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“Damn,” he mumbled after his mother left. Alyce was who she always was no matter what name she went by. He had been privy to her biting nature on occasion, and though it had seemed foreign to him, it was a part of her.
And the woman he had known and come to love was the true Alyce Bunnock. And why was that? It was simply because she was allowed to be who she always was. Her father never truly made her who she was; she was who she was all along, just as he was. And while his family accepted his nature, Alyce’s father made her suffer for hers, but regardless, she continually struggled to remain true to herself.
Lachlan felt pride swell near to bursting in his chest that he should have a wife who was a true warrior.
The doors to the great hall burst open and along with the wind Alyce entered. She shut them tight and hesitated where she stood. He couldn’t blame her for being cautious, though he was relieved they would get to speak with one another alone before his brothers descended on her.
He started toward her, ready to wrap her in his arms and kiss her until they were both mindless. He cringed and turned when he heard his brother’s voice ring out.
“Good, you’ve returned,” Cavan said, entering the great hall with Artair not far behind. Honora was close on her husband’s heels, and Lachlan wasn’t surprised to see Zia follow. The only one missing was his mother.
Lachlan shook his head when he saw her hurrying in a few feet behind Zia.
Zia went to Alyce’s side. “You are feeling well?”
“I feel wonderful,” Alyce said with a hesitant smile at first. “The ride in the autumn chill exhilarated me.”
“You look great,” Honora said. “And I’m envious how the babe has not prevented you from doing anything.”
“Yours did?” Alyce asked with interest.
“Enough female chatter!” Cavan ordered and had the women shooting heated glares his way. “We have a serious matter to discuss.”
“We’ll talk later,” Honora said with a pat to Alyce’s arm.
They began taking their usual seats at the table in front of the hearth and pitchers of hot cider were soon placed in front of them along with a light fare.
Lachlan stood at the end of the bench waiting for his wife to slide in first, his mother already seated at the other end. Alyce acknowledged his gallantry with a simple nod, though her blue eyes told him much more, and he knew his brother was about to deal with not the shrewish Alyce Bunnock, but the imposing Alyce Sinclare.
“Tell me,” Cavan said to Alyce, filling her tankard with hot cider.
Alyce didn’t hesitate. “You will receive Septimus and a few of his men tonight just before sunset.”
“For what reason?” Cavan asked.
“He is a friend of mine and I expect my family to accept him as such.”
“He is a mercenary,” Artair said as a statement of fact.
“And that should matter why?” she asked.
“They are not known for being trustworthy,” Cavan said.
“I say he is,” Alyce argued.
Lachlan remained silent, watching the exchange, enthralled by the liveliness in her eyes. Her resolute nature was one of the things he loved about her.
“There it is,” Lachlan said to Cavan. “You have her word on it; that’s good enough.”
Cavan nodded and before he looked to his mother, she stood.
“I’ll see that food is prepared,” Addie said and hurried to the kitchen.
“So this Septimus came all this way just to visit with you?” Artair asked.
“No,” Alyce said and tore off a piece of black bread. “He came to rescue me.”
“What?” Lachlan said, swerving around to stare at her.
Alyce patted his arm. “Don’t fret. I told him I didn’t need rescuing.”
“That he should even think that you do—”
“You did snap me away from my home,” Alyce said matter-of-factly.
“You’re defending his actions?” Lachlan asked, shaking his head. “I don’t believe it.”
“You’re making something out of nothing,” Alyce said.
“A man arrives at my home and claims he’s there to rescue my wife and I should think nothing of it?” He shook his head so hard that his long hair whipped him in the face. “No!”
“You should be pleased that I have such a concerned friend.”
“You have a husband,” he reminded.
“Who gave me no choice but to go with him.”
Lachlan leaned in close so that his nose was a mere fraction from hers. “I cannot wait to meet Septimus.”
Alyce smiled. “He looks forward to meeting you.” She turned and glanced around to everyone at the table. “I will see you all later; I feel the need to rest.”
“Are you all right?” Lachlan asked worried.
“Just tired,” she said.
Zia was fast to offer advice. “A nap should serve you well.”
“I will see that she rests,” Lachlan said and took hold of his wife’s arm.
“No need,” Alyce said. “Stay and talk with your brothers. I am sure you have much to say to each other. Besides I intend to nap in your bedchamber here in the keep.”
