Trevor went to step forward, but Oria had had enough and she sped around her husband to come to a stand in front of Thorald.
“You do not command Demelza or me and do not dare ever remark about my husband having only one hand since it was your son’s fault he lost it. And if you think I will ever call the likes of you Father, then you are a fool.” She turned to Demelza. “Bring your son and while he sleeps, we’ll share a brew and talk.” Oria waited until Trevor handed their son to his wife, then she turned to Freya. “You’re welcome to join us, Freya.”
Freya stepped forward to follow.
“Don’t you dare go with them,” her husband ordered.
Freya turned an angry glare on her husband. “I lost my daughter once. I won’t lose her again.” She followed her daughters into the keep.
“Do something about your wife,” Thorald ordered Royden.
Royden laughed. “I’d say my wife is much like her father. So you go try and defy her.”
“She does have a strong manner and much courage about her,” Thorald said, his chest puffing with pride.
“More than you’ll ever know,” Royden said, his pride for his wife obvious. “It’s a fine day. We’ll share a brew outside while the women talk. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll take pity on you and speak with you later.”
“I don’t need their pity,” Thorald snapped. “Though I don’t want my wife hurt again. I don’t want to hurt again. Astra—Oria—didn’t sleep well unless she fell asleep in my arms. She was so small. She fit perfectly in the crook of my arm and would snuggle there, stare up at me, and smile, as if letting me know she was content, then she would drift off to sleep. Her eyes would pop open every now and then to make sure I was still there. I would sit staring at her, thinking of all I wanted to teach her, all I hoped I could help her become. Then I would rest her in her bed and she wouldn’t stir all night. I missed her being in my arms. I missed her eyes looking up at me so content. I missed her growing into the strong, brave young woman she looks to have become.” He turned his head away, sniffling back tears.
“You need to tell Oria that. But first, come and have a drink and we’ll talk, and I will tell you all about how your daughter became the brave woman she is,” Royden said, placing a hand on Thorald’s shoulder to lead him away from the keep, Trevor trailing behind them.
Oria laid snuggled against her husband in bed that night. “They weren’t the only ones who suffered a loss, I did as well. I lost the chance to love parents I didn’t even know I had. Yet if I never had been abducted, I would have never met you and I can’t imagine life without you.”
“I feel the same,” he said, hugging her tight, the thought of never having her in his life frightening.
“They want me to come visit what they call my home.”
“I know, but I made it clear that you wouldn’t be going anywhere since you’re with child,” Royden said. “Though I also made it clear they are welcome to visit us anytime.”
“You have been most gracious and generous with them. Freya was impressed with you,” Oria said. “If only she knew how impressive you truly can be.”
Royden laughed. “I take it you’re tired of talking since your hand is inching down—”
“To arouse you, but I’m pleased to find out you’re already more than aroused.” She chuckled, stroking him.
“You knew I would be since you made a point of walking around the room naked, swaying those gorgeous hips of yours and stretching your arms above your head and groaning, like you do when you’re in the throes of pleasure, while bringing them down slowly along your body.”
She chuckled again. “And here I thought I wasn’t being obvious.”
Royden laughed and rolled her onto her back. “Now that’s a lie, wife, but I love you anyway.”
Oria ran her finger lightly across his lips. “I pledged my heart and love to you long ago, Royden, and that’s a pledge I’ll keep forever.”
He kissed her. “Aye, you’re pledged to a Highlander and he’ll never let you go.”
* * *
THE END