Mel knew better than to argue when her father used that tone. She squeezed her hands tighter and looked down. “He hasn’t come back yet, and I fear for his life.”
“What of your sister? Do you fear for her life?”
“Of course!” she cried, rising from the chair. And part of her did. Very much. “I love Ness.”
“You are like your mother. Beautiful beyond words, but cold inside.”
Her mouth dropped.
“Send me Captain Longwood.”
“Father,” she pleaded and reached out to him.
“Now!”
Mel stumbled back, her lower lip jutting, tears welling in her eyes. Her father had never spoken to her that way. He had never been so mean to her. She scurried from the solar. Only when she had turned the corner did she snarl and whisk the tears from her eyes. She wished he had not woke!
Suddenly, a guard raced up the winding stairwell and almost collided with her. She scowled at him as he bowed excitedly. “Pardons, my lady. Pardons. They’re back!” He raced past her toward her father’s solar.
Back? It took a moment for the word to sink in. They were back! Luke! Excitement came alive within Mel and she raced down the stairway. Her heart pounded with joy. The hallway was crowded with knights and servants running into the courtyard to welcome Luke and Nessa back. Mel actually had to push the peasants out of the way in her hurry to get to the courtyard. She emerged from the main doors and saw an old wagon surrounded by a large crowd. The people swayed like a field of wheat as they tried to get a view of the back of the wagon.
Mel squeezed and shoved her way forward between the villagers and nobles gathered until she reached the wagon. Luke was shirtless, his torso magnificently sculpted, reaching up for Nessa in the wagon. Fury ignited inside of her. Shirtless! Jealousy followed closely as Nessa took his hand and he helped her from the wagon.
“Melwyn!”
Luke and Nessa turned together toward her.
Mel swiveled her head toward the voice.
Urien was being led off toward the dungeon by three guards. He struggled, lunging toward her. “Melwyn! My love!”
She recoiled, disgust written on her face. My love? She could never love a disgraced son with no inheritance. She ignored him and turned to her own love. Luke. She couldn’t help noticing how his hand still lingered in her sister’s hold. She ran up to him and launched herself into his arms, knocking Nessa’s grip free. “Luke!” She peeked between her eyelids and was gratified to see Nessa no longer held his hand. “I’m so happy you are safe!”
Nessa rubbed her hand as if trying to get the feel of Luke’s warm hand from her own. She already missed his comforting hold, his touch. She had not meant to hold Luke’s hand for so long and hoped Mel had not seen them. Mel loved him so. She pushed down the despair rising inside of her. When Mel stepped back from Luke, Nessa embraced her tightly. “I’m so grateful you are safe. I worried about you returning home alone.”
Mel pulled back and her gaze swept Nessa’s face. Mel reached forward and for a moment, Nessa thought she was going to stroke her cheek and tell her how happy she was to see her. Instead, Mel yanked a leaf from Nessa’s hair, holding it out. “I’m sorry, Ness. I’m so sorry Luke had to save you.”
Nessa couldn’t stop the disappointment that surged inside of her. Instinctively, she looked at Luke for comfort. They locked eyes for a long moment. He would be Mel’s husband now. She shouldn’t be looking to him for anything. She bowed her head as guilt crested over her.
Mel stepped away from her, her nose crinkling. “You need to bathe, sister. You smell.” She whirled away from Nessa to Luke.
Nessa drew herself up. No thank you for putting yourself in danger. No happiness because she was safe. But Nessa had not expected either. That was how Mel was. But she was certain her sister was happy. She looked at Luke, his arms around Mel, and a deep sadness filled her. She felt like she was losing something she held dear. She felt like... her world was ending. But she had known all along this moment would come. She had known and still allowed herself to love him.
Nessa’s lady’s maid, Anna, took her hand. She was a young woman, with large earnest brown eyes and long brown hair. “You’re safe, m’lady! Praise the Lord!”
Luke pulled away from Mel and moved to Nessa’s side to ask the servant, “Lord Tristan, is he all right?”
“Father? He’s here?” Nessa asked.
Anna nodded. “I’ll take you to him.”
“See to Lady Nessa’s head wound first,” Luke commanded.
Nessa touched her forehead. She had almost forgotten the bump at the back of her head. Luke looked at her and Nessa could have sworn there was tenderness in his eyes.
“Are you certain you’re unhurt?”
Nessa grinned at his concern. “I’m fine.” His gentle blue eyes, staring at her with compassion, brought to mind how they crinkled at the corners when he laughed. His lips brought to mind his hot, all-consuming kiss. She dropped her gaze, knowing it was wrong to think of him that way, but unable to stop herself. “Thank you for saving me.”
