the archers we can get.”
Branwen looked at Alick, and he wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “You’ve been through much. Get the rest you need and I’ll see you on the morrow.”
Dyna led them to a chamber with three beds inside. She said, “I’ll be joining you in a bit, but you two look so tired I don’t think you’ll hear me enter.” She pointed out what they would need—night rails in a chest, furs for warmth, and a basin full of fresh water the maid had just left. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”
Branwen, suddenly overcome with exhaustion, shook her head. Dyna gave them each a hug before she left. “Trust me, you will be much happier away from your abusers. You’re welcome here, and anywhere there are Grants.” She left, closing the door behind her.
Lora turned to Branwen with a bright smile. “This is like a chamber fit for a queen, do you not agree, Branwen? And this castle, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Everything is lovely, but the important part is that everyone is lovely. ’Tis more important to me. Ever since Mama died…”
Lora said, “’Tis the same for me. For us. Mama made everything wonderful. I miss her terribly.”
She hugged Lora and said, “We’ve both been through a difficult time, but what matters is that we’re here. We’re safe. Now, we’d do best to get some sleep. I can barely stand on my feet.”
The truth was she’d very nearly cried when she’d first seen the plump mattresses with the thick furs on top. They each found a night rail to fit, then Branwen quickly changed into the garment, washed her face and hands, then fell onto one of the beds. “Lora, fear not. ’Tis as heavenly as it looks.”
And Branwen’s heart was finally full of hope.
Chapter Sixteen
As soon as the lasses left, Alick said, “I need to know all you’ve heard. Anything about Mama?”
“Nay,” Alasdair said. “We must go to Glasgow as instructed. We’ll plan it the same as we did before. Grandsire said he’ll change nothing.”
“But he can’t pretend to be decrepit. They’ll know ’tis false.” Alick got up and started his pacing, grabbing an ale and downing it quickly. He’d need something to help him sleep tonight. There were too many worried thoughts dancing in his head, though at least he knew Branwen was safe. She was his wife, in name at least, and her father had no authority to take her away from him. Nor did the Earl of Thane.
He made himself focus on the plan for the morrow.
“True, they are aware of what happened with John. That indicates the same men might be behind it.”
Els shrugged. “None of the witnesses to Grandsire’s masquerade lasted long. Vernauld was the only one who survived, and he did not live long enough to tell many. I think we could try the same trick.”
“Grandpapa said he’ll walk slowly this time,” Alasdair said. “But he wishes to meet them head on.”
“And we’ll have two more archers,” Els added.
“Fine,” Alick said, frustrated by their lack of progress. By the lack of any real plan. “I’m off to bed. I need sleep before we go after Mama.” He climbed the stairs, heading down the hall to the chamber Alasdair kept for any single males. It had four beds inside. Sometimes lasses used it, but mostly male family members. Magnus would be here later, and his sire on the morrow.
Alasdair came up behind him and pushed him into a different chamber. “You look exhausted. You may have this one. I know your wife is with Lora this eve, but you two may sleep in here whenever you’d like.”
“My thanks. I’ll accept your offer. Soon enough we’ll want our own chamber.”
He slept for a couple of hours but awakened to a light tap on his door. He got up to open it, grabbing his plaid to cover his naked body.
Branwen stood on the other side, her face tear-stained. “I had a nightmare, and Lora and Dyna are sound asleep. Someone in the hall told me you were sleeping here. Would you come downstairs with me for a wee bit? Please?”
He took one look at her and tugged her inside, closing the door quietly behind her. She fell into his arms and sobbed.
“I’m sorry,” she said, pulling away and wiping her eyes, “but the truth hurts. My own sire put me in a dungeon. I dreamed he was in the great hall, wagering