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If he expected an answer, she didn’t have one. And there was no point in her trying to envision one. She knew she would get nothing. For some reason, she was not to have an answer—at least not yet.
He turned to her, a worried look scrunching his brow. “We need to get you home as soon as you see to your friend.”
“It shouldn’t take long,” she assured him. “And with Pict territory being so close to my friend’s home, once we arrive, you can leave me there and be on your way.”
He brought them to an abrupt stop and shook his head. “We discussed this. Once you’re done with your friend, you’ll be coming home with me to MacAlpin land.”
“That’s truly not necessary.”
“Aye, it is. I protect what is mine, and you’remy wife.You’ll be coming home with me.”
Chapter 4
Trey didn’t give Bliss a chance to object to his plan. “Coming home with me is what is best for you, and that is what we will do.”
He continued talking as they walked. Bliss kept a tight lip, and he wondered what she was thinking. She didn’t look happy with his suggestion though it was more a command. And he could understand her objecting though eventually she would see the wisdom in his decision and agree—or so he hoped.
When words finally failed him, he said, “Your thoughts?”
“I’m allowed them?” she asked with a tinkle of laughter.
He was relieved that she responded with humor rather than anger. Not that it would change his decision; that would stand no matter how she felt. It was, after all, for her protection. It was just that he didn’t wish to anger her. He liked the way she wore a smile, never forced, always so natural and lovely. And he much preferred seeing her that way rather than with a frown he had caused.
“I want you safe,” he said.
“I have looked after myself many years, and my people protect me. You need not be alarmed.”
“But you have a husband now”—he shook his head when she went to speak—“No, I know what you will say, but we will not end this marriage of ours until I am sure you are safe.”
“It is honorable of you to feel this way, but fate guides and guards me well and has for some time.”
“What of your parents? Siblings?” he asked, curious about this woman who had suddenly become his wife.
“My da died in battle when I was five years old. My mum died of fever two years later though I think her heart had broken when my da died, and she just did not want to go on without him. My grandmum raised me.”
Bliss smiled, and Trey smiled along with her, glad that she had loving memories to recall.
“Grandmum’s skills were so much stronger than mine, but she encouraged me, insisting that one day my skills would far surpass hers. She was ever so patient with me and my hundreds of questions.”
“She answered them for you?”
“Some, but she had insisted, it was the question that mattered more and not to worry if an answer wasn’t found.”
“She sounded like a wise woman,” Trey said. “I wish I could have met her.”
“She is near and watches over me and will be on her way when she feels it is time.” Bliss glanced at him, her smile fading.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, giving her hand a comforting squeeze and wanting her to know there was nothing to fear.
“I have not felt safe sharing that information with anyone, for fear of the consequences such unacceptable knowledge could bring.”
“I am glad you trusted me,” he said with a wide smile, and briefly raised their joined hands. “Besides, we are one—husband and wife—and we can share anything without fear of repercussions.”
Her smile bloomed once again.
God, but he loved when she smiled. It was as if light were cast on darkness, and joy drove away despair. He almost shook his head. Whatever was the matter with him? He was sounding like a fool in the throes of love. He and Bliss barely knew each other, or did they?
She had healed him with tenderness and caring, and such a deep, abiding love that he longed to feel again. He had felt a distinct emptiness when she had left, that he had wondered over it. Had that been the way of it, or had something happened between them that neither had realized?
