Page 61 of Love Me Forever

Ian walked over to her and placed a comforting arm around her waist. “It is your choice.”

“It is not her choice,” Royce said with strength in his voice that caused many in the hall to shiver.

Ian stepped in front of his sister, and Blair moved in beside him.

Royce showed not an ounce of fear, though he stood alone in the hall. “My clan has no quarrel with you.”

He was letting Ian know that if they harmed him in any way, his clan would retaliate with force.

Ian would not be intimidated. “Nor do I want one.”

“Then hear me out.”

Ian nodded, always more ready to talk through problems than raise a weapon to settle them.

“I love your sister and will see to her care and protection. She is upset now but in time?—”

Brianna stopped him. “Nay, in time I will not change my mind. I will not wed you and that is final. I ask that my brother give you the same courtesy that you gave me. Food and shelter until you return to your clan.”

“My clan is aware that I am here and will join me shortly, but I will not take my leave until you agree to wed me.”

Ian spoke before his sister could. “How does your clan know your whereabouts?”

“They knew where I sought solitude and kept a watchful eye over me. As soon as your men arrived, my men gathered and followed. They are not far from this keep at this moment, and if I do not speak with them before it grows late, they will attack.”

“I saw no one following us,” Blair said, annoyed that he and his men might not have been as alert as they should have been.

“I command a well-trained and highly skilled group of men. You would not see them if they did not want to be seen.”

“I have heard of their skills,” Ian said, impressed. “I do not doubt your word, and you are welcome to contact your men whenever you wish. As I have told you, I have no quarrel with you.”

“And I have no quarrel with you.” Royce paused, and then raised his voice for all to hear. “But I will wed your sister.”

“The decision is hers,” Ian said. “I will not force her to wed.”

“Even if she carries my child?” Royce asked, looking to Brianna.

Brianna did not wish to announce to the entire hall that she was unable to conceive a child. Her failure as a woman concerned no one but her.

Her brother sensed her unease. “We will discuss this in private.”

Moira handed her son to Anne and walked over to Brianna. She slipped her arm around her shoulder. “We will continue this in the solar.”

Brianna was grateful for Moira’s support. She had wondered if her shaking legs would carry her or if she would collapse like a foolish woman. She grasped hold of Moira’s offered hand as they walked.

“All will be fine,” Moira assured her. “Ian will see to it.”

“I will not marry him,” she insisted, wondering who she was attempting to convince—Moira or herself.

“It will be as you wish.”

Brianna nodded, agreeing with her sister-in-law. It would be her decision and hers alone. There was no worry that there would be a child. She could not give Royce one, not ever. Why did that thought make her feel so sad? He was not what she thought him to be.

Remember.

She felt too numb to remember anything. At the moment she felt only the hurt and pain of being deceived and being so very foolish.

Ian followed Royce into the room after Brianna and Moira had entered. Moira directed her to a chair by the hearth, but Brianna preferred to remain standing. She felt more in control, more determined.