It wasn’t.

Gavin stood behind her. His hands were on her shoulders and held her steady, because she was shaking. “Should we go back inside?” he asked.

The warmth had returned in his voice, and she was sorry she’d pushed him before. “Gavin, tell me what’s happening,” she whispered.

Gavin led her back inside and didn’t stop until they were in the great hall again. She was relieved to see it was empty.

“Lady Gwendolyn, tell me what you find so troubling?” he asked after he sat her in a chair in front of the fireplace.

She looked at him like he had just sprouted horns. “What I find so troubling, as you put it, is everything.”

Gavin walked to the table beside the fireplace. He picked up a decanter, then poured some of its contents into a goblet. “Let’s try again,” he offered with a smile.

“This isn’t the time to get me drunk. I just witnessed a scene out of a history book.” Gwen stood as she said it, and Gavin sighed before setting the goblet on the table. He took hold of her arms and sat her down again. Damn, she should have taken more of that potion.

“Drink first. Then I’ll explain,” he ordered, placing the goblet to her lips.

Gwen grabbed it from his hand. She drank it down. “I’m waiting,” she demanded.

Gavin took one of the chairs and placed it in front of her. He sat, leaning forward, close enough that their legs almost touched. “Do you know why you’re here, Lady Gwendolyn?”

“Greylen saved my life and brought me here. Is there more?”

He cursed, much like Greylen did the night before. “Did he tell you anything of the prophecy?”

“He told me about a prophecy last night, but I can’t remember everything he said. I’ve been taking that potion, and now…” The brandy started taking effect. Ahhh, it helped.

“The prophecy, Lady Gwendolyn, foretold your coming. We’ve waited years for its culmination.”

“Yeah, yeah…on our birthdays, I know. I remember that much.”

“’Twas written you were of a different time, Lady Gwendolyn,” Gavin said clearly.

“Greylen said we were born apart, Gavin. I was born in the States and he was born here.”

“Mayhap—”

Gwen cut him off. “Mayhap is what he said. What in the hell does that mean?”

Gavin cursed again, but she could tell it wasn’t directed at her. No, she had a feeling his anger was directed at Greylen. “Aye, you were born apart, but ’tis more than just that.”

“Then what? What aren’t you telling me?” Why couldn’t he give her a straight answer?

“Lady Gwendolyn—”

“Stop calling me Lady Gwendolyn,” Gwen hissed, cutting him off again. “Just spit it out.” She took his shoulders, trying to shake him. But in the end, she only shook herself.

“You’re of a different time,” he said slowly, his eyes penetrating with each word.

“I’m what?”

Gavin shook his head. “This is maddening. Pray tell,” he said, grinding out his words, “exactly what don’t you understand?”