“Only until you’re healed.”
He heard the note of hope within her voice. And though it made him want to pull her into his arms, holding her close, it was a dream that could never be. He was a slave, a man without a home. A man with nothing to give.
“Iseult—“
“Don’t.” She braved a smile through the glimmer of tears. “I know what you’re going to say. And I’m not ready to hear it yet.” She stepped away and ran her slim fingers over the chest. “This is beautiful.”
“It will be finished in time for your wedding.” He couldn’t let her hold onto false hopes.
Iseult’s expression dimmed. “I won’t be marrying Davin.”
He reached out and took her wrist. “You should.” He couldn’t let her throw away her future, not on a man like him. “He’ll take care of you.”
“He’s not the man I want,” she murmured. The pain upon her face made him long to say something. He wanted her more than he’d ever thought it was possible to want a woman. But already he’d let himself get too close to her. Allowing himself to feel anything toward Iseult would only make it harder to leave her. And leave, he must.
Before he could speak, she interrupted him. “I don’t want your pity. I know that you don’t care for me. But I won’t hurt Davin by pretending he’s someone else.”
Kieran struggled to rise to his feet, using the table for balance. He hated seeing her misery, knowing he was the cause of it.
“You’re wrong.” He closed his eyes, leaning down until his nose touched hers. Iseult stood so close, their breath mingled. Her lips parted, an open invitation to kiss her. But he did not. He savored the last few moments before he stepped backwards. “But I can’t give you what you want.”
A tear escaped her blue eyes, and the sight cut him down. She looked so damned fragile, as though she would shatter. And her sadness was because of him.
“What is it you think I want?”
“A home. A family and people who love you.”
She lowered her chin. “None of that matters.”
He cupped her cheek, sliding his fingers behind the curve of her ear. “It matters. I know what it is to be alone. And it wouldn’t suit you.”
“I wouldn’t be alone. You would be with me. It’s enough.”
He shook his head. “I’m not a man worth saving, Iseult. I’ve committed more sins than any priest could ever absolve.”
“Is that why you sold yourself into slavery?” she asked. “Do you really believe yourself undeserving of happiness?”
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Go back to him, Iseult. Let him give you the life I can’t.”
She shook her head. “I’ve lied to him these past few weeks in order to save your life. I stayed away from you to protect you. I won’t lie to him any more.” Anger glittered in her eyes, overpowering the tears. “As soon as you’ve left Lismanagh, I’m going to tell him the truth.”
Her gaze lowered to his bandaged side. “You’d better leave as soon as you’re able. Because if you’re still here when I end the betrothal, Davin will kill you.”
ThedaybeforeBealtaine,the atmosphere transformed from one of mourning to one of celebration. Though none could forget the men who had died during the invasion weeks ago, the rituals were held sacred. The dawning of spring and the prayers for a good harvest were far too important.
Iseult had spent most of the day baking bread until perspiration dampened her hair. When she removed the last loaf from the pan upon the hearth, she wiped her brow and stepped outside.
Young men carried cut hawthorn, while the women cast secretive glances, watching to see who would lay branches across their homes as a sign of affection. Many would wed tomorrow eve, handfasting for a year and a day. And Iseult was expected to be among them.
Her heart sank. She had hoped to tell Davin long ago, but Kieran had not been well enough to leave.
Today. It had to be today. She would send Deena to warn Kieran and make him leave. She covered her eyes from the sun, calming her racing heart. Not since that day had she seen Kieran. Although he remained at Lismanagh, she had already lost him. And it hurt, like a sword slicing across her own ribs, cutting out her heart.
“You’ve been avoiding me.”
Iseult jerked with surprise when Davin came up from behind her. His hands wrapped around her waist in a soft embrace.
“I’ve been helping with the wounded men and with the Bealtaine preparations.” She tried to keep her voice even, but inwardly she was shaking. The warmth of his hands felt like a brand of possession.
