Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“I won’t undo my father’s wish or what fate has already blessed. No matter how much it vexes me. My father’s wish will stand. You are wed and shall remain so.”
Dru let out a shaky breath and turned to Knox, tears gathering behind her eyes. He leaned down and touched his forehead to hers, his relief as profound as hers.
Torrance grunted. “You will get no land. You may have completed the mission, but not in the intended way.”
“It matters not to me,” Knox said, hugging Dru close to his side. “All that matters is that Dru and I are together.”
“It matters to me,” Torrance snapped sharply. “Your marriage secured me a skilled warrior who will serve me when commanded to do so. And your first duty is to rule as chieftain of Clan MacFadin until I direct otherwise.”
Shock had Knox saying, “I know nothing of ru—”
“Learn,” Torrance ordered. “And see that you secure enough warriors to keep this area safe and ready to fight for me.” He stood abruptly. “We will speak in the morning before I leave for home. Though why I return to a useless wife is beyond me.” He summoned a servant with a snap of his hand. “Bring food and drink to my bedchamber.” With that said, he strode to the door but stopped and called out without turning, “Harm my sister and I will kill you myself.”
Torrance left then… to everyone’s relief.
Knox lifted his wife and planted a happy kiss on her lips, her arms going around his neck to hold him close.
“Congratulations,” Quint said, interrupting the pair. “You’re lucky with Lord Torrance’s decision. I never knew him to be so generous. Not many who stand before him to meet their fate walk away without punishment. I am pleased for you both.”
Dru and Knox shared food and drink with Quint, Dru eager to learn if her friends had made it to Clan MacLeish. She was pleased to hear that Busby was healing nicely, thanks to Shade’s healing skills. She was happy to hear that Wilbur and Rona were becoming more than friends and that Owen asked to train with the warriors and was doing well. But the best news…
“I am going to be a father,” Quint announced.
Dru jumped off the bench and hugged him, to his surprise. It was something she had not been prone to do, but now she couldn’t resist, she was so happy for him and Shade.
A servant approached to let Dru know that a bath had been made ready for her.
“Go,” Knox said, seeing the eagerness in his wife’s green eyes. “I will be there shortly.”
Dru kissed his cheek and hurried off, calling out, “Do not dare leave, Quint, without saying goodbye.”
“You are going to have your hands full,” Quint said with a laugh.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Knox said with a smile that soon faded. “You know why I stayed to speak with you.”
“Aye,” Quint said. “You worry that word has yet to spread that there is no longer a bounty on Autumn or that your mission is done. I will spread the word on my travels home. Tell the traveling merchants who stop here as well.”
“I’ve already started spreading the word.”
Both men jumped in their seats, hearing the woman’s voice so close and not seeing her.
Mave stepped out of the shadows. “Some warriors you are not even hearing an old woman creep up on them. One of you fill a tankard of ale for me. My old bones need a lift.”
Knox filled a tankard as she parked herself beside him on the bench.
“How could you spread what you didn’t know?” Quint asked.
Mave looked at Knox. “Are all you men stupid?”
Quint’s eyes narrowed, annoyed.
She took a good swallow, then looked at Quint and said with deliberate slowness, “Healer and seer.”
“Is she always this pleasant?” Quint asked.
“Only when I want to be.” Mave took another swallow of ale and then yawned. “I need sleep.” She leaned on Knox’s shoulder to help her stand, then turned to take her leave when she stopped and looked at Quint. “You worry for naught. Shade will struggle some, but it’s to be expected since she will deliver not one but two bairns, a lad and a lass.”
Quint stared at her, speechless.
“And worry not about Dru,” she said, her glance going to Knox. “She will deliver your son with ease and many more bairns to come. You will have an army of sons to protect your only daughter and believe me you’re going to need it. Oh, and send a cart to get Albert. I let him know Dru has a place for him in her new home. Now, no more questions, I’m off to bed.”
Both men stared after her.
Mave chuckled softly to herself. “Such joy leaving men speechless.”
Night had settled soft and thick around them, the hush of the Highlands broken only by the quiet crackle of the hearth and the wind sighing against the stone walls. The world outside could wait.