Page 35 of The Splendor of Fire
He nodded, a thrill going down his spine. Perhaps they could defeat the Wolf, and one day he would be free. Yet somehow Léo knew he would not live that long.
Hector says to tell you that you are still second-in-command and that he will come for you when the time is right, because ‘that is what brothers do.’ Youwillbe home with your son. He swears it. He wants you to know you are not abandoned.
Emotion clogged his throat again. If he could hold on, his brother would come.
Father says he told you of his plans. And I know—that you are Chief MacKinnon.
Léo looked into her sea-colored eyes and never had he cared less that he was chief. Could they escape together? Sail away from this rotten prison as Hector and Cara had sailed away from Lochindorb?
“I’ve heard the plan. I must confess I have no interest in it.”
But your father wanted you to assume his place, didn’t he?
He swallowed. “I know you want revenge for your mother’s death, but good leaders are not born out of revenge.”
Father wants revenge. I only want you to remain safe and to see your son again.
The sentence disarmed and surprised him. He paused for a few moments considering his answer to her question. “My father thought I cared for others in a way my brothers and sister couldn’t. But I can be just as bitter and distrusting as they are.”
She made a face and shook her head.Gabriel. Théa. Hector. Cara. Eamon. You have loved and cared for them, protected them when it mattered most.
“Oui, but Jesus did not rule my heart.”
Her eyes met his.Does he now?
The answer surprised even him. “Jesus is all I have now. He does.”
Moira’s eyes traveled over the walls and ceiling and she appeared to weigh her thoughts. Her quill scratched slow across the page.Know that you have me as well.
The air grew thick, and he wished that it was one year ago and he could sweep her into his arms.
Her eyes lifted to his, her expression concerned. He read the next words she’d scrawled upon the page.I’m for you. Whether you choose to be Léo or you choose to be Chief MacKinnon. Whatever you decide to do, I am for it.
She touched his ribs through his baggy tunic and shook her head, tears appearing in her eyes.
The Shield is going to get food and supplies to you. Hector says you must get strong, and be ready. Don’t lose hope.Her face lookedfearful.Promise me you will take care of yourself. You look so different.
He tried to chuckle. “I promise. No woman would have me otherwise. I look like a starving urchin.”
Breath burst over her lips and she slowly wrote. Léo’s heart pounded as he read her next sentence.I’m certain there is at least one who would.
“Tu m’as manqué.” The words tumbled out of him in an artless rush of French, months of isolation robbing him of any leftover charm.
What does that mean?
He leaned closer.“I’ve missed you.”
She swallowed and wrote a shaky line of script.I’ve missed you every day. I like when you speak French. Would you teach me if I came to visit you once a week?
Fires of hope licked up his chest and he dug deep, finding remnants of the man he used to be. “Oui—yes. If it meant seeing you more. You may have to come more often than once a week, though. I have many things I’d like to say.”
The upturned corners of her lips paid him a curious smile as she wrote.Such as?
Words from his native tongue came to mind, and he murmured them. “Ton cœur est plus précieux que de l'or.”
The enchanting smile touched the curve of her lips.What does that mean?
He took the quill, brushing his fingers over hers.Your heart is more precious than gold.
