telling Abby how much she knew the question hurt. “I think, if it’s what you wish, then you should sleep together. In fact, as you’re already betrothed, I see no harm in it. No one has to know, right?”
Aline grinned. “That’s right. I’m so glad we’re able to have these chats, Abigail. I feel we didn’t get along when I last stayed, but I’m happy we can now be friends. Especially since you’re such close friends with Gwen and she will soon be my family.”
“I’m happy for you, Aline. I’m sure you will do well with Aedan. He’s a good man.” Abby stood. “I must change before dinner. I’ve been outdoors most of the day.”
“Of course. And please, do sit at the dais tonight. I wish to speak to you some more.”
“Thank you, that is very kind.” Abby left quickly, but once outside the room, she held the wall to stop herself from falling. Years stretched ahead of her, of being near Aedan, of hearing about his marriage to Aline, their children, all the while being stuck here, unable to leave, or move forward with her own life until Gwen’s daughter was able to help her.
“Are ye alright, lass?”
Her attention snapped up to Aedan who strolled toward her. He was in a kilt, his muscular legs tightened and flexed with each step. He wore no shirt, his torso damp from whatever exercise he’d come from. Her mouth dried and words became impossible.
“Abigail, lass. Are ye alright?”
She nodded, but feared her head shook the opposite way to what it was supposed to do. “Of course. I’m heading back to my room. Excuse me.” She went to walk around him and he clasped her arm.
“Ye dinna look well. Has something happened?”
Other than your fiancée breaking my heart… “Nothing’s happened. I’ll see you at dinner.”
He pulled her into an alcove, a long rectangular window at her back. Aedan stood before her, blocking her path of escape. She sighed and skittered back as far as the small space would allow. She didn’t need to be close to him, to have his presence envelop her, consume her, as it always did.
“Please tell me what has troubled ye. You must know I still care for ye and do not wish to cause ye anymore distress than I already have.”
The lump was back in her throat. “I know, but truly, let me pass, Aedan. There’s nothing you can do or say that will make this situation any easier for me.” She shrugged, fisting her hands at her side, lest she grab him and force him to kiss her.
Although by the dangerous look in his gaze, she doubted he’d be a difficult convert. He looked like he struggled with his words, and sighing, he stepped back, giving her the much needed space she craved.
She stepped past him and headed toward her room. Tears pooled in her eyes, and she again cursed her own stupidity at not looking up Aedan’s history. But then, anger thrummed in her veins with the thought that he couldn’t even wait a measly year for her. And why hadn’t Gwen told him of her plan?
She changed direction and went to seek out Gwen instead. She had a lot of explaining to do.
Gwen was sitting before the fire in her chamber.
“I was wondering when you’d come to talk to me.” Gwen’s lips lifted in a small smile and she beckoned Abby into the room.
Abby sat across from her, leaning forward to warm her chilled hands. At least they matched her chilled heart. “Why am I here? I mean, seriously, Gwen. Did you know that Aedan was courting Aline? Had in fact thought to make her his wife?”
“I knew he was courting her, and I told him that it was a mistake, but knowing my powers were weakened after the fire, he thought ye gone. Before your arrival, I hadn’t thought I could bring you back. All I know is, the moment his betrothal announcement was made, I swore I had to do something to change the course of history. I made an oath that should my daughter have my gift, that I would ensure you were brought back. That my descendants would make it so…” Gwen paused. “And almost as soon as I made the vow, you returned.”
“I’m stuck here now, Gwen. God knows for how long, probably years, if I have to wait for your daughter to be strong enough to send me back.” Despair crashed over her, and she swiped the tears from