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“If he doesnae hae the best interests of the clan in mind then he is nae yer friend,” Ian said.

Ainsly looked pensive, although he suspected that she knew it was true.

“The same goes for Calan. He doesnae trust me and I cannae gae around being watched like a hawk.”

Ian smiled. “I will deal with Calan. I hae made it clear what I expect from him, and he will fall in line, else I will exile him.”

“Then what dae ye suggest we dae with Seamus and the others?”

“I thought ye might like tae decide that for yerself. They are yer people, after all. Ye know them better than I dae, and ye hae been the laird longer than I hae. Ye know what punishments are fitting.”

“And if I choose one that seems tae light for ye?”

“I will accept whatever decision ye make,” Ian said.

Ainsly nodded and pressed her lips together. Ian tilted his head and looked at her more carefully.

“How are ye feeling?” he asked, nodding in the general direction of the wound.

Ainsly shrugged. “I suppose I should be grateful for feeling anything considering that I could be dead. I dinnae know if I can get used tae the pain though, but I will try. I hope that it doesnae linger tae long. I want tae get back tae daeing all the things I’m used tae doing.” There was a twinkle of mischief in her eyes, and a lure that drew him closer to her. “Ye know, that chair looks uncomfortable. Dae ye nae want tae join me in this bed?”

Ian hardly needed more of an invitation. He grinned as he slipped into bed beside her and carefully adjusted her position so that she could rest against him. He was gentle with her so as to not exacerbate her pain. She rested against his cheek and placed her hands on his chest. There was a wave of pleasure that flowed through him as he held her close.

“Ever since ye were shot by the arrow I didnae think I would hold ye like this again,” he whispered. “I was sae afraid of losing ye.”

“What would ye hae done without me?” she asked.

He tilted his head down so he could look at her directly. “I would hae lost my mind,” he said without a hint of jest in his voice.

Ainsly nodded and searched his eyes.

“I love ye, Ainsly,” he said.

“I love ye tae,” she replied. He ran his hand through her soft hair and kissed her deeply, with all the emotion he could muster. His heart blazed within him, and as he held her in his arms, everything suddenly seemed right with the world. Tears ringed his eyes as he couldn’t stop thinking about what might have happened if the arrow had been but a few inches to the right, and he was glad that he would never have to know. He breathed in her scent and took joy in the way she felt in his arms. The bed creaked softly under their weight. They did not make love for she was too wounded, but they didn’t need to. Being together like this, cozy and intimate, was enough to fill his soul with joy. He also remembered the vows he had made to the gods as well, how he had promised to be a better man, and leave behind his life of violence if she should survive. The agreement would remain between him and the gods, but they had given Ainsly back to him, so he would respect his end of the bargain.