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Gwyn knew without question there was nothing of this evening she had regretted.

Even now. None of her actions were cause for shame nor would she ever wish them away.

As she lay within the arms of the Highland warrior, she knew if given the chance she would do it all over again and hope for the same outcome.

For the first time ever, Gwyn had given of herself freely and without reservation.

In those precious moments, Iver had shown her of all that was missing from her life.

Sadly, she admitted the memories of the passions he inspired must be enough to last a lifetime.

They had to be, for understanding of their situation, she could expect nothing more from this man.

Gwyn understood she had some explaining to do.

She understood he now knew that it was her innocence he took.

She now owed him at least that much. However, in her heart she was adamant she could not disclose the full of it and maybe not any of it, because how could she speak of only a small portion of her entire plethora of secrets?

It pained her immensely because if it had been within her power to do so, she would gladly share everything with this man.

She knew he would understand for in the time she had come to know him, she had discovered his heart was kind and it was true.

She also understood she could trust him with more than her secrets. She could trust him with her life.

She also realized she had no other alternative.

She was bound by her duty. Her obligations ran deep and her silence was paramount.

She only hoped that some day when she could reveal it all he would understand and forgive her for not being able to put her full trust in him.

More than anything, she had to protect Durell.

First and foremost, she was a MacLaren. That pledge and that duty was long since established and before she ever had become a Chattan.

In her mind, her devotion to her husband's clan ran deep, but her commitment to her original clan ran deeper.

As Iver moved his body to lie beside her and pulled her skirts down to cover her legs, Gwyn drew in a deep breath knowing she must speak. She simply had no idea of where to begin. Instead, she chose to say nothing of importance and none of which she knew he would wish to hear.

"Even though it saddens me, I must return to the keep before I am missed and we are discovered. It is not myself for whom I am worried, but for you, Iver. I could not bear you to be treated as Donnan has been, or worse if the full truth be known."

When no words came from Iver, Gwyn continued on lowly.

"I am so saddened by all Donnan has had to endure. Just know there is nothing left in my life that has not already been taken and I could never bear the price you would pay if we were discovered."

"There is so much I do not understand, Gwyn. Please-"

Quickly, Gwyn placed her fingers upon his lips as she attempted to squelch his speech.

She had to stop his words and understood what he wished to know, but could not reveal any of it especially since her duty prevented her form doing so.

Yes, she wished she could disclose everything to him, but she knew in her heart she could not.

"I am so sorry I cannot speak of all you wish to know. I understand you have many questions for which, I am unable to answer. Please, you must not ask this of me."

Gently, Gwyn replaced her fingers with her lips and kissed him tenderly reveling in the sweetness they provided.

Although she really desired to stay by his side, sadly she knew she must leave him.

So regrettably and slowly, she pulled back as she made ready to rise.

Before she left his side, she grasped his hand and placed it over her thundering heart as she spoke.

"Instead, I wish to share this with you.

Your presence here tonight has meant more to me than I can ever say.

You have comforted me when no one else could.

I also understand the risk that you took in coming here to me.

I should not have expected it, nor should I have allowed it. I was being selfish."

"No, Gwyn, you were not-"

Again, she placed her fingers over her lips to prevent him from speaking.

"I need you to understand my life has never been my own and the choices that were made-"

Gwyn drew in her breath deeply, preventing her from going on. After a short while, she spoke again.

"For all you have given me on this night, please know I will be eternally grateful."

As the tears began to accumulate in her eyes, Gwyn quickly released his hand and rose from his side.

Without looking back, she was upon her steed and galloping quickly in the direction of the keep.

She never looked back as she made her way over the rise and through the field beyond it.

It was not until she entered the stable doors and had dismounted when she was startled by the presence behind her.

"My lady, it is so late. Are you well?"

Donnan's voice startled her within the darkened stable and she nearly jumped from where she stood. Quickly, she brushed at the tears upon her cheeks as she turned and responded.

"Yes, Donnan, I am well. Thank you for your concern."

As she stared into his eyes, it nearly broke her heart knowing what he had allowed and where his position had left him. And now, when she realized what she had truly permitted to happen, it was almost an anger that settled upon her heart at the one she claimed as husband and laird.

As Gwyn spoke, it was apparent Donnan was making himself busy as to not pressure her into speaking any words. Gwyn watched as the very capable warrior began to tend her horse, pulling the saddle from his back and taking the bit from his mouth.

"I am so sorry, Donnan. What the laird has done to you is unforgivable and certainly not warranted. You should not have spoken and simply allowed me to take the blame. It was I who inspired everything. He could not have done anything more to me then he has already done. But you-"

"Nonsense, my lady. Constantly being by Iver's side can become tedious and it is a good thing to work the body. Even here."

The large warrior smiled as he breathed in deeply and spread his hands out wide by his side.

"All this seasoned air! It does the body good."

Donnan stood before the Lady Gwyn as the corner of his lips slid into a crooked smile revealing dazzling white teeth.

She could barely contain the warmth that spread in her heart for his simple actions and words.

She shook her head slightly all the while understanding he was speaking for her comfort only.

How could anyone prefer the pungent smell within these walls to the warmth of the gathering hall?

Together they walked silently down the path leading between the stalls. As they breached the door of the stable, Gwyn turned back to him one last time. Without thought, she laid her hand upon his arm tenderly as she looked deeply into his eyes.

"Please, Donnan, quit trying to be so honorable in my presence. If you do not know this already, you will soon find I am not worthy of your trouble."

Donnan did not speak and could only shake his head in exasperation at her words. He watched as she absently leaned in upon the tips of her toes and pressed a brief kiss upon his cheek.

"Good eve, my dearest friend."

When there were no words left to be spoken, Gwyn turned from the large warrior and moved silently across the upper bailey.

Without any haste, she walked up the stairs leading to the gathering hall and continued on to her chamber.

The emotions of this night were playing heavily upon her heart and she knew without a doubt that her life had been completely altered.

And now, Gwyn was charged with the task of figuring out a way to best deal with it.

*****

The Laird Errol stood at his window overlooking the bailey in the late of the night. He understood his young wife had not yet returned to her chamber and he began to wonder at her whereabouts.

As he saw movement coming from the stable, he nearly growled in his rage.

They stood together and were most likely assuming they were being seen by no one.

He also knew that if he could gaze upon them at this fair distance and grasp the obvious tenderness they shared, then there must be others of his clansmen who could also.

The unrest around him was already nearly out of control and he could bear no more dissension. Especially regarding something as insignificant as a woman. His anger grew tenfold as the petite blonde body of his wife drew herself upwards to kiss the large warrior who stood before her.

"You wish to humiliate me again? I will kill the bastard!"