“You have sealed our fate,” she whispered.
“Nay, you did that the day you claimed me for your husband.” He kissed her again.
More shouts and cheers rang out, and the somber mood that had arrived with the injured men changed quickly to one of joy.
“I will return home with you,” she said.
“Only if it is safe,” he insisted.
“Safe or not, I remain by your side.”
“Don’t argue with your husband.”
“Don’t argue with one who knows.”
“What do you know?” he asked.
“More than you,” she said, and gave him a quick kiss before hurrying to return and tend the injured men.
He stood staring after her and wondered what she knew. And couldn’t help but think over her words.
Safe or not, I remain by your side.
Would he not be able to keep her safe? Would he again fail a woman he loved?
He had no ability to see the future, but he knew one thing. He would protect Bliss with his life and gladly give it to keep her safe.
Chapter 21
Bliss grew teary-eyed when she saw Thomas reunited with his wife and daughter. The three hugged, the little girl refusing to unwrap her arms from around her father’s neck, as if by holding on to him, she’d keep him from ever leaving again.
She watched Trey approach them and knew he was reassuring them that Deryn, their brave little girl, was all right and that they would be reunited with her soon. He made his way through all the injured men, stopping and talking with each one and offering what comfort and reassurance he could.
Her people were impressed with him and happy for her. Well-wishes continued to come to her as she continued to heal the men. And though she was happy—how could she not be with Trey’s boisterous declaration of love—something troubled her. She couldn’t quite tell what it was; but something wasn’t right.
She wished she could see what it was that nagged at her; but no visions came, nor dreams; she had only her senses to rely on. And they were strong enough for her to be cautious. Whatever it was, she didn’t feel it would be long before it made itself known.
Time wore on as the group settled and fed. She had little time to sneak a peek at Trey now and again, he being just as busy. That all changed as soon as Roan arrived. They both left what they were doing and immediately went to him.
He looked worn and apprehensive, and so Bliss suggested they retreat to her cottage to talk. Silence accompanied them, and not a word was spoken until Bliss had set food and drink in front of Roan, and she joined both men at the table.
“It doesn’t look good,” Roan said with a shake of his head. “It is one thing for King Kenneth to dare travel across MacAlpin land, but to travel the Pict border in such force?” He shook his head again. “It is a sign that tells me that our truce with the present king is fast coming to an end.”
“My brothers—”
“Are well aware of what is going on,” Roan assured him. “Duncan and Reeve had already sent scouts out and knew of the soldiers’ movements though they were surprised of the news I brought. And they eagerly await your return.”
“Do you know if a couple, Albert and Teresa, traveling with two children, Philip and Deryn, have reached the safety of the MacAlpin village yet?” Bliss asked.
Roan nodded. “Aye, they were lucky and passed the troop of soldiers without being seen. They were not far from the village when I met up with them. By now, they should be safe.”
Bliss was glad he had confirmed what she had already sensed.
Roan turned his attention to Trey. “What have you learned of this sudden buildup of the king’s soldiers?”
Trey detailed what he had found out.
“You must get this information to your brothers immediately,” Roan said.
“I plan to leave tomorrow at first light.”
“We plan to leave tomorrow,” Bliss corrected.
“If it were any other woman, I would advise against it,” Roan said, “but with your powers, you would prove an asset to Trey.”
“Dolca will be traveling with us,” Bliss said, prepared for objections.
“Absolutely not,” Trey said. “She still recovers from her illness and will slow us down.”
“Trey is right,” Roan agreed. “She can join you later.”
“Unfortunately, she can’t,” Bliss said. “It is imperative that she go with us.”
Both men stared at her, and she knew their thoughts. Did they question her or accept the wisdom of her ways?
“There is no other way?” Trey asked.
“I’m afraid not. It is best for her and the true king that she is kept safe on MacAlpin land.”
“I will go with you,” Roan said. “You may need help.”
“You have just returned home,” Bliss protested, though she knew he was right. It would be good for him to accompany them.
“You warned this day would come,” Roan said. “You told us that we would need to choose if we were to survive. The MacAlpins have proven themselves good friends, and so the Picts will join forces with them and help the true king take his throne.”
“My brothers will be pleased to hear that,” Trey said.
They spoke a while longer, then Roan left. He needed to make preparations for tomorrow and get some rest.
Bliss slipped into her husband’s arms, laying her head on his chest. “I wish we could stay here and forget that anything exists except us.”
His arms tightened around her, and she welcomed his firm embrace. If only life were simpler and they could remain as they were, without worry or fear. But it was not meant to be, and she wasn’t sure if it ever would be.
“There will come a time for us,” Trey said.
“Not before there is more bloodshed and suffering.” That she knew for certain.
“Peace will eventually prevail.”
Bliss didn’t respond. That troubling feeling nagged at her again and caused her concern. Why couldn’t she see what troubled her? Was it so disheartening that fate would not let her see it? Which meant . . . there was nothing she could do about it?
It was in fate’s hands, and no amount of knowing would change it.
The realization worried her all the more, for she knew without a doubt that it concerned her and Trey. And she feared she might not like the outcome.
“You tremble,” he said, stroking her back. “What disturbs you?”
At least she could be honest. “I do not know. I only know that it awaits us both.”
“Good,” he said. “Then we face it together.”
“I never thought of it that way,” she said, smiling up at him.
“We are husband and wife and will face everything together.”
She had no response. The only thing she thought to do was . . . kiss him.
It was no quick, gentle kiss, but rather one filled with love and passion, and he responded in kind. They lingered in the kiss and in each other’s arms. She ached for more and thought of tugging him toward the bed to let him know, but there was work to be done, and she couldn’t be selfish.
Trey on the other hand . . .
“I know what’s on your mind,” he said, and returned to kissing her before she could respond.
When, finally, she got the chance, she said, “There is no time.”
“There is always time,” he said, and grinned, “for a quick one.”
She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the bed, but once there, he scooped her up and plopped her down on her back, then dropped over her, his hands braced on either side of her.
Their hands fumbled as they both rushed out to touch the other, and they laughed at their eager, though bumbling, attempts.
“Leave this to me,” he said, and took charge.
While it was
a quick joining, it was no less satisfying. Actually, the haste heightened her excitement, and she burst with pleasure as soon as Trey entered her and happily exploded with passion again, along with him, a few minutes later.
They both sighed with contentment, and, as much as they would have loved to remain as they were, they knew that duty called, and no sooner than they stood and straightened their clothes, a knock sounded at the door.
They grinned, kissed, and went to the door.
The injured men were upset to learn that Bliss would be leaving, but not so Mary. She was pleased to know that Bliss would be meeting with Deryn and letting her know that the family was together and would reunite with her soon.
Bliss met with Dolca while Trey spoke once again with Roan. The older woman was thrilled to learn that they would be leaving in the morning.
“I am eager to meet with my granddaughter. There is so much to tell her.”
Bliss grinned. “I just realized that Trey forgot to tell you something that I believe will thrill you even more.”
Dolca’s eyes turned wide.
“You will not only meet your granddaughter but your great-grandson and -granddaughter as well.”
Tears pooled in her aged eyes, though they sparkled with delight. “Twins. I am so blessed.”
“But there is one other you are eager to meet, is there not?”
Dolca nodded. “I have kept the secret for many years, fearing I would never live to see it made known and now . . .” She wiped at the few tears that fell.
Bliss rested her hand on the woman’s arm. “You must carry your secret a while longer before it can be revealed.”
Dolca nodded. “In some ways it has been burdensome, and in others I have not felt its weight. But I am glad the end draws near, for it has cost so many so very dearly.”
“Are you sure you feel well enough for the journey?” Bliss asked, sensing the woman’s weariness.
“You feel the exhaustion of these many years on me, but my strength has never waned. I will see this done, as it should be.”
“I admire your courage.”
“Your courage far surpasses mine,” Dolca said. “You suffer the burden of many while I only a few. And where mine has an end, yours goes on forever. You are indeed heroic.”
Bliss never thought of herself as brave. It took no courage to be who she was, who she had always been. She was truly no different from any of her people though she doubted any of them could understand that.
Trey did.
She knew he made an effort not to treat her as others did, and it made her love him all the more. He tried not to seek endless answers from her, and he didn’t pursue issues when she made it clear that was all she had to say on a matter. He respected her and did not fear her like most did, though they claimed otherwise.
“You love Trey,” Dolca said.
Bliss smiled and nodded. “Very much.”
“But something troubles you.”
While her abilities allowed her to sense things, she realized that age brought with it certain intuitiveness.
“My ears listen well while my mouth remains firmly shut,” Dolca said with a laugh.
“As your secret has proven,” Bliss said, and gave a sigh. “Unfortunately, I’m not sure what burdens me, and I think that is what disturbs me the most.”
“Give it to fate and let it be.”
“You give much the same advice that I do.”
“My wisdom comes with age; yours has always been.”
Bliss smiled. “You are so like my grandmum, teaching and reminding when I need it.”
“Hester taught you well, I but remind now and again.” A tear caught in the corner of Dolca’s eye. “I miss your grandmum. She was a good friend to me.”
“I miss her terribly, and though no one can replace her, you have filled a great void in my life, and I am grateful.”
They hugged and talked and hugged again, their bond forever strong. Bliss advised Dolca to get a good night’s sleep, for her mettle would be tested once she reached the MacAlpin keep.
Dusk was fading fast as Bliss approached her cottage, and she stopped suddenly as she sensed something so strongly that it startled her. She and Trey would not continue on with Roan and Dolca to MacAlpin village. Their arrival would be delayed, but why?
No answer came, but at least she had been warned.
She entered her cottage, disappointed not to find Trey there, and she shook her head. She had never felt disappointment upon returning home to an empty cottage. Actually, she had enjoyed the solitude, the time simply to be herself, no demands being made of her.
Perhaps that was why, while she wanted to find a man to love and spend her life with, she had hesitated. Could she really share her cottage with someone? Always having someone underfoot?
She laughed. If she had ever known love, she would never have thought of someone’s being underfoot. But still, there were times she needed her aloneness, needed to recuperate from difficult healings. That was when she most sought the solitude of her cottage.
The thought rushed at her, and she was surprised that she had not considered it before though perhaps she hadn’t wanted to.
Trey would expect to live with his family on MacAlpin land, and she expected to remain with her people on Pict land. Neither of them had mentioned it, but a wife was expected to follow her husband. Though Bliss had made friends with Mercy and Tara and loved visiting with them, she still looked forward to going home.
The idea of leaving her home, her people, disturbed her, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. After giving it too much thought, she decided, as always, that fate would show her what was best.
A faint rap sounded at the door, and Bliss wasn’t surprised to see one of her people there offering her fresh-baked bread. Another villager arrived a few minutes later with a cauldron of stew. It never failed that when she was gone for a day or more, her fellow Picts would arrive with food for her. It was their way of seeing to her care, so that she would be there for them when they needed her.
Again the question haunted her. How could she leave them? They were her people and depended on her. Fate had better hurry and show her an answer.
“What’s wrong?”
Startled, Bliss turned from where she stood by the fireplace to find Trey standing not far from her. She had been so engrossed in her concerns that she hadn’t heard him enter. His unexpected arrival reminded her of another reason she was so comfortable in her home. She never worried about anyone’s entering without permission—everyone respected her privacy. Could she expect the same at the MacAlpin keep, where it seemed no one had time to themselves?
His arm went around her waist though he didn’t tug her up against him as usual. “Something troubles you, tell me.”
It wasn’t a command, but more of an urging, as if he wished to share in her dilemma. Did she discuss this with him now or wait? There was the possibility that it wouldn’t need discussing, that they were not meant to live their lives together.
The thought worried her more than the possibility of leaving her home. It made her realize that when the time came, the problem would be solved, and getting distressed over it now did no good.
“I have no doubt that you can settle my dilemma for me,” she said.
“Tell me what it is, and it will worry you no more.”
“I could not decide if we should enjoy the evening meal or feast on each other first.”
Trey grinned, his actions answering for him. He gave her a kiss that was meant to stir both their passions, and stir them he did, Bliss tingling all over and growing wet with anticipation. Then he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed.
Chapter 22
Morning came too fast for Trey and Bliss. While they had made love once before supper and another time after supper, it was the length of time they
had talked while in bed that had prevented sleep. And he had been sorry when they had fallen asleep, for he couldn’t recall a more enjoyable time. Bliss and he had talked about anything and everything. In that few short hours, they had learned much about each other, and he felt all the closer to her and fell all the more in love with her.
It was the moment that she had confided in him about a fear she had since she was young that he realized just how much she trusted him. And he swore to himself at that moment that he would never betray her trust.
She had claimed her fear nonsensical, foolish, but it was more foolish not to pay heed to the fear, for then it could easily conquer you. Bliss had not allowed her fear to stop her, though it reared its head now and again. She feared being in a dark place and never being able to escape. She had tried to make sense of it through the years, thinking perhaps it was something that was yet to happen to her though she hadn’t sensed it as such, and so she had found no peace from it.
He had wrapped her in his arms and told her that he’d never let darkness get to her; he’d shield her from it forever.
Trey tucked her closer against him and kissed her awake. They needed to be up and ready to leave at first light. Trey could always sense when sunrise was close, and they didn’t have much time.
She turned in his arms and cuddled against him. “You are so warm and comfortable. I could stay like this with you forever.”
“You are staying with me forever,” he said, as if issuing an edict. “Unfortunately, the sun will soon rise, and we need to be ready.”
Reluctantly, she moved away from him and stretched herself awake. Trey knew that if they continued to remain in bed naked, they would not be leaving at sunrise, so he too reluctantly hastened out of bed and dressed.
Bliss chuckled. “Don’t trust me?”
He grinned. “I don’t trust me.”
She followed suit, slipping hastily into her garments. And when she turned to him, her face no longer held a smile.
He waited, knowing from the concerned look in her eyes that she had something to tell him.
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