Page 52 of Marin’s Promise

Marin stopped short and turned to him. Her heated blood tangled up her emotions and left the desire in her body warring with the stubbornness of her mind. So, this was why he’d wanted his bath in the morning.

“On the morrow?” She could not keep the nervous pitch from her tone.

“Aye.” Bran settled back against the bed with a grin and winked.

Marin stood with her leather soles rooted firmly to the cold stone beneath. It was so soon. Too soon. Her heart pattered into a frenzy and her breath came faster.

“Ach, I've got something to help ye with the pain, my lady.” The healer, obviously mistaking Marin's fears, patted her arm with good natured reassurance. “It's much better after the first time, I promise ye.”

“Perhaps you ought to help bathe him after all,” Marin offered. “To ensure he is fully clean before our wedding night.”

Isla beamed wide enough to show all of her perfectly white teeth. “With pleasure.”

Bran sat a little straighter and threw an incredulous look at Marin, his face mockingly aghast at her betrayal. She offered him a playful smirk and slipped from the room. She almost laughed aloud at the expression he'd cast her way. Almost.

Her mirth faded in the crush of reality.

Her marriage. The very next day. Too soon. Far, far too soon. Heat blazed in her chest.

She pressed herself to the wall and lay her burning cheek against the cool stones. It soothed the steady ache in her head somewhat but did not quell the rapid pounding of her heart. She wanted to curl up on the floor and let the frustration roiling inside her break free in an angry howl.

Footsteps rang out just down the hall, men's heavy, bulky steps. Marin pulled herself from the stonework and rested her now-cooled hands to her hot brow. She would not be seen by Bran's men weeping and piteous. Nay, she would rise to this challenge the way she had every other one placed in her path–with resiliency and strength.

She would fulfill her obligation and marry Bran the following morning. But first she'd have to tell her sisters.