The sounds fell over him like an icy blanket, draining any cheer he could hope to have.
That Moira had not answered the question worried him. It was obvious the woman knew the truth. However, it was not her secret to share, but one he and Bree needed to discuss.
Once again, Naill returned to the great room. Tristan was now dancing with his wife and other men had joined their respective partners. People clapped as the music turned lively and he hesitated for a long moment, watching the happy expressions.
Just then, he caught sight of Craig. Cairon and he sat next to each other clapping in time with the music. His son’s face brightened, and he blushed when Craig nudged him and then pointed to a young girl. After shaking his head, they both began laughing.
Naill went to where his son was sitting. “We should go. I told yer mother we would not be too late.”
Cairon’s face fell, his gaze moving from him to where a group of girls danced. “We will return tomorrow,” Nail told him and only then did Cairon stand up and follow behind him.
Upon arriving at his house, Naill could barely wait for his children to go to bed so he could ask Bree questions. Millie slept in a blanket in front of the fire. Bree sat in a chair, also near the warmth of the hearth, brushing out her hair. It had been a long time since he’d seen her hair loosened. Amber waves fell past her shoulders as she continued her task, not looking at him.
Cairon was half-asleep and, once he greeted his mother, stumbled up the stairs to find his bed.
“I will take Millie to her bed,” Naill said, lifting the light bundle. He carried his sleeping daughter to the small cot and lay her upon it gently. Millie was fair, with the same coloring as Bree. Her rosebud lips were pursed in slumber, making his heart soften.
When he returned to the main room, Bree had already began braiding her hair.
“I like yer hair loose,” he said.
“Mmm,” she replied noncommittally.
“How do ye know Craig?”
She looked at him, her brows lowered. “He is the one who brought coins from the laird. He spent time with the children and told me if we needed anything he was here to help. I believe Laird Malcolm assigned him to look over us.”
Naill made a mental note to speak to Malcolm.
“Everyone was enjoying themselves. Ye should have come.”
For a short moment, she looked at him. “I prefer to remain here.”
The woman would not continue to defy him. Naill bit back a curse. “I promised to return tomorrow. Ye and Millie will come with me. It is not a request.” He stood and went to bed.
Chapter Three
It would not do to cry. Bree waited until Naill was asleep before going to bed. For a brief moment, she considered sleeping in the main room, but she didn’t wish to worry the children if they woke to find her there.
She slipped into the bed, Naill’s warmth immediately enveloping her.
If only things could go back to how they were. There was a time when her husband was eager to return to her at the end of every day. Although he’d always been dedicated to the laird, Naill had managed to never make her to feel less important than his duties.
Slowly, over the years, things had changed dramatically. At first, she blamed the constant crying of their babies. Then she wondered if he’d taken too much on as head archer. Finally, she decided his lack of attention and constant absences were caused by the clan battles against the McLeods. However, every other guard and archer returned home regularly. They took care of their families. Every family that was part of the laird’s guard was well provided for and were proud members in the village.
During the early years of their marriage, she’d been paraded by Naill like a prize. However, lately, it was as if she were a widow. Naill was gone more than most other guards and archers. He’d volunteered for the last duty knowing it would leave her and the children alone during the harsher weather. Now, after three months, he’d returned, upset at her for doing what she could for their children.
He’d not bothered to greet her. Instead, he had chastised her for chopping wood. Her chest constricted and she swallowed back hurt-filled tears.
By the time afternoon came the next day, it could not be put off any longer. Bree found the