Page 39 of Love Me Forever (Highland Duo #2)

T ime flew by, with days turning quickly into weeks, followed by months. Brianna found herself content and happy in Royce’s home. If she was not spending time with him, which was unusual, she was busy with Delia and several of the other women who saw to the running of the keep.

Royce encouraged her to assume the duties of his wife and see to the running of the keep, but she feared if she did it would be harder if the day came she had to leave.

The thought upset her, and she tried not to dwell on it.

Royce appeared to have no doubts that she would remain with him, as did the clan.

They simply accepted her as Royce’s wife regardless that she was wed to another man.

She had rounded much in the last month, though her time was still three months away. She was no longer weepy or as tired as she had been; she actually felt more vital. Royce constantly reminded her to rest even though she insisted she did not need to.

Life had been very good since her arrival here, and she wished it could remain so, but she had doubts, and those doubts haunted her now and again. When they did, she would seek the solace of the woods that bordered the keep.

She was never without a guard, and while it annoyed her that once again she was deprived of her freedom, she understood the necessity of it. The men did keep a distance, allowing her some privacy, though they never allowed her out of their sights.

She walked now in the early afternoon sunlight.

The day was beautiful, the sky a brilliant blue, the air warm and rich with the heavy scents of spring.

She had pinned her hair up with combs, though a few strands fell loose, and she wore a pale blue dress and tunic altered to accommodate her changing shape.

Several fallen branches caught her eye. It had been some time since last she fashioned a basket, and her idle hands itched to be busy. She quickly set to work gathering branches that would suit her needs.

“You are too busy for a woman who carries a child.”

Brianna smiled and turned to watch her husband approach.

He appeared to grow more handsome with each day. The scar on his face had healed to a thin, barely visible line, and his dark green eyes were alight with a vibrancy that could not be ignored. It was obvious that he was happy.

“I have sat idle all morning,” she said and turned her cheek for a kiss.

Royce laughed, grabbed her chin, squeezed until her lips puckered, and then kissed her.

She laughed when he finished.

“You laugh at my kisses?” he asked teasingly.

“I can do better,” she challenged.

“Of course you can; you had an excellent teacher.”

“Perhaps it is time for the teacher to learn from the student.”

Royce grinned. “I am always willing to learn.”

“Then bring your lips to mine and let me teach you.”

Before he could do as she directed, Brianna let out a yelp, dropped the sticks in her hand, and grabbed hold of her stomach.

Royce’s arm went instantly around her. “What is wrong?”

She laughed, taking hold of his hand and placing it against her rounded stomach. “The babe kicked me. Can you feel?”

Not to disappoint the father, the bairn

kicked again.

They both laughed.

“He is a strong one.”

“Aye, she is.”

Royce kissed her cheek. “Lass or lad, it matters not to me, for we will have many sons and daughters together.”

Brianna rested back against his hard body. “I wish I was as confident as you.”

“I have enough confidence for us both.”

“Then there is no need for me to worry.”

He wrapped his arms around her, resting his hands over her belly. “I keep telling you that.”

“Happiness eluded me, and now that I have it, I suppose I fear it will not last.”

He whispered in her ear. “Do not tell anyone this, but our happiness will last a lifetime.”

“I pray that is so.”

“Know it is so.” He nibbled at her ear and along her neck until she shivered.

“I forever want you,” she said, amazed at the fact.

“Then return to the keep with me now so that I may give you what you want.”

“The clan already talks about us. Whatever will they say if they see us sneak off to your bedchamber in daylight?”

He nuzzled her neck. “They will gossip of our love for each other and tell stories of the dark-haired beauty who captured and tamed their leader.”

She giggled and added to the story. “And everyone lived in peace and happiness forever.”

“Royce!”

They both raised their heads to see who called his name so anxiously.

It was John, the large man with the gentle voice who often guarded her. Beside him stood another man, shorter in height and stature and wearing the clan Cameron plaid.

Brianna shivered in her husband’s arms.

“Worry not,” he whispered before taking her hand and signaling the men to approach.

Brianna recognized the man. He was one of her brother’s most competent warriors.

His name was William. His mother had come upon the clan returning from a skirmish.

She asked for shelter, she was heavy with child, and the men brought her back to live with the clan.

His mother and he were fiercely loyal to the clan, and William himself was awaiting the birth of his first child in the autumn.

She greeted him with a smile, for Royce’s dark eyes lingered harshly on the man. “It is good to see you, William. How is Margaret?”

“It is good to see you well and safe, Brianna. My Margaret is being fussed over by my mother, who cannot wait for her grandbaby to be born so she can fuss over him.”

Brianna laughed. “I am glad to hear that all remains the same for the clan.”

“Not all,” William said reluctantly. “Your brother sent me with news.”

Brianna held tightly to her husband’s hand.

“Arran has escaped.”

“When?” Royce asked and motioned to John, who immediately walked up behind Brianna.

Now it begins, she thought, just like before. She was once again a prisoner.

“I left the day of his escape. Ian was leaving a day or so after me, but he comes with many, so his journey is slower.”

“Let us return to the safety of the keep. We can talk there.” Royce kept a firm arm around Brianna as they walked, and John remained close at her back. William walked in front of her. With the three men surrounding her, she was safe. Why, then, did she not feel safe?

Tongues began to wag as they walked through the village.

It was obvious that the three men protected her, which meant she needed protection. Several of Royce’s men took up their swords and followed the small group to the keep.

Brianna was shivering and sat down on the first bench upon entering the keep.

Brianna heard Delia give orders for a hot drink to be prepared and hurried to her side.

“Take her up to our bedchamber,” Royce instructed at Delia’s approach.

“Nay,” Brianna said with a firm shake of her head. “I will hear what William has to say.”

Royce did not force her to leave; she had every right to be present.

“How did he escape?” Royce asked, directing William to sit.

John was already pouring tankards of ale for the men, and a servant had placed a steaming cup of herbal brew in front of Brianna. She gratefully cupped her hands around it to still her shivers.

William took a hardy swallow before answering. “He had help.”

“Who? Who would help him?” Brianna asked, thinking it impossible that anyone would be loyal to Arran.

“Ian discovered that Arran paid two men to take up residence within the clan a month or more ago when he obviously made plans to return. He wanted them in place in case he needed assistance and more than likely promised them more money after they helped him secure his freedom.”

“Then there are three?” Royce questioned.

William swallowed another mouthful and his eyes widened when a large platter of food was set in front of him. “Ian does not believe the men he hired remained faithful. He recalls them being lazy and not willing to do their share. Their interest was filling their pockets with coins.”

“This man must seek shelter somewhere,” John said, refilling William’s tankard and his own.

Royce had yet to drink from his.

Brianna offered information that might prove helpful.

“Arran’s family had land but lost it in a skirmish.

He had spoken often of the keep and how it was left to ruin since the clan who now owned it did not wish to take up residence there.

” She shook her head. “I do not know where it is, though he had mentioned it was north of Ian’s land. ”

“Ian does not believe he is alone,” William said. “He thinks his men wait for him somewhere.”

Brianna was confused and could not understand why Arran returned. “Why would Arran take the chance and return when he knew he faced punishment?”

“Coins,” Royce said and then took a drink of ale.

Brianna remained confused. “How would he get coins and from whom?”

Royce offered an explanation. “Arran would return, plead his plight, and have the hired men free him, kidnap you, and demand ransom from your brother.”

“Why not have the two men abduct me?”

Royce hesitated and William and John remained silent.

It was obvious they knew the answer, and she did not, and it was obvious that Royce did not wish to tell her.

She waited, sipped her tea, and the realization came to her like a striking blow to the face. “Arran intended to kill me.

“He blames you,” Royce said, his hand going to rest over her trembling one. “In his deranged mind he believes that you thwarted his plans of ruling the clan. That you betrayed him when you befriended Moira, to him the enemy, so now you should suffer for your betrayal.”

“Ian requested that I remain here until his arrival,” William said and reached for a thick slice of brown bread.

“Of course you shall,” Royce said. “And did he instruct you to guard his sister?”

William almost choked on the bread. He quickly took a swallow of ale and cleared his throat. “He ordered me to keep a watchful eye on Brianna, but he made it clear that she was in good and safe hands with you.”

“An extra pair of watchful eyes always helps,” Royce said and turned to John. “You know what to do. I will be my wife’s constant companion. It will only be a matter of time before Arran attempts to take Brianna. Allow no strangers near the keep and make certain the whole village is watchful.”

John nodded, grabbed a few slices of meat and bread, and hurried off.

“Enjoy the food and then rest. Your journey has been a long one, and I am grateful for your courage and determination in getting Ian’s message to us.”

William nodded, his mouth full of food.

Brianna reached out and touched William’s arm.”Thank you.”

He finished his food. “Ian is anxious to see you.”

“And I him. Now eat and rest and I will see you later.”

Royce stood and helped Brianna off the bench. He requested a light fare be brought to his solar. He and Brianna needed to talk.

She hesitated on the staircase, the babe more active than usual.

Royce was concerned. “This has upset you.”

She shook her head and continued up the staircase. “I have been expecting it. I knew Arran could not be trusted, but...” She remained silent until they entered the solar and Royce closed the door. “I had not thought he wished me dead.”

Royce took her in his arms. “I will not let him hurt you.”

She eased out of his arms and rubbed at her stomach, the babe protesting. “I know that, but I also know how tenacious Arran can be. When he wants something, he goes after it with a vengeance. And what belongs to him...” She did not finish; she could not, for memories rose up to disturb her.

Royce went to her and took her gently by the shoulders.

“Listen to me, Brianna, I understand your fear of your husband. You lived that fear every day you were with him, but you are with him no more. You are mine now and will remain so. Arran can be as tenacious as he wants, but this time he has chosen a foe that is more tenacious than he. He will not succeed; he is doomed to fail. I will make certain of it.”

She smiled, for the babe gave her a hardy kick. “Your child agrees with you.”

His hand went to her stomach, and he grinned at the activity he felt. “The child knows his father well.”

“And makes his opinions known.”

“Like his father.”

Brianna grew quiet and rested her head on his shoulder. “I do not want to lose what I have with you.”

He wrapped his arms tightly around her. “I have taken care of you since first we met, and I will continue to do so. We will love, you and I, forever and ever.”

“Do you think that is long enough?” she asked with a teasing laugh.

“Nay, not even eternity loving you would be enough.”

She raised her head and placed her hand to his cheek. “No matter what happens, always remember that I love you.”

A tingle ran down Royce’s spine. An omen?

He had not feared battle, for loss was part of battle whether defeated or victorious.

He had not feared losing his life, for that was always a possibility when entering a battle.

This battle, however, was different. He feared losing Brianna and his child, and that tore at his heart.

He could not imagine life without her. He would do everything to protect her, but as in any battle, the outcome was yet to be determined.

He intended to be victorious, for he understood that his opponent did not play fair—and neither would he.

He would do anything, anything to protect Brianna.