"A word," Boyd managed, his voice rougher than he'd intended."In private."
He saw the flash of apprehension in her eyes before she hid it.Saw the way her shoulders tensed.As if she were bracing herself for another blow.
"Of course."Bella nodded and moved toward Boyd, her head high, her spine straight.
Boyd stepped aside to let her pass, catching her scent that made his heart ache.He followed her into the corridor, acutely aware of the curious stares of the kitchen staff.
When they were alone Boyd cleared his throat."I've had ye moved," he said abruptly."To the chamber beside mine.In the main Keep."
Bella looked shocked."I...I dinnae understand.The east wing is perfectly fine."
"No, it is not."Boyd's jaw clenched."I was wrong."
The admission cost him, but he forced it out.
Bella stared at him blankly."Wrong?"
"The east wing is not fit for anyone to live in let alone my wife," Boyd continued, his voice gruff."The chimney is blocked and ye've had no fire for three days.The chambers are too cold, too isolated.Ye're my wife, and ye should be housed accordingly."
"I haven't complained—"
"Ye shouldn't have to!"The words came out harsher than Boyd intended.He ran a hand through his hair in frustration."Mrs.Anders told me she tried to bring ye more blankets and ye refused them.Why would ye do that?"
Bella's chin lifted with stubborn pride."Because what I had was sufficient.I've lived with less."
"That's not the point!"Boyd's voice rose despite his best efforts to control it."Ye're not a servant or a prisoner.Ye're the mistress of this Keep, and ye deserve better."
He saw something flicker in her eyes.
"Mrs.Anders is seeing to the move now," Boyd continued, forcing his voice to calm."Yer new chambers will be warm and properly furnished.They're beside mine, which means ye'll be safe.Protected.Ye will also have guards with ye at all times."
"Guards?"Bella stiffened."To keep me in?"
"To keep ye safe!"Boyd snapped, then immediately regretted his tone.He gentled his voice with effort."I've arranged a rotation with Donahue.These are uncertain times, Bella.And ye're far too precious to be left unprotected."
Bella was silent for a long moment, studying his face."Thank ye," she replied finally."That's...very generous."
Boyd wanted to tell her that she deserved so much more.Wanted to apologize for the past three days.Wanted to lay his heart bare for her to see that despite everything, he was not a monster.
But the words stuck in his throat.
"Mrs.Anders is also arranging for new gowns," he added stiffly."Proper clothing for the mistress of the Keep."
Something flickered in Bella's eyes."That's not necessary."
"It is."Boyd's voice brooked no argument."I'll not have people think I treat my wife like a bloody pauper."
Bella nodded slowly."Very well.Thank ye, laird."
"For the last time, Bella, ye call me Boyd!"he corrected."I am yer husband not yer laird!"
"Boyd," she repeated softly.
They stood in awkward silence, neither quite sure what to say next.
Finally, Bella asked, "Was there anything else?"
Boyd wanted to say so much more but instead he replied, "No.That is all."
