“Then I am pleased for you.”
“Unfortunately, he knew of the secret passage but not of its location.”
“You believe he tells you the truth?”
“Without a doubt I do,” she said. “He told me I should run from you if I get the chance and ifhe knew where the secret passage was, he would tell me so I could do just that.”
“I would find you. There is no place you could go that I would not find you.” There was no anger in his words. He was simply stating the truth.
Heather rested her hand on his arm. “You would not need to find me, for I am where I want to be. You were good to me last night, Rhys, when I needed you. You will make a fine husband.”
He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes, though a smile teased at the corners of his mouth. “I have not decided yet if you will make a good wife or not.”
She grinned and patted his arm. “Good or not, I fear you are stuck with me, for we are wed, and it cannot be undone.”
Rhys leaned his face close to hers. “We have yet to seal our vows, wife, so I could give you back to your da if I so wish.”
“Or you could see our vows sealed and keep me, for I will make a better wife than you think.” Heather felt a chill take hold of her as his slight smile faded and a shadow fell over him, or had it stepped out of him?
“I have warned you before that there is darkness in me?—”
She pressed her finger to his lips and whispered, “I will chase it away.”
He captured her finger with his hand, moving it away from his mouth. “Be warned, wife, for it is an evil darkness and may consume you.”
“Do not waste your breath in trying to frighten me,” she said and stood, taking his hand to tug him to his feet. “Come, we should examine that trampled grass and see what we can discover.”
Rhys tugged her back against him. “You do not give me orders, wife, or tug me along at your whim, or soon the villagers will think that you tamed the Dragon.”
Heather laughed softly. “Those familiar with me already know I have a way with animals and probably expect no less from me.”
“Never will you tame the Dragon,” he said as if the task was impossible.
“My dear husband, do you not know thatlovecan tame any creature?”
“Excuse me, my lady.”
Rhys turned on the young man with anger in his voice. “You dare to interrupt when I am speaking with my wife?”
The young man quickly lowered his head. “I am sorry, my lord, but?—”
“I will hear no excuse. Leave us be!”
The young man shivered in fear but made no move to leave.
Rhys took a sharp step toward him, but Heather stepped in front of him, resting her hand to his chest. “Perhaps he is in need of help.”
The young man did not wait, he spoke up and he spoke fast before he could be stopped. “My wife Jenny is having difficulty birthing our bairn, and the women who are helping her do not knowwhat more they can do. Can you please help her, Lady Heather? I know you suffered an injury last night and I have no right to ask you, but I fear for Jenny’s life.”
Rhys knew there would be no stopping his wife, so he snapped at the young man, “Show us the way.”
Once again words rushed like a rapidly flowing stream from the young man’s lips. “Aye, my lord. Thank you, my lord. I am most grateful, my lord.”
Rhys waved him on and the young man turned and hurried off, leaving Rhys and Heather to follow.
Heather cast her husband a smile as she picked up her skirt and hurried along, Rhys keeping pace alongside her.
When they reached the small cottage, Rhys grabbed her arm and gently brought her to a halt. “I will wait out here and if you feel unwell you are to tell me, or so help me, Heather...”
