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“What of your visions?”
She nodded understanding what he asked. “I knew that a powerful warrior would emerge from the woods to help me.” She did not share the part about his being her future husband.
“So you would have claimed any warrior as your mate?” he asked with a shred of annoyance.
“You are not any warrior. You are one of four brothers, though not blood related, one of which is the rightful king of Scotland.”
He grew annoyed at himself for not having realized the implication of her skill and grabbed her arm. “We have to get moving. That young soldier will realize soon enough that you can foresee the true king’s identity, and no doubt he will gather more soldiers to come find you.”
“The king has a seer of his own, so claimed one of the soldiers. She could provide the answer he seeks.”
“Evidently, she’s not as skillful as you or else the true king’s identity would be known by now.”
He hurried her along, keeping tight hold of her arm as thunder rumbled in the distance, gray clouds gathered in force overhead, and chilled air nipped at their skin.
“We need to find shelter before the storm hits,” he said. “Old Jacob’s cottage is not far.”
“It blusters, but little rain will fall. And I must make use of what daylight is left. An ill woman, a friend, needs tending,” she said, and eased them to a stop. “I do appreciate your help, but it’s a good day’s journey I must make, and you should not delay your task any longer. Tell me that you no longer wish me as your wife, and I will acknowledge the same of you, and you can be on your way.”
Trey couldn’t say why he hesitated. He was concerned that the soldiers would come after her, and they would not be so easily discouraged this time. She had something the king wanted, and no doubt the king would order a decree—bring her to him or die trying.
But that was no reason to remain wed to her. Even if the soldiers did find them, they would assume they were still wed. So why not speak the words and be done with it?
Instead, he asked, “You journey home to tend this woman? I could see you safely there.”
Her people were fine warriors and could well defend her. Though he worried that such important information could have the king break his habit of keeping his distance from Pict territory and attack them. She would be safer with him and his brothers, and so would the true king’s identity. But could he convince her of that?
“She lives beyond the Pict border.”
“Then I go with you,” Trey said. That would give him time to convince her to return home with him until—that was the question. Until the true king’s identity was known, she would not be safe.
“That isn’t necessary,” Bliss said. “I do not know how long the healing will take and—”
“It matters not. I will stay with you as long as needed.”
“Your family will wonder where you are and worry. And are you not needed there?” she asked, resting a gentle hand on his arm.
“They can make do without me for a while, and if I leave you unprotected, I leave the true king vulnerable. That I cannot do. I go with you whether you want me to or not,” he said. “We will stop at Old Jacob’s place, where Willow and Stone wait, and I will let them know I will not be returning with them. This will settle any worries my family would have over my absence.”
Bliss had met Stone, a fine seer in his own right, while healing Trey. He was a good friend of Tara’s, Reeve’s wife, and had helped her solve a difficult problem.
“What of Stone? He would know the true king’s identity. Is he not vulnerable?” The answer came to her before he could respond. “He cannot see which one of you is the king.”
Trey nodded. “Stone spoke with my da and brothers and explained that he sees what he is meant to see and no more. And it appears he was not meant to know the true king’s identity. You apparently are, and therefore, I will see you safe, not only for your protection but for the king’s.”
“I sense there is no point in arguing with you. Your reasoning makes sense, and you will have your way.”
“That I will,” he said, and, taking her hand once again, they continued walking.
She followed alongside in silence, recalling the image that had assaulted her when he had first taken her hand. A blond woman crying and running into his arms, and he hugged her tightly. It had upset Bliss. Why? She didn’t know. She tucked the vision away once more, knowing one day it would surface, and so would her upset.
“We must not delay,” she said, “though it will be good to see Willow again.”
“A brief stop; though with its being months since you last saw Willow, you two may not stop talking.”
She laughed. “That is true. I do favor your family, and I made good friends with Mercy and Tara, Duncan and Reeve’s wives. Your mother was very nice as well.”
“You’re the only woman I know that my mum did not dictate to.”
