“An unimportant fact given our goal.” Restless, Lathir stood, leaned on the rail, and angled her face, the salt-laden breeze cool on her skin. Within the clearing skies, shades of deep, rich, gold slowly smothered the wash of blue. “’Twillbe dark soon.”
The rumble of water slid against the hull as Rónán rested on the smooth wood beside her. “’Twill. I look forward to the warmer days of spring and the long hours of daylight.”
“As I.”
“With the seas abating, as long as we dinna encounter any further threat, by this time tomorrow we could reach Wynshire Castle.”
Elation filled her, dissolved as quickly. Without her father. Heart heavy, she watched the large swells roll shoreward. On a sigh, she closed her eyes, sent up a prayerfor his safety.
“You are thinking of your father.”
At the compassion in his voice, she opened her eyes. Emotion tightened in her throat. “How can I not? He should be here with me, not in enemy hands, with me unsure if he isalive or dead.”
He gave her hand agentle squeeze.
Regardless of the turmoil inside, of the dread filling her every breath, his touch brought much-needed comfort. Tempted by his nearness, by the calm he’d brought to her life, Lathir yearned to move closer, to rest her head on his chest, to allow his strength to fill her. Not that she was weak, but because the confidence Rónán exuded allowed her to lower her guard.
The cry of gulls sounded overhead as, beneath thick lashes, she studied the hard cut of his jaw, the way he stood beside her in stoic silence. Though he didn’t comment further, understanding rolled from him in waves.
With the hardships they’d shared, she’d learned he was not only her protector, but a friend, a solid force who would treat her as an equal and encourage her when she held doubts.
The passion of their previous kiss made it clear he’d wanted her. But he’d kept himself at a distance ever since. She lowered her gaze to where his hand lay upon hers—a gesture given in comfort and support, no more. If she moved into his arms, would he embrace her orpush her away?
Rónán had made it clear that his future was one of war, of fighting for King Robert. But with each passing day, at thoughts of his departure, an emptiness built inside her.
What if he remained?
As if she could convince him to stay in Ireland.
Or could she?
Intense, grayish-green eyes studied her. “What is it?”
She hesitated. Should she admit the truth? With him determined to return to Scotland and her destiny within her realm, she had little left to lose. Beyond her fear of his leaving was that once he did, he would never return. But what was it that Tighearnán had told his daughter, not to be afraid to pursueone’s dreams?
Pulse racing, Lathir moved ’til she was a hand’s width away, the rush of the sea, the tang of salty air a potent backdrop. “Once you have delivered the arms to your king, I ask that you return to Wynshire Castle.”
Desire sifted through his eyes. As quickly, his expression grew unreadable, and he withdrew his hand. “If King Robert bids me to return, I shall.”
She moved and lay her palm against his chest. “Not for duty, but for me.”
Wind ruffled his brown hair as he studied her for a long moment. His gaze dropped briefly to her mouth. On a hard swallow, his hand lifted to the side of her face, then he curled his hands into fists at his sides. “Regardless of what I may wish, I am but a knight. ’Tis best thatI remain away.”
Anger ignited that he would deny what they both wanted. “As if I give a damn about your status?” she hissed, keeping her voice low. “Few ever find someone who matters deeply to them. I dinna wantto lose that.”
The thud of steps sounded upon the weathered deck as three sailors moved by carrying buckets.
Once the crew had strode out of earshot, he shook his head. “Regardless of your wish, or mine, you have the responsibility of a realm that one day will be yours to rule. You dinna have the freedom to seek a man who turns your head, but a man of nobility to standby your side.”
“Nobility,” she stated, “that can be easily given. Once we rescue my father, he can—”
“Lathir,” Rónán rasped, cutting her off. The visions her words drew forth were too tempting, a mirage yet enticing all the same. With her by his side, the bleak years ahead of wielding a sword for his king vanished, replaced with time when they could be together.
And a family?
Children’s laughter trickled though his mind, and a haze of warmth, of fulfillment, swept him. With ease he could envision a little girl running toward him with Lathir’s golden hairand gray eyes.
Lathir was so beautiful, even with eyes weary from the countless exhausting days they’d been struggling through together. She truly was a future queen. ’Twould be so easy to agree, to take her into his arms, to allow himself to believe ’twas possible.
