vehemently.
“And I love you,” she replied.
Such beautiful, sweet words. He closed his eyes against the emotion of them and pulled her against his chest, favoring his injured arm. “Dinna come out to any more fights looking to save the likes of me though, aye?”
“You know I cannot promise that,” Isolde said against his surcoat.
Cormac chuckled to himself and stroked his gauntlet over her hair, hating the thick leather and steel separating them. Aye, he did know that, but it didn’t mean he’d ever stop asking.
“I’m sorry about your people.” She lifted her head. “You should have told me.”
He wiped away her tears. “Ye mean woo ye with my people’s plight rather than my fine dancing?”
A smile broke over her lips. “Actually, I think it was how you complimented my breasts upon our first meeting that won my heart.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He winked at her.
Her gaze slid to where Brodie lay face-down in a pool of blood on the ground. “What should we do about him?”
“It’s no’ uncommon for battles to extend beyond the melee lines any more than it is uncommon for men to die. He’ll be found, and his family can provide a proper burial.” Cormac looked to the hill where the melee went on in full force. “Let us ensure Graham is safe.”
They left the knight’s horse and took only Brodie’s beast and rode together up the hill to survey the melee. Several more of the Ross clan had fallen while Graham, Lachlan and Duncan gained ground.
“We should go to them,” Isolde said.
We.
Meaning Isolde would be back in battle once more.
Cormac frowned. “Graham is a strong warrior and flanked by Lachlan and Duncan, the remaining men can be handled. I’ll send Alan in my stead. Let us leave this place and return to Sutherland.”
“I should like to go first to see my brother. I ought to return his armor to him.” She surveyed the melee before them. “And there is something I wish to say to him as well.”
“Aye, of course.” Cormac turned the horse in the direction of the castle and rode back toward the Rose Citadel with Isolde.
With most people occupied by the daily activities and the excitement of the melee, they were able to make it into the Rose Citadel without being seen by many. Not that it mattered. They would be gone within the hour.
Alan stood outside Isolde’s chambers with Pip, who barreled toward her in unhindered excitement. The dog bounced about on his forelegs in an effort to clamber up her greaves in his eagerness to greet her. Cormac didn’t bother to chastise Alan for Pip’s lack of training, not when laughter came from beneath Isolde’s helm.
The door to Isolde’s rooms opened, and Matilda exclaimed with delight to see her mistress returned.
Isolde entered her chamber and Cormac pulled Alan aside. “Gather my belongings from the tent, then prepare yerself to join Graham and the others on the battlefield. I have Brodie’s horse, but Lady Sutherland will need one. Once the melee has concluded, tell my brother I will see ye both in Sutherland.”
Graham knew that there was the possibility that Cormac and Isolde would leave the tournament early per their discussion the prior day. Alan had proven himself to be a skilled fighter, and Cormac knew he would ensure Graham remained safe.
“I supposed I’ve been helpful to ye after all, eh?” Alan scratched his jaw. “And that means you’ll be needing me in Scotland too.”
Cormac put a hand on the other man’s shoulder. “Ye’ve done well, lad.” He gave Alan’s shoulder a light shake. “But dinna get cocky about it.”
“Absolutely not.” Alan’s eyes twinkled. “But take Pip with you. I know my lady will treat him well, and I’ll see him when I join you in Sutherland.”
“He’s yer dog,” Cormac said.
“Aye, he is. Consider it job security.” Alan grinned and departed to prepare Cormac’s horse and belongings.
Cormac entered the suite of rooms and found Isolde in her bedchamber wearing only the gambeson. She broke free from Matilda, who was helping her remove her armor, and ran into his arms.
He caught her and cradled her to him, relishing the feel of her with him once more. “Thank ye for believing in me,” he said earnestly.
“Thank you for explaining yourself.” A shadow crossed over her eyes. “I thought…I thought you didn’t....”
He put a finger to her lips to still the words from spilling from her lips and met her gaze. “I love ye, Isolde.” He cupped her face in his hands. “My wife,