Iseult eyed the doorway with longing, but she hadn’t been invited to go with the men. Silently, she helped Neasa clear the food away.
“Is there anything else I can help you with?” she asked, when she’d finished.
“Yes.” Neasa set down the clay jug of mead and regarded her. “You could refuse to wed my son, but I know you won’t do it. You’re too eager to wed a man of his rank.”
Iseult’s temper flared. The woman made her sound greedy, as though she were wedding Davin for his gold. “Davin is a good man. I intend to give him my respect and care.” She bit her lip to keep from saying more.
“He deserves a woman who understands how to be chaste. You’ve borne a child.”
“A child who was stolen from me,” Iseult argued. “You, at least, have your son standing before you. I know not whether mine lives or is dead.”
The wrenching pain strangled her heart and tears swam in her eyes. Davin’s quiet presence had been a balm to her bleeding soul when she’d lost her son Aidan. He had comforted her in her grief, treating her with such tenderness, such love.
“You understand a mother’s love for her child,” Neasa said, though her voice was a sharp blade. “And you know that I want what is best for him.” She wiped her hands upon a drying cloth and added, “You could not possibly understand what it means to lead our people.”
Strangely, it didn’t bother her at all. Though she might not be one of them, never did she fear the responsibilities that would become hers. Her only thoughts were to take care of Davin and to build a home with him.
“I may not be a chieftain’s daughter,” she acknowledged, “but I will do what is necessary to make Davin happy.”
Neasa shook her head. “It’s not enough.”
Iseult had endured her fill of the woman’s criticism. She walked quietly to the door and opened it. “It will have to be.”
She stepped outside into the cool darkness. Neither Davin nor Alastar was nearby, and she suspected they’d gone for a walk. Though courtesy dictated that she say goodnight to her betrothed, she continued walking toward Muirne’s hut.
What was she going to do when she was expected to live with Davin’s family? They would have to build a hut of their own, else she’d go mad. His mother would do everything in her power to undermine their marriage.
Iseult walked faster, releasing her anger with each step. Sometimes she wished Davin were not the chieftain’s son. She wanted a simple life, one where they could live in peace. Perhaps with children surrounding them. And in her vision, Aidan was safely home again.
Above her, the moon hid behind clouds, and Iseult walked past Muirne’s hut, needing a quiet moment alone. She passed the gates of the ringfort, until she could no longer see the flicker of torches.
She sank down into the damp spring grass and calmed herself. The fertile scent of the land granted her peace.
“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” a voice said. She turned toward the sound and saw Kieran. He drew nearer, his profile shadowed by the light behind him. His black hair fell against his face, and he crossed his arms. Rough and wild, the locks cut against his cheeks, badly in need of taming. Though he said nothing, he kept watching her.
Iseult pulled her knees against her chest, suddenly wary. Not a guard was in sight, and outside the ringfort, no one would see them.
“I wanted to be alone. And I’m fine, as you can see.”
Again, he remained silent. His arrogance reminded her that this man knew not the meaning of humility or servitude. Unlike Davin’s other slaves, he did not hide back in the shadows, nor keep his face averted.
Uncomfortable, she rose to her feet. “You aren’t going to leave, are you?”
“No.”
“Are you planning to try another escape?” It wouldn’t surprise her if he did. She wanted to see him go, to be rid of this anxious feeling that happened each time she was near him.
“Not yet.” But from his tone, she knew he would. He was biding his time, feigning obedience. Couldn’t Davin see this man for who he truly was?
He continued walking towards her, moving as though he owned this land. As if he owned her.
It made her anger rise higher. If she wanted to take a walk, then she’d do it. She needed no escort.
Rising to her feet, she walked further until she was near the forest. It was as far as she dared travel.
Kieran shadowed her, keeping a slight distance back. But she knew that no matter how far she went, he would follow. His head turned as if watching the surrounding areas for danger.
But the only danger she felt was from him.
