Gavin asked, "Do you love her?"
"You both pry too much." Brodie surged to his feet. "She is a fling, naught more. I'm sure I'll tire of her soon."
Gavin eyed him. "Why did you leave so quickly last night?"
"Why are you two suddenly so nosey?"
"Part of the reason we're here is to help you vanquish the curse," Gavin said bluntly. "Are we wasting our time?"
Brodie clenched his jaw.
"He loves the curse," Torr said aside.
Gavin blew out an impatient breath. "How is it nay torturous to you?"
"When I'm swimming in the ocean as a seal, I'm free. Unencumbered by... all of this." Brodie motioned at the desk and thick stone walls.
Torr could understand that. As a kelpie, he'd also craved freedom and the water. But he had not enjoyed being alone so much of the time, all night every night.
"Are you part of the selkie society?" Torr asked.
"Aye, they accept me as a newcomer. Each of the various tribes has its own leader. The tribe I'm a part of is having a problem of late with the female selkies disappearing."
Gavin frowned. "What's happening to them?"
"'Tis unknown whether they're being abducted by other selkie tribes for wives or by human pirates. Or mayhap even a local Highland clan. I'm trying to help them unearth the truth."
"Can we help?" Torr asked.
"Nay. They mistrust humans. 'Twould only make matters worse. Also, keep this from the ladies, for they'll worry. Cat, in particular, would try to interfere."
"'Tis likely," Torr agreed. "Just as she tried to bring Elsea back for you."
Brodie scowled. "What? Saints!"
"Aye, we went on quite an adventure, visiting the MacAuley clan."
"I'm glad you didn't bring that faithless wench here," Brodie said bitterly.
"According to Cat, Elsea fell in love with a guard."
Brodie rolled his eyes. "In a sennight, she'll be chasing after some other man."
"We simply want you to be as happy as we are," Gavin said. "And out from under the control of a witch. In addition, 'twas my blade that killed her son in battle. So, I feel responsible for your predicament."
"There's nay need to fash over me. I'm well."
Torr did not believe him, but 'twould have to wait 'til later, for he was ready to marry a woman he loved beyond belief.
***
CAT'S MOTHER AND THEmaids helped her dress, then styled her hair in an upsweep of ringlets and braids. As she gazed into the polished silver mirror, she realized she looked happier than ever before. Tears gathered in her eyes.
A sudden knock struck the door, and Cat jerked around.
"That must be your brother," Ma exclaimed, then opened the door.
Indeed, 'twas him. After Brodie entered, all the blushing, smiling maids curtsied and filed out. Cat figured half the maids must be infatuated with him.
