Half a sun.
Bella's hand moved toward it, her fingers trembling slightly as she picked it up.
"We're like two halves of the sun," Boyd had told her once, when they were young and in love and the world seemed full of possibility."Apart, we're incomplete.But together, we burn bright enough to light up the whole sky."
She'd laughed and called him foolish, but secretly she'd cherished the words.She’d held them close to her heart over the years.
"That's a bonnie piece," the silversmith said."Made it myself.The half sun represents a bond between two people.Each one incomplete without the other."
Bella's throat tightened."How much?"
The price was steep, but she found herself handing over the coins regardless, tucking the necklace carefully into her purse alongside the other purchases.
"What's that?"Una asked, peering over her shoulder.
"A gift for Boyd," Bella replied."Just something small that caught my eye."
Una gave her a knowing look, then smirked.
***
Chapter 19
As they continued throughthe market, they found themselves near a tavern.
"We should go in," Una announced."Have a proper meal and ale.When was the last time ye did something just for the pleasure of it?"
Bella's eyes widened."To the tavern?Una, I dinnae think I should without my husband—"
"'Tis just food and ale, Bella.Nothing scandalous."Una's voice was gentle but firm."Yer guards can come too.Make it all respectable."
Bella glanced at Gilroy and Darach, who both shrugged.
"We dinnae mind," Gilroy said with a grin."And we can keep an eye on ye better inside than trying to watch ye from the road."
Bella wavered.The abbey had been strict about avoiding such establishments.But it seemed like a respectable enough place and she was with friends.What could possibly go wrong?
