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“Do you not look for a good woman to take as a wife?”
“I seek a woman to love to take as my wife.”
“Can love not come later in a marriage?” Reena asked.
“It is always possible, but then without a spark of love, a bit of interest or at least an attraction, indifference and hate can also come later.”
He walked around the desk, slowly lowered his lips to hers, and kissed her softly. “Goodnight, and while you sleep, think of whoyouwish to love.”
Chapter 16
An unusually harsh winter hit the land, and much time was spent indoors by all. Reena visited with her mother and father when she could, though oftentimes when she did, her father was busy entertaining the village children with heroic tales.
Life was good for all right now even though eyes were kept wide and strangers watched carefully. Safety was not taken for granted. Kilkern could not be trusted. He waited and planned, and eventually he would make himself known.
Reena hurried down the stairs to the great hall. She was starving and looking forward to talking with Brigid. They’d made plans to meet this morning and discuss the remaining work that needed finishing in the tower room.
She caught sight of Brigid at a table close to the fireplace. Thomas sat beside her and Magnus stood, his look angry. Something was wrong. She hurried over to the trio.
“What has happened?” Reena asked, a sense of dread descending on her.
Magnus answered. “I received a message from Kilkern that Brigid is to be turned over to him for theft from his property.”
“Brigid stole nothing from him,” Reena argued.
“He claims otherwise and demands a punishment fitting the crime. He refuses any compensation, insisting the object was invaluable.”
“What is it he claims she stole? And why wait until now to accuse?” Reena was furious and stood beside her friend, her hand on her shoulder. She could feel Brigid tremble with fear, and she squeezed her shoulder in reassurance.
Silence hung heavy in the air and Reena wondered over it, glancing from one to another in search of an answer.
Magnus spoke. “He claims he only recently realized he no longer possessed the object and that he was with Brigid when he last saw it.”
“And this priceless object is?”
“A map.”
Reena shook her head. “A map? A map of what? And why would a map be so important to him?”
“Kilkern claims that this map shows that Dunhurnal land is actually Kilkern land and that it was divided unlawfully and given to one Brian Dunhurnal. Dates and boundaries on the map and the signature of the king would prove his claim. He insists that Brigid stole it for me.”
“That is ridiculous,” Reena said. “She did not know you until you arrived here with me.”
“Kilkern claims otherwise, and if I do not surrender Brigid, he warns that he will petition the king to have her turned over to him, in addition to the return of Dunhurnal land, which he says rightfully belongs to him.”
Reena could do nothing but shake her head at the absurdity of Kilkern’s claims.
“He but baits me, wanting me to make a foolish move,” Magnus said.
“What will you do?” Reena asked, her hand remaining firm on her friend’s shoulder.
“First, I will make certain Brigid has extra protection. I would expect Kilkern to make an attempt to abduct her.” Magnus looked to Thomas. “You will guard her well.”
“Have no doubt of that,” Thomas said. “I will not leave her side.”
Brigid cast sympathetic eyes on Thomas. “You will tire of seeing my face.”
“Beauty never tires the eyes.”
