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Davina shut the door behind her with a bit more force than she intended. Her chest was tight, her nerves wound like a spring ready to snap. She hadn’t even realized she was holding her breath until Rosselyn stood from stoking the fire in the hearth, her brows lifting in quiet concern.

Rosselyn brushed the ash from her hands against her apron. “I was beginning to think you’d bolted for the hills.”

“I had to feed Cailin and put her down.” Davina huffed. “Don’t think running hadn’t crossed my mind, though. But I’d wager Tammus would send half the men in the castle after me if I tried.”

Rosselyn smirked. “Och, aye, he would. But I’d give you a head start.”

Davina’s laugh came brittle, too thin to conceal the tremor running through her. She folded her arms tight across her chest. “Let’s get this over with.”

Rosselyn snorted. “That’s the spirit. Come on then.” She gestured toward the nearby dressing screen. “I’ve set out that fancy chemise for you. The one where you did all the pretty embroidery?”

“Aye, thank you. That was thoughtful.” Davina stepped behind the screen, her back to Rosselyn as her friend began unfastening the ties and laces of her gown.

The fabric slipped from her shoulders, whispering down her body, leaving her down to her shift.

She felt exposed, vulnerable, and the reality of what lay ahead clawed at her stomach.

Rosselyn spoke as she worked. “Our mothers saw to preparing Broderick’s bedchamber. That’s where you’ll… well, you ken.”

Davina stiffened, turning her head slightly. “Not here?”

“Nay,” Rosselyn reassured her. “We thought it’d be…easier to do this in his space. And besides…” Her tone turned teasing. “If he wrecks the bed, better his than yours.”

Davina barked a short laugh, but her throat tightened as she thought of Broderick, waiting in the next room. “Thank you,” she murmured. She truly was grateful. Considering she had no idea how this night would end, she liked the idea of preserving her safe haven.

Rosselyn’s hands paused briefly before resuming their work. “Is Cailin asleep, or was she too fussy?”

“Sound asleep in Myrna’s chamber. She’ll be just fine.” Davina raised her arms as Rosselyn pulled her chemise over her head.

The mention of her daughter tugged her mind toward the secret she’d carried for so long. Her gaze fell to her hands, her fingers curling tight into her palms. She’d always suspected Broderick was Cailin’s father—but whether to tell him? That was another matter entirely.

Her thoughts spiraled, tangling like briars. What if he was her father? Would he care? Or would he see it as another shackle binding her to him? He was her husband now.

“You’ve gone quiet,” Rosselyn observed, stepping back after smoothing the folds of Davina’s chemise. Her tone was gentle, edged with concern. “Would you like to talk about it?”

Davina hesitated, biting the inside of her cheek. She couldn’t tell Rosselyn—not about Cailin, not about her suspicions. “Nothing,” she lied, forcing a brittle smile. “Just…thinking about th e man I’m about to face.”

Rosselyn’s expression softened with quiet sympathy. “Secrets don’t do anyone any good, my friend,” she said softly. “Sometimes they cause more harm than you think.”

Davina stiffened, guilt prickling her skin like nettles. Did Rosselyn know? Her gaze snapped to her friend’s face, searching for clues. “What are you talking about?”

Rosselyn hesitated, guilt flickering across her features like a shadow. “Nothing,” she answered too quickly. But both women knew better.

Davina swallowed hard, her breath catching. “Oh, my God,” she whispered, her voice thinned to a thread. “You know, don’t you?”

Rosselyn blinked, startled. “Know what?”

Davina’s pulse pounded in her ears. Her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing Rosselyn’s every nuance. “About Broderick.”

Rosselyn froze for a heartbeat too long, then tried for casual ease. “Do I know if you and Broderick have been together before tonight?” She offered a slight shrug, but her gaze flickered. “Hard to miss the way you look at each other. I always suspected, after Aberdeen…”

Heat rose in Davina’s cheeks, her stomach knotting with a mix of embarrassment and fragile relief. “I should’ve told you,” she admitted. “But I didn’t want to involve you. I was a married woman, and Ian…”

Rosselyn’s face darkened at the name, her eyes flashing with old fury. “You were protecting me,” she said, her tone quiet but fierce. “I understand.” She hesitated, then added, “Davina…” Her voice faltered, her gaze dropping as though she wrestled with a truth still unspoken.

Davina’s eyes widened. “Oh, Saints. You know about that, too?”

Rosselyn half shrugged, her expression tight with unspoken understanding.

Plagued with guilt, Davina wondered how many others had guessed if Rosselyn had pieced it together so easily.

Rosselyn’s eyes suddenly widened, her breath catching. “Cailin? She’s…” Her gaze darted toward the door leading to Broderick’s new bedchamber.

“Shhh!” Davina snatched Rosselyn’s pointing finger and pressed it down, then cupped her lips close to her friend’s ear. “I’m not certain,” she whispered. “But the timing was right.”

Rosselyn’s lips parted in silent shock, but before she could speak, a hard knock at the door startled them both.

“Davina?” Tammus called gruffly from the hall. “Broderick’s done signing the papers. It’s time.”

Heat rushed to Davina’s cheeks. Her fists curled at her sides, her stomach pitching violently. “Aye,” she answered, her voice rough with nerves. “I’m coming.”

Rosselyn squeezed her arm, her grip reassuring and steady. “You’ll be fine,” she said with quiet conviction.

Davina swallowed hard, doubt gnawing at her resolve. “I’m not so certain. Broderick didn’t marry me because he loves me, Rosselyn.” Her voice faltered, but she forced herself to finish the confession. “Having me in his bed was part of our agreement.” There. She had finally spoken the truth aloud.

“You mean with the suitors?” Rosselyn asked, her brow furrowed.

Davina nodded, her heart a tangled knot.

“Oh, posh!” Rosselyn huffed, waving away her concern. “Trust me when I say that man is hopelessly in love with you. He might not admit it, but it’s written all over his face. Why else would he have made that his price?”

Davina exhaled a shaky breath, her heart twisting painfully. “I don’t know if I believe that.”

“Then see for yourself,” Rosselyn urged, stepping back with a knowing smile. “And I’d wager you’ll have the best night of your life in that man’s bed.”

Despite herself, Davina suppressed a grin and gave a small nod.

Drawing a deep, steadying breath, she crossed the room.

Her bare feet padded over the wooden floorboards as she stepped into the nursery, her heartbeat thudding louder with every step.

Cailin’s cradle sat empty, a small comfort amidst her mounting nerves as she approached the adjoining door.

Her fingers hovered on the latch, trembling with hesitation. For one breathless moment, she considered retreating, running as Rosselyn had teasingly suggested. She glanced over her shoulder, but Rosselyn waved her forward with both hands, her expression both encouraging and insistent.

Davina inhaled through her nose, gathering the last shreds of her courage, and pushed the door open.