"When we were taken by the mercenaries," she replied.
A short pause."I will find a way to report the matter to the proper authorities.It will be dealt with."
"Lady Fenella is not a woman I am particularly fond of," Una said."But I would not wish what nearly happened to me on anyone.Her family should know there are people looking to capture her."
"Aye.It will be seen to."
She believed him.She settled back against his chest.
"There is one more thing," he said, after a moment.
"Mm."
"My father is the Stewart Laird."
She went still.
"The family seat is north of here, a few days ride.It is where we will live, when I am not on the road."
She raised her head and looked at him.He met her eyes steadily.
"Yer father is a laird," she said.
"Aye."
"And yer home is a Keep?"
"Aye."
She stared at him."I am going to live in a Keep?"
"Ye are going to live in yer home," he said."With yer husband.The Keep is merely the building it happens to be in."
"Cormac."
"Aye."
"I am a seamstress from a small village."
"Ye are my wife," he said."Who happens to be a talented seamstress."
She looked at him for a long moment.He gazed back without apology.
Una laid her head back down on his chest."Ye might have mentioned that earlier," she said."If I'd known ye were a laird's son, I would never have married ye."
"Too bad, Una Stewart.Ye cannot change it now, so ye may as well get used to it."
She made a small sound of protest but settled into his arms.
She was warm.She was tired.She was sated.
Soon they both closed their eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
***
UNA WOKE TO DAYLIGHTthrough the shutters and Cormac already awake beside her, watching her quietly.
"Good morning, wife," he said.
