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“A small clan that doesn’t sit far from Lord Slayer’s clan and is one he protects, Clan Skirling, is in need of help and he has ordered Noble to proceed there immediately.”

Leora regained her courage, slipping off the bed and moving away from Cavell. “Why doesn’t he see to it himself?”

“No Gallowglass warrior questions Lord Slayer’s command,” Cavell said with a slight scowl.

“Lord Slayer can order his warriors all he wants, but he does not order me. I will not be leaving here today.”

“Aye, you will, wife.”

Leora turned and was struck with surprise at the man standing in the open doorway. Not only were his features striking but the determination in his powerful voice left no room that he would have it any other way than as he ordered. And the way the muscles in his body shifted and grew taut as he took a step into the room warned her that he was prepared for battle.

Leora’s chin went up with her determination. “Nay, I will not.”

She stood her ground as he approached her, though the closer he got, the more she thought it would have been wiser to retreat. Cavell had described Noble to her sister perfectly… the fiercest of Lord Slayer’s warriors. There was a fierceness in his every step, every movement, and more so in his deep blue eyes. She imagined that his foes would run in fright before lifting a weapon against him, though his striking features and his gorgeous deep blue eyes might have women melting in his arms… but not her. Her chin went up even higher.

“There is one thing you need to know about me, wife—”

“There is something more important you should know about me, husband. I will not be dictated to,” Leora said, not letting him finish.

“You will learn.”

The man constantly sounded as if he commanded, and Leora would not have it. “I think not.”

He stepped closer to her, so close she caught a whiff of him. For an instant she thought she stood in the forest when spring was at its most potent, the earth releasing a slightly damp aroma reminiscent of freshly turned soil and burgeoning life. It was a scent she favored.

“Then let me give you a choice, wife. You gather your things and ready yourself to leave posthaste or I will throw you over my shoulder and physically remove you, and your belongings will be left behind.”

“You wouldn’t—”

Noble planted his face close to hers. “Challenge me! I love a challenge.”

Cavell tried to stop his wife from going to her sister’s aid but failed. Though he was proud of how fast she was learning to move. It kept him on his toes in catching her.

Elsie took hold of her sister’s arm. “Let me help you get your belongings together.”

Leora went with her sister, though stopped after only taking a few steps and turned to glare at her husband. “Since you love a challenge, I will make sure you get a challenge.”

She could not believe her husband had the audacity to smile.

“I have yet to lose a challenge.”

“There is always a first time,” Leora said and turned her back on him.

* * *

Leora watchedElsie fade in the distance as she left the only home she had known since birth. Tears threatened her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She kept a soft smile on her face and her chin up as she waved to the clan members seeing her off with cheers of well wishes and a fruitful union while riding through the village directly behind her husband.

She had had no intentions of leaving with him but when she and Elsie had been left alone to pack her belongings, her sister pointed out a far better reason why she should go with her husband. She recalled their conversation that had changed everything.

“I know this is not what you want but there is a much more important reason for you to go with your husband,” Elsie said.

“Nothing could be more important,” Leora argued.

“Our sister Sky.”

“What does Sky have to do with me submitting to this marriage and leaving with my husband?”

“Did you not hear what Cavell said about Clan Skirling being not far from Lord Slayer’s clan?”