Bride of Ice (The Warrior Daughters of Rivenloch #2) - Glynnis Campbell Page 0,98

thought about the beautiful babes she and Colban might have made.

Gulping back painful hopes, she was handing the babe back to her mother when voices arose from the chamber next door.

They came from Morgan’s bedchamber. And though the sound was muffled, those were definitely Jenefer’s angry tones filtering through the wall. Without compunction, Isabel rushed to the window, throwing open the shutters.

Everyone was notably appalled at the idea of eavesdropping.

But nobody did anything about it.

In the end, Isabel’s hunch proved correct. When the couple’s quarrel resolved into a proposal of marriage, they all cheered and clapped at the resolution.

Hallie tried to be pleased about the outcome. At least one of them would be happily married, she reasoned. And yet she couldn’t help but be bitter about the inequity of it.

Of course, she was pleased for her cousin. Jenefer had gotten the land she wanted. She’d won the husband she desired. And to watch her with Miles, she’d even gotten a babe she loved as her own. Life was going to have a happy ending for her.

And it wasn’t as if Hallie didn’t have something to gain. Her cousin’s strategic alliance would strengthen their collective power along the border.

But watching Jenefer glow with affection over her adopted son, Hallie was bitten by a green demon of envy. Her heart ached as Morgan gazed down at Jenefer in awe and her cousin returned his stare with warmth and love and desire. Things Hallie would never have.

The rest of the day was long. Filled with wedding plans. And dreams for the future. Cooing over the babe’s antics. Swapping stories with the servants. Discussing changes to the keep.

Hallie floated through it all with a cool, stiff smile that belied the torment in her heart.

Jenefer still didn’t know about Hallie’s role in the bargain, about her arranged marriage to Archibald Scott. She hadn’t bothered to actually read the king’s decree. And no one had bothered to tell her.

She’d find out eventually, of course. But Hallie wouldn’t dampen her cousin’s spirits on this special day by bringing up the cost she personally was paying for Jenefer’s prize.

Colban made himself scarce the rest of the day, which was a blessing. Seeing him would have strained Hallie’s efforts at appearing glad for the happy couple.

Indeed, she saw him only once more, as they departed through the palisade gates in the afternoon. He hopped down to open the gates, giving each woman a nod of farewell as they passed.

In front of her, impulsive Isabel stole a hug from him.

Startled, Colban awkwardly patted her back.

“Isabel!” Hallie hissed, wary of what their mother would think of her questionable behavior.

Isabel skipped off. Then it was just the two of them.

Their eyes met only briefly. But in that exchange, a universe of emotions orbited through her mind. Longing. Sorrow. Desire. Despair. Adoration. Melancholy. Love.

She loved him.

And she would never stop loving him.

A week apart had not diminished her feelings.

A month apart, a year apart, a lifetime apart would not make her love him less.

Her destiny was written. She would be wed to another. But her heart would always belong to Colban.

Chapter 33

Colban’s possessions were packed. He stashed the heavy satchel at the foot of his bed, along with his claymore, his targe, his helm, and his chain mail.

Though he’d continued to serve as Morgan’s right hand man at Creagor for the last five days—helping him make wedding preparations, hiring a priest and musicians, sourcing victuals for the feast—he didn’t intend to stay a moment longer than was necessary.

He didn’t even want to watch the ceremony, to be frank. But he’d promised to linger long enough to stand beside Morgan as he made Jenefer his bride.

After that, he was a free man.

Colban plucked a piece of lint from the gray velvet sleeve of the cotun he saved for special occasions. He’d be leaving these garments behind, changing into more roadworthy clothing of worn brown leather and wool. Where he was going, he had no need of silks and velvets.

Then he gave a rueful chuckle.

Where was he going anyway?

He didn’t know. He only knew he wanted to get as far away from Rivenloch—and Hallie—as possible.

There was a knock on the door. “They’re here!” sang Bethac through the closed door.

The Rivenloch clan had arrived. Companionable Rauve. Serious Gellir. Lively Brand. Inquisitive Ian. Starry-eyed Isabel. Hallie’s esteemed parents. The worthy knights and loyal servants. He greeted them all with a polite smile. But it was a smile that never quite reached his eyes. A smile he forced