“Your fear and guilt give it power. Cast the spell off and let it be no more.”
“I haven’t the skill to do that,” Tara said, while wishing she had.
“Then we’ll find someone who can.”
Her eyes widened, and she felt a flutter of hope. “Do you think that is possible? Do you truly believe we could find a witch with the power to remove the spell?”
“Why not?”
“I had thought of it,” she said. “But I was never able to pursue it. My father forbids witches, seers, anyone with dark powers to cross his land. Are there any witches in your clan?”
“None that I’m aware of, but I’ll inquire, discreetly, of course.”
“The healer who isn’t a healer,” Tara said, excited.
“What are you talking about?”
Tara’s excitement grew. “Mercy told me of Bliss, the Pict healer who heals but isn’t truly a healer. I wondered if perhaps she could help me.”
Reeve nodded. “You may be right. I have heard Duncan and Mercy talk of her and her extraordinary skill in healing people with a simple touch.”
“You’ve given me hope,” Tara said, smiling brightly.
“Good, now can we make love?”
Tara’s smile faded. “I don’t want to take the chance of losing you.”
He reached out for her hand, but she slipped away. He shrugged. “All right then, let’s make lust.”
“So you only lust after me but not love me?” Tara asked.
“You’re making this very hard, and while I’d love you to make me hard, this is not what I had in mind.”
“I love making you hard. And I truly love the feel of you hard in my hand.”
“That’s it. We need to make lust right now.”
Tara stood slowly. “Then tell me it is lust pure and simple. Tell me you have no love for me in your heart and I will gladly, willingly, happily couple with you.”
Reeve stood so quickly that he rattled the table. He glared at her, raised a hand and pointed at her, opened his mouth then closed it, shook his head, ran his hand through his hair, and then released a low growl that turned to a grumble that finally burst into a frustrated roar.
Tara took a step back, fearing she had pushed him too far.
Finally, after taking several deep breaths, Reeve calmed enough to speak. He pointed at her. “When I take you to that bed”–he pointed to it and then back at her—“it will be to make love to you. I do not lust after you like an animal hungry to mate. There is more here between us, Tara, and I will not demean whatever this strange all-encompassing feeling that nags and torments and batters me every waking and sleeping moment and yet I do not want to do without, simply to share a toss with you.”
He paused and shook his finger at her when she went to speak. “Say nothing, absolutely nothing. We will make love in that bed. Our children will be conceived of love in that bed. We will grow old and still make love in that bed. And I will always hold you with love whether in or out of that bed.”
He turned, swiped his cloak off the ground, and said, “I will wait outside for you. We go to the keep together.”
Tara stood silent, watching the door close behind him. Tears filled her eyes and spilled over.
Keep him safe. I love him. God help me, I love him. Please keep him safe from me.
Chapter 20
Reeve felt like raging, he was so angry. And he knew it showed on his face since the villagers passing by Tara’s cottage gave him a wide berth.
Damn but she could be stubborn.
“You look like you want to kill someone,” Bryce said, approaching him.
“I do,” Reeve snapped.
Bryce snickered. “That’s what happens when you fall in love.”
“How would you know?”
“I learn from watching,” Bryce said.
Reeve shook his head. Hadn’t he just told Tara the same?
Bryce rested a firm hand on Reeve’s shoulder. “Put yourself in her place before you judge too harshly.”
Reeve went to argue.
Bryce squeezed his shoulder. “Think as she does, then see how you feel. See you in the keep for the noon meal, though if you take too long, I’ll have eaten most of the food.”
“I’m going to beat you,” Reeve threatened teasingly as he always did, though he never meant it. It was the way between them.
Bryce laughed and waved him off just as the cottage door opened.
Tara stepped out and sent him a skeptical glance.
Think as she does.
From the way she stared at him, he knew that he still looked angry, and he didn’t want her thinking he was angry with her. It was the situation, not her, and so he grinned and took her hand.
An apprehensive smile lit her face, and she wrapped her fingers slowly around his, and his heart soared. Damn, but this love thing could be unnerving.
They walked in silence, the snow falling softly over them and the air crisp. He did as Bryce suggested and thought how Tara must feel. And suddenly he felt an unbearable weight descend on him.
Was that how she felt, as if she carried a hefty weight? She did feel responsible and a responsibility brought a weight of sorts. He hadn’t given enough thought to how this curse had affected her. He had simply brushed it off as unreasonable, but he hadn’t suffered from the remnants of it. Tara had.
She had grown excited when he suggested they find a witch to remove the curse, or when she thought that Bliss might be able to help her. He had to approach this differently. He had to stop thinking of how he felt, and his wants and desires, and concentrate on how Tara perceived things. It was the only way to truly help her.
They reached the keep without having exchanged a word. Reeve stopped at the foot of the steps and turned to Tara.
“I will do whatever it takes to rid you of the curse.”
Her violet eyes grew wide, and he thought he detected a tear.
“Truly?”
“Truly,” he said. “We will find a solution together.”
She flung herself at him, her arms wrapping around him. “You truly are a man of honor.”
He cringed. “If you knew what I was thinking, you would not say that.”
She chuckled. “Then we are thinking the same.”
He laughed and hugged her tight. “I am lucky to have found you.”
Before Tara could respond, the keep door opened, and Duncan called out, “You best hurry. Between Bryce and Mercy, there won’t be any food left for you.”
Reeve could see how relieved Tara was when they joined his family at the table and saw that Mercy’s appetite had returned, and color now flooded her face. Mara let them know that Trey continued to rest comfortably though he had yet to fully wake, and Rand’s fever had broken, and he was eagerly drinking broth.
Willow had offered to sit with Trey so that the family could all have some time together, and they were grateful. It was good to be all together, smiles on faces, appetites robust, and hope strong.
As they ate, Roan and his men entered and sat at a table a few feet away, as if respecting the family’s privacy. They were served a hearty fare and were deep in their own conversation when one of their men entered the keep and hurried over to Roan. He quickly stood and followed the man out.
Reeve had watched it all, and said, “Something goes on with the Picts.”
“I noticed that myself,” Duncan said.
Mercy grasped at her chest, and Duncan turned pure white, fearing the worst.
“Bliss!” Mercy shouted. “Bliss has arrived.”
Sure enough, in seconds the door opened, and in entered Roan, three more men, and a woman. She was swathed in a white wool, hooded cloak that unwrapped like a swirl of snow as she walked toward them. Her hood fell back just as she stopped at their table, and Reeve wasn’t the only one whose breath caught.
She was an angelic beauty, her long hair shimmering gold, tall in height, slim in body, and exotically stunning.
“I have come to h
elp,” she announced, her voice soft and melodic.
Mercy jumped up and pushed at her husband to move so that she could get off the bench. He instead simply lifted her up and swung her off the bench. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she ran around the table to hug Bliss.
“I’m so glad you came,” Mercy said.
Bliss smiled. “You knew I would.”
Introductions were made by Mercy, and food and rest were offered to Bliss, but she declined.
“I should see to Trey,” Bliss said.
Mara hurried to her side. “I’ll take you to my son. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
The two women walked away and disappeared up the stairs.
“She is a beauty,” Tara said.
“In more ways than one,” Mercy said, having returned to her seat beside her husband.
“Mercy’s right about that,” Duncan said.
“There’s something different about her.” Carmag scratched his head. “I’ve seen it before in those who have a knowing.”
“You mean she knows things before they are told to her?” Bryce asked.
Carmag nodded.
“We need to talk,” Bryce said, looking from his father to his brothers.”
“Go,” Mercy said, shooing them off. “I will tell Tara all about Bliss, and she will soon find her a friend.”
Reeve was pleased with the smile of delight that filled Tara’s face. He gave her a quick kiss before leaving, happy that she looked hopeful, and he intended on keeping hope alive for her.
The four men entered the solar and made themselves comfortable in the chairs, all except Bryce. He stood, leaning an arm on the mantel.
“If Bliss has a knowing of things that are and yet to come, then our plans could be in jeopardy,” Bryce said. “She could know the identity of the true king.”
Reeve didn’t want to lose Bliss before he even could ask her for help, but he also couldn’t see their mission jeopardized. They had worked too hard and long to see it threatened. “Bryce has a point, but her knowing may also help us.”
“That’s true,” Duncan said. “She may provide us with an advantage while she is here, and though I can’t say I know her well, I do believe she keeps what she knows to herself.”
“But does her visit here put her in danger once she leaves us?” Bryce asked.
“Those I have known with this knowing,” Carmag said, “always knew their path. I suggest we bide our time and see what Bliss has to offer us.”
“That could prove dangerous,” Bryce said.
“Or advantageous,” Carmag said. “Time will tell.”
“Perhaps she could at least tell us who stole the precious hide so important to the true king,” Reeve suggested.
“That’s a good point,” Duncan said. “It had been kept safe in the chest here in the solar for years with only the four of us and father familiar with its hiding spot.”
“We know none of us took it,” Bryce said. “So who, then, knew of it and took it.”
“Only to give it to Mercy’s mother, who burned it before her capture and death,” Duncan said. “And why would the person give it to Mercy’s mother, mistress of King Kenneth?”
Carmag nodded. “Perhaps Bliss can settle the mystery for us.”
Mercy was anxious to have Tara watch Bliss heal, so the two hurried up to Trey’s bedchamber to watch. Tara remained to the side with Mercy, her stomach all aflutter, nervous and eager to see if perhaps this woman would have the skill to free her so that she could finally . . . freely love Reeve.
Tara kept her stare fixed on Bliss as she rubbed her hands repeatedly, then brought them to her mouth, holding them against her lips as if in prayer and then lowering them to rest at Trey’s brow.
After a few moments she shook her head slowly and moved her hands to rest on his chest.
After a few minutes, Trey’s eyes sprung open. “An angel. I am dead.” He closed his eyes again, and Tara saw Mara wipe away the tears at her eyes.
Bliss leaned down, her hands remaining on his chest, and whispered something to him that no one could hear. She then stood, removed her hands, and signaled Mara to follow her. Mercy and Tara went as well, leaving Willow alone in the room with Trey.
Once outside the door, Bliss spoke. “He does not fight to live.”
Mara choked back a sob. “I was afraid of that.”
Mercy slipped a supportive arm around Mara. “He lost the woman he loved.”
Bliss frowned, though she made no comment.
“Can you help him?” Mara asked.
“I’m not sure. His will is weak, but it is imperative he live. I will do the best I can.”
“That is all I ask,” Mara said.
Bliss placed her hand on Mara’s arm. “Go rest, you need it.”
“I’ll see that she does,” Mercy said, though Mara only left after gentle urgings and assurances from Bliss.
Tara waited until the two women were out of sight and then she turned to Bliss.
Bliss spoke before she did. “You have reason to worry. Keep your heart strong, and we will talk.”
Tara wished for more, but she knew Trey came first, and so she turned and walked away once Bliss returned inside the room. At least the woman had agreed to talk with her, and that gave her hope.
She was eager to tell Reeve, and so she hurried to the great hall to see if he was there. When she found it empty, she decided that she just couldn’t sit and wait for him. She went to the kitchen and found Etty busy as usual.
The woman was as round as she was tall. Her red hair was sprinkled with gray, and while her face wore a constant pinch, it changed miraculously to a brilliant smile whenever Neil, her love and soon-to-be-husband walked in the room.
“I was just going to see if you wanted to bake bread,” Etty said, removing her apron and wrapping it around Tara and tying it tight. She then grabbed her cloak off a peg and grabbed a large basket filled to the brim with food. “The kitchen is yours.” And with that, she was out the door.
Tara smiled, and then the quiet descended on her. She cast a glance around the large room. Bubbling cauldrons hung on hooks over the roaring flames in the fireplace. Baskets spilled over with rooted plants, and smoked meat hung on hooks from timber rafters. Eggs were plentiful in baskets, and cheeses were wrapped in cloths and piled on one of the three tables.
She had hoped to talk with Etty. Actually, she had hoped to listen to Etty talk about Neil and how much she loved him. Tara had been looking for company who would keep her mind and hands busy.
Now she had only silence for company, and silence had been her companion for far too long. With little choice left to her, Tara gathered what she needed to bake the dark bread that Reeve favored and set to work to keep herself busy.
Unfortunately, Bliss’s words haunted her.
You have reason to worry.
She had been right about the curse. It was real, and she had reason to worry over it. It was good that she had stopped herself from making love with Reeve. She would surely have lost him if she allowed her desire to rule. She had to keep her wits about her and her heart strong as Bliss said.
Tara soon had four loaves set to bake, and once the kitchen helpers arrived, she asked them to remove the bread at a specific time. She dropped the apron on a bench as she left the kitchen, hoping to find Reeve in the great hall. He still hadn’t returned, so she went upstairs and peeked in on Trey. Willow was gone, and Bliss sat in the chair beside the bed and looked to be asleep.
Undoubtedly, she was exhausted from her journey through the snow and needed rest, though she had looked rested upon arrival.
She wished they could talk, but she didn’t wish to disturb her slumber, so she quietly closed the door. A yawn attacked her after two steps, a few more steps produced several more yawns, and Tara decided that a nap was necessary. If she remembered correctly, she had had only a few hours’ sleep in the last couple of days. She’d be wis
e to catch a nap when she could, and with Reeve still busy, now was a good time.
She hurried to Reeve’s bedchamber and slipped off her boots and stockings. She wished she had worn her linen shift beneath her velvet dress, for then she could take off her dress. While it certainly kept her warm, it wasn’t suited for sleeping.
She made the choice in haste to take it off and slip naked beneath the covers. It was only a nap. She’d be up and dressed before Reeve found her. Her head no sooner rested on the pillow than she was asleep.
Chapter 21
Reeve snuck a taste of the dark bread that Tara had made for him cooling on the table. He’d been disappointed that he had missed her in the kitchen though he had been thrilled to discover that she had baked him bread. It meant that she had been thinking about him, and he liked when he remained on her mind. Besides, it was only fair since she remained constantly on his mind.
After sneaking a few more tastes and thinking that perhaps she was trying to avoid him, he went to his mother’s sewing room, but it was empty. After that, he made his way to Trey’s room, wondering if she had gotten a chance to speak with Bliss.
“I bid you welcome,” Bliss called to him when he opened the door.
He entered, and before he dared take the chair beside her, he said, “I don’t wish to intrude.”
“Your brother rests,” Bliss said. “He hasn’t truly rested in some time.”
“That I agree with.”
“But you are not here about your brother,” Bliss said. “You look for Tara.”
“Was she here?” he asked, excited. “Did she speak with you?”
“We had no chance for a discussion, and time grows short.”
“You will leave soon?” he asked. “You’ve only just arrived.”
She reached out and took hold of his hand, and for several moments simply stared at him until finally she said, “An unselfish love will save Tara.”
Trey stirred, and Bliss was quick to rest her hand on his chest. Her eyes closed, and her lips moved, as if she was silently praying or reciting or chanting. Reeve wasn’t sure what she was doing, but it mattered not to him as long as Bliss healed his brother.
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