Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 114917 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114917 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
“Then the person behind this loses what he wants most… power,” Brogan said.
“This could work,” Annis said eagerly. “We need to start whispering where servants can hear us. How the witch claims the curse has been broken, but do we trust her word? Yet there is proof since all has been going well.”
“It is worth a try,” Rannick said.
“We start tomorrow,” Annis instructed. “I want to see how fast it takes root and spreads before Brogan and I leave.”
“We will give it two days, then take our leave,” Brogan said. “Winter grows deeper, and I do not want us stuck in a snowstorm.”
“Two days,” Annis confirmed with a nod and a smile.
Annis walked with Bliss slowly down the steps of the keep, Brogan waiting below with their horses while engaged in conversation with Rannick.
“No doubt they discuss how well the ruse has been going,” Annis whispered, not that anyone was close enough to hear.
“I believe it was something everyone wished to hear. Lord Lochlann and Lady Helice have appeared more at ease in the last two days. I heard Lord Lochlann tell Rannick over breakfast that it is time he takes more command of the clan.”
“Brogan and I will tell Lord Odran and Elysia our plan and I will make sure to continue to spread the gossip while there.” Tears began to gather in Annis’s eyes as she stopped not far from the bottom of the stairs. “I cannot wait for the three of us to be together again.”
“Hopefully soon,” Bliss said, feeling the same.
Annis wiped at her tears. “Life is different for us now, isn’t it?”
“Are you happy with your different life?” Bliss asked, the answer obvious by the way Annis and Brogan looked at each other, playfully teased each other, and the way they did not go long without reaching out to each other to hold hands or embrace.
“Surprisingly, I am,” Annis said with a chuckle. “I never thought I would find a man who would love me, let alone tolerate me and my strange interest in building. I look forward to each sunrise and spending the day with him.” She grinned and whispered, “The nights are pretty fantastic too.”
Bliss laughed softly, thrilled that her sister had found love.
“I do hope Elysia has found the same with Lord Odran,” Annis said.
“From what Bram has told me, she has, but it will be a relief when you confirm it.”
“I will return after visiting Elysia and let you know how she fares,” Annis said, wiping away her tears.
“I would like that,” Bliss said, sniffling back her own tears. “But do not rush before you make sure all is well with her.”
“On that, you have my word,” Annis said.
Bliss pulled her sister into a tight hug. She was reluctant to let her go. It had been good having her here, talking with her, planning with her, seeing her happy.
Annis hugged her just as tight, just as reluctant to let Bliss go.
“Soon,” Bliss whispered. “Soon the three of us will be together.” Her heart hurt as she released her sister, their hands grasping in one last effort not to be separated.
“Time to go, wife,” Brogan said, knowing if he did not end the sisters’ good-bye they would never be on their way. He locked his hands at his wife’s waist to lift her with ease and deposit her on the waiting horse, then hoisted himself up behind her.
“I can ride my own horse,” Annis protested.
“Do you truly want to?” Brogan asked with a wink and a twinkle in his eyes.
Annis grinned and leaned back against him. “Nay, I am content here.”
Shouts of farewell and waves filled the air as Troy and his mercenaries took the lead, Brogan and Annis behind them, and two troops of Clan MacClaren warriors trailing after them.
“They will be safe,” Rannick said, standing at her side and giving her hand a firm squeeze.
“You protect them well and I am grateful. You truly are a good man, husband,” Bliss said and kissed his cheek.
Rannick pulled her into a tight hug and buried his face in her hair near her ear, the light, sweet scent stirring his senses. He breathed deeply of it as if wanting always to remember it. He did not know what the future held but he did know one thing.
“We shall see if I am a good man since there is nothing I will not do to keep you and our bairn safe.”
CHAPTER 30
Rannick reached his wife to hug her close before she could slip her garments on. She had teased him awake this morning with intimate touches and they had enjoyed a lazy bout of lovemaking. Though more than satisfied, he had the urge to feel her naked against him once more.
“I love you, Bliss,” he whispered in her ear, having come up behind her to tug her back against him.