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Laughter died off, and expressions turned serious and attentive. Mara didn’t excuse herself; she knew it wasn’t necessary. She was as trustworthy if not more so than anyone there.
“Bliss informed me that Roan’s men were attacked by the king’s soldiers.”
There was stunned silence for several moments before his da spoke. “How badly?”
“One Pict was injured, no more. They are fierce fighters.”
“That they are,” Bryce said. “And for whatever reason, it would seem the king is anxious to make enemies of the Picts. It still makes no sense. King Kenneth is a good strategist when it comes to battle, and this is not a wise move on his part.”
“Bliss believes the same,” Trey said.
“Has she offered any insight as to why the king might be doing this?” Bryce asked.
Trey shook his head. “Not yet, but she believes the answer will soon present itself.”
Conversation turned silent when servants began to enter the great hall to prepare the tables for the morning meal. Warriors would soon arrive and share the meal and receive instructions for their daily duties.
The keep was coming to life, and any further private discussion would have to wait.
Tara entered the room with Leora, who looked as if she hadn’t slept a wink. That she was nervous and troubled was obvious, and Tara kept a supportive arm around her, as if the woman required help walking.
“Have something to eat,” Mara said, waving Leora over to the table.
Leora shook her head. “No thank you. I would like very much to be taken to my da and grandda now if you don’t mind.”
Trey stood, a sudden thought striking him. Would a daughter of his have the courage to do what Leora had done? Not that he would want her to put herself in danger, to sacrifice so much to save him. The question probably would have never come to mind if he hadn’t known he was to be a da, but knowing that made the difference. He could understand why Leora had sacrificed everything to see her da safe.
Leora moved away from Tara and hurried to Trey. “I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt you.”
For a moment, he saw the woman he had loved standing before him, and he felt a catch to his heart. He felt sorry for her yet relieved for himself, and he had wished it could have been different. It could have been different if only...
“You never trusted me or my family enough to help you. You chose deceit instead. If you had only confided in me or in any of us, we would have helped you. And it would have saved us both much suffering.”
She hung her head. “I made a poor choice.”
Trey lifted her chin. “You let fear rule, and when you did, sound reason slipped away.”
“I’ll leave, go away. You’ll never see me again. Just, please, let me see my family.”
Trey shook his head. “You still don’t understand. You never did. I would never keep you from your family.” He stepped aside and called out to one of the warriors. “Malcom, take Leora to Old John’s place and make certain that he knows that he and his family are welcome to remain part of the MacAlpin clan.”
Tears ran down Leora’s face, and she reached out, placing a hand on Trey’s arm. “I am truly sorry I hurt you. And I am glad you found love. You deserve it.”
She walked over to Malcom, and he escorted her out the door.
The great hall filled with talk and laughter as more warriors entered, and the women joined their husbands, and the twins were passed around to uncles and aunts as the parents took turns eating. Bliss was the last to make an appearance, and Trey stood so that his wife could sit beside him on the bench.
“I’ve no want for food,” she said, her hand going to her stomach. “I’m going to see Dolca.”
Trey went to her, his hand covering hers and lowered his voice. “You are not feeling well?”
“Just a bit,” she said softly.
He didn’t voice his concern, not wanting his family to know about the babe just yet. Instead, he said, “I’ll take you to Dolca.”
She shook her head, then stepped around him. “Mercy, do you mind showing me where Dolca is staying?”
Trey realized that Bliss had a far different reason for asking the favor of Mercy. Obviously, she believed it time for grandmother and granddaughter to meet.
