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Was it a fair question to ask? Especially in front of his mother? Avelina was not sure, but neither could she stop herself from voicing the question aloud.

Niall looked between her and his mother. At first, Avelina thought he would not answer the question.

But he did. “I cannae know what I’d have done but can say only it matters not. We are married, and I will protect you from anyone who wishes you harm. Today and always.”

It was not the answer she’d hoped for, but Avelina was grateful for the last portion of his words. As he and his mother spoke of their leave-taking and of his father, Avelina remained quiet. Thinking of her question. And of his answer.

I cannae know what I’d have done.

And that’s when she realized, Avelina had fallen in love with her husband. And wished for him to have done the same. To have said, “Aye. For love, I’d have done anything.” But of course, he did not say those words. Niall had affection for her, not love. He’s said as much many times.

But something had shifted between them. Her previous words now rang hollow.

“Come, lady wife.” Niall stood and urged her to do the same. “I will take you to our new home.”

Words that could have, should have, been joyful. And yet, they were anything but.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

They arrived well before dark.

Glenhaven Manor had been given to Niall when he was born, the estate having belonged in his family for many years. Though a manor house, it was lightly fortified with an outer wall on two sides that did not face the sea and a gatehouse that had recently been rebuilt.

“This is Glenhaven?”

Lina rode beside him, clearly pleased.

“It is not as grand as some, your home and mine included.”

“But it is perfect,” she said. “The view.” She breathed in the salt air. Though they’d ridden mostly along the coast, here they could actually spy the sea in the distance due to the landscape.

“There is a small village there,” he pointed north, “over that ridge. We’ve all we need here,” he said, “but—”

Niall stopped.

Then he spurred his mount forward and Lina followed.

He’d been about to say, “but many retreat south to Castle Duncraig and its village and on market days when they need supplies not found here.” Would they do so if his father did not accept Lina?

Likely not.

The possibility of such a state was something he’d considered the entire way to Glenhaven. Along with his wife’s question.

Would he have married her?

Knowing she may not have been accepted by his father? Knowing he may be forced to renounce his claim to become the next chief of Duncraig? ‘Twas all he’d ever known. All he’d trained for. And yet, he looked at Lina now, watched her as she took in what was to be her new home.

Aye, he’d have married her. And should have told her so.

What held me back?

She may very likely not be married to the next chief of Duncraig but, instead, to a man with no purpose. For so long, he’d avoided making rash decisions, knowing the potential consequences. But then he’d gone and made the rashest one of all.

Marrying a MacKinlay.

Nay, he did not regret it. But she may.

“They realize ‘tis you,” she said as they approached the gatehouse that was opened for them well before he and Lina reached it. As she’d said, word seemed to have spread, and not only were the gates open, but by the time they rode through into the courtyard, a small crowd had gathered. There were just enough servants here to maintain the manor and enough warriors to defend it.