Damnation! He had to push beyond his obsession with her.
"Three and a half dozen!" Chief MacRury shouted. "And their wages paid for three years."
Neacal sat back, frowning. How the devil could he refuse this offer? He was going to have to marry a lass he didn't even know in order to strengthen the clan's defenses. Outrage twisted through him. He'd known being chief would require sacrifices, and he'd been prepared to make them… before he'd met Anna. She couldn't be his mistress. He wouldn't ask her to. She deserved so much more. Besides, once he married, he intended to be faithful to his wife, so… he would have no mistress anyway.
"Four dozen, paid for three years," Hamilton growled. "And that's my final offer!" He pounded a fist against the table.
Neacal clenched his fists, yearning to hit something, too. How could the man be so generous? Hundreds of thoughts and scenarios crowded into his head, swirling and turning to chaos. Aye, he wanted to do what was best for the clan. 'Twas what he'd pledged to do and what his father would expect of him. But he couldn't imagine a life where he would never hear Anna sing again. Never see her lovely face. If he married one of the lasses, he would have to send her away.
He shoved his chair back from the table. "I thank you for your generous offers. I'll think on it." He strode into the corridor. Aye, bringing four dozen soldiers to his clan would be remarkable, but he couldn't so readily agree to marry the man's daughter.
The thought of never kissing Anna's intoxicating lips again… of never touching her….
He punched the solid oak of his bedchamber door, went inside and then slammed it. He growled a string of curses. How could he have gotten himself into such a horrible position? In order to protect the clan, he was obligated to be miserable for the rest of his life. He knew without Anna, he would indeed feel wretched.
***
After Tavia brought the herbal tea blend to her room, Anna drank it and grew sleepy. Her chest ached with guilt for being deceptive to those she cared about most. Her amazing friends. She covered her head, wishing to hide from the world.
The next thing she knew, someone shook her awake. "Are you well?"
"What?" Anna opened her eyes to find Harriet above her, drawing the coverlet off her head.
"You were sleeping for so long, and so soundly I grew worried."
"Oh. What time is it?"
"'Tis morn and almost time to break our fast."
"Heavens! I didn't realize I'd slept so long." She turned over, remembering her lie and how she had to pretend to be sick. "'Twas Tavia's medicine."
"Are you feeling better?"
Anna frowned and rubbed her stomach. "I'm not certain."
"In that case, I will find the healer once again."
"Nay. She is likely busy."
"Not too busy for you. Besides, you must eat. Shall I bring you something?"
"Nay, I thank you." Even though she was hungry, she couldn't admit this and risk everyone knowing what a fraud she was. She had to figure out a solution to her problems, but her mind was so foggy she couldn't think clearly. What had Tavia given her?
"Well, you must get well soon. Everyone asked where you were last night," Harriet said.
"Indeed? What did you tell them?"
"That you were sick. They sent their well wishes."
"Oh." Anna hadn't considered that several people would ask about her.
A knock sounded at the door and Tavia strode in with a breakfast tray. "And how are you feeling this morn?"
"The same," Anna blurted, reasoning it wasn't a lie for she did feel the same as last night.
Tavia frowned. "No better?"
Anna shrugged.
