Page 113 of Love Me Forever

Royce leaned over to Ian, who sat beside him on the dais, to ask, “What did your wife do to my wife?”

Ian was pleased that Royce thought of Brianna as his wife, though another ceremony, when the time was appropriate, would be necessary to make it official. He looked from Brianna, who sat next to Royce, to his wife, who sat on his sister’s opposite side. They were laughing and chatting and looked to be having a delightful time.

Ian shrugged. “Seems to me that she made her see reason, Moira always makes people see reason.”

“You have learned this from experience?” Royce asked his smile much too wide.

Ian winced. “Aye, I did and ask me no more.”

A commotion at the double doors drew their attention and brought Royce and Ian instantly to their feet.

William approached the dais in a hurry. “One of the guards in the village has been wounded, an arrow in the chest. He does not fare well. The healer tends him.”

Moira stepped forward, placing a hand on her husband’s arm. “Ian, perhaps I can help.”

“It is better you remain with Brianna,” Ian said.

That remark brought Brianna to her feet, though a bit slowly. She had grown tired from the busy day. She approached her brother. “Nay, if Moira can help save the man, she must go to him.”

Royce settled it. “Ian, go with your wife and take extra guards. Brianna will be safe here with me.”

“Thank you,” Moira said to him and turned to Brianna. “You will be fine.”

“I know I will.” Brianna hugged her sister-in-law and watched her and her brother hurry off. Then she turned to Royce. “He is close by.”

Royce slipped his arm around her waist. “You would make a good warrior, for your instincts are strong.”

“I am a good warrior, for I intend to fight for what I want and I intend to win.”

Royce could not hide his pride in her nor did he wish to. “You make a worthy opponent.”

“Aye, I do.”

Raised voices again drew attention to the door. This time John hurried in with several men following.

“Several of the livestock have been slaughtered,” John said as he approached Royce.

Royce did not leave his wife’s side. His arm remained firm around her. “You know what to do.”

John nodded and most of the men in the hall followed the group out. The remaining men took guarded stances around the hall and a few walked off to join others already on guard throughout die keep.

“He plays with me and he will be sorry.”

Brianna shivered, having never heard the cold hardness in Royce’s voice before.

“Are you all right?” he asked, his deep green eyes filled with concern.

She felt the need to apologize. Arran was causing such grief, and she was partly to blame for having foolishly wed him. “I am sorry for?—”

He silenced her with two fingers pressed firmly on her lips. “Do not apologize for him. The blame is his, and he will suffer the consequences.”

“He will cause others to suffer needlessly.”

“Do you hear anyone complaining? This is their home, and they will defend it against intruders.”

“But I brought this intruder with me.”

“Nay, you did not His greed brought him here, and it is his greed that will mark his end.”