“He has left me behind. Och nae, his battle for his throne is perilous. He needs my sword. ” He exhaled long.
I said, “Maybe he’ll come back for you before the fighting really begins. He must know he can’t do it alone, right? Maybe he was just giving us some time and he’ll be back tomorrow.”
Torin shook his head.
I said, “He needs you to protect him.”
He met my eyes. “He thinks the Princess needs my protection more.”
I put my hands on my hips. “I have guards!”
“Ye hae one guard outside, tis nae enough. Ye are a princess and ye need many men on yer walls. I think Max decided I would hae tae do.”
“Well... shoot. I’m worried about him. He wasn’t thinking straight. I could hire an army, I could level up my security. He didn’t need to go alone.”
“Aye, tis foolhardy. I canna secure yer safety and go tae his side. He has taken our only vessel.”
I blinked and then frowned. “I didn’t even think about that, Torin you’re stuck here!”
He nodded.
I looked at him, softer. “You’re stuck here. In the modern world... I mean, we’ve got great food and other comforts, but you’re going to really miss Scotland. I hope he comes back tomorrow.”
His eyes looked sad. “I truly doubt it. He had good reasons why he picked the date we returned here, how long did ye say twas?”
“Almost three months.”
He said, “Max wanted tae allow some time tae pass, he said twould keep ye safer. He inna going tae return tomorrow. He will stay away. He will try tae regain his throne. He will take on great risk, tryin’ tae win all the glory.”
“He would do that?”
“Ye met him, he can be a stubborn, pompous prince. I canna expect him tae return tae ask for help, unless tis verra dire, and then it might be too late for the assistance I can offer. Och nae, I ought tae hae kicked his arse earlier.”
I sighed and gave him a half smile. “So you could be here for a while?”
“Aye. Unless we can find another vessel.”
“That doesn’t sound possible.”
“Then, mo leannan, it means ye are stuck with me.”
My smile widened. “Well, this is good, I get to redeem myself. I was such a pain in the ass when we were together. I can be much more fun now, and you will get to see me when I’m not sick.”
He grinned. “Och twill be an improvement. I winna hae to watch ye purge yerself in a bowl.”
I agreed, “Yep, we have toilets and doors that lock, you won’t have to watch me do anything.”
“And ye winna hae anything tae complain on.”
I laughed. “Well… I can probably complain, but I won’t. Did you bring Lambo?”
“Aye, yer guards put them...” He groaned. “Max has been planning this for days,thisis why he insisted I bringallmy horses.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean,allyour horses?”
“I hae four now: Kobold, Lambo, Trì, and Dà.”
My eyes went wide. I rushed to the window and looked out. “There are five horses in my yard! Holy smokes, that’s a herd.” I turned from the window. “This is an unexpected turn of events. So you will live here with a herd of horses?”
