“Look at me! I’m watching her like a lovesick boy.” Greylen threw Gavin to the ground when he started laughing. “I wake with her in my arms every morn, Gavin. Run with her before watching the sunrise on the beach. Then I think of her the entire day as I tend duties.” He rested his face in his hands, then looked to Gavin again. “We—you and I,” he said, motioning with his finger between the two of them, “eat the meals she joyfully prepares for us every night, no matter the hour we return. And I watch her as she sits within the study after, sleeping as I work. I—” The blow hit with such force, Greylen stumbled back.

“I can see how horrid your life’s become,” Gavin spat.

“What’s wrong with you?” Greylen shouted, grabbing his man’s shirt. When Gavin remained silent, Greylen narrowed his eyes. “You can have the very things I speak of, if you cease being a fool with my sister.”

“I’ve duties to see to,” Gavin said.

“She loves you, Gavin. You love her. What are you waiting for?” Greylen pleaded with his friend. “You’ve no idea what’s it like,” Greylen whispered. “When I carry her from the study at night and she’s sleeping in my arms…good God, Gavin, I feel like I hold all the answers of the world in my hands.”

“I’ll see you in the fields,” Gavin bit out, shaking off Greylen’s hold.

Greylen grabbed his shoulder, turning him around. “Gavin, I’d not find another with more honor than you. Nor would I be more honored than to have you as my brother.”

“I’ll see you in the fields,” Gavin stated again, his face expressionless.

Then he turned and walked away.

“I’ll be home for supper tonight,” Greylen told Gwen the next morning. She was sitting before him on the chest shaving his beard.

“You know I’ve been here almost five weeks and we’ve never shared dinner together in the great hall.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I wasn’t looking for an apology. I’m glad you’ll join us,” she said quickly. “Gavin too?”

“Aye, why do you ask?”

“Isn’t it strange that he’s never approached Isabelle?”

“Not strange, wife. Suspicious is more the like,” he answered. In fact, he had thought of little else since his confrontation with Gavin. And he was sure now that whatever kept Gavin from his sister must be far-reaching indeed.

“Why hasn’t she married, Greylen? She’s old enough.”

“She’s always refused any suitors, and I’m certain now ’tis Gavin that’s kept her from doing so. Besides, my father saw that she has her own wealth. In truth she needs not to.”

“But she loves Gavin.”

“Aye, and he loves her.”

“Well?” she prompted, hitting his chest.

“Well, what?” He laughed.

“Do something. You fix everything—remember?”