“Why do you refuse to allow her close? Is it because you are afraid she will care, or…” The Templar’s eyes widened. “God’s blade,you love her.”
Fisting his hands at his sides, Aiden stared at the forest, the shadows of the night clinging to the branches like the emptiness in his heart. “How I feel about Gwendolyn changes naught.”
“It changes everything.”
“Do you think I dinna understand the devastation of losing your family,” Aiden rasped, “of waking each morning wondering why you lived when those you loved lay dead? Blast it, she has lost her mother and now her father. In her time of desperation, I understand her need to find something that matters, when grief is so raw that you wish to curl up and die.”
His friend grunted. “So you will sacrifice a chance of a future with her because you worry that if she loves you and you die, ’twill hurt her further?”
“She is to never know how I feel! I promised her she would have her home.” He unclenched his hands, dragged a deep breath, then another, forcing himself to calm. “I will savor the few days we have left, then ’tis done.”
Silence fell between them filled with the murmurs of men securing weapons, talking with others as they worked, melding with the soft whispers of the night.
“Because we are friends, I will say this,” Cailin said. “If you walk away from this woman without telling her how you feel, you are making the biggest mistakeof your life.”
Aiden glared at his friend. “Mayhap, but ’tis my mistake to make.”
Chapter 16
Hours later, through the open tent flap, Gwendolyn scanned the wash of stars flickering in the night, the soft breeze infused with the scent of smoke drifting past. Sadness built inside as she glanced at the moon lingering overhead. A silvery wash spilled across the treetops to underscore her misery.
The pad of steps grew louder.
She turned. Outlined by torchlight, Aiden and Cailin walked toward the tent. In the short time she had known Aiden, she’d come to recognize the way he walked and found pride in his being a man who stood behind his word regardless the cost. Gwendolyn smothered the ball of regret at the thought of not bearing his child.
On a sigh, she narrowed her gaze as the men moved closer. At the entry, they halted.
“I will see you at first light. I urge you to reconsider what we have discussed.” With a nod, Cailin departed.
Caught within the pale light, Aiden ducked and entered.
She stiffened as he moved past and made a pallet a distance from hers. She should have expected him this night. Though they had made agreements for the future, to those within the camp they were married. Neither did she miss the irony that ’twas theirwedding night.
Again.
’Twice she’d married him, and ’twould seem the second oath would forevermore bind her to Aiden.
Shadows smothered his face. Unable to read his expression, she remained silent.
Blankets shifted as he settled. “Are you asleep?”
“Nay. I was thinking of the conversation with King Robert, you, and your men regarding how to capture my home,” she said, giving up the hope of seeing his muscled form in the darkness. “The plan is impressive. Never would I have thought of setting the ships ablaze, severing the mooring lines, and allowing the vessels to drift, then collide into one another.”
“’Twill destroy a good portion, if not all of the English fleet, plus provide a much-needed distraction.” Covers rustled as he shifted. “When the English bolt from the castle to try to salvage their ships, the Bruce’s main force will seal off any avenue of escape and attack. A moonless night will serve us well, sea fogeven more so.”
“With the moon waning,” Gwendolyn said, unsettled by thoughts of the upcoming battle, “by the time we arrive ’twill be little more than a sliver when we attack. As for the sea fog, ’tis another matter.”
“I understand your reason for wanting to accompany us,” he said, “but I again ask that you disclose where the hidden passageways are, along with the location of your father’s secret ledger, and remain in KingRobert’s camp.”
Though soft, she heard the worry in his voice. “I will go. I have done, and will continue to do, whatever I see fit to tend to my people’s well-being and restore my home.”
He gave a frustrated growl.
Let him be angry. After the events of this day, there was enough for them both. She turned on her side.
Through the opening in the tent, a falling star streaked acrossthe sky, faded.
Gwendolyn closed her eyes to make a wish, then stilled. As if such existed. ’Twas naught but the dreams of a young girl, a time long past. However ill achieved, soon she would regain her home.
