The hollow ache of unbidden longing was like nothing he’d ever imagined.And maybe…a part of him wanted to be worthy of her.
He made a silent vow to himself to keep her safe, whatever the cost.If that meant laying down his life for hers, so be it.Mairead was lovely and good, worth fighting for.
And there was a battle coming—one for her father’s throne.
Balor hadn’t told her everything he’d learned tonight.After he’d left the horse near Rionallís, among the others in a stable, he’d waited and watched.The group of Norman soldiers had indeed been Gerald and Sir Edward.But they’d been led by the Earl of Lowell.A tightness caught his chest at the thought of the earl marrying her.
The Normans had gone straight to the gates of Rionallís, likely to search for her.He’d have done the same thing, if she’d been taken from him.Balor imagined the earl intended to bring her back to Laochre—but was Lowell also hoping to use her for his own advantage?It still seemed as if therewasa betrothal that the two kings had arranged.
Balor was convinced that the English king had somehow ordered Liam MacEgan’s disappearance.Thetánaistehad been trained since birth to defend his father’s lands.But if King John seized command of Laochre, he could then threaten the other territories controlled by the MacEgans.
Balor’s mind was racing with all the possible outcomes as he tried to strategize what to do.But then Mairead turned in his arms and rested her hand upon his heart.That one motion stilled his thoughts.
A reckless part of him wanted to ignore what was right and just—and simply take the woman he wanted.
And with her cheek pressed against his chest, it made him wonder if she might be willing to go with him.
* * *
In the morning, Mairead stirred against him, and Balor realized that he had, in fact, fallen asleep.His shoulders and back were sore, but the warmth of her body had brought an unexpected comfort.When her eyes flickered open, she appeared surprised at where she was.He let his hands fall to his sides, letting her stay or go as she chose.
But she stayed.‘Good morn to you.’
‘And to you.’
An awkwardness filled the space between them, and Mairead stood, stretching her arms.‘I’m starving.’Then a moment later, she winced, as if remembering what had happened the night before.‘What do you want to do?’
He reached inside a fold of his cloak and brought out bread and dried meat.‘Here.You can eat this while we make a decision.’Mairead was slender, and he didn’t truly need to eat.
She tilted her head and asked, ‘How did you know to bring food?We didn’t take any supplies besides your horse.’
With a shrug, he said, ‘Go ahead.It’s yours.’
But she tore the small bit of bread in half and handed it to him.He didn’t take it at first, but she opened his hand and pushed it into his palm.‘I am not eating unless you do, too.’With a slight smile, she added, ‘You came prepared.’
He gave a nod.Though he didn’t know why he told her, he added, ‘I’m no stranger to hunger.I always carry food with me.’
At that, her smile faded.‘I am so sorry, Balor.’
He wished he’d never said it, for she would only pityhim now.Instead, he turned away, building back the invisible walls between them so he wouldn’t appear weak in her eyes.He ate the bread and acted as if it meant nothing.‘You didn’t know.’
Mairead ate a little of the bread and then ventured, ‘Was it because your family suffered during the winter?’
He shook his head, not wanting to talk about it.But she stared at him for a long moment.
‘Were you punished?’
Balor met her gaze.‘Why does it matter?’
She was trying to pry for more details, but he had no desire to talk about it.The last thing he wanted was for her to see him as vulnerable or helpless.His past didn’t define him now.He’d become a fighter, a man who didn’t care about anyone or anything.And he would gain vengeance against Fergus soon enough.
‘I saw…the way your chieftain behaved towards you.And I know you want him removed from power.’After a slight pause, she said, ‘I suppose he withheld food from you, when you were a boy?’
Clearly, she wasn’t going to let it go.‘He saw no reason to waste food on someone like me.’
Her expression tightened.‘What a terrible person.Who would do that to a child?’
‘Fergus never needed a reason.He’s hated me from the moment I was born.’He paused a moment and said, ‘But Kenneth often brought food to me in secret.And then I started keeping it with me, at all times.’
