Securing Aisling

by Andrea Boyd

  “How about calling me Nic from now on. Hopefully everyone thinks Reagan is dead, and we should probably keep it that way for now if you want me to stay alive. Garrett, Father did this to me, or I should say he had it done. I think he killed Dunbar as well.”

  The shock must have registered in my face when I looked to Gwen. “Does he know what he is saying? Has the fever addled his brain?” He sounded surprisingly alert, but what he was saying did not seem right.

  She looked exhausted. I wondered why she was still here after having sat with Reagan all night. “I believe he is thinking clearly. The fever broke a little while ago, and he was not talking out of his head before now.”

  I looked back to Reagan. “Maybe you should start from the beginning, if you can.”

  “Mother sent me here. Even though there were guards set up in the kitchen after Dunbar’s death and all our food was being tested, she did not feel that I was safe. I asked why she was worried about me and not the other two, and she said because I was heir to the throne, my life was in more danger. I argued that I would be safer at home, but Father agreed with her, so that was it. Garrett, I never asked to be heir! Anyway, I set out with one of Father’s warriors and a servant to get here.”

  “Considering their worry, it is strange that you were sent out with only two men. We had gotten word that you had come through at the fort. What happened to the others?”

  “My guess is that they are on their way back to Gilvary by now. The warrior, his name was Oscar, he’s the one who shot me. I am sure that Father did not want too many witnesses when he had his own son murdered.”

  “Calm yourself. Are you sure it was Oscar?”

  “Yes. You see, every village we came through after we left the fort seemed to be celebrating my arrival. You must have really impressed the people here, for I have never received such a welcome before. We kept getting stopped along the way, so Oscar suggested we skirt around the main road. We were almost here when I happened to look behind me just as he was readying his bow. I gave Delano a kick to get away, but we were not fast enough. If my horse had not jumped sideways before taking off, I would not be here.”

  “That still does not prove that Father is responsible for this or Dunbar’s death either.”

  “You have not heard the rest of it yet. I rode for a while, but then I must have passed out and fallen from my horse. Later I heard the two of them standing over me talking about how they had done as Father had instructed. They had a good laugh about how the people of Aisling would catch the blame, and then Innis, that good-for-nothing servant, took my boots. He wanted to take Delano as well, but Oscar said he would be too easily recognized once they got back home.

  “I had to play dead throughout the whole ordeal. I could not have done anything if I had wanted to, but I did not want them to try to finish me off if there was a chance I could make it. As for Dunbar, you know Ena did not slip him the poison, not on purpose anyway. If Father tried to put an end to me, I can only guess he was responsible for our brother as well.” Reagan groaned and grabbed his shoulder.

  “Take it easy. You are safe now, so try to relax. How did you get here?”

  He laid back, and his voice took on a calmer note. “I walked and sometimes crawled. I was afraid to ask for help because I did not want it to get back to Father that I was still alive. Once I arrived here and found that the gate was closed, I thought up that name and lied about being related to Gwen hoping I would be allowed inside.”

  “Garrett, I know you need answers, but he needs to rest. Look at him.”

  I looked over at Gwen, but I was not really seeing her. I could not believe what I had just heard. Maybe he did need more rest before we talked about what had happened. I wanted to make positively sure his thoughts were clear, and I needed to absorb the details I had already been given.

  I finally focused on Gwen. She looked almost as rough as Reagan. “I think you are right. And Gwen, I really appreciate everything you have done, but you need to get some rest also. Agata is here, and if she needs help with Nic, she can ask one of the servants for help.”

  I studied Reagan’s face one more time. “Get some rest. We will talk more about this later.” He looked disappointed but did not protest when I left.

  Eamon had been standing just outside the door with Brianna, listening in on our conversation. I motioned for them to follow me into the conference room. “I do not want anyone who does not already know to hear that my brother is the one in the infirmary. I do not understand why this is happening. Do the two of you believe what Reagan believes, that my father could be guilty of killing his own sons?”

  Brianna rubbed the back of my hand with her thumb. “You know your father better than either of us, but it was not that long ago that you agreed he could be out to kill you, and you are his son.”

  “But I am the least favorite. He loved Dunbar above the rest of us except for maybe Rian, and he loves Reagan as well. At least it has always seemed that way. None of this is making any sense to me.”

  Eamon had been quiet up until now. He seemed to be studying me for my reaction. I had finally learned to trust him, and I wanted his honest opinion. “With the two eldest out of the way, you would be heir to Gilvary. This would combine the two kingdoms making King Coman’s dream a reality. Perhaps this dream means more to him than we ever imagined.”

  “He knows he cannot rule over me like I am sure he had planned to do to Dunbar if Brianna had chosen him. He still would not have the power he desires.”

  “Then perhaps it is enough for him to know that his descendants would rule the two as one kingdom.”

  I did not know what to say, but knowing my father, it seemed unlikely that he would be satisfied to just allow a grandchild to rule.

  While I was still thinking this through, Brianna spoke up. “Eamon, I wonder why he shows no interest in the kingdom of Dermot.”

  “I am not sure that is true. Coman seems to be a somewhat patient man. I mean look at how long he had been planning for you to marry Dunbar. Meanwhile Farris and Babree have only been getting older without a proper heir until recently. I would not doubt that Coman has a plan for that situation as well.”

  The more I thought about everything that had transpired the angrier I became. “One thing is for sure, if what Reagan says is true, my father will not go unpunished. This I guarantee if I have to go after him myself.” I could see the fear in Brianna’s eyes, and I regretted my outburst, but I meant what I had said.

  Twenty-One

  Brianna

  I HAD LESS trouble than Garrett believing that Coman was capable of killing off his own sons to get what he wanted. Of course I could not share my true feelings. After all, the villain was still blood to my husband, and I was not.

  My father had never been specific about Coman’s dealings, but he had quite frequently referred to him as being evil. And then there were my own dealings with him over the past couple of years. Granted, up until he had tried to end my life, they had never involved attempted murder, but it was enough to make it easy for me to believe the worst of him.

  I thought back to the desperation Dunbar had shown the night he entered my chambers in a drunken state. He had warned me that his father had plans to end Garrett’s life before we could be wed. Did he fear for his own life then as well? I thought about what it must have felt like to know that your father was a monster capable of taking the lives of his flesh-and-blood sons in order to satisfy his own need for power.

  Kerwin arrived within days of my sending the message for him to come. I only told him that Nic was special to Gwen, and everyone knew how I felt about her. It was no stretch for anyone to believe that I would go to the extra trouble for my friend. I honestly did not believe his presence would make a difference in whether Reagan lived or died, but sending for him had been the least I could do toward easing Garrett’s worry.

  After a week in the infirmary, the healer gave permission for Reagan to be moved to his own room. Garrett and I both felt awful
that we would not be able to give him the kind of welcome that a prince, the brother of the king, deserved. I could not apologize enough for the fact that he would now be in the servant’s quarters, as he would be taking on that role once he was well enough for work. It did not seem right, but it was the only thing that would make sense if he was to be perceived as Gwen’s relative. He kept assuring us that he was just glad to be alive.

  I could not help but wonder how the prince would take to manual labor. It was probable that in his lifetime he had never had to lift one finger unless he wanted to. It would be a shocking change for him, but then the same could be said if it were me in his position.

  We visited him just before the move. This would probably be the last opportunity to visit with Gwen’s cousin without raising suspicion. He was sitting up in the bed, still thin and looking weak. His face was peeling, but at least his coloring had improved. He no longer had the deathly pallor still visible beneath the burn that he wore at his arrival. As a precaution, the dark hair on Reagan’s head had been cut down to stubble, and he had a beard now that was about same length as his hair. He was also dressed in brighter clothing, more like a commoner of Aisling.

  If anything, the new style made him look even more handsome. I felt he was still too recognizable, but Eamon had insisted that for the most part people had a tendency to believe any gossip told to them by their peers. The arrival of Gwen’s relative, Nic, had been widely spread, and no one seemed to question it. He certainly did not possess any of the pale features found on the paternal side of Gwen’s family tree. Without prompting from any of us, the conclusion that with his dark features, he must belong to her mother’s side had been added to the tale. Gwen’s mother had always been a curiosity around the castle since no one had ever met her. This only added to the intrigue.

  Garrett smiled at his brother. “We do have some good news to report. We sent a message out all over the kingdom that we were offering a reward for information on the whereabouts of my brother. We gave a detailed description of your horse. We were more sparing of details in our description of you, hoping no one would make the connection to Gwen’s cousin.

  “Delano was brought here this morning. It seems he had wandered up on a local farm, and the man had taken him in. I tried to give the farmer his reward, but he refused. We will make sure he is compensated somehow.”

  Reagan leaned forward in anticipation. “How is he? Was he hurt in any way?”

  “He is fine. There was not a scratch on him, and he had obviously been taken good care of. The farmer said the horse was missing your saddle and all of your belongings, though.”

  Reagan sat back in obvious relief. “That stuff is easier replaced than my horse. It is a relief to know that he has been found and is in good health. I’ll be glad when I’m able to get out of the castle. I want to see him for myself.”

  “You cannot do that. Reagan, you will have to act like one of the servants in order to pull off this disguise. You cannot go around Delano unless you are ordered to care for him. For that matter, you cannot approach me or Brianna on your own either.

  “Once Healer Kerwin says it is okay to do so, you will go on light duty. When you are able, you will be sent to train with the warriors. It is one of the requirements for working in the castle here. You will probably see me out there as I have decided to take up training myself, but you need to keep your position here in mind at all times.”

  “So, that’s what happened to you.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You have changed. You look broader and darker. Your clothing is different as well. You look like you belong here in Aisling now instead of Gilvary.”

  Garrett looked down at the light blue shirt and white pants he was wearing and then back to Reagan. “Is that such a bad thing?”

  “Not at all. You look more contented than I ever remember you looking before, and I’m happy for you.”

  Garrett reached for my hand. “Marrying Brianna was the best decision I ever made.”

  “I believe you are right, brother. I had said she made the right decision in marrying you, and I meant it. Regardless of all that has happened, I believe this marriage was meant to be.”

  His words surprised me. The Reagan I knew would have surely cracked a joke by now. I imagine his new serious side was caused by his recent experiences. He would probably never be the same again. I just hoped he would one day find a balance between this and his old jovial self.

  At the end of the week we received word that Reagan’s attackers had been found. They had tried to sneak past the fort one night, but that plan had not worked. They were being held awaiting further instructions. Garrett insisted that he wanted to do the questioning himself. He was adamant that he could handle this alone. There was no need for me to make this tedious trip just to question the prisoners.

  To tell the truth, Garrett’s insistence that I stay behind was a relief. I had no desire to make that ride only to turn around and come straight back. Besides, I knew he had a personal interest in this case to see justice done. This would also be a chance to prove himself in his first act as king without me. Kerwin planned to make the ride with him. Eamon would be accompanying him along with a dozen warriors. I was not worried, but I would miss him.

  I admired my husband’s tanned body as he readied to leave early the next morning and thought about how it felt to be held in his arms now. Reagan was right. He had changed since coming here. He was leaner with more muscle tone than before. He caught me looking and winked. It was amazing how such a simple gesture could thrill me so.

  I felt very fortunate to have ended up with him. My husband was sweet, loving and beautiful to behold. I had experienced something with him that I never had with anyone before, but did any of this count as love? He had been saying those three words to me every day since the physical part of our marriage began. I was starting to believe he meant them. I wanted to say them back to him, but only if they were true. I had not grown up hearing those words of affection. I knew my parents loved me, but I do not recall them ever saying so, not even when my father was dying. Not returning those words was starting to become awkward for me, but thankfully Garrett was a patient man.

  The sun was just peeking over the horizon, and I was still in my nightgown, so we said our goodbyes in our chambers. He wrapped his arms around me and lifted my feet off the floor, giving me a kiss that I would be daydreaming about for the next couple of weeks.

  “You keep that up, and you will not be leaving any time soon.”

  He only laughed and rested his head against mine. “I will miss you so much.”

  “Me too. I wish you were back already.”

  “I love you.” There was that awkward pause of silence that I always dreaded. I could not even look him in the eye.

  While my mind was trying to conjure up something for me to say in return, he beat me to it. “Even though you cannot say the words right now, I know you love me as well.”

  “Garrett . . .”

  “Shh, no pressure, I just wanted you to know.”

  He kissed me again, this time it was one full of tenderness with his hands cradling both sides of my face while his thumbs caressed my cheeks. I wanted to beg him to stay, but I would not do that to him. I would not have him feeling torn between me and his desire of justice for his family. It would only cause him to resent me, so I let him go.

  With Garrett gone it was only natural for me to spend more time with my lifelong friend, which also meant I got to spend more time with Reagan without drawing too much attention. Gwen was back in charge of his wellbeing, and he was now on light duty which meant he was exercising with the warriors for an hour or two every morning and helping with supper in the afternoon. If he did not appreciate his lowly position, he never complained. We would spend the middle of the day playing games or walking the shoreline.

  But my mind was never far from Garrett. He had been gone for six days. I knew it was foolishness to think so, but this could be the ear
liest possibility for his arriving back home. That is, if he took care of everything as soon as he got there and then left immediately to head back toward the castle. No, surely he would have wanted to rest for a few days before making the trip again. The improbability of his showing up that day had not kept me from longing for his appearance.

  That night after supper had been long finished, Gwen, Reagan, and I were in my private dining chamber playing a game of cards. The two of them sat on the side opposite from me laughing and joking with one another. Reagan had taken to shaving his head completely while allowing his beard to grow longer. I do not think there was anything the man could do to himself that would make him unattractive.

  I would catch him in guarded moments studying Gwen. The longing I saw was obvious to me, but Gwen seemed oblivious. I watched carefully every time they were together to see if she was affected by his charm, but that did not seem to be the case. You would have thought they really were related to each other, or at the very least lifelong friends, but there was nothing more as far as she was concerned. I never shared my suspicions. After all, this could be the same old flirts-with-everyone Reagan I was seeing even if it did seem different this time.

  “Come on Nic, play a card already. It is not as if the future of Kearnley is depending on your next move.” Gwen bumped against Reagan with her elbow.

  “It’ll do you no good to try to distract me, woman. You know I’m going to win regardless of your attempts to cheat.” Reagan had reason to be so cocky since he was usually the victor in these games.

  “You can save your big talk for when you finally beat me at archery. Or maybe I should say if you ever beat me.”

  I laughed. “Good luck with that. I do not know anyone who is better with a bow and arrow than Gwen.”

  Reagan’s face colored a little, but before he could reply there was a noise out in the hallway that drew our attention. I stood and headed for the door in a hurry thinking Garrett may have arrived home after all. It was a disappointment when Reilly stepped through the door just coming back from his trip to Dermot.