They walked in silence. The castle was quiet. The men had drunk to their heart’s content. They had plenty to celebrate. Despite the change in plans, they had finished their duty. No more was needed from them, for now. The thought brought a smile to Connell’s lips.
Connell stopped in front of one room, taking a key from around his neck and unlocking it. He held the door open for Brann, allowing the man entrance. Brann paused midway, his mouth gaping open at the jewelry, garments, swords, and boots they had stolen over the years.Of course, Brann would be in awe, Connell thought while watching the younger man. Only Connell and Glenton were allowed entrance to this room.
“What are we doing here?”
Connell chuckled as he strode inside, stopping in front of several gowns resting on a table in the middle of the room. “I would like for ye to take these gowns up to El--” Connell paused, wincing as he nearly said Elsy’s name. “Lady McCormick,” he quickly corrected while grabbing a black gown and holding it up. He frowned and shook his head, dropping the garment to the floor before reaching for a red dress.
“I thought Glenton wished to sell those.”
Connell shrugged as he turned around. “I’m sure he won’t miss a gown or two,” he said as he threw the red gown toward Brann.
Brann flinched as the garment hit him square in the face before plopping onto the floor. He sighed as he set the tray of food on a table behind him and then reached for the dress, throwing it over one arm.
“Are ye sure about this?” he asked. “Glenton and the others spent so long stealing these. I don’t--”
“Did ye forget I stole the swords and the jewelry, as well?” Connell asked gruffly, his gaze darkening on the boy as he threw a blue dress in his direction.
Brann gulped and nodded vehemently. “Of course. Apologies.”
Connell sighed as he turned around, searching through the pile of garments. He knew fine gowns would do nothing to assuage Elsy’s fears, nor would she forgive him for everything he had done to her. However, he wanted to provide her with some comfort. He wanted her to feel like she was still special, although the thought was entirely foolish.
His eye widened as his hands seized a particular gown. Holding it up, his gaze softened. The garment was made from emerald cloth. The stitching around the collar was an intricate design of swirls. The sleeves were long, with the same embroidery decorating the edges. It would look stunning on her. He could already imagine the fabric bringing out the beautiful hue of her eyes.
“And this one,” Connell said softly while slowly turning around.
Connell strode toward Brann, now carrying the platter with the gowns lying over his arm. He gently laid the garment over the others, grimacing as he thought of Elsy, wondering what she would say when Brann gave them to her. Would she like them? Would they at least make her smile?
Connell scowled.What a foolish thought, he admonished himself. She wasn’t his guest. She was his prisoner. “Away with ye,” he muttered at Brann. “When she’s finished breaking her fast and dressing, bring her to my study.”
“Of course,” Brann said before quickly rushing out of the room.
Connell sighed as he dumped his body into a plush chair, one they had stolen from a wealthy merchant.Stop caring about her,he told himself, shoving his hand into his pocket and grasping the wedding ring. He gripped the trinket so tightly within his palm the stone bit into his skin. His thoughts went to McCormick. Yet, try as he did, he couldn’t stop his heart from swelling, from thinking of Elsy and the way she once used to look at Connell, with so much love and adoration. The ring did nothing, and the more he tried to hate her for marrying the man who took everything from him, the more he felt his cold heart melting.
