Lady Gwyneth's Hope (Ladies of Ardena Book 4)

by Rachel Skatvold

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for the birth. Is the child a boy, as you thought?”

  She smiled, but kept the child so close he couldn’t quite see. “I suppose you’ll have to wait to discover that until you return.” A tear dripped down her cheek. “Are you still coming home to us…like you promised?”

  He sat beside her and let out an exhausted sigh. “I’m trying, but this quest has been so difficult, Fiona. I fear I might be breaking that promise.”

  Her hazel eyes gazed into his as she caressed his cheek. “No, you can still keep it. Have faith and fight, Leland. Fight a little longer. Come home, my love.”

  A sharp pain in his right side caused Leland to gasp for breath. When he opened his eyes, the sunlight caused him to clamp his eyelids shut again. A few moments later when they had adjusted, a familiar face appeared above him. “Niall?” he rasped.

  His friend smiled and squeezed his hand. “Aye, I’m here. You’re going to survive this. Just hold on.”

  Gwyn had never been more relieved to see a physician. When Niall first appeared over the hill at first light, she’d been terrified he was an enemy soldier, until recognizing the Kielyan seal. He quickly explained his agreement with Tristan and then went straight to work examining his patient. It was only then that Gwyn knew she could relax.

  She leaned against a nearby tree trunk with a heavy sigh. The night had been the longest she’d ever experienced. The sounds of the battle raging nearby, fearing for Tristan’s safety and caring for Leland had frayed her nerves.

  Several times she had feared the King of Kiely wouldn’t survive. His breathing became labored and his fever more intense, causing delirium. He thrashed and talked in his sleep. Gwyn pleaded with him to be quiet for their own safety, knowing how close the enemy was, but he didn’t understand in his feverish state. When he ceased talking and became still, she alternated between holding his hand and dabbing his forehead with a cool cloth, periodically checking for a faint heartbeat. It felt like a losing battle until the physician’s arrival restored hope to her heart.

  It was at least an hour before she finally caught sight of Tristan returning with an unconscious blond woman in his arms.

  “Sibeal!” Niall jumped from his spot next to Leland and lifted his wife from his arms, finding a soft place in the grass to lay her down.

  “She’s all right,” Tristan reassured. “I believe she fainted from exhaustion.”

  Gwyn rushed into Tristan’s now empty arms. “Praise be to God you’re safe,” she cried, trembling against him. “I didn’t know what to think when I heard the battle.”

  “I’m fine, especially now, seeing you are safe from harm.” He leaned back to study her tear-streaked face. “I’m sorry I couldn’t return to you sooner.”

  “‘Tis all right. Niall explained everything and your cousin’s condition appears to be improving. If you hadn’t sent him straight away like you did, I fear Leland wouldn’t have survived.”

  Tristan let out a relieved sigh and wrapped his arm around Gwyn’s waist as they approached the place where Leland rested on the makeshift cot. “How is he faring?”

  Niall looked up from tending to Sibeal. “Much better, Your Majesty. I had to reopen the wound to drain out the sickness and gave him an herbal drink for the fever. He’s very weak, but has made it through the worst of it. I believe he will recover.”

  “Thank you, Niall. I don’t know how I will repay you for what you have done.”

  He smiled and then looked back down at his wife, running his finger over her pale cheek as she slept. “You have returned my beloved Sibeal to me. I believe that is payment enough. I pray they both have a speedy recovery.”

  Sibeal came to consciousness slowly, blinking in the bright daylight until her eyes adjusted. When Niall’s face appeared above her, she was filled with both relief and regret in the same instant.

  “I’m sorry for my recklessness,” she whispered as a single tear rolled down her face. “I hope I haven’t lost your love.”

  Niall sighed and caressed her cheek. “That is something you will never lose, Sibeal. I was concerned…but that could never erase the love I feel for you.” He smiled, lighting up the darkness of despair in her heart.

  “I had a chance to speak to my mother. She fled to her ship right before the Daireann army arrived. Did she escape to safety?”

  Niall nodded, his smile fading. “Aye, she did.”

  Sibeal sighed in relief. “I am glad she wasn’t harmed, but I know this is not good news for the people of Ardena. How can my heart feel so conflicted?”

  He squeezed her hand. “She is your mother. Just because you are relieved because she is safe, doesn’t mean you agree with the evil she is trying to accomplish.”

  Sibeal nodded. “I suppose you are right. I had hoped I could persuade her to surrender, but she has made it very clear where she stands. She is returning to Órlaith, but will not stop there. My mother wants to rule all of Ardena. She has to be stopped, Niall.”

  His eyebrows furrowed. “If it came down to it, would you be able to go against your own mother?”

  Sibeal closed her eyes and sighed. “I think I would have to, for the good of Ardena and our family.” She stopped and looked into his curious eyes. “Niall, there is something else you should know.”

  “Does it have to do with your seasickness being something more?”

  She stared at him in confusion for a moment before smiling back. “You suspected all along?”

  He took her hand in his, smiling even wider. “Well, I could hardly help noticing the signs, being a physician and all.”

  “And you allowed me to come along on this quest anyway?”

  Niall leaned closer and kissed her forehead before pausing to meet her gaze again. “I knew more than the fact you were with child. I also knew your stubborn nature, Lady Sibeal, Countess of Aoife. Would you have stayed behind, even if I had demanded you do so?”

  She shook her head, grinning at his use of her full title—his version of being stern with her. In truth, Niall didn’t possess a stern bone in his body. He was too sweet and she loved him all the more for it. “Probably not,” she admitted, gazing into his hazel eyes. “Are you pleased with the news of our child on the way?”

  “Pleased?” His eyes twinkled in the sunlight. “Sibeal I am overjoyed at the prospect of being a father. I believe I’m the happiest man in all of Ardena. So much I feel my heart might burst.”

  “That is why I know you’re going to be a wonderful father.” She chuckled and moved to a sitting position with Niall’s help. Sibeal relaxed into her husband’s embrace and gave him a tender kiss. No matter how unstable her life seemed at times, at least God had blessed her with a strong and caring man like Niall to keep her grounded.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Conditions

  By the time Gwyneth and Tristan made their way to the gates, her uncle, Lord Edmund and his army had retaken the fortress. When Lady Kyna fled the isles, most of her surviving army followed suit. Those who remained in the fortress surrendered and were escorted to the dungeons to await judgement. They had also learned most of Tristan and Leland’s men on the inside had survived.

  Gwyneth and Tristan were welcomed by a joyous crowd of Blathnaid citizens who were now free from their captors. She smiled and celebrated with them, but the victory felt a little hollow without Isla present. Tristan squeezed her hand tight as they made their way through the crowd to her uncle, calming her raging emotions. They had been through so much in a short amount of time, but they had found each other again. That in itself was a victory to be celebrated.

  When they reached the courtyard, Lord Edmund was waiting for them, looking exhausted but proud. “‘Tis good to see you alive and well, Gwyneth.”

  She gave her uncle a warm hug. “Thanks to your intervention. The army arrived at just the right moment. We couldn’t have asked for better timing.”

  “I only wish we could have arrived sooner, but without knowing which direction
to travel, it made it difficult. Your betrothed sent the message alerting us to come.” He turned to Tristan. “It was your bravery and quick thinking to come here alone that helped rescue my niece. I am in your debt.”

  “On the contrary, Milord. ‘Twas Princess Gwyneth who defeated Fergus and managed to escape on her own. By the grace of God, I only found her unharmed after the fact.”

  “Well, regardless of how it all took place, she is safe and I will be happy to welcome you as part of our family as soon as we return to Beatha.”

  “Or sooner,” Gwyn added.

  Tristan raised his eyebrow at her. “What do you mean?”

  Gwyn excused them from her uncle’s presence and led Tristan toward the path leading to the gardens. “So much has happened and our wedding was already sabotaged once before. I don’t want to wait any longer to become your wife.”

  “You want to be married here?”

  “Aye, my love. A simple ceremony in the gardens, tomorrow morning would be perfect. I’m sure I can borrow a suitable gown from one of the ladies in waiting.”

  He smiled and gazed into her eyes. Are you certain this is what you want?”

  She nodded. “‘Tis exactly what I want…and when you depart to find Isla, I’m coming with you.”

  Tristan cupped her cheek in his palm, eyes full of uncertainty. “Gwyneth, I don’t know what dangers will be waiting in Beibhinn.”

  “Neither do I, but we’ll face them together.”

  “There’s no talking you out of this?”

  Gwyn shook her head, grinning. “No.”

  He sighed. “Well, I suppose we’ll have to find a priest then. It shouldn’t be that difficult. I made friends with one when I first arrived.”

  A smile curved on her lips. “So, that’s a yes? You’ll let me come with you?”

  “Aye, on one condition.”

  “What’s that?”

  “As a rule, all the crew members on my ship have to know how to sword fight.” He chuckled softly. “If I let my wife be the exception, they’ll start pushing the limits, too. You’ve no idea how much trouble unruly crew members can be on a pirate ship.”

  Gwyn leapt into his arms, laughing. “I’ll accept your condition, Captain Smyth…but only if we seal it with a kiss.”

  Tristan raised an amused eyebrow and angled his face closer to hers. “I’d never object to that.”

  The next morning was sunny and beautiful, without the usual fog that tended to hang over the isles. Tristan came into the courtyard, fidgeting with the wooden die Gwyneth had given him years ago. When she didn’t appear, he paced in a nervous manner near the castle entrance.

  Murtagh arrived a few moments later and patted his shoulder. “Don’t be frettin’, Your Majesty. I inquired with the servants and the princess be arrivin’ soon.”

  Tristan nodded. “Aye, thank you, old friend. I suppose my nerves are a bit on edge considering she disappeared before our first ceremony.”

  “Not this time, Milord. She be comin’ this time.”

  Soon after, the priest arrived and they followed him into the gardens where a small crowd of nobles were waiting, along with his crew members, Gwyneth’s uncle and the physician and his wife. Leland wanted to attend, but was still recovering from his wound in the infirmary.

  Tristan stood with the priest, watching the bend in the path. When Gwyneth appeared, her beauty took his breath away. She wore a flowing white gown with a lavender overlay. Her long raven hair was arranged in a cage braid trailing down to her waist with lavender and white blooms weaved in. He was certain he’d never witnessed a more beautiful sight in his life. She was his soulmate—a precious and unexpected gift from his Heavenly Father—the one he’d been waiting for so long and nearly lost more than a few times. Now she would be his wife and someday his queen.

  Gwyneth offered him a radiant smile as she approached and stood across from him, her hazel eyes twinkling in the morning sun. “Better late than never, right?” she whispered, placing her delicate hands in his.

  He chuckled with happy tears flooding his eyes, still mesmerized by his lovely bride. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  Looking Forward

  After her daily fencing lesson with Murtagh, Gwyneth gazed over the wall of the courtyard to the harbor below, watching a Daireann ship anchoring at the dock. It had been a fortnight since the battle and the land was at peace once again.

  Uncle Edmund and most of the Daireann army had returned home shortly after the wedding. However, Gwyn and Tristan remained there to help the Blathnaid people adjust and to give Leland time to heal from his wound. While waiting, they made the isles their temporary home and the people were grateful for their presence in the absence of their leader.

  She hurried inside and made her way to Tristan’s temporary study, waiting patiently as one of their new military commanders left. Once they were alone, Gwyn couldn’t hold back her smile any longer. “He has arrived.”

  Tristan’s eyes widened. “He has? ‘Tis wonderful news. We must meet him at the gates.” After donning his cloak, they made their way out together, hand in hand.

  When they reached the courtyard, the real Lord Carney had entered with his entourage. The people joyfully greeted their missing leader by waving colorful banners. When he came closer, Gwyneth’s breath caught in her throat, realizing how similar he was in appearance to Lorcan. It explained why he was able to create the false identity so easily.

  The Duke of Blathnaid bowed at first, but Tristan greeted him warmly afterwards. “‘Tis so good to see you recovered and in good health once again, Milord.”

  “Aye, thanks to you, Your Majesty.” He glanced around in a timid manner at first. Then, after taking in a breath of salty air, he seemed to relax and grow more confident with his surroundings. “Everyone would still believe me mad if you hadn’t taken the time to listen to my story.”

  Tristan placed his hand on Lord Carney’s shoulder. “And I would have never made it into the secret passage of the fortress without your map. Thank you for summoning the courage to do so.”

  “Aye and thank you for watching over the isles and my people in my absence. In truth, I doubted I would ever see this place again, or feared if I did, it would be in ruins. Now, I am relieved to see it has been preserved. You both have given myself and my people a chance to start over.”

  Gwyneth smiled at him and nodded. “We were happy to help and please remember, you will always have help from the mainland in the future, if you should ever need it. The isles are a part of Daireann after all.”

  “Aye, we will, Your Majesty. Thank you for your generosity.”

  Gwyn nodded. “You’re welcome. We arranged for your chambers to be cleaned and ready for your arrival. I know you must be weary after your journey.”

  “I appreciate that. I believe I will retire now.” The Duke had barely taken a few steps toward the castle entrance when Lady Niamh came rushing out, her eyes filled with happy tears. He called her name and lifted her into his arms, his previous weariness melting away.

  “I thought you were dead,” she whispered before they shared a tender kiss.

  Gwyn smiled at Tristan after they watched Lord Carney and Lady Niamh walk into the castle together, hand in hand. From the looks of it, there would be another wedding in the near future.

  After Lord Carney’s return, Gwyneth and Tristan bid farewell to the people of Blathnaid Isles and started their journey home. Leland, who was recovered enough to travel, came with them, along with Niall and Lady Sibeal. The short voyage was met with sunny weather and calm seas, putting everyone in joyous spirits.

  After arriving in Áthas, they journeyed two days by carriage before the Beatha Fortress came into view. “You’re finally home,” Tristan whispered into Gwyneth’s ear.

  She smiled back and squeezed his hand tighter. “My home is wherever you are now, my husband.”

  Nearing the gates, they encountered cheering crowds from the villag
e, celebrating her return. Then they were let into the gates and greeted by her family.

  She rushed into her mother’s arms first, who squeezed her so tight, Gwyn struggled to breathe. “I’m so relieved you are safe. We have arranged for a feast tonight in celebration of your marriage.”

  Gwyn looked up into her eyes. “You’re not displeased we married on the isles without everyone present?”

  Her mother shook her head. “No, sweetheart. With all that has happened, I’m simply rejoicing the fact you are safe and happy.”

  Gwyn approached her sister next, surprised to see her husband standing next to her. Airell smiled and pulled her into a warm embrace. “Tiernay received my letter and came with his army a few days ago.”

  “Only a few weeks too late,” he added from behind with a faint chuckle. “But thankfully we weren’t needed this time.”

  Airell released Gwyneth and stepped back to allow her children a chance to hug her. “Uncle Edmund returned and told us you would soon be returning, so Tiernay remained here with his army.”

  “Thank you,” Gwyn said. “It is wonderful to know my family had an extra army waiting in the wings in case I needed them.”

  Airell nodded. “You’ll always have our support and protection, even after we return to Brannagh. Please, never hesitate to ask.”

  Tiernay agreed and then turned to her husband. Gwyn held her breath, hoping no resentment remained between the two of them, but was relieved when he smiled. “Thank you, for your brave endeavors to bring my sister-in-law home and may I be the first to say, welcome to our family. I pray our lands will prosper and have peace for years to come.”

  Tristan’s face relaxed as he wrapped one arm around Gwyn’s waist. “Thank you. I pray for the same.”

  As they made their way inside the castle, she couldn’t help smiling. The future had seemed so clouded and dark only weeks ago, but God had brought them through it safely and even stronger than before. She had no doubt in her mind they would find Isla, with God’s help and bring her home safely, too.