The Silent Highlander (Highland Intrigue Trilogy 1)

Saber stroked his wife’s arm. He was glad as well that they had wed and that she not only made him feel safe, but she brought him a strange sense of peace, even more so when he touched her. Whether it was to hold her hand, stroke her arm as he did now, circle her waist with his arm, every touch soothed him. And trust? There were few he trusted, but none like he trusted his pint-sized wife.

Trust.

Trust was the real issue. Would she ever trust him again once she learned the truth? He only hoped she would understand and not hate him for not speaking truthfully to her from the start.

He felt her body go limp with sleep against him, listened to her soft breathing, thinking sleep would elude him as it did most nights. But surprisingly, sleep claimed him quickly.

He woke a few hours later to find his wife sleeping on top of him and while he was quite content with her there, he wanted to add more logs to the fire that had burned down considerably.

With a tender arm around her, he turned to place her on her back and she woke. She smiled softly and kissed his lips. That was all either of them needed. It sparked their passion like a lick of fire to dry brush. It was a fast joining, their need soaring so quickly neither had a choice.

Elysia let out a scream when she burst with pleasure adding to Saber’s own satisfying explosion. With labored breaths that didn’t allow either of them to speak, they laid side by side, hands joined and smiles wide.

“Where are you going?” Elysia asked, her hand locking on his when he went to leave the bed.

He pointed to the dwindling fire.

“Hurry, it’s cold in bed without you,” she said.

He did as she said and as he had intended, not wanting to be away from her, not even briefly. His arms felt empty without her in them, his chest lonely for her head to rest there, and his heart aching as if he’d lost a part of himself.

Once back in bed, his wife in his arms, all felt right and once again sleep claimed him quickly.

“You are happy,” Lendra said, glad to see the generous smile on Elysia’s face.

Elysia’s smile faltered. “More than I have a right to be with my sisters facing such difficulties.”

“You faced your own difficulties and succeeded in keeping a home for Annis when she returns. And if Bliss should need you, you have a husband to see you safely to her. I am glad all is well with you. Bliss would be proud of you and be relieved you are safe.”

“Aye, she would be. I only wish I could get word to her,” Elysia said, wishing she could relieve Bliss’s worry over her, which she was certain prayed on her sister’s mind.

“That’s what I’ve come to tell you. I found out that Chieftain Emory sent word to Bliss that you wed Saber of your own choosing and that you are very happy.” Lendra laughed. “He’s taking all the praise for it, claims that he brought you two together. And with it being a week since you wed and you and Saber are always smiling and holding hands whenever anyone sees you, he boasts about his wisdom in the match.”

“He can boast as much as he wants. I have Saber and that is all that matters to me. More brew?” Elysia offered.

“I would love to sit and chat longer with you. I miss talking with Bliss. Your sister had a way of caring like no other. A short talk with her could make you feel better. I believe that’s why she is such a skillful healer. She listens to people, truly listens, and understands their needs. I hope her skill serves her well with her new husband.” Lendra stood to take her leave.

Tears threatened to rush to her eyes at the thought of what her sister might be going through, but she choked them back. There was something she wished to ask Lendra. “Has there been any word about the troubles the Clan MacBridan suffer?”

Lendra shook her head. “No word from Bram or Tavish yet and the chieftain feels that’s a good sign. He believes Bram has the clans talking and hopefully settling the issues. If you worry about Saber being forced to fight if necessary, there’s no need. The warriors don’t want a man without a voice fighting alongside them. They claim it could be the death of them.”

Elysia’s shoulders sagged with relief. Though her husband had mentioned the same, she still worried that he might be forced to go and fight. Her heart ached each time she thought about it.

Elysia barely closed the door after Lendra when her mind raced to Bliss and the endless possibilities of what might be happening to her. Then, of course, there was the worry that things could change and her husband could be sent into battle. The loss of Bliss had torn at her heart, but she feared her heart would shatter and never be whole again if Saber was taken from her.