Page 67 of Love Me Forever

He whispered once more as she drifted to sleep, “Remember.”

CHAPTER19

Brianna found herself at a loss the next day. She did not want to speak with anyone; she wanted nothing more than to be left alone. Everyone seemed to have an opinion about her situation. Moira and Anne had naturally taken her side, both women having an independent nature and having taught Brianna to reclaim her own.

Ian and Blair seemed sympathetic to Royce since they both had dealt with the perils and joys of falling in love.

She had grown impatient as they offered their words of wisdom, and while she understood that they only wished to help, she wished for them all to leave her alone. She

ached for the solitude of the cottage, and if she were able, she would ride off on her own to the simple small dwelling and reside there for as long as it took to settle her problem.

Finally, having felt she could take no more, and desperately seeking solitude, she wrapped herself in her warm wool cloak, pulled up the hood, and took off for a much-needed walk alone.

She was only a few feet from the keep when she noticed a man following her. He did not hide his intentions but kept firm and steady on her trail. He was large with bright red hair and a nose that had been broken more than once. He looked to be of a pleasant nature, nodding a greeting to those who dared look his way, his size being a little intimidating. There was no doubt that he was one of Royce’s men, and the thought irritated her.

Brianna paused once or twice to see what he would do, and he stopped and waited patiently for her to continue walking. By the time she neared the outskirts of the village, she had had enough. She turned and confronted him.

“Why do you follow me?” she snapped, turning on him in such a flurry that the large man actually backed away from her.

“I mean you no harm,” he said apologetically. “Royce ordered me to guard you well, and so I shall.”

He had a gentle voice for one so large and Brianna felt guilty at the harsh way she addressed him. She softened her tone when she said, “I need no one to guard me.”

“I must obey Royce.” Again, he sounded apologetic.

She attempted to keep her patience. ‘Tell him what I tell you. I need no guard.”

“I cannot leave your side, for then I will disobey his orders.”

Her patience was growing short. “You mean to follow me, then, wherever I go.”

He was hesitant to answer. “Aye, I do.”

“I wish to be alone.” She kept a tight rein on her temper; after all, he was not the one she was angry with.

“I will keep my distance and give you time for yourself.”

“I want to be by myself, completely alone, no one about, just me, me, me!” Her voice rose with every word.

He seemed not to know what to do with her. He simply shrugged.

“Where is Royce?” she demanded.

He seemed relieved by her query and answered with haste. “He sees to the men.”

‘Take me to him,” she ordered firmly.

He nodded once, again looking relieved.

She followed beside him as he led her to a large clearing not far outside the village. Men tended horses, others cooked over an open fire, while others polished their swords or tended to their bows and arrows. Royce stood in the middle of a band of men that maybe numbered twenty. They all paid heed to his words.

The man she followed stepped to the side as they approached the circle of men. She continued marching forward, the men moving out of her path.

She entered the circle and stopped. “I will have a word with you.”

“When I am finished, we will talk,” he said pleasantly, though his words were measured well.

“Nay, we will talk now.”