A chill swept her. “Then the English will be warnedof the attack.”
“They will. I sent a runner with Bran to inform King Robert of what has happened, and to ask for support.”
Which explained the absence of Bran’s ship. “The English will be seeking vengeance.”
“Let them try. With many Scottish and Irish forces combined, they will achieve naught but failure.”
Aware most of the ships that attacked theAodhonce they’d departed Scotland were destroyed brought a wisp of relief, but far from eased her worry. “Mayhap, but until the English are brought to heel, they will continue their destruction upon both Scottish and Irish soil.”
“Indeed, but King Edward II doesna have a burr up his arse to conquer Scotland and Ireland, as did his father.”
A burst of sparks swirled up the smokein the hearth.
She looked at Kieran, frowned. “Two days have passed since we arrived at Wynshire Castle, yethe hasna woke.”
“His body will take the time it needs to heal,” his father said, his voice somber.
“But he hasna moved, not even grimaced, as Aíbinn, my healer, tended to him,” she said, damning the tremor in her voice. “I would think by now he would have done something.”
Face drawn with worry, Torridan stared at his son. “I have seen warriors in this deep state of sleep before,” he admitted.
At the despair in his voice, she met his gaze, cursed the fear lingering there.“For how long?”
“A fortnight, a month at times,” he said, his voice tight, “a year or more. The waiting is always thehardest part.”
Heart pounding, she met his stricken gaze. “But they do recover?”she whispered.
Anguish ridden eyes met hers. “Nay always.”
Nay! Please God, let him live. Though she didn’t love Kieran, he was a fine man. Nor did she wish to see Lord Torridan lose his son.
The noble rubbed his brow, then cleared his throat. “I, as your father, am pleased that you and my son have become close. ’Twill make the yearsahead easier.”
Understanding his need to shift to a less troubling subject, she nodded. “Your son is a man to admire.” But he wasna Rónán. Frustrated, she pushed thoughts of a life with him from her mind. “I was surprised to learn Kieran was the younger ofyour two sons.”
The earl arched a surprised brow, then understanding shimmered in his eyes. “So Kieran told you of the woman he loves.”
“He did.” Why was she surprised the earl had deduced the reason so quickly? Since they’d met, he’d proven over and again to be an astute man, one only a fool would cross. Qualities his son held, aswell as Rónán.
“Though we havena spoken of the son lost at birth in many a year, I know Kieran wishes his brother had lived so he could marry the woman who has stolen his heart.” He leaned back. “’Tis a poor topic to raise to your betrothed. I will speak to him once he awakens.”
“Lord Torridan, I ask that you dinna broach the subject with your son. Our conversation was naught that spoke ill of his betrothal to me.”
In the flicker of firelight, sage eyes softened. “Kieran would be a fool to dismiss your beauty, your intelligence, oryour loyalty.”
“He is an impressive and clever man, one who looks up to you, and recognizes the need to place duty before personal desire.”
He inclined his head. “As do you.”
Nor would she pretend she didn’t comprehend his subtle intimation that he understood she loved another. “Aye.”
Lathir rubbed her arms. Where was Rónán now? From their time at sea, he had proven himself capable of overcoming the most difficult challenge. Nor could she forget that he was a Templar. Still, until he arrived, she’dremain on edge.
The noble shifted, released a rough exhale. “My wife was devastated by the loss of our firstborn,” he said, his voice laden with lingering hurt. “She, nor I, ever held Dáire.”
Compassion filled her, and Lathir stepped closer. “What happened?”
He shook his head. “One would think after all these years losing a babe wouldna affect me.”
