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the gates as Archie had planned, the MacGregor sent my brother a missive about the stable fire. Of course Archie denied any involvement. Howbeit Archie wouldnae accept defeat. He held the laird’s kin and an innocent bairn, treating them horribly,” she said, choking on her words and closing her eyes at the memory.
    His eyes softened with compassion. “You don’t have to explain further. I understand what you are trying to say.”
    “I couldnae stand by and watch while he tortured innocents for the sake of his greed.” She lowered her head, ashamed of her brother’s actions. “Archie ordered the death of the bairn and I couldnae bear it. I helped the women escape, leaving verra little choice for Laird MacGregor. He ended Archie’s life for his treachery. I traveled here with Laird MacGregor’s brother, Declan, to give an account of Archie’s…”
    She left the words unspoken, not needing to relive the pain. “Since there is nay one to take Archie’s place, the MacGregors hold my brother’s lands, which are now relinquished to the realm. And I am now a ward of the court until His Majesty decides my fate.”
    Robert looked amazed. “I don’t know what surprises me more. Archie’s deceit or your bravery. I am sure it was difficult for you to speak to Archie’s character or lack thereof.” Reaching out, he gently touched her arm. “Listen, Liadain, I have the king’s ear. Tell me what you want or where you want to go. I can at least offer you that for my ill-mannered behavior.”
    “I donna want anything from ye,” she bit out. “Ye couldnae even give me the truth.”
    He sighed and held an expression upon his face that seemed regretful. “When we met, you were but a young girl, Liadain. I know I made promises to you, but then I was sent to Spain and I fell—”
    “Robert! Robert!” yelled a woman upon her approach. She wore a moss-colored gown and her hair was the shade of honey. The woman appeared petite and flowerlike until she turned and displayed a rounded belly very much with child. Holding her hands under her stomach, the woman moved unsteadily toward them, the wind whipping color into her pale cheeks. “There you are, Robert.”
    Liadain would not have even noticed MacGregor’s approach if not for the strong hand placed supportively at her back. She leaned against the palm of his hand as the woman spoke.
    “Robert, I need to go back to our chamber. I feel ill. The babe pushes too much and I need to lie down.” Placing her hands at her back, the woman stretched, looking totally uncomfortable. A rush of pink stained the woman’s cheeks and she cast a sheepish smile. “Pray excuse my husband’s comportment, my lady. I am Viscountess Cranborne.”
    Liadain gaped at Robert and he held some unreadable mask of emotion upon his face. At the same time, MacGregor’s hand at her back suddenly became almost unbearable in its tenderness. The shock of discovery hit Liadain in full force. She stood there, blank, amazed, and shaken. This was Robert’s wife .
    All of those promises that flashed before her eyes were now blown away like petals that fell from a beautiful flower, a gentle reminder of what could no longer be. Her pride had been seriously bruised, and now her face flushed with humiliation and anger—mainly at herself for being such a fool.
    An unwelcome tension loomed between them like a heavy mist.
    Struggling to maintain collectedness, Robert coughed. “My apologies, dearest.” He cast Liadain a gaze of complete and utter terror, similar to the same flustered expression that MacGregor had upon his face earlier.
    MacGregor spoke and his voice was tender, almost a murmur. “Healer.” His tone brought her swiftly back to reality and she leaned back against his massive frame. If his arms did not support her, she would have fallen.
    Liadain smiled tenderly at Robert’s wife, her foolishness turning quickly into annoyance. “Viscount Cranborne was ne’er one for manners. I am Lady