He leaned down to kiss her. His breath stuttered out unevenly and it took him a moment to respond. “I’ll not lie. ’Tis my wish to forever keep you here and under my protection. I died a thousand deaths watching you in battle. Part of me was so proud. I wanted to shout to the world, Look at her! She is mine! The other part of me wanted to drag you as far from danger as I could and keep you from harm all the days of your life. I can only promise not to be so rigid in the future. I’ll not ever be accepting of anything that puts you in danger.”

She smiled and laid her head on his shoulder. “ ’Tis enough you love me and accept what I am, faults and all.”

“I’ll love you well, lass. ’Tis one promise I can make and vow to keep. I’ll love you until I draw my last breath and beyond. You were made for me. I cannot imagine a more perfect mate.”

The door opened and Keeley stormed in, Gannon on her heels. Behind them, Alaric and Ewan crowded in.

“You’ve had long enough,” Keeley said. “ ’Tis time to return to your bed. You’re not well, Rionna.”

Caelen turned and smiled. “She’ll remain here where she belongs. Her fever has broken and I’ll be sure to keep the furs tight over the windows so no draft blows in.”

Ewan walked farther into the room and then came to stand over the bed where Rionna and Caelen lay.

“ ’Tis relieved I am to hear you’ve awakened, Rionna. For I would offer you my deepest gratitude before I return to Mairin and Isabel.”

Her brows knit together in confusion. Caelen chuckled softly.

“She doesn’t even realize all she has done. It would appear her sole aim was to save her husband’s worthless hide.”

“You have my thanks for saving my brother. He’s difficult and grumpy, but a more loyal man I’ll never find. He’s suffered for the sins of others for far too long.”

Rionna smiled as Ewan continued.

“And as much as I wanted the duty myself, I would also thank you for ridding the world of Duncan Cameron. I have it on good authority the king will bestow his gratitude on you personally. Without the support of Cameron, Malcolm’s rebellion is dead. He hasn’t the resources or the support to launch a bid for the throne. Indeed, the whole of the highlands is in your debt.”

“I wish I could say I thought of all that just before I thrust my sword through Cameron’s back, but ’tis the truth, my only aim was to prevent him from killing my husband,” she said ruefully.