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She took a moment to survey her bedroom; it wasn’t large, but it was beautifully appointed.

Her inner historian was in a state of awe, and after a moment, she decided to ignore her need for sleep for a bit.

She ran her hands over the smooth, cold stone wall, marveling at the castle’s solid construction.

She dragged her fingertips against the wood of the door, awed by its durability.

She glanced down and noticed the solid wooden beam propped against the wall, and the metal brackets on the door.

A strong, secure bolt.

She turned her attention to the fire grate before her gaze fell onto the bed and her need for sleep took hold. She laid the bolt into the brackets, kicked off her boots, and climbed into the bed, its softness surprising her as she sank into the coverlets. She fell asleep immediately.

Brianagh slipped back into her solar, where Aidan and Nioclas were having a heated discussion. She sidled up to Reilly, wrapped both her arms around one of his, and laid her head on his shoulder.

“I’ve missed you,” she sighed. “Why did you stay away for so long?”

Reilly’s smile was full of tenderness. “Bri, you know the rules.”

“Still. I’m your most favorite cousin…” Her sapphire eyes assessed him. “I wonder, then, if you’re only allowed to travel when the line is in danger, why you’re here now.”

“Trust me. We will discuss it later. Instead, why don’t you tell me about this matchmaking?” Reilly encouraged her. “Monaghan traveled all the way across the island for your services?”

She nodded. “We’re allowing visitors by invitation only. After the first few successes, we had lairds camping outside castle grounds. It became too much, so Nioclas called a council meeting.”

Reilly raised an eyebrow. “And he made it out alive?”

She smacked him on the chest. “Of course he did. He’s the most powerful laird in Ireland, you know.”

“Spoken like a true laird’s wife,” he replied with a smile. “You are where you were meant to be, Bri. ”

She pursed her lips. “I won’t tell you that you were right, you know.

It’d only make your ego bigger, and the world can’t handle much more than you already have.

Anyway, at this meeting, most of our allies were in attendance, and he laid out the rules for this operation.

Inquiries only to start. Once the case is presented, either by parchment or messenger, we would let them know about a date when they were welcome to come to the castle.

Or, in rare cases, we would travel to them.

Eligible maidens from the clan, as well as their allied clans, are then invited to attend a ball and a skills tournament. ”

“A ball?”

“Yes. A ball. We have great musicians—”

“Och, aye. I remember those ‘great musicians’ well,” Reilly said with an exaggerated wince.

She laughed; the last time he heard music in the castle was when she was first married, and she convinced Nioclas to obtain entertainment for her first matching.

Everyone’s ears had paid the price that night.

“We no longer employ the services of that bard. We have a wonderful trio of musicians and a very pleasant singer. I must warn you, the ball for Monaghan’s son is quite soon. Everyone is arriving tomorrow and the next day.”

“I thought Nioclas didn’t like having anyone know about his prosperous little village?” Reilly replied, looking at the man in question.

“He hates it. But the coin we are given for a successful matching is not insignificant. The success rate has been such that lairds are willing to pay handsomely to see their clansmen happy, and the alliances formed…it’s so much better for both clans if the parties involved in the marriage are willing and eager, instead of forced into it. ” She gave him an arch look.

“All I did was return you to your family. I had no part in forcing your marriage…which seemed to work out well,” Reilly said.

She grinned. “It really did. And Kathryne and Kiernan visit once per year; it’s about as much as Nioclas can tolerate, really. But they adore the grandchildren. I’m happy I have them, but I do miss Colin, James, Evelyn, and Connor.”

“All of whom miss you as well.”

Brianagh grew pensive. “For how long do you think you’ll stay this time?”

Reilly shrugged. “It’s too hard to know.”

“What are we waiting for?”

“We’re waiting for Aidan to determine when it’s safe for Emma to return. But don’t worry about the details, my love,” Nioclas cut in. He winked, letting her know that he’d been listening to their conversation while holding his own with his brother.

She smiled softly at him, and Reilly groaned. “Have you not worked all that lovey-dovey nonsense out yet? You’ve been married nigh on eight years!”

She shrugged happily. “It hasn’t seemed to fade yet.”

“Do you expect Donovan for this event?” Reilly asked, referring to Nick and Bri’s closest friend and ally.

“No, but I think it won’t hurt to send for him,” Nioclas said thoughtfully. “He’d appreciate seeing Aidan in the flesh.”

“No, you can’t!” Bri exclaimed, dropping Reilly’s arm and stepping forward.

“Erin’s in her final month of her pregnancy.

You know how fast the last child came and you know he’ll drop everything to come here at your request. What’s worse is she’ll support that!

Don’t put them in that position, Nioclas.

” She turned to Reilly. “Erin is my dearest friend. She’s helped me through so much over these last few years—she’s like a sister to me.

I don’t want her, or her family, in any danger.

She’s near the end of her third pregnancy, and I cannot ask that of her. Let’s not send word. ”

“Easy, love,” Nioclas remarked, pulling her onto his lap and nuzzling her neck with his nose. “There’s no need to concern yourself. I will not send for him.”

Aidan whistled low. “How the mighty have fallen, Nick.”

Nioclas didn’t even glance up. “I’ve a feeling you’re headed down the same path, brother.”

“I like your Emma, Aidan.” Brianagh glanced at him thoughtfully. “She’s got some fire in her. She’s been through a lot in her life.”

Reilly nodded. “She’s a sweet soul. I wasn’t pleased when I had to leave her alone with him” —he jerked a finger in Aidan’s direction— “for a few weeks, but she managed to survive well enough. She’ll do well while we’re here.

Did you see how she barely bat an eye when she realized she was here and not in the future? ”

“I admit to being surprised how well she handled it,” Aidan noted. “I truly thought she’d have more questions for me.”

Brianagh pressed her lips together for a moment. “I don’t think you’re out of the woods quite yet, Aidan.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard you use that phrase before,” Nioclas interrupted.

“It means she has questions. A lot of them, which only Aidan will be able to answer well enough for her satisfaction.” She paused and glanced at Reilly.

“Though you’re right, she’s definitely handling this a lot better than I did.

She had her temporary freak out, but I think she’ll be fine going forward. ”

“Freak out?” Nioclas echoed.

Bri patted his cheek. “It means a temporary lapse in composure.”

“Is she well? Does she need me?” Aidan asked quickly, rising.

Nioclas threw him a speculative glance. “You’re quick to her rescue, brother. ”

“Don’t be daft,” Aidan scoffed. “I merely worry for her. I did bring this upon her, you know.”

Reilly folded his arms. “Nay, you did not. She’s the one with the crazed man after her. You had naught to do with that.”

“She’s under my protection,” Aidan shot back.

“Your protection? As in…her laird?” Nioclas asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Aye,” Reilly informed him. “Gave her shelter, clothing, food, safety. A laird’s protection.”

Nioclas whistled low. “So it’s like that, aye?”

Aidan leveled a look at his brother. “Aye. It’s like that.”

Brianagh sighed happily. “Oh, this is so unexpected. I’m so happy.”

Nick’s eyes drifted to his wife’s, and he smiled slowly at her. “If you’ll excuse us, we’ve much to do in preparation for this week. I’ll send for you this afternoon.”

Brianagh’s shy smile and Nioclas’s increasingly heated expression made both Reilly and Aidan stand quickly.

“I’m to the lists for some light exercise.” Reilly said.

Aidan nodded. “Aye. Lists. Solid plan.”

They heard the bolt slide home a scant second after they closed the solar door, and Aidan let out a laugh. Reilly rolled his eyes in disgust.