Thatnight,Iseultstoodat Davin’s side in the cool stone chapel while their priest Father Aengus said a special Mass for the dead. The Latin words washed over her, familiar and comforting. But when she knelt to pray among the tribesmen and women, she found herself praying for Kieran. She murmured the silent words, both for him and for her missing son. God keep them both.
Afterwards, Davin led her back to his dwelling. His hand clasped hers, as though she were precious to him. Iseult forced herself to go with him, though she wanted to return to the sick hut. Her thoughts roiled with guilt, for she was betraying Davin by keeping silent about her feelings for Kieran.
But if she admitted the truth, Davin would kill Kieran. The only way to protect him was to hold her tongue.
When they arrived, Neasa approached them from the far side of the chapel. The woman wore her hair bound up in a fine linen veil, and her gray eyes were solemn.
“Davin, your father wants to see you.” She smiled warmly, embracing her son. “He wants your help in inspecting the damage. Iseult and I will direct the meal preparations while you’re gone.”
Davin lifted her palm to his lips. “I’m sorry,a stór. I’ll return soon.“ The heat and longing in his eyes drove an invisible knife into her heart. Somehow, she forced a smile.
Neasa waited until he’d joined Alastar at the opposite end of the fort before she spoke. “I saw you earlier,” she accused. “You went to the slave’s hut alone during the battle.”
It was clear what Neasa was implying. Iseult could not deny it, but what could she say? She chose her words carefully. “I did, yes. And without Kieran’s help, all of us would have died in the battle. You know it as well as I. I went to gain his help.”
“You were alone with him. And when Davin learns of it—-”
Iseult cut her off. “He will not learn of it.” Fear gripped her by the throat. She fully intended to break off the betrothal, but not until Kieran had recovered from his wounds. His life depended upon her silence. “Especially not from you. Keep your lies to yourself.”
Neasa’s face turned bright with fury. “I would tell him nothing but the truth.”
“As I intend to do, once Kieran has gone.” She took a deep breath. “Hold your silence, and you will get what you long for most of all.”
“How could you presume to know what I long for?”
“You want me to break my betrothal with Davin,” she predicted. To her embarrassment, her voice shook. The strange finality of her decision hurt. Davin was her friend, a man who loved her. Leaving him meant breaking his heart, even if it was the right thing to do.
“And you would do this?” Neasa grew still, her face tightening with disbelief.
“I want what is best for him,” Iseult managed. And knowing what she felt for Kieran, it was best not to marry Davin. It would only hurt both of them. “And I no longer think I would make a good wife for him.”
Neasa’s hand moved to her heart. “It is because of the slave. You’re protecting him.”
Iseult shook her head. “He saved my life and the life of everyone here. He has earned his freedom, not accusations that could cost him his life.”
Neasa remained unconvinced. “Are you leaving with him?”
“No.” She had no intention of betraying Davin any more than she already had. “I’ll return home to my family. Alone.”
The crack in her heart split open a little wider, knowing that she would not see Kieran again. Seeing him near death in Deena’s hut had made her soul bleed.
Neasa stepped back. “He deserves to know what you did. You owe him your confession.”
“What is there to confess?” Iseult’s anger rose within her. “That I do not love him the way he deserves to be loved?”
“That you shared your body with that slave while he was away in battle.”
“I did nothing of the sort. You can believe whatever you like in your own narrow mind. I’ll be leaving soon, and that’s all that matters to you.”
Neasa didn’t smile but opened the door. “Go in. Davin will be expecting to see you after he returns. Though I’d be just as happy if you left now.”
Iseult stepped across the threshold. Inside, the warm interior smelled of roasted fish and stewed cherries. Several female slaves worked to prepare the meal, and Iseult chose a place beside one of the low tables to wait.
Thankfully, it was not long before Davin reappeared. She rose to greet him, and he embraced her warmly, kissing her cheek. “I’d like for us to take our meal outside. I want to have a private celebration with you.”
Dire warnings resounded in Iseult’s mind. She had hoped to avoid hurting Davin’s feelings, but if she went with him, he would want to press his affections upon her.
“Have you eaten?” he asked.
