Page 92 of Love Me Forever

Arran tempered his emotions and hung his head as though saddened by the news. Then he raised his head and looked at Royce. “I will raise your child as if he were my own.”

Silence fell in the great hall, and many who stood nearby stepped back in fear of Royce’s reaction.

Royce was calm and confident when he spoke. “If Ian does not kill you, I will.”

Arran actually paled and moved back several steps. “I wish you no harm.”

Royce released Brianna, nudging her to Moira’s side.

She went reluctantly. He moved forward toward Arran. “You are a coward.”

Arran’s face turned scarlet at the obvious challenge. “I have behaved cowardly, but I am not a coward. I wish only to love my wife even if she carries your child.”

“You will not have my wife or my child.”

“Brianna is legally mine.” Arran’s patience was beginning to wane. “Therefore, the child is legally mine if I so choose.”

Royce almost reached out to choke him, but he stopped himself, his fists tightening at his sides. He would not allow himself to think that this coward would have any right to Brianna or his child. He would see him dead first.

“You can choose nothing. Ian will decide your fate.”

Arran visibly cringed. “I know Ian to be a fair man.”

He spoke loudly for all to hear and for many to sympathize with his plight. “I pray that he will be fair in his judgment. That is why I returned to meet my fate and extend my regret for my foolish actions. I have suffered much while I was gone, and I will suffer more if necessary. I only ask for mercy and a chance to make amends.”

Royce moved forward with such speed that Arran had no chance to move. They finally stood face to face.

Royce spoke for only Arran to hear. “No matter what Ian decides, you will eventually face me and me alone. I will have no mercy.”

Arran shook with fear no matter how hard he attempted to control his tremble. “You have no right to my wife.”

“I have every right, for she loves me.”

Arran whispered harshly, “Brianna does not know how to love a man.”

Royce did not stop himself. His hand flew to Arran’s throat, grabbed a hard hold, lifted him off the floor, and held him there, his feet dangling. “Speak ill of my wife and I will snap your worthless neck,” he threatened.

Arran choked and fought, clawing frantically at Royce’s hand, and attempting to break his hold. His strength was that of many men; there was no breaking free.

Ian stepped forward and Royce’s men converged around him before Ian could gain on them. Blair moved to Ian’s side and the hall looked about ready to fight, and all for the sake of a coward.

“Enough,” Ian said, his voice thundering in the hall. “His fate is mine to decide.”

Royce lowered Arran to the ground, but before releasing him he whispered, “You and I shall settle this.”

Ian stepped past Royce’s men, shoving those aside who would not move. When he reached Arran, he spoke loud enough for the entire hall to hear. “You will be held in the dungeon until your fate is decided.”

Arran appeared relieved. “As you wish, though I beg you to let me speak with my wife.”

“Nay,” Royce said. “She has nothing to say to you.”

“I have things I must say to her,” Arran said, looking to Ian.

“It is my sister’s choice,” Ian said.

“Nay, it is mine,” Royce said forcefully. “My wife will not speak to him.”

“I will speak with my wife!” Arran shouted for all to hear, especially Brianna.