Page 120 of Laird of Steel
That would mean all her efforts had been for naught.
All her pining and patience, all her dedication and discipline, the hours she’d spent training for him, looking out for him, writing verse for him, coaxing his bride…
Still, deep within her sorrowing breast, where her hopes rapidly dwindled, a tiny spark of stubborn determination was kindled.
She couldn’t sit back and let destiny take its course.
She was a woman of action.
She was done with waiting. She’d waited four years for Gellir Cameliard. She wasn’t going to let four more precious years slip past.
Pushing away from the wall, she faced west, sniffed back her tears, and began thetaijiquan.
She swept a hand across the horizon, as if clearing away all the obstacles in her path.
Transferring her weight from one leg to the other, she twisted and advanced with two slow punches. Clouted despair with her left fist. Knocked back uncertainty with her right.
Pivoting, she pressed her palm forward, shoving away self-doubt.
As she moved with new grace and confidence through the movements, the mist began to clear. She gazed out at the gray waves of the firth, kissed by the light of the sun breaking through the clouds. She felt its touch on her shoulder as well. Warming her. Invigorating her. Inspiring her.
Perhaps there was something she could do.
Perhaps she didn’t have to wait for fate.
She lunged to the right, following with her arms as if brushing aside a cloak.
She’d wanted a chance to prove her worth.
She’d always imagined it would be in the tournament lists.
She lunged slowly to the left, bringing her arms forward.
But perhaps she could do something more meaningful.
Something to repay Lady Feiyan, who’d taught her everything she knew.
Something to earn Merraid the respect of the Rivenloch clan.
Something to show Gellir how much she cared for him.
Raising her arms high, she lifted her right knee, balancing.
She’d gotten Gellir into this coil. She’d meddled in his courtships. Spied on him. Manipulated conversations. Written love notes. Steered him toward what she imagined was his best prospect.
Lowering her knee with a stomp, she snapped her fists into a fighting position.
Gellir’s self-exile was her fault. It was up to her to get him out of it.
She had an idea. But it would take careful planning.
With new resolve, she leaned forward onto her left leg, moving her right arm and leg in a wide, swift arc that spun her around.
A flash of movement startled her.
Someone ducked out of the way at the last instant, narrowly avoiding a kick to the head.
It was Adam. Feiyan’s brother.
