Evie paced thelength of her bedchamber, biting her thumbnail. They had barred themselves inside. Panic settled into the center of her chest. Her back ached. Her feet hurt. But she refused to stop pacing. She refused to rest until her family was home.
“Eve, you’ll wear yourself out.”
Chloe sat in the chair by the fireplace, her hands clasped in her lap. She seemed far too calm.
“How can you sit there like that? Aren’t you worried about Malcolm?”
“Of course, I am.” Her voice cracked with emotion.
Evie halted. Her sister’s face was creased with worry and fear. But still she managed to sit there, rigid and stiff, her hands clenched in her lap.
“I’m terrified my baby will grow up without a father,” she whispered.
Her mouth went dry as surprise flooded through her. Hot pinpricks danced up her spine as her sister’s words sank in. Then she hurried to her, dropping to her knees in front of her, and taking her cold hands in hers.
“You’re…pregnant?” Evie asked.
Chloe’s big green eyes were glassy as she looked up at her, nodding. “He doesn’t know yet.”
“Oh, Chlo. Why didn’t you tell him?”
“I didn’t want him to stay because he felt he had to. He’s a warrior at heart, Eve. Hewantedto fight with his brothers. And now I don’t know if he’ll make it back.”
She squeezed her hands. “Of course, he will. And so will the others. I have to believe that.”
A knock sounded on the door. Chloe sucked in a breath as Evie’s gaze flew to the door. They stilled, each one holding their breath.
“Who could that be?” Chloe asked.
Evie shook her head to indicate she didn’t know.
Another knock. Then, a shout. “My lady, are ye in there?”
“Dougal!”
Evie shot to her feet and hurried to the door. She shoved aside the bar and flung it open. Then she fell into his arms, hugging him tight.
“I thought you were with the others,” she said.
“Och, aye, I was, but Roslyn made me stay behind to make sure ye were all right.”
“Stay behind? What do you mean?” Her brows drew together in question.
“When she released ye all, she rode to clan Sinclair for help,” he said. “She dinnae want ye to know because she knew ye’d try to stop her.”
Hot tears sprang to her eyes. “She’s going to send them to help.”
“Aye.”
She hugged him again. Behind her, Chloe whimpered. When she turned to face her, she saw tears slipping down her cheeks.
“They’re going to be all right,” Chloe said, her words wobbling with relief.
Though she wasn’t too sure, Evie nodded, praying Angus and his men made it to the ruins before it was too late.
*
They made itto the top of the slope, entering the crumbling walls of the castle ruins. Rory’s great axe glowed with a fierceness that did not bode well for what was to come. Brianna’s heart was in her throat, her nerves shot. Next to her, Jamie. His hands were bound in front of him. She chanced a glance in his direction. His eyes met hers. In them, she saw the despair and regret and a silent apology.
