his help, please. I would feel safer knowing my son escorts his sisters. Then Anya and I will follow in a few days along with family so that we all may celebrate your wedding.”
“I honor your request, Oleg, but once Fiona is my wife, I will see to her protection.”
“As it should be.”
Anya hurried to her husband’s side. “I heard as I entered the hall. You cannot wake Aliss; she finally rests comfortably. Leave her with us, we will bring her.”
“The decision rests with Aliss,” Tarr said.
Anya turned pleading eyes to Fiona.
“Aliss would not leave me behind without a word and I would do the same for her.”
Anya relented with a nod. “She will go with you; you two are inseparable, perhaps a cart so that she can rest?”
“A cart would slow us, but if Aliss is not strong enough—”
“Aliss needs no cart,” Fiona said, irritated they should think her sister weak. “She is strong and will ride along with me as always.”
She turned and marched out of the hall.
“She defends her sister like a mother cub,” Raynor said.
“Well, what do you expect?” Anya snapped at her son. “She is the older one and feels responsible.”
Raynor shook his head. “She is only ten minutes older.”
Anya walked up to her son shaking her finger. “Those ten minutes seemed like ten years to me, and gives my daughter the right to claim the title of older sister and protector.”
Raynor held up his hands in surrender. “Whatever you say, Mother.”
“See that food is prepared for their journey while I go help my daughters.”
Oleg grinned at Tarr as Anya left the hall. “I told you Fiona was like her mother.”
Fiona hated waking her sister but as soon as she explained the circumstances, Aliss was out of bed gathering her things.
“I look forward to a permanent home,” Aliss said on a yawn, while she finished placing the last of her healing herbs that had been drying on the table in her basket.
“I will see that you have a fine room in the keep.”
“You are happy; I can see it on your face.” She smiled, pleased for her sister.
“Love is grand. You will see for yourself when you find it.”
Aliss did not bother to reiterate her intentions to remain free of a burdensome husband. Fiona was set on her being as happy as she, so there was no point in disappointing her.
To avoid a confrontation she returned to her sister’s previous remark. “About a room in the keep?”
“I would prefer my own cottage,” Aliss said.
Fiona dropped the garment in her hand. “You want to live away from me?”
Aliss went to her, the shocked expression on her sister’s face making her feel guilty. “It is not that. I wish time to work with my herbs and help heal those in need. It would be best if I had my own cottage, then the ill could seek me out day or night without disturbing you and Tarr. I would still be close by.”
“Maybe you are right.”
It was Aliss’s turn to appear shocked. Her sister agreed much too easily.
“Tarr and I will need time alone. Your own cottage may be just what you need. After all I can see you any time I want.”
Aliss giggled. “You enjoy making love with him.”
Fiona hugged herself and grinned. “It is amazing, and more amazing I want him all the time.”
“Then you do not need me in the way.”
“You are right, that is why you shall have a cottage,” Fiona agreed hastily.
“I had expected you to be stubborn about it,” Aliss said, returning to her packing.
“I am feeling generous instead of stubborn.”
“I think passion rules your decision.”
The twins laughed as a knock sounded at the door and they both bid the person entrance.
Anya entered with teary eyes. “I came to help.” She burst into tears.
Aliss and Fiona went to her and helped her to a chair.
“I am sorry,” Anya said sighing heavily. “It is just that I have finally found you both and again you are taken from me.”
“You will be with us in a few days time,” Fiona reminded her.
“I know.” She looked from one twin to the other, tears continuing to fall. “I just want to get to know you both. You are my daughters and I know so little about you. I had hoped sometime today we would talk and now . . .”
Fiona crouched down beside her. “I punched a little boy when I was six for pushing Aliss.”
“He landed on his backside crying and I helped him up,”