to his gut felt like a sword had sliced through his innards. “What?” He glared at Gwen, wanting to reach across and murder her.
“The residual magic has worn off,” Abigail whispered, the breath of her words tickling his ear and making him miss her already. “Gwen thinks it’ll be safe for me to return to my time.”
He didn’t want her going anywhere. “And if you end up in some other time, alone, vulnerable, what then? I’ll never know if ye made it home safely or not.” He paused, fisting his hands to stop their shaking. “Ye cannot go. I forbid it.”
Abigail gaped at him, and he looked away. Perhaps if he ignored her, this whole nightmare of her leaving would disappear, too.
“I beg your pardon. You don’t have the right to forbid me from this. It isn’t your choice, Aedan.”
“’Tis my choice, and I forbid my sister to allow ye to leave.” His voice sounded high, not the even-tempered tone he usually spoke with. He cleared his throat. “For the time being, at least.”
“No.”
“No?” He narrowed his eyes, not liking the determination in her tone. She was stubborn, probably more stubborn than he was. It wasn’t a good mix.
“No,” she repeated, lifting her chin. “I have to go sooner or later and tomorrow is no different than any other day.”
Her words cut him to the quick. He couldn’t let her go. Just the thought of her no longer within his castle walls, warming his bed, smiling at him whenever their paths crossed, left a hollow crevice in his soul.
“Aedan,” she said, placing her hand on his arm. “You knew I’d go eventually.”
He stared straight ahead, not focusing on anything at all. “I don’t want ye to leave.” And that was the truth. Hell, he never wanted her to leave. Over the last two weeks that she’d graced his halls he’d come to admire her inner strength, marvel at her courage, and love her heart, when she wasn’t annoying him, of course.
Tears welled in her eyes, and his panic increased. “Abigail, lass, is there something more yer not telling me? Surely, by now, ye know ye can trust me.”
She bit her bottom lip and sniffed. She looked out toward the trestle tables, her face paling. Aedan followed her line of vision and locked gazes with Rory Kirk, the bastard playing with a dirk in his hand, his face one of pure hate.
A chill swept across his spine, and he swore. “Abigail, look at me. Did something happen today that yer scared to tell me? Do not try and protect me by staying silent. Ye best explain now and not later when it’s too late for me to help ye.”
She shook her head and stood. “Truly Aedan I’m fine, just tired. I’m retiring for the night. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He watched her leave and then looked to make sure Rory Kirk stayed where he was seated. The bastard followed Abigail’s progress, but didn’t rise. He turned to his right and said to Ben, “I think Rory Kirk has threatened Abigail in some way. She’s afraid of him.”
His friend leaned forward on the table with a relaxed air that was anything but. Beneath his benign visage, Aedan knew the man was on full alert, as was he.
“And you think this is why she’s wanting to return home?”
“You know?”
Ben shrugged, meeting his gaze. “Gwen told me this afternoon that Abigail had asked to return home.”
“Well, that explains why they’re quiet tonight.” He paused. “Why did ye not tell me? I’ve been wondering what’s wrong.” Aedan finished his drink, slamming the goblet down on the wooden table.
“When I spoke to her today, she said not to. That she’d find the right time to tell ye.”
“It doesn’t make sense. And it seems too coincidental that the moment Clan Kirk arrives, Abigail wishes to leave. Especially with how Rory thinks she’s his lost betrothed.”
“Aye, ye have the right of it. I was watching the clan today. They’re trouble, Aedan. I wouldn’t turn my back on them while they’re here. Rory Kirk is as slippery as an eel.”
Aedan swore. “I’m certain he’s threatened Abigail, scared her enough that’s she’s running.”
“Perhaps the Laird of MacLeod is also worn out and needs an early night.”
“Mayhap you’re correct.” He stood. “Watch him and don’t let him out of yer sight. Also, tell Braxton to sleep outside Gwen’s door tonight. I want her safety ensured as well.”
“Consider it done,” Ben replied, leaning back in his chair, as if nothing was amiss.
Aedan walked