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Chapter 6
They'd been ridingfor perhaps two hours when Boyd suddenly dropped back from his position at the front.He pulled his destrier alongside Bella's mare, then raised his hand to signal his men.
"Give us some privacy," he ordered.
The guards obeyed without question, though Bella saw them exchange glances as they fell back.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and rough."We need to discuss the terms of this marriage."
"Terms?"
"Aye."Boyd still wouldn't look at her, his eyes fixed on the road ahead."'Tis a marriage of convenience.Nothing more.'Twas forced upon both of us, and I'll not pretend otherwise."Boyd knew he was lying but he proceeded anyway.
Bella kept her face carefully blank, even as her heart cracked a little more."I see."
"Ye'll have yer own chambers at the Keep," Boyd continued."Ye'll want for nothing, fine clothes, jewels, whatever ye desire.Ye'll be mistress of the household, and my people will show ye respect.But..."He paused, and Bella saw his knuckles go white on the reins."Dinnae expect anything more from me."
"More?"Bella asked.
Boyd finally turned to look at her, his blue eyes cold as winter ice."Aye, wife.I have no intention of claiming my marital rights ever.Ye need not fear me sharing yer bed."
Bella felt heat flood her cheeks from the humiliation.
She was partly relieved.But beneath the relief was heartbreak.She had always wanted children of her own.Hoped that perhaps the future still held that dream.But it seemed that was not a possibility now.
"What about bairns?"she found herself asking against her own better judgement.
"I dinnae have need of any from our union."
Suddenly Bella had a stark realization."Do ye already have children?What of their mother?"
"No.I have none by any woman.I have been careful to ensure I dinnae have a string of by-blows across Alba.My work for the king kept me away for much of the year.I had no wish for whelps I could not watch grow."
Bella felt those words pierce her heart.Of course Boyd had other women, but no children.No doubt if he was not seeking marital rights in her bed, he would be seeking them in others.Isn't that what men of his ilk did?Her father was no different and neither was her brother Bryce."Very well," she replied.
