“Am I forgiven, then?” she asked.
He looked at her for a moment, once more at a loss where she was concerned. “Aye. There was nothing to forgive.”She was so perfect for him. When he needed her, she was there. When he could not control his passion, she took it all, and gave him back her own. She was kindand good, beautiful and clever. But most of all, shefithim, like no one else ever had or ever could.
When they reached the castle, the rest of Ceann’s men were already there. Ella rushed into the keep to help tend the wounded, of which there were remarkably few, considering the intensity of the battle. She carefully stitched the few gashes Maggie hadn’t gotten to yet, laughing and flirting a little with the men to take their minds off the pain as she worked. Ceann stood at the end of the room, watching, and every time she looked up, his eyes were on her.
Later, when she went out to the garden for a breath of fresh air, Ceann followed her. She heard his footsteps behind her in the dark and turned. He took her hand and led her to the stone bench near the path, where they both sat down. He sighed and looked up at the stars. “I wanted to say… I shouldn’t have… I… I’m sorry lass, for the way I treated you today. I was angry, because I was afraid for you… and… well, thank you, for what you did.” He looked at her, eyes sparking. “But don’t ever do it again!”
She smiled at him. “You’re welcome, but I can’t promise I won’t do it again. In fact, I most certainlywoulddo it again.”
“Aye, I know it. You have too much courage by half.” His lips quirked in a slight smile. “Did you follow us, when we left this morning?”
“No, I only followed later, I…”
“Then how did you know, Ella, do you have the Sight?” He was studying her intensely.
She shook her head. “No, I don’t… I… only once in a great while I see things that are about to happen. Only there isn’t usually time to do anything about it… this time… this time there was.”
“And you rode after us, when you saw the third man attack me from behind?”
“Aye. I couldn’t just let… I couldn’t.” She looked away, afraid he would see the tears that threatened to spill. Tears of fear and relief, and just too much strong emotion.
“I see.” He looked up at the stars again, then asked quietly, hesitantly, “Are you betrothed to someone Ella, where you came from? Is there someone waiting for you? I have the right to know at least that much, lass, with all we have shared.”
“No, I’m not betrothed. Why?”
His lips curled up slightly into a rueful smile. “Because I’m beginning to wonder if I have it in me to let you go, and I want to know how many I would have to fight to keep you.”
She smiled.“I hope it wouldn’t come to that Ceann. I want to stay here with you, and I don’t see anything that could stand in my way.”
“Your father?” he asked hesitantly.
“I never knew my father. And my mother died years ago.”
“Surely you are not alone in the world.”
“No, I’ve always had people to care for me, I’ve never been alone.” She reached up to caress his cheek, and his hand closed over hers, holding it there, turning towards her touch. He closed his eyes. It would take a leap of faith, to believe that she meant him no harm with her secrets; that there was another reason, which would become clear in time. Could he learn to trust again? The alternative, a life without her, was unthinkable.
“I want you with me Ella”, he said softly.
She leaned over and kissed him, tenderly, languidly. He had not said he wanted to marry her, or even stay with him forever, but it was a start. The rest could come later, because she was determined that Ceann would be hers, herhusband, and she would never let him go.
Chapter 16
Ella ran from the kitchen, where she had been helping Fiona prepare the evening meal. When the roast was pulled from the oven, the warm, wafting scent of it nearly made her sick. Outside, she collapsed against the wall, a fine sweat breaking out on her skin. How odd, the eggs frying this morning had had the same effect. Fiona appeared in the doorway.
“Are you alright, Ella?” She looked worried, and Ella smiled reassuringly.
“Aye, I’m fine, just an unsettled stomach. I’ll go fetch something for it, then be back to help.”
Fiona shook her head. “We have plenty of help. Off with you now and rest, you’ll just be under our feet anyway.”
“Are you sure, Fiona? I don’t want to leave all the work for you.”
“Ach, we managed just fine before you came. In truth we only let you help out so as not to hurt your feelings.”
Fiona was teasing her, and Ella smiled.
Fiona grinned back and disappeared back into the kitchens. In truth, Ella had been a tremendous help these past weeks. She had a quick mind and many talents. It seemed there was nothing she couldn’t do.
