Beautiful gardens and artistic water features were decoratively around much of the area. The school and church structures were huge and beautiful. Occasionally they would see men on horseback, or children running about, or a group of women sitting about singing or chatting. Eskine would wave, they would wave back. Grisell followed his example, men tipped their hats. The ladies waved back and the children smiled shyly at her. Grisell stopped smiling when she saw a familiar trespasser approaching them.

'Good evening Sorcha,' Grisell greeted.

'Chief Dalmahoy,' Sorcha hissed, more like spitting venom. 'So you are that bold to dare to walk our property?'

'You have a problem with that!' Grisell challenged calmly, unfazed by her theatrics.

'Take your leave Sorcha!' Eskine ordered, the same instant that Grisell spoke.

'She's not welcome here!' Sorcha spat.

'I shall be judge of who is and who is not welcome on my camp!' Eskine spoke authoritatively, his eyes like steely granite.

'She's the enemy,' Sorcha rebutted. 'She has no right to be here! She's probably spying out our land to attack us!'

Eskine swung his head to his left. Out of nowhere four guards came rushing in, in answer to his silent command.

'Take her away to her quarters!' Eskine ordered. 'She is offensive to my guest of honour!'

'"Guest of honour"' Sorcha laughed. 'She will be the death of ___'

Before she could finish her sentence, a guard unceremoniously hoisted her over his shoulder and began walking.

'Put me down, you imbecile!' She screamed. 'Put me down you vile creature!'

'My sincere apologies,' Eskine murmured, his hand at her elbow.

'I have a special facility in my dungeon for the insolent!' She grinned.

He raised his eyebrows. 'I only put those who engage in what I deem criminal conduct in my dungeon.'

Grisell's eye met his squarely. 'There were some in my camp, who thought to challenge my authority, board members included,' I sent them there to introspect, for some days,' she smirked.

'Remind me never to challenge you darling,' he murmured.

She threw her head back and laughed. 'I should head back home Eskine.'

'Coffee first?' He offered.

'Yes please. I have to tell father what a lovely set up you have here,' she smiled.

'Do you think, I could invite him over some time? I have some very comfortable chariots to escort him in.'

'Shall I ask him, or would you prefer to extend the invitation personally?'

'Let me offer the invitation, when I drop you off,' he led her back to his quarters for coffee.

They had coffee and chatted some more. Eskine was reluctant to return her to her home, especially since he would have to courteously drop her off in front of everybody, and politely return to his own camp; but nobody was to know that much later in the dark of night, Grisell's lover would discreetly return to her bed, for a scintillating night of passion.

Over the following weeks Grisell and Eskine spent much time together, in the open, in front of his tribe's people and hers. There was no doubt whatsoever, anymore, that they were courting. When they were not busy with chiefly duties, they spent long hours walking on the beach, or Eskine would take her horseback riding on his horse, just so he could have her arms around him. They would find discreet enclosures where they would indulge in quick, stolen moments of intimate pleasure. Eskine also encouraged his clan and hers to compete in sport and recreational activities. Trade and business was booming between both tribes. Both chiefs also observed, their people engaging in relations across the green zone. Grisell was satisfied that peace and stability was finally achieved between both tribes. Even her parent had expressed his satisfaction at the steady pace of progress between the respective clans. Udny had off course accepted Eskine's offer to coffee. He had even been bold to provide, Eskine with advice on better utilization of his land.

                                                                                     -end chapter 17-