Royden watched her go, surprised that she hadn’t rushed him into the keep and to his solar. Any mention of a possible quick poke and she was ready and willing. He had actually been wondering when her eagerness and frequency to coupling would come to an end and hoping it never would. But it looked like it just had. Or perhaps she thought it more important he not wait to speak with Penn and Wilfred. He’d rather think that than the other, but he couldn’t help but see and sense her eagerness to leave him.
Oria cringed, as she ran toward the woods, at the thought that she had just rejected her husband’s veiled invitation for a quick poke. Never did she deny him, though it was more like she didn’t deny herself since she so enthusiastically enjoyed coupling with her husband. But she had recognized the call of the female gowk bird for what it was—a call to meet her friend in the woods. And it had to be extremely important if she had taken a chance to come so near the keep.
With a quick glance around to make sure no one saw her, Oria slipped into a section of woods not far from the kitchen garden. Hasty steps had her to the spot where her friend would be waiting. The area was empty except for the squirrel that stared at Oria when she came to a stop, as if angry with her intrusion, then hurried off.
Oria waited, not daring to take the chance and call out.
“I’m here.”
Oria smiled, not only hearing Purity, but seeing the movement to the side of one of the trees. She was wrapped in a cloak, the hood pulled down so that only her mouth showed. She couldn’t take a chance of revealing herself, letting anyone know she was there. There was still worry that if found she’d be forced to wed someone and her da’s clan and land claimed by another. With her brother Bayne dead, she couldn’t let that happen.
“You’ve taken an awful chance in coming here,” Oria said.
“I know, but I needed to speak with you after learning that Royden has returned home and that you and he have wed. I am so happy for you and him. I know how very much you’ve always loved him. All goes well with you both?”
“It does, though not at first. Royden has changed some.”
“Haven’t we all?”
“Aye, we have and it’s to be expected. If it wasn’t for our love remaining strong, things could have turned out differently. Thankfully our love was a bond that no one, not heaven or earth, could break or take from us. I honestly believe our love grew even stronger and more determined than ever to survive the years we were separated.”
“You’re so very lucky,” Purity said, happy and envious of her friend.
“Arran will be returning home as well,” Oria said, always remembering how much Purity loved Royden’s brother.
“That matters little to me now,” Purity said.
Oria thought differently, hearing the sadness in her friend’s voice and tried to offer what comfort she could. “Your da talked with Royden and asked that Arran wed you when he returns.”
“A foolish request years ago and a more foolish request now,” Purity said.
“It is a safe way for you to return home,” Oria offered and intended to make sure Arran saw that as well as soon as he arrived home.
“If I could, I would make the woods my home for the rest of my life,” Purity said.
“Please don’t say that. I miss you and—” Oria bit her lip.
“I miss her too, but she’s the one who must be the most careful,” Purity warned.
“You think they still search for her?”
“If we can’t be sure, then we can’t take a chance,” Purity said, wishing things were different.
“You’re right,” Oria agreed.
“I don’t have much time, though I wish I did. I wish we could sit and talk without worry of time or being caught, like we once did.” Purity laughed. “Though we did hide away, so I wouldn’t be seen. Some things don’t change.”
“They will. The three of us will be together again one day,” Oria assured her, praying it would be so.
“Listen, for I must leave soon. When it was learned that Royden was home and leading the clan, those who were part of the Clan MacKinnon decided to return home with his da. They have given their word not to betray my location.”
“How many are left with you?” Oria asked, worried her friend would be left alone.
“Worry not about me, Oria. I am content where I am. See to those returning to you and there is one other thing you should be aware of—Wren is returning with Parlan. He refused to leave without her and, unselfish as she is, refused to let him leave his family for her. I don’t know how she’ll be received so watch over her. She has been good to us.”