“Did not your true identity haunt you?” Raynor asked.
“When we grew older we discussed it more,” Aliss admitted. “But where was there for us to start? We knew so little and we were warned of danger.”
“It was better left alone for the moment,” Fiona said, and smiled. “Besides we now have the truth and need not worry about searching.”
“You have finally come home,” Raynor said. “And I will not lose you again.”
“Fiona is mine,” Tarr declared. “Aliss may remain with her family.”
Raynor disagreed. “Whatever arrangements you made with the MacElder clan concerning Fiona, is no longer valid. She is as free as Aliss in her choices.”
“I will not argue this with you,” Tarr said as if it settled the matter.
“No, you will not. My father will deal with you.” Raynor grinned. “He will determine who his daughter weds.”
“No one but me determines my fate,” Fiona said, her bright green eyes daring anyone to disagree with her.
“Yes, you are just like mother,” Raynor said with a hardy laugh.
Tarr stood, shoving the chair away from him with his leg. “Fiona, I wish to speak with you alone.”
Raynor rose slowly and stepped away from his chair.
Fiona jumped up between them, spreading her arms out from her sides to keep them apart. “My decision.”
Aliss cleared her throat loudly enough to get their attention. “I believe there is a question here that has been left unanswered.”
The three stared at her perplexed.
“If Fiona and I were in danger those many years ago, and mother warned us to keep our identities secret, does that mean when it is learned we have been found our lives will be in danger again?”
Chapter 19
Raynor and Tarr had attempted to reason that, after all these years, surely the danger to the twins had past, besides no one but Tarr and Raynor knew their true identity. Just to be safe, extra caution would be taken, meaning the two intended to keep close watch over the two women.
Fiona walked with Tarr to the Hellewyk encampment.
Night had fallen and with it a sudden chill wind.
Fiona drew her green wool cloak around her and regarded Tarr out of the corner of her eye. He obviously was disturbed and she understood why. His plans to wed her had just come crumbling down around him.
“The weather is set to change,” she said attempting to make conversation.
Tarr nodded but said nothing.
He was handsome even in deep thought; his brow knitted tightly, his eyes narrowed, and his shoulders were drawn back expanding his already wide chest.
Aye, he was quite a man, and she was not certain that she was ready to give him up. He had potential as a husband, though bullheaded; he could be fair. He cared deeply for his clan and saw to providing more than adequately for their safety and welfare, which meant he would do no less for his wife and children.
Then there were his kisses.
She smiled to herself. She loved when he kissed her. She felt more alive when he kissed her, as though she suddenly emerged from a cocoon and was seeing and feeling the world for the very first time. And it was brilliant, filled with marvelous sensations and exquisite thoughts. She also found that she missed him when he was not near. She ached for the simple touch of his hand in hers or their frequent walks and how they would talk away hours. She was beginning to realize just how good they were together, and that made a good start for a solid marriage for sure.
Sure.
She had to be sure. She did not want to regret her decision.
With little time left to them before her parents arrived, she decided to be direct. “You are troubled over the change this brings to your marriage plans.”
Tarr stopped and looked at her, his expression potent. “This changes nothing.”
Her eyes widened considerably. “You think not?”
“I know so.”
“And why is that?” She all but snapped, disappointment spawning anger in her. She had hoped he would see reason and give her a choice.
“I believe you will honor the arrangement made by your cousin for you are a woman of your word. Though the MacElders are not your people, they cared for you when care was needed, and I do not think that you will dishonor them.”
“I did not agree to this wedding.”
“So you say, but you knew that when your identity was discovered you would do what was expected. And now that you know of your true parents, Aliss will have a