She couldn’t answer. Silent tears came freely as she stared back at him. She covered his hand when it caressed her cheek, knowing it was the warmth she’d felt on her face.

Greylen could do little more than stare at his wife. She looked terribly pale and deep shadows lay beneath her eyes. “I’ll drag you if I have to, Gwen,” he said weakly. “But you’ve no idea how long it took just to reach out to you,” he admitted truthfully. It had taken forever. He’d never been so weak, but he needed to touch her. And now he only wanted to see her smile.

Gwen did smile at his words and obeyed him instantly, carefully pressing her body against his side. Then she cried before pulling back to look at him.

“Do you remember anything, Greylen?”

“Aye, I remember it all, till a mountain thrashed my head.”

“’Twas a boulder. A large one from the looks of it,” she remarked, brushing the hair from his eyes. “It’s in the courtyard, fueling the anger of your men.”

“Gwen? Did you mend my broken heart?”

“Nay.” She shook her head. “I only made it beat again. I fear the mending is to come.”

“He’s gone then?”

“Aye.”

“Where?”

“To kill Malcolm.”

“He thinks I hate him.”

“Do you?”

“I could never hate him. I love him as much as you, if you can understand.”

“I understand. I feel the same.”

“I know that too.”

News of Greylen’s well-being spread quickly throughout the holding. Well-wishers left flowers and baked goods on the steps, and a steady stream of visitors crowded their room.

Lady Madelyn sat by his side, brushing the hair off his face as she smiled down at him. “You gave us quite a scare, Greylen.”

“You should know better, Mother,” he chastised with a smile. “Nothing will beat me.”

“Don’t let your good fortune fool you,” she said seriously. “If not for your wife, your predicament would have been fatal.”

“She looks worse than I,” he said as he watched her walk back toward their bed. “I noticed her ring rests upon her neck. I assume she’s so far gone even her fingers show the signs.”

“She hasn’t eaten. Greylen…” His mother looked to her lap, obviously changing her mind about saying anything. Greylen squeezed her hand and she finally looked at him again. “I believe she wished to join you.”

“I’ll see that stops at once.”

“I know you will.”

Anna came in with a tray. “Bring a tray for my wife. I’ll eat only if she does.”

Gwen tensed. “Greylen, I’ve eaten every day. You’re the one who needs nourishment.”

“Don’t lie to me, Gwen,” he hissed before glancing toward the door. “Duncan?” he called.