Life seemed to repeat itself on that cold November day. This time, however, ’twas Gavin’s knees that buckled, and ’twas he who fell in the courtyard. And ’twas he who would beg forgiveness. Forgiveness for not trusting Greylen with the secrets that ruled his life.

When Greylen at last stood before him, he stared down with a strained face and misted eyes. His commander’s expression cut like a blade, he’d been such a fool to not confide in him. Greylen closed his eyes and shook his head as he laid a hand upon Gavin’s head. When he removed his hand and opened his eyes again his full composure seemed returned, the words that followed confirmed it. “If you make me kneel upon this ground as my wife and I did so long ago, you’ll have to bed me as well, my friend.”

A smile tugged at Gavin’s lips as he looked up. “I’ll not be on the receiving end.”

“Then we, indeed, have a problem.” Greylen laughed, grabbing Gavin’s shoulders. He pulled him up and embraced him. “Why did you leave, Gavin? Why didn’t you return sooner?”

Gavin wouldn’t release his hold but held his head away just enough to look in Greylen’s eyes. “I would kneel before you now, Greylen, pledge to you my life again.”

“Nay, Gavin, you’ve never been released from your vow. If I must, I will kneel before you.” Greylen tightened his hold, his voice strained as he fought for control. “You never heard my words, Gavin. I’d not had the chance to speak them. You’ll hear them now.” Greylen never took his eyes from his man, shaking him with each statement. “’Tis I who am your brother. I am your family, Gavin, and there’s not another man I’d have beside me. I swear ’twas those very words Malcolm would have heard that day.”

“You’d have me back?”

“I’ve already said you’ve never been released. You’ll never be released.”

“Then I seek your sister’s hand, Greylen. I’ll be wed to her tonight.”

“You’ll have more than her hand.” Greylen laughed. “My wife’s threatened to set up a laboratory, whatever that is, and concoct some kind of antidepressant. Again…” He shrugged. “I’ve no idea, but she assures me she’ll come upon something.”

Gwen started walking forward as they made their way toward the keep. Gavin couldn’t hide his joy at seeing her. Her hair blew softly in the breeze and her cloak opened to the wind as she approached.

“You should’ve seen her that day, Greylen,” Gavin said, staring at Gwen. “She was amazing.”

“Aye, Gavin, she is amazing,” Greylen said proudly. Gwen threw her arms around his first-in-command, crying unabashedly as she pulled away. Gavin smiled as he held her face and covered her lips. “Remove your lips from my wife’s face!”