Page 123 of Bride of Ice
As the two English soldiers fell backward, dying before they hit the ground, Hallie offered Colban a bloody hand.
His jaw was slack. His eyes were full of awe. But all she felt was relief that she’d been able to keep her word to Isabel. That she’d kept him unharmed.
“I owe ye my life,” he marveled as he took her hand and let her help him to his feet.
The admiration and gratitude in his eyes tore at her heart. But when love softened his gaze, her soul melted, and her throat thickened with grief.
She’d killed for him and saved his life, aye, but for what? It was a hollow victory.
He would never be hers.
She’d only saved him for another woman.
He must have seen the truth in her eyes, for his face dimmed with sorrow and frustration. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.
There was no time for regret. The battle still raged around them.
“Better claim your claymore ere someone else does,” she choked out as she retrieved her daggers from her victims. She wiped the bloody blades on the grass and returned them to their sheaths.
Once Colban had wrenched his weapon free and reclaimed his helm and shield, Hallie swept up her longsword.
But there was little more to be done. Already the presence of Rivenloch reinforcements had given the mac Girics an advantage. They began pushing the English back through the sagging doors of Creagor.
Soon the English commander realized he was not only outnumbered. He was trapped between the mac Girics, who had the castle at their back, and the Rivenloch army, which blocked his escape.
“To Firthgate!” he cried. “Retreat!”
In the end, Rivenloch showed them mercy, allowing the English to flee through the palisade gates without pursuit. The English at Firthgate might be the enemy, but they were usually neighbors who could be trusted to keep to themselves. Their attempt to claim Creagor when it was most vulnerable was likely a feat they would not repeat. There was no need to encourage vengeance.
After the battle was over, everyone assembled within Creagor’s walls. Formal introductions were made between the clans. The wounded were tended to. The dead were buried. The doors to the keep were repaired. A victory supper was prepared.
Hallie avoided Colban, fearful she might break down in tears if she had to look upon the man she’d loved and lost.
But while everyone else seemed suffused with victory, she languished in misery. And as she watched Jenefer’s face light up with a triumphant glow, Hallie’s melancholy turned to bitter resentment.
She hoped Creagor was worth it. She hoped her cousin appreciated the steep cost of her prize.
Laird Deirdre had expressly forbidden anyone to speak of the king’s decision. She wished to deliver the news in her own time and manner. Sensitive negotiations were not to be rushed. And so she waited until supper to make the announcement.
Hallie supposed that was a wise choice. With Jenefer’s bow and arrows put away and a full plate before her, it was less likely she would erupt in rage and do anything rash.
Her mother’s careful diplomacy paid off. With cordial composure, she placed the sealed document on the table before Jenefer and announced the king’s decision.
The mac Giric clan gasped in disbelief, cursing under their breath to learn the king had allowed Rivenloch to claim the castle they believed was their birthright.
But Laird Morgan quickly reined in their anger. He spoke of the mercy of the Rivenloch knights in their fight against the English. The king’s will could not be argued, he said. Thus they owed Rivenloch the courtesy of returning to the Highlands as soon as possible.
“The sooner, the better!” Colban called out.
Hallie’s heart splintered. She hadn’t thought there was anything left of her heart to damage. But now she realized—despite the king’s decree, despite her impending marriage—she’d been clinging to the fact that Colban would at least remain nearby. She knew she might never be able to touch him, to kiss him again. But living close to him, she could look into his eyes, exchange a few words, share a secret smile, and remember what might have been.
With his declaration, she knew he had other plans. And his eagerness to return home bruised her spirit.
As the mac Giric clan began to absorb this news, making the best of things, Hallie stared stonily at her mother. When was she going to explain? When was she going to tell everyone about Jenefer’s marriage? When was she going to divulge that the Highlanders were not being asked to leave?
Laird Deirdre looked ready to speak again when her sister Miriel clamped a hand on her forearm and leaned in to whisper something. Deirdre frowned, but after a few murmured exchanges, she nodded, and they both slid a sideways glance at Jenefer.
To Hallie’s amazement, normally cocky Jenefer wasn’t crowing about her win. And now that she looked closer, Hallie realized something about her cousin was…different. She seemed more grown up. Calmer. Kinder. More reflective.
