Page 40 of Fearless Heart
She tucked them in and touched their heads. “You know what I think? You were very brave, aye fearless. It is perfectly normal to be a wee bit frightened sometimes.”
“Are you scared?” Miles asked.
“To my toes.”
The lads giggled.
“But I will try to be courageous like you. Before you sleep, I want you to promise me something … You mustn’t tell anyone you saw me. No one can know where I am not even da and ma or anyone within our clan. Those men who took you … they wanted me, not you. They will try to find me and I must stay hidden. You’ll give your pledge now not to tell a soul that you’ve seen me.”
“I promise,” they said in unison.
“It is extremely important. Those men who took you … they are not chivalrous. And if they find me … Well, I shall be frightened and in much danger.”
Macon pressed her hair. “I understand, Lillia. We shan’t tell anyone.”
“Will ye kiss me goodnight like Mama does?” Miles asked.
“Of course.” She kissed them both on the forehead, certain they had been scared beyond all sense if they insisted she kiss them. They were at an age where kissing and affection was avoided akin to the plague.
Lillia waited until her brothers were fast asleep before she joined them. Relief at having them safe overwhelmed her and tears of happiness clouded her eyes. With the little sleep she’d gotten in the past few days, she slumbered as soon as her body lay upon the comfortable bedding.
In the morning, she awoke to the lads’ whispers. Annag had them sitting at the trestle table, their belly’s filled and their mood much lightened.
“Good morn.” She took the bowl offered by the mistress and thanked her.
“The guard said we’re to leave soon.”
She nodded at Macon. “Aye, you’ll be home soon and safe.” Lillia finished her morning fare and helped Annag clean up before she took the lads outside.
Heath and his comrades awaited them. “We need to set out.”
She turned to speak her goodbyes and saddened. Who knew when next she would see her brothers if ever? “I shall miss you both. Promise to be good on the journey and remember your vow not to speak of me to anyone.”
They nodded, but their attention drew to the guard and they darted off before she could hug or kiss them farewell. Miles rode with Brodin, and Macon rode with Liam. Graeme sat unaffected by her emotional display. Tears streaked her cheeks and she hastily rubbed them away.
Heath pulled her hard against his chest. “Worry not for them.” He tilted her chin and kissed her hard.
The kiss turned sensuous and she held him tightly. When he pulled back, she heard her brother’s snickers. Macon made gagging sounds, and the king’s guard’s faces reflected they too were appalled by their overzealous display of affection.
“I shall await your return.”
He released and grinned. “I shall hurry, Sweetness. There’s something I want to discuss with you upon my return.”
She called after him, “Heath, you cannot say that and leave me wondering. Heath …” But he mounted his horse and rode to catch up with the others.