Page 38 of Love Me Forever (Highland Duo #2)

“It belonged to his grandmother,” Delia said, her eyes misting. “She was a good woman. These other garments I will have fitted for you, and I will make certain one is done for tomorrow.”

“I do not wish to make unnecessary work for anyone. I can see to it myself.”

Delia looked startled. “You are the lady of the keep and will do no such thing.”

Royce entered the room. “She is ordering you about already. I thought she might wait until tomorrow.”

“That would be wasting precious time, and the Lord knows there is never enough time,” Delia said, pulling out one of the chairs at the table. “Now, come eat, m’lady. You and the babe need nourishment.”

Brianna did not argue; she hurried over to the table.

“What about me?” Royce asked with a thump to his chest.

“You are capable of taking care of yourself,” Delia informed him and made certain Brianna’s plate was filled high.

Royce joined Brianna at the table, mumbling beneath his breath.

Delia picked up Brianna’s soiled garments and walked to the door, looking at Royce. “She needs her rest tonight.”

Royce almost choked on the piece of cheese he had in his mouth.

Brianna covered her mouth, hiding her smile.

Royce pointed to the door and swallowed the cheese. “Out of my bedchamber, woman.”

His order did not disturb her in the least. “Mind what I say.”

He shook his head after the door closed. “I do not know why I tolerate her.”

Brianna knew. “She was a dear friend of your grandmother’s, and she loves you as much as your grandmother did.”

“Aye, that is true,” he said with a smile, “and that is why she rules this keep.”

Brianna broke a piece of dark bread from a fresh loaf. “The people know we are not wed?”

“Our situation is known. It is necessary.” He would say no more, but Brianna understood and did not like the thought.

“You will not battle over me.”

“I will do what is necessary.” He was adamant.

She was stubborn. “I will not allow it.”

He laughed. “And how would you prevent it?”

“I will do what is necessary.”

His temper surfaced. “You will not return to your husband. We belong together.”

“I will not have men die because of me,” —tears pooled in her eyes— “especially you.”

He moved from his chair to kneel beside her. “No one will die. We will settle this.” He did not make it a promise, for he knew that if necessary he would take Arran’s life.

She kissed his cheek. “Aye, we will settle this.” She felt hopeful though concerned. “I hope my brother is not angry with me.”

Royce returned to his seat, slicing chunks of cheese for them both. “He will not be angry and he probably would have done the same thing himself if he were in my situation.”

Brianna grew somber, placing the piece of bread she had not even nibbled on aside. “We cannot live in sin forever, Royce.”

“We love each other. That is not a sin.”

“I thought him dead, and Lord forgive me, but I was glad when I was told he was dead. I felt relieved and free. Why could he not have remained dead?”

He understood that she needed to speak her feelings, and he wished her to confide in him, so he listened.

“He caused me so much pain and suffering, and now he returns to cause me more. I know he will attempt to deceive my brother with his charm. I watched him do it time and time again. Everyone thought him a loving husband.”

She laughed softly. “Everyone but Moira. She knew him for what he was when she first met him. She is very observant.”

“She is observant,” Royce agreed. “There is not much that gets by her at the keep.”

“That is true, she—” Brianna stopped suddenly and gasped. “Moira knew that you intended to abduct me.”

“She had an idea,” he corrected, “and she insisted I tell her nothing, for she informed me that she would not lie to her husband if asked; therefore, she could not say what she did not know.”

“Why would she want me away from the keep?”

“I would suspect for your protection.”

“But—”

“If Arran proved able to attempt to take Moira’s life in the keep, what would prevent him from attempting to take yours? Ian took measures to protect his wife, yet Arran found a way around those measures. Who knows what friends Arran has in the keep?”

“I had not thought of that.”

“I did and evidently so did your sister-in-law.”

“Is that why you think Ian will be relieved to learn that you took me away?”

He nodded. “It would not look good for him to send you away, but if I should take matters into my own hands, nothing could be said.”

“Why, then, do I feel a duty to remain and face my fate?”

“Honor, courage, stubbornness,” he said with a smile.

“I do not want Arran to think me afraid of him.”

“I think he knew that when you refused to speak with him.”

“But does not a coward refuse to face his foe?” she asked.

“He was aware that you made your choice freely and you stood beside me. A coward would not be that brave.”

She leaned across to him, placing her hand to his cheek. “I was proud to stand beside you so that all knew how much I love you and” —she paused a moment— “because I was fearful that Arran’s return meant that we could never be together.”

He took her hand and kissed her palm. “That is not going to happen. We will be together forever, we will love forever.”

“I want to believe that.”

“Then believe it, for it will be. This I promise you.”