Unbidden, a child’s face whose laughter filled her heart shimmered to mind, a handsome lad with Aiden’s eyes. Regret twisted inside at whatwould never be.
She should be happy. She’d agreed to her husband’s offer and herfuture was set.
“Then accompany my force when we prepare for the attack,” he growled at last, “but remember your promise to remain within the secret tunnel until I send word that Latharn Castle is seized.”
Her hands tightened on her covers. “The only reason I conceded not to fight was your reasoning that if I were captured, I could ruin everything.”
“I have little doubt you would be a fierce opponent,” he said, his words tight. “’Tis the horrors of battle I wishto spare you.”
On edge, Gwendolyn tucked her blanket around her waist, sat up, and rubbed her arms. “I wish the fighting was over.”
“As do I. I am weary of battle, of the dying, of seeing the devastation brought by war.” Blankets shifted. “Nor did I wish to spend the evening talking of such horror.”
A feeling she shared. Silence fell between them, punctuated by a hoot of an owl and the tremble of leavesin the forest.
“Are you tired?” Aiden asked.
“Nay,” she admitted. “I am too restless to sleep.”
Hestood. “Come.”
Curious, she pushed aside the covers. Her eyes accustomed to the night, she followed.
Silvery light flickered over the land like wishes cast, the gentle breeze filled with a hint of flowers, and the coolness of the night.
At the trees near the edge of the encampment,she hesitated.
Aiden took her hand, tugged her forward. “Dinna worry, we will be safe. “Several hundred more warriors loyal to the Bruce arrived this day. To ensure the enemy doesna infiltrate the camp, King Robert has increased our guard aroundthe perimeter.”
“When did they come?” she asked, surprised she had missed the influx of such a large contingent.
“While we were discussing the plans for the attack with the king.” Aiden stepped off the path, weaving through the dense woodland without hesitation.
Moments later, the thick foliage broke away.
She gasped at the sharp drop off from the stone ledge paces away.
His grip on her hand tightened. “You are safe. Here, sit.” Aiden drew her beside him on the smooth rock. “Look up.”
Framed within the night, stars filled the sky in a magnificent array. Their glitter melded with the waning moon’s light spilling upon the land, exposing the wall of the cliffs and the endless miles of forest below.
Aiden gestured to the left. “See the milky swath of light smeared across the sky? ’Tis said the path is created from the sparks cast off the blades of warriors locked inmortal combat.”
As surprised as moved by his story, a smile touched her lips. “You are crafting a tale.”
“Mayhap,” he said, laughter touching his voice. “Do you have a better reason why the stars are set together in such a pattern?”
“Nay. Nor do I think you brought me here to discuss such mysteries,” she said, appreciating the way the light spilled along the cliff side and the forest below. “Regardless of the reason, ’tis beautiful.”
“I thought you might enjoy this view. ’Tis a favorite of mine.”
Secretly delighted, she teased, “What if I was afraid ofbeing so high?”
The warmth of his chuckle slid through her like a caress. “Lass, I doubt you would be afraid of anything so simple.”
“But I could have been.”
His thumb caressed the top of her hand.
