“Aye and she won’t find me, now will she? I need time to think and I can’t do that with her screeching at me every five minutes about my wardrobe. For who cares what I wear? I vow I shan’t wear it for long if I go to Marshall. Nay, I’ll be well here and will return to the keep when I’m ready to face this.”

Branwyn knelt next to her. “Will you be all right being alone? This place scares me.”

“I shall be well. I promise. Worry not.” Emlyn hugged her dearest friend in gratitude for her concern.

“I will bring you food this eve. We’ll keep your secret. I do hope you’ll think of something, Emlyn, for you must.”

“I will try, but it appears there is no other recourse. Do not worry for me. Promise me?”

They nodded their agreement and Emlyn walked them to the door, and she peeked out before letting them leave. She waved to them and closed the door.

Emlyn looked around the ancient abode and found a few items to burn in the hearth for warmth. She found an old tomb written in a language unknown to her. It belonged to her grandfather. Holding it against her chest, she sighed. How she missed his sound guidance and wished he were there at that moment.

His belongings scattered the cavern, and she found one of his old tartans. She shook it out and set it around her shoulders to ward off the chill. Several bottles held liquid and were labeled, but again she couldn’t understand what had been written. Except for the one container that read: Pair Dadeni water. Emlyn took the satchel that held a few of her weapons and added it to it.

If something happened to her, if she was injured, she’d at least have a way to heal herself. The lake was reputed to be healing and with her impending departure, and unknown future, she just might have need of it.

Aled whined at the door. His cry indicated he wanted out and he scratched the wood.

“Come along, handsome lad. We’ll go and swim a bit before night comes.”

Emlyn chased after her hound, and Iona flapped her wings happily above them. Moments like this brought joy to her heart, for she wished she could always be as free. When she neared the lake, she pulled her sword free, to keep it at her side, should she need it. With so many strangers in the area, many of whom were the Scots soldiers, she ensured her protection.

Aled and Iona played by the water’s edge, and Emlyn decided to cool off. She removed all her garments, but the thin shift she wore under her tunic. She slid into the water and lost track of time. Dusk darkened the surrounding area and stars appeared in the sky. Emlyn lay back and freed her thoughts, for she didn’t want to consider her hefty problems. It was too fine a night to be filled with despair.

Her hound growled and before she stood to see what bothered him, he set off and was attacking something. Emlyn quickly left the water and hastened to him. James lay on the ground with Aled’s teeth on his leg.

“Down. Cease. Be off.” Emlyn grabbed at the scruff of hair at her hound’s neck and Aled released his prey. He whined when she pushed her hound away and she knelt beside James. “I’m sorry, he meant no harm. He was only protecting me.”

“I knew I’d find you here.” James rubbed his leg and grinned at her.

“You came.” She hadn’t meant to sound astounded, but her words rushed forth.

James sat up and leaned toward her. “I had to. I am remorseful for what happened last eve, though I am certain I enjoyed it. Did I?”

Emlyn laughed. “If you have to ask … I would say you did not. You have nothing to be remorseful for, James.”

He lowered his gaze. “I’ve never acted so foolhardy afore and I am sorry. If a babe comes, you’ll tell me? I am not one to be careless of such matters.”

She touched his arm in a soothing gesture. “Do not regret it, for I don’t. If a babe comes, I will tell ye, but worry not.” Emlyn grew morose at the subject of a child, because she’d not thought of that. But she’d deal with that problem when and if she needed to.

“You would not face that alone.” His words softened her heart.

“I am sorry I struck ye. Does your eye hurt?” She looked at the darkened rim under his eye and flinched.

“A wee bit. As much as I want to do as you ask, you know I cannot.”

“What if I told you I have my father’s permission to thwart Marshall? He bid me not to go to him. Would you accept then?”

James shook his head. “You ask me to go against my laird and my king. I cannot do either. I must uphold my duty and I won’t be dissuaded from it regardless of what I want.”

“Will you at least kiss me once before I go?” She leaned close to him, hopeful he’d do as she asked. Emlyn rejoiced when he conceded and his lips crushed against hers. His hands surrounded her and he gently forced her back until she lay next to him. She delighted at the way his body pressed against her and at his forceful nature.

How did he do it? He easily distracted her with the way his mouth moved over hers. Emlyn was caught up in kissing him, so much so, that she hadn’t realized his hands moved beneath her shift. His caresses brought forth an eager moan when his roughened hands cupped her breasts. As much as she wanted him, she couldn’t allow him such liberty when he wouldn’t compromise and do her will. She pulled away.

“You will not concede?”

James’ breath hitched. He scowled and kept a hand fastened on her shoulder. “I would give anything to have you again, lovely, but I am bound by my pledge to protect my laird. Nay I cannot concede.”

Emlyn touched his face and let her fingers trail the hardness of his jaw. She palmed his smooth cheek and nodded. “I deem you have honor about you, but it does not aid me. Farewell, sweet James.”

Before he said another word, Emlyn snatched up her belongings by the rock, whistled for her hound and trotted off.

Chapter Ten

James never felt so wretched in his entire life. When Emlyn walked away from him at the waterfall last eve, she’d taken his heart with her. He’d gone to apologize and even though the lass allowed him to explain, he still felt horrible about the circumstances. He couldn’t concede to her will. Throughout the entire night his guilt gnawed at him. He was torn between duty and honoring her wishes.

The day began with his ire when his laird awoke them early and sent them to their training session near dawn. On the field, he searched for Emlyn, and many of the Iorwerth men hadn’t yet joined in the practices. James continued to meet with Iorwerth’s soldiers, taking his time to ensure his sword methods were spot on.

A rest was called by the chieftain’s son and when James glanced at him, he noticed Emlyn standing next to her brother. She had been on the field. A grin came because he was gladdened to see her even if he was dismayed at the thought that she went against other men with arms.

Grey held a council and was discussing something to which James wasn’t really listening. He kept his gaze on Emlyn and lost sight of her as she moved within a group of soldiers. As soon as the sessions were called again, he tried to find her in the crowd.

Sean walked beside him. “Are you looking for an opponent? For I vow I’ve never seen such a dark look from you, James. How many have ye fought against this day?”

He shook his head and as he hastened his steps, he saw her. She had a sword in hand and combatted against one of her father’s men. The man had to be at least a foot taller than she. Llywelyn stood in the crowd watching her too, and James regarded her father. Who would let their daughter take to arms? His stomach wrenched at seeing her fighting so vigorously. Those within her clan cheered and the fight became intense.

His breath all but ceased when the attacker almost skewered her with his sword. James grew tense watching the fray. Every muscle in his body flinched at her adversary’s attack.