Page 76 of Laird of Steel
She returned the eels to the kitchen and fetched a posset from the cook. But she summoned Swannoc to take the drink to Carenza. She didn’t think she could face the distraught lady again this eve. Not while her own misery tore at her heart.
Instead, she escaped to the one place she could express her frustration.
A half hour with her sword in her hand and a new straw-stuffed dummy in need of hacking gave her the satisfaction she sought.
Exhausted, she sheathed and left through the practice field gate. The sky had grown dark. So dark she didn’t notice the figure watching her from the shadows of the stable.
When he stepped out, she went swiftly for her weapon. Only a hand seizing her wrist stopped her from drawing the blade.
“Merraid.”
“Gellir?”
She couldn’t see his face. But she let out a relieved breath and released her grip on her weapon.
He didnotrelease his grip on her wrist. Her flesh tingled where he touched her.
“I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Ye have?” There was a foolish fluttering in her breast.
“Aye,” he said. “How did it go? Did she get the missive?”
She? Of course. He wanted to know about Carenza. Disappointed, Merraid pulled her arm out of his grasp. “Aye. She was…pleased.”
“Pleased. That’s good, aye? Pleased?”
“Aye.”
“So she’s ready to meet with me?”
Merraid hesitated. “She’s still feelin’ poorly.”
“You brought her the eels?”
She didn’t want to tell him Carenza had refused the eels. “Mm-hmm.”
He sighed in impatience. “How much longer do you think—”
“I think we should write another missive,” she blurted out.
Merraid could have bitten her tongue. Why had she said that? It was pure torture. Spilling out her emotions. Reciting vulnerable words of devotion. Knowing they’d be delivered to another. Another who may as easily cry as coo over the sentiments.
“All right,” he agreed, more readily than she expected. “The armory is empty. I’ll fetch a quill and parchment and meet you there.”
Now? She hadn’t meant now. But she supposed now was as good a time as any. After all, his wedding date was not so far away. And there was still work to be done. Just because Merraid had fallen instantly in love with Gellir didn’t mean Carenza would.
“Fine.”
She made her way to the armory and hung up her sword. She lit a candle on the flame of one of the sconces. Then she placed it on a bench he could use for a makeshift table.
While she waited, Merraid racked her brain for inspiration. Should Gellir flatter Carenza with more praise? Should he boast about his own prowess and virility? Should he paint a picture of her future as his wife? What words would change her heart?
She let out a heavy breath, closing her eyes and muttering, “Think, think, think.”
She opened her eyes as Gellir swept into the armory. The candlelight flickered across his face. Illuminating his coal-black hair. His strong, swarthy jaw. His noble nose. His grim, delicious mouth. His creased brow. His shining, silvery eyes.
And she was instantly inspired.
