Page 93 of Love Me Forever

Brianna shivered at the thought. She had no desire to speak with him or be near him. She wanted nothing to do with him and feared that as his wife she would have no choice. She remained close to Moira, grabbing hold of her hand for support.

“You need not speak to him,” Moira assured her. “You heard your brother. It is your choice.”

“Brianna, please talk with me. I am sorry,” Arran begged.

Brianna wanted to cover her ears and drown his pleas, but she would appear a coward, and she wished to show strength.

Ian finally settled it. “You will not disturb my sister now. If she wishes, she will speak to you. Otherwise, you will remain silent.” Ian then looked at Royce. “Please see to Brianna while I finish dealing with him.”

Royce understood that Ian felt that his sister had seen enough and that he and Brianna required time alone to discuss this unexpected situation.

“I will speak with you later.”

Royce nodded to Ian, knowing that it was necessary for them to talk alone. What would be decided, Royce did not know. He only knew that Brianna would remain his; he would not surrender her.

Royce took Brianna in his arms, and together they left the hall, the celebration at an end.

Brianna hurried out of Royce’s arms when they entered her bedchamber and rushed to the fireplace, holding her hands out to warm them. The chill would not leave her. She felt the cold down to her bones and she could not get warm. She rubbed her hands together and then rubbed her arms.

Royce came up behind her, pressed his body against hers, and rubbed at her arms.

They spoke not a word, both attempting to understand their circumstances.

Royce made it known how he felt. “You are mine and I will not let you go.”

Brianna shared her fear. “I am married to Arran. What choice do I really have?”

“The choice is yours,” he assured her. ‘To me we are wed, and I will take you from here at this moment if you wish.”

She pulled away from him, yanking the wreath from her head and tossing it on the table. “We are not wed, and how can I leave while my husband awaits his fate?”

“You owe him nothing.”

“My vows say otherwise.”

“His vows meant nothing to him,” Royce said, attempting to make her see reason.

She shook her head. “He is my husband and I do not want to be his wife, but what do I do?”

“Come away with me,” he urged, taking a step toward her.

She moved away from him. “I cannot continue to run from my fears. This must be settled between him and me.”

“He lies and will continue to lie.”

“I know,” she admitted. “That is why this must be settled now.”

“Your brother will settle it, and if not him, then I.”

She feared what both men would do, and yet, had not Arran caused his own fate? “I must speak to my brother about this.”

Royce objected. “Nay, I will speak with him.”

“Do what you must, but so must I.”

Royce took a slow step toward her, and she did not retreat from him. “I love you and will not let you go.”

“I love you and do not wish to leave you, but I am another man’s wife and that must be settled first.”