“Those brave warriors are already dead,” Heather said with tears in her eyes. “Douglas is not. Give me the chance to save him.”
How could he deny her the possibility of saving one of his warriors when they had lost too many already? Rhys reluctantly gave his nod of approval and took hold of his wife’s hand to draw her close to him. “Do what you can but know that you cannot save them all.”
Heather pressed her cheek to his and whispered in his ear, “If I felt that powerless then I would not be able to save any of them, and I certainly would not be able to save the Dragon from himself.”
CHAPTER 9
The villagers made their feelings known for Lady Heather as they filed past the Dragon after the burial ceremony.
“It is a fine thing Lady Heather does, giving her help to the living while the dead are buried.”
“Lady Heather is a selfless woman.”
“God bless, Lady Heather.”
“She heals the sick and comforts the dying.”
“Lady Heather has a healing touch.”
One day, and his wife had won the villagers’ hearts, would he ever win hers?
Rhys stood glancing down at the fresh graves long after the ceremony was over, and the villagers had dispersed. He had much on his mind, mostly why his wife had thought she needed to save the Dragon from himself.
He was not sure what she had been alluding to and that troubled him even more. He harbored secrets he did not want anyone to ever uncover, since the knowledge could cost them their lives. And he would not lose his wife when he had just found her.
He recognized the footfalls that approached. They were light and slow, as if unsure as whether to approach him or not. He turned and stretched his hand out to his wife.
Heather hurried to take it. “Douglas is well, the fever broke. I came to pay my respects to the fallen warriors and to thank you for letting me stay and tend Douglas. I am pleased to have such a thoughtful husband.”
Thoughtful?He was far from thoughtful and how could she ever be pleased to have him as a husband? He was not what she thought him to be and yet he felt a spark to his heart, a small sliver of something he had thought he would never feel again. Had his wife actually penetrated his icy heart?
Heather took his hand and stepped close, resting her tired body against his, wrapping her arm around his waist, and laying her head against his chest. She smiled when she felt his arms circle her and hold her tight. And she could not help but think that embraced in his arms like this made her feel as if she had finally come home. A strange feeling while being held by the Dragon, but one she could not ignore.
“I am glad Douglas does well. He is a fine warrior.”
“And will make a fine da,” Heather said, thinking what a comfortable pillow her husband’s chest made. She smiled to herself. In just a day’s time, she found the Dragon’s chest more to her liking than she would have ever imagined possible.
Rhys cherished this moment with his wife. The comfort of their embrace had joined them more deeply than coupling ever could. They clung to eachother as if neither wished to let go, as if they had just found each other and would never, ever part.
“My lord.”
Rhys and Heather turned reluctantly, both wishing the moment was theirs alone yet to savor.
“I am sorry to disturb you, my lord,” Pitt said, “but there is news of Greer McLaud.”
Rhys nodded and looked at his wife, as he made ready to step away from her.
Heather grabbed his arm and moved closer to him, making it clear she intended to remain by his side. “You cannot mean to order me away when this news concerns my family.”
“Considering what your curiosity had you doing in regard to the fallen warriors, I can only assume what it would have you do where your family is concerned. So, I will allow you to hear the news, but I will have your word that you will not let your inquisitive nature interfere,” Rhys said.
“I may be curious, but I am not foolish,” Heather said.
“Curiosity and foolishness often go hand in hand.” He turned to Pitt, letting his wife savor his words and pay heed to them. “What of Greer McLaud?”
“Greer has received word of his wife’s death and is on his way to Macinnes keep with a sizeable troop.”
“His land is a distance away to learn the news so fast. Something is not right,” Heather said.
