“Do they know about your brother?”
“They know. And I’ve no wish to see how much they despise me because of it.”
She sat up, caressing her hand over his chest. “And so now, your mother has lost both of her sons.”
“She has her daughters to comfort her,” he argued.
“Until they leave and marry.” She withdrew her hand from his skin. He twined his fingers in hers, needing to touch her.
“I think your mother would welcome your homecoming,” she continued. “Why not give it a chance?”
He shook his head. She didn’t understand what it would be like. His people had suffered a great deal, and he preferred to leave the past behind.
“Were you the chieftain’s son?” she asked.
“I was.” And for that reason, his shame went even deeper. The people had expected him to become their leader one day. He shouldered the burden for each life that was lost, for it was a chieftain’s duty to provide for everyone.
He’d seen Marcas sitting alone and staring out at the devastating rot upon the fields. The bleakness in his father’s eyes had made Kieran wish he could do something to help. But there was nothing.
Iseult drew her knees up, her face pensive. “I thought as much. You never did act like a slave.” Her lips curved upward. “I believed you were a warrior.” She reached out and touched his arm, using both palms to encircle the thick muscle.
Though it seemed impossible, his body was already stirring to life at her caress. “I could fight as well as the next man,” he admitted. “But my father wanted me to lead them.”
“Is your father still alive?”
“I don’t know.” His father had raged at him when Kieran had gone after Egan, threatening to cut him off. Muttered curses had been the last farewell he’d heard. The curses had worked, judging from the kind of life he’d led in the past season.
Iseult didn’t ask him anything further, and he was grateful for it. “What happened after I left you with Davin?” he asked.
“I came here.”
“And Davin let you go?”
“I slipped out alone, before dawn.” She reached out and donned herléine. “Only Deena knew where I was.”
The idea of Iseult traveling alone stopped him cold. She could have been attacked or hurt. Even stolen away, had the Norsemen found her.
She knelt down with her feet hidden beneath the gown, looking as innocent as a child. Against the light of the hearth, her golden hair turned fiery red. Gods, she took his breath away. Why she wanted a man like him, he’d never understand.
“Don’t go back,” he warned. Rising to his feet, he donned his trews. With both of them clothed, the intimacy disappeared.
“I won’t,” she promised. Then she stood and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her cheek against his chest. Kieran gripped her so hard, it felt as though he were saying goodbye to her once again.
“We’ll find Aidan,” he said. “No matter how long it takes.” He meant the vow. He wanted to give her that gift, to see the joy upon her face.
Iseult pressed a soft kiss upon his mouth, and he held her close, wondering how he would ever find the strength to let her go again.
Theyrodeformostof the morning in silence. During the journey, Iseult emptied her mind of everything, trying hard not to let herself hope. But she thought of her baby son, wondering if he would still remember her. If Aidan saw her, would he run away crying? Her throat clenched up with unshed tears. It was almost worse, not knowing if he were truly alive or not.
Kieran led them further east, toward the midlands where the mountains evolved into hills. She had never traveled this far before, and the unfamiliarity made her uneasy. Sheep grazed throughout the meadows, with only an occasional abbey or tinyrathto mark the landscape.
At midday, they stopped to eat. Iseult dismounted from her horse, reaching toward the provisions for food. She struggled to untie the sack, and Kieran came up behind her, his hands covering hers upon the knots.
“Let me.”
She should have moved aside to give him better access. Instead, she stayed where she was, her body attuned to his. She felt the warmth of his skin behind her, the faint smell of wood surrounding him. He untied the knots, his arms embracing her waist. When the rope fell free, Iseult turned toward him. Her palms rested against his torso, and she lifted her face to his.
“We’ll be there in a few more hours,” he said. His green eyes watched her with unspoken need. And yet, he didn’t touch her.
