“Hold still, Greylen.” Gwen laughed, swatting his hands away. They were sitting in front of the window and Gwen was trying to remove his stitches, though her husband kept grabbing her and kissing each part of her body he brought to his lips.

“You’re mine to do with as I please,” he teased.

“Don’t remind me, you brute.”

“Gwendolyn, you know I’ll remind you every day for the rest of your life, and quite gladly, I might add.”

“God help me,” she pleaded to the ceiling, “I’m stuck with an egomaniac.”

Greylen laughed at his wife’s display. “You’re the most pleasing wench, wife.”

She poked his chest. “Gangly boy, bag of bones, and wench. Why I find your charm so irresistible, I’ll never know.”

“Fine,” he relented, releasing her hands. “Have your way, you always do.”

“Ha! My way? I never get my way.”

“I’d beg to differ, love. However, you do hold the shears.”

Gwen removed his stitches, pleased with the results after inspecting her work. “Come on,” she said, pulling him up from the chair. “I promised you could leave our chamber when they were removed, so let’s go outside.”

“I’ll take you for a walk,” he said. “We’ve had little time for such pleasures.”

Hand in hand, they walked to the door where Greylen paused before reaching for the latch. He turned, his expression serious. “Although these few weeks were spent here because of my recovery, they’re times I’d trade for nothing. I love you more than anything, Gwen, you know that, don’t you?”

“Oh God, you think I’m suicidal again.”

“Nay,” he began, tilting her face, “I only wish for you to know what I feel. Your lapse in judgment will never happen again,” he ordered, squeezing her chin. “I’ll always keep you safe, Gwen. I’ll always be there for you. You must always believe it.”

Chapter 28

Greylen sat within his study, waiting for the elder MacFale. The man’s ailing health had kept him from their original meeting but now, six weeks later, Greylen would at last have some answers. Gwen had been terrified he would go to the MacFale holding himself, and rather than cause her any more stress, he agreed to remain here until the man could take the journey.

Finally hearing riders approach, Greylen went to the front doors. His men had provided escort and he took the steps, greeting the old man as he began ascending the stairs. The man looked up in surprise as Greylen took his elbow and helped him.

“Until we’ve spoken, I’ll not pass judgment,” Greylen stated respectfully.

“You’re a good man, MacGreggor. I see why Gavin aligned himself with you.”

Lady Madelyn stood to the side as they passed through the entrance. “Guy, welcome to our home.”

“Madelyn, you look well. ’Tis been too many years since we’ve last seen each other.”