Trey jumped up and turned, not having heard Bliss approach, and nearly knocked her over. It was she who reached out and grabbed his arm to steady herself though he was quick to put a hand to her waist.
“I thought you were asleep.”
“A rest, that is all.” She smiled. “Besides, the scent of the fish is much too tempting.”
It wasn’t the fish that he was hungry for though his stomach thought differently, grumbling loudly.
Bliss laughed. “You are just as hungry.”
“That I am,” he said, his thoughts far from the fish.
“Let’s sit in front of the hearth and eat,” Bliss suggested, getting the blanket from the bed. With a quick shove to Trey’s chest to move him aside, she placed the blanket over the rushes on the earth floor in front of the fireplace.
She plopped down and reached her hand up to him. “Join me.”
He did, folding his legs as he lowered himself opposite her. With the slip of his dagger, he carefully removed a portion of the fish, blew on it gently to cool it down, and placed it in Bliss’s hand. He then did the same for himself. He was glad the food filled his mouth, for words escaped him at the moment.
Her simple touch had given him a shock though it wasn’t the touch itself that had surprised, it was the image that assaulted him. It was quick and vivid, so very vivid that it had stunned him. He blamed it on his musings. He had been thinking of nothing else but Bliss. So why wouldn’t he have been struck with an image of them making love. And Lord had it feel good, the silky softness of her body, the eagerness of her touch, the heat of her kiss, the frantic beat of his heart, the swell of his desire, and the love that had radiated between them.
He almost choked on the piece of fish in his mouth.
“Are you all right?” Bliss asked anxiously.
Trey held up his hand while he covered his mouth to clear his throat.
Love. Where had that come from? And yet he had felt it strong and hard, pulsing through them both. It was fantastic and frightening all at once, and damn if he didn’t want to feel it again.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” she asked again.
He lowered his hands. “I’m fine. Piece of fish got stuck.”
She smiled, and he could have sworn he heard a tinkle of laughter. Did she know? Had she seen the same? Had it been her vision he had caught a glimpse of?
“Delicious,” she said with a lick of her lips.
Was she talking about the fish or the vision? Or was he simply going insane?
If it were madness, then he might as well enjoy it. He reached out, slipping his hand around the back of her neck, drew her near as he leaned forward, and kissed her.
It was as if an ember that was soon to die was suddenly sparked and set aflame. Heated passion raced through them, turning the kiss more eager than either expected. Trey wanted nothing more than to scoop her up, carry her to bed, and make love to her.
Love.
The word resonated in his head like a tolling bell and was enough for him to end the kiss, though reluctantly. He knew he should say something. You don’t kiss a woman and turn silent afterwards, but words failed him. Besides, what did he say? I believe I could be falling in love with you though we don’t know each other well, and I’m not sure if I can ever love again because, you see, the woman I loved with all my heart died.
He turned his face to the flames, guilt rising to trouble him. He wasn’t even sure what he felt guilty about. Did he feel as if he betrayed the love Leora and he had once shared? Or did he feel guilty for wanting to make love to Bliss?
“You loved her very much, didn’t you?” Bliss asked softly.
He could not deny the truth. “I did. I loved her more than anything.” He shook his head. “You knew I thought about her?”
“Nothing more than a reasonable assumption on my part,” she said. “Also while I was healing you, I felt emptiness within you that only the loss of a love could create. At times it had me fearing that you did not want to live.”
“There were times I didn’t,” he admitted. He turned his head for a moment, the vision of Leora’s death so clear that he could still smell the blood and hear his own raging screams echoing in his head.
“But you knew you were needed here,” she reminded.
“I had a duty to my king, otherwise—” He shook his head. “I would have welcomed death.”
“You would be selfish and die rather than pay homage to such a love by loving again?”
“You think me selfish for loving so strongly?” he asked, annoyed.
“I think you selfish for choosing death over love. Love may hurt, but it also heals, and it never leaves you. It is there with you always, waiting for you to trust in it once again. Are you ready to trust love again?”
He answered honestly. “I don’t know.”
She smiled and nodded. “This is good. You did not say no.”
Surprisingly, he smiled, and it made him feel good, not only the smile but his answer. He hadn’t said no. Hadn’t thought about saying no. Perhaps he was on the verge of trusting love.
A wicked wind suddenly ripped at the cottage, spiking the flames and rattling the door.
“Is that fate knocking?” Trey teased.
“If it is, will you answer it?”
“I believe I already have,” he said leaning close to kiss her gently.
They returned to eating the fish and spoke of love no more, not that they wouldn’t again, but enough was said for the moment. Time was needed to think and sort through what seemed like a maze, at least to Trey.
When they finished eating, they sat in comfortable silence before the fire, Trey wrapping his arm around Bliss and she tucking herself close and resting her head on his shoulder. Both were lost in similar thoughts about each other and love. Could it be possible? Could love have struck them hard and fast? Had fate a hand in it?
Trey rested his cheek to the top of her head. He relished the simple moment with Bliss. It felt right, and he wanted to linger in it. He wasn’t sure what tomorrow would bring, but he was ready to explore possibilities. And while he was anxious to take her home, he was also eager to spend time alone with her.
Bliss yawned. “We need to get sleep so that we will be fit to continue our journey.”
He hugged her close before standing and helping her up. “I’ll bed in front of the hearth.”
She laughed. “That’s nonsense. The ground is cold even with the rushes. We’ll share the bed.”
“That might not be a good idea.”
“Would you force yourself on me?”
“Never,” he said as if insulted that she asked.
Bliss shrugged. “Then what is there to worry about?”
“You wound me, woman,” he said half-jokingly. “You’re telling me you don’t desire me?”
Bliss smiled and stepped closer, to teasingly trace circles on his bare chest, as she said, “This is not the time or place for us to make love.”
He grabbed her hand and yanked her up against him. “But we do make love, don’t we?”
“It seems to be our fate.”
“When?”
“I don’t know,” she said.
“Soon. It must be soon,” he said with a grin.
“It will come to pass no doubt. But what will follow I do not know.” Bliss slipped out of his grasp, though, took his hand, and walked to the bed.
They climbed in, and Bliss rested her back to Trey’s chest. It was the only way they could fit in the narrow bed, unless they lay on top of each other . . . not a wise choice.
Bliss was asleep in no time.
Trey wasn’t. He lay there, his eyes wide open and unable to sleep.
It pleased him to know that they would make love though he had already assumed they would. The attraction was strong between them and could not be denied or
avoided. What troubled him was her remark about not knowing what followed. He certainly knew what would follow.
They would remain husband and wife.
Chapter 9
They left early the next morning. Bliss had woken before Trey and thought it prudent that she slip out of bed before he stirred. Not that she wanted to. She had been comfortably snug in his arms and wished she could have remained so. But she had felt her desire for him spark, and though she knew their coupling was inevitable, she wasn’t ready just yet. She didn’t know why. It simply didn’t seem the right time.
Disappointment was evident in his eyes when he woke and found the spot beside him empty. He had looked even more frustrated when he had seen her standing in front of the hearth fully dressed. He had been quick to don his garments after that and hasten them on their way.
They had spoken little since then. Busy thoughts, and no doubt similar ones, had kept them both occupied, though Bliss had noticed how vigilant Trey had remained, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. She didn’t need her ability to know that he had no intentions of being caught off guard again.
And this time he wasn’t.
He whispered to her, “Someone follows.”
“Aye, it’s Roan, and he’ll join us soon enough.”
“You knew? And what keeps him from making himself known?”
“Once we stepped on Pict land, we were watched. Our people are cautious about our safety,” she said. “He’ll show himself soon enough.”
“Is there anything else I should know?”
The thought came suddenly. “Aye, I believe I am needed.” Bliss hoped it wasn’t in regard to her friend Dolca, for she sensed it was serious. She grew anxious as she waited for Roan to appear since, try as she might, she could sense nothing beyond that. She only knew the news was not good.
“You’re worried,” Trey said. “Is it your friend?”
She had no time to respond. Roan appeared and hurried toward her. She let go of Trey’s hand and rushed to meet the tall Pict halfway.
“What’s wrong?” she demanded, her hands grabbing his forearms.
The vision hit her hard, a young lad laid out in final repose.
“I’m too late,” she said, her heart swelling with sorrow for the lad who could have been no more than five years.
“Nay,” Roan said. “The lad, Philip, sleeps and will not wake. He took a tumble while playing, got a good gash on his head, and soon after collapsed and has not woken since.”
“I must go and see if I can help him,” Bliss said. “But there is Dolca to consider.”
“The women tend her, giving her your special brew. She rests comfortably, and her cough has subsided.”
“I am relieved to hear that, and now we must go immediately to the lad, Philip.”
“There is a problem with that,” Roan said.
“What problem?” Trey asked, stepping alongside Bliss.
She had sensed him standing behind her, leaving her and Roan to talk. But with a problem at hand, she would have expected nothing less than for him to step forward and protect her.
“The lad isn’t a Pict. His father, Albert, ventured into Pict territory specifically in search of you,” Roan said with a nod to Bliss. “He begged for your help. Albert and his wife Teresa had been blessed with their son after many years of marriage and all hope of having children gone. They cannot bear losing Philip, their only child.”
“I see no problem,” Trey said. “Bliss tends all people, Pict or not.”
“It’s where the child lives that presents the problem,” Roan said. “He lives north of the Pict borders, and, recently, a large contingent of the king’s men has established a camp in the area between Pict territory and Albert’s farm. He had managed to avoid them on his way here, keeping to the deep woods when possible. Just as he reached Pict territory, he spotted a troop of the king’s soldiers and wasn’t surprised to see that they were headed in the direction of the camp.”
“It appears King Kenneth is getting ready to attack from the north,” Trey said.
“You must go and warn your family,” Bliss urged.
“And you?” he asked and answered. “You will go to heal the lad.” He looked to Roan. “Can you send someone to take the news to my brothers?”
“If that is what you wish,” Roan said. “Or perhaps you would prefer to take this news yourself. My men and I can get Bliss safely to the lad.”
“And if attacked?” Trey asked. “Will you retaliate, thus declaring war on the king?”
“The Picts will have no choice but to join in the fray sooner or later,” Roan said. “We cannot continue to stand apart from it.”
Trey rested a hand on Roan’s shoulder. “Then choose the right time. Besides”—Trey removed his hand and wrapped his arm around Bliss—“I protect my wife.”
Bliss had not wanted her people to know of their strange union. Marriage was sacred to the Picts and never taken lightly. Few, if any, ended their marriages willingly, death being the only thing parting husbands and wives permanently.
Roan broke out in a grin after a moment of shock passed. “What wonderful news. The Picts will surely want to celebrate this special union.”
“There is no time for celebration now,” Bliss said. “Too many are suffering, and no doubt more will with war on the horizon.”
“What better time than for all to know that you have wed a MacAlpin. They fight for the true king, and when he takes the throne, our people and land will be safe once more.”
Bliss hadn’t considered what her marriage to Trey could mean for her people. Of course it would help them. In order to be a true king of Scotland, one had to have been born of a Pict mother and, therefore, the true king would protect his people.
How foolish of her not to realize the significance, and perhaps it made clearer the reason fate had brought Trey and her together.
“Not if we don’t get news of this troop buildup to my brothers,” Trey reminded. “Time is needed to alert those who will fight at our side to prepare for battle.”
“I will see to it,” Roan said.
“Also, I would prefer to deliver the good news of my marriage to my family, but do advise them that I will return home as soon as I can.”
Bliss was relieved that he chose not to spread word of their union to his family. It would only complicate matters, and it was complicated enough already.
“I could send men to follow you discreetly and help only if necessary,” Roan said.
“And if something happens that provokes the king, it could place your people in harm’s way. And that I will not do,” said Trey.
“This is all right with you?” Roan asked, turning to Bliss. “All will be well?”
She understood what Roan wanted from her . . . a vision that foretold the outcome. Unfortunately, one was not available to her. She had yet to see what would be.
She shook her head. “I see nothing—yet though I sense your hesitancy. I can tell you there is no need for you to worry. Things will go well for you.”
“What of you?”
“It has always been difficult to see things for myself, but since I told Willow I would see her again, I can only assume all will go well.”
Roan smiled. “That eases my worry.” He looked to Trey. “I have no doubt you will take care of your wife. You are an honorable man, and you battled death and won.”
“With Bliss’s help,” Trey reminded him.
“Then it appears you two were meant to be,” Roan said. “Now it is time for us to be on our way. “Stop at Maude and Thumble’s cottage; food and extra garments wait for you there. And be careful. Danger now lurks everywhere.”
Bliss gave Roan’s hand a squeeze. “Your journey will be a safe one.”
“Stay safe, and I will see you both soon,” Roan said, and was gone as swiftly as he
had appeared.
Bliss could not help but ask, “Are you certain you wish to do this?”
“Are you certain you need to ask that question?”
“What of your family? They need you with them now.”
“They need me to find out all I can about the king’s troops that are forming in the north,” he said. “If I hadn’t stumbled upon you and wed you, we would have discovered too late what the king was planning. The best thing I can do for my family is to find out all I can about the king’s plans and return home with that information.”
It did make sense, and his duty to the true king did come first.
“And there is my wife to protect,” he said. “And a child to save.”
“Aye, we must get to Philip,” she said, and though he did not need to remind her that he would continue to protect her, it pleased her to hear it.
Maude was as short and wide as Thumble was tall and slim. To some they might appear an odd couple, but no one could doubt they were a loving pair. Their eyes glowed with happiness when they glanced at each other, and they were forever holding hands. In the fifteen years they had been married, they never had children though the menagerie of ill animals that found their way to them, and often remained after getting well, were like family to them.
“He’s a fine-looking man,” Maude said with a grin and a nod toward Trey, who stood outside the opened, cottage door talking with Thumble.
“He is a good man,” Bliss said, though she avoided referring to him as her husband. She didn’t want to hear any well-wishes for a happy, fruitful, and long life when their marriage was nothing more than . . .
Her thought drifted off. This was not the time to wonder about her marriage.
Maude had insisted on adding more food to an already full sack once she had learned that Trey would be taking the journey with her. She was just about done when she asked, “Could I ask a favor of you, Bliss?”
“You have an animal that does not heal, and you are worried about him,” Bliss said, having sensed Maude’s concern upon entering the cottage.
The plump woman smiled, her full cheeks blushing. “You have so much to see to that I did not want to impose, but this little fellow just will not get well.” She walked over to a basket near the hearth, a cloth partially covering it. She reached down and scooped up a bundle of fur, cradling the baby rabbit in her cupped hands.
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