Cavan rushed past his mother, though she remained close on his heels yelling, Wait! Wait!

Artair came up behind them and, entering the bedchamber, almost collided with Cavan, who had stopped abruptly. Zia and Honora were laughing.

What goes on here? Cavan demanded, going straight to his wife.

Ive come up with the solution to the problem, Honora said proudly. I intend to scream loud enough for the bishop to realize my dire circ.u.mstances, and to force him to see the wisdom in delaying his talk with Zia.

I was just about to go down another level to see if her scream was loud enough when I b.u.mped into you, Addie said to her son, then turned to Honora. It was perfect.

Id say so, since it scared the h.e.l.l out of me, Cavan complained, though he smiled at Honora. Good idea, wife.

Is it feasible? Artair asked Zia.

Women can sometimes take days to birth a babe, often due to complications, which Im certain any woman asked will confirm, she said.

But Honora is all right? Sh.e.l.l deliver the babe sooner than a few days, right? Cavan asked cautiously.

Honora took his hand. The babes.

Babes? Cavan and Artair said in unison.

Oh my, I didnt mean to tell you just yet, Honora said, though she grinned happily. I will give you two children.

Cavan looked utterly confused. But you are so tiny, how could you" He turned directly to Zia. She will be all right?

So far so good, Zia said with a firm nod.

Cavan seemed satisfied with her answer, but Artair knew better. He knew Zia well enough to realize that she would never make a promise she might not be able to keep. And she was informing him that everything looked fine now, but beyond that, she could not say.

He wanted to talk with Zia alone, not only about Honoras condition, but about the bishop and what she might face. He walked over to her and took her hand.

Im going to steal my wife for a while, he said, easing Zia away from the bed. Well be right outside in the hall.

Its good that you stay close, and its good that you refer to her as your wife, Cavan said with a curt nod that appeared more like a command.

Nonsense, Honora scolded. Zia will be locked away in here these next couple of days. Take her to the battlements, Artair, so she can get some fresh air.

Zia smiled and Artair thanked Honora, while Cavan scowled but said nothing. Artair grabbed his brothers cloak from the peg near the door and hurried Zia up the stairs to the battlements.

Its gorgeous, Zia said and snuggled in Artairs arms after he wrapped the heavy wool cloak around them.

The stark barrenness of the moors can either shiver the soul or still the heart, he said looking out over the familiar scene that never failed to still his heart. Im glad to finally share it with you and glad you feel the same.

How could I not? Its stunning, and now She smiled and kissed his lips softly. its my home.

Artair returned the kiss with a more pa.s.sionate one wrapping his arms more tightly around her until her body was firm against his and he could feel the entire length of her.

As he ended the kiss, he whispered, A home where you will always be safe.

She shook her head slowly. No, it is in your arms where I will always be safe.

His heart soared along with his love for her, and he spoke from his heart. I never expected to love the woman whom I would make my wife as much as I love you. I never realized what it meant to love until you showed me.

You were an apt pupil, she teased.

And I will continue to be.

She shook her head. No, we now teach each other.

They kissed again, and Artair realized that if they continued kissing it would certainly lead to them making love, and they needed to talk.

I wish there were time"

Zia stopped him. As do I, but we have urgent matters at hand.

Tell me the truth about Honora and the babes, he said, and smiled. Two. How wonderful for my brother and her. That is, if all goes well.

I have no reason to believe it wont, but the babes cant seem to decide if theyre ready to be born or not, and that worries me. But there is nothing I can do at the moment. Only time will tell, and to be honest, it is better I remain with her and not have to concern myself with speaking to the bishop. But what of the marriage doc.u.ments? h.e.l.l want to see them right away, wont he?

I can easily delay, explaining that the papers were left at your village and someone is on the way here with them. But we need the cleric here as fast as possible, for he will settle the problem by marrying us and providing the proper doc.u.ments.

You havent said it, yet you know.

Ive told you that I love you, Artair said, confused.

Not that.

He shrugged. I dont know what you mean.

You havent flaunted the fact that you were right and I was wrong about us getting married right away.

He looked over her lovely face, lingering on her delectable lips, plump from their kisses, her green eyes so vibrant with pa.s.sion, and her dark red hair fired with blond streaks. They gave the illusion of flames, which matched her fiery nature. He slowly shook his head.

You werent wrong.

What? Zia asked, startled.

It would have been wise of us to wed, but it was much wiser that we fell in love and chose to wed.

She gasped, then smiled. Youre right. My wish has come true. I wed for love.

And my practical nature wisely gave way to"

Pa.s.sion! Zia cried out with joy.

Artair laughed and hugged her tightly. I love your zest for life.

What will you do if we have a daughter with such zest?

Artair shook his head. I will need to" He stopped and stared at her wide-eyed. Are you with child?

She grinned. Im not sure yet, but there is a strong possibility.

He scooped her up and swung her around. I didnt think I could be any happier than I was, but this is beyond happiness. This is sheer bliss.

After he put her down, she said, We mustnt tell anyone yet. Im not certain, and besides, it would not be good for the bishop to hear.

Agreed, but you will let me know"

As soon as I know for sure, she said.

We will have a good life together, Zia. I promise, he said, knowing he would do anything to keep her safe.

Zia!

They turned to see Cavan approach.

The pains have started again.

Zia nodded, gave Artairs cheek a quick kiss and hurried off.

I would die to see her safe, Artair said, his glance fixed on where Zia had disappeared through the open door.

I understand, Cavan said. I would do the same for Honora.

Then perhaps we should leave this situation to Lachlans discretion, Artair joked.

If only the bishop were a woman.

Both men laughed, but stopped when they heard the horn that heralded the bishops approach.

Are you ready? Cavan asked with a firm hand on his brothers shoulder.

I will always be ready to defend my wife, Artair said, and both brothers went to greet the man who would decide Zias fate.

A warrior was waiting in the great hall when Artair and Cavan entered.

A group from the village Black follows a few hours behind the bishops caravan, he informed the brothers.

This could present a problem, Cavan said after sending the warrior to the kitchen for food and drink. Supposedly, you were married in the village Black. It would be odd if those from the village knew nothing about it.

Zia had sent word to her grandmother about our ruse. Bethane is an intelligent woman. I would have to believe that she made it known to the village, Artair said. But I can send Patrick to intercept them and make certain of it, since he knew of the ruse.

Cavan shook his head. How so many knew and yet kept the secret.

Bethane is widely respected, especially by those she harbors.

Do you think she comes as well?

I believe so. She would know when Zia needed her, Artair said, somehow knowing himself that Bethane was close.

Then perhaps she will provide us with more information about Ronan.

Artair smiled. Bethane is a wise woman. She will learn more about you than you will of her.

You admire this woman, Cavan said.

You will too, but first we must deal with the bishop.

Addie entered the hall from the kitchen, directing servants with platters of food and pitchers of drink.

All will be ready for the bishops arrival, she said to Cavan.

Honora? he asked.

Is in good hands. Do not worry. Besides, Zia said her grandmother is close and will be here to help with the birth.

The brothers looked at each other, and Artairs grin said I told you so.

Addie hurried off to finish with the servants.

I just realized, Artair said. We planned on telling the bishop that we sent for the marriage doc.u.ments left behind, where the ceremony took place.

Cavan shook his head. The village Black, and with Bethanes arrival"

The story is no longer viable. Unless Artair nodded slowly. Unless Bethane forgot the papers and realized shortly after beginning their journey and sent someone back for them, which means he should arrive within a day or two, giving us just enough time.

I suggest as soon as we greet the bishop, you ride out and accompany Bethanes entourage to the keep. As far as we know, the marriage papers are on the way, though we will not discuss them unless asked.

Agreed, Artair said.

A messenger entered the hall and informed the brothers that the bishops coach had entered the village.

Cavan and Artair went outside to greet the man who could bring disfavor down on the clan by claiming Zia a witch.

Bishop Edmond Aleatus wore a dour expression as he alighted from the coach, and his sharp green eyes appeared to miss nothing. His regal attire bespoke his station, his handsomely st.i.tched green and gold garments crafted perfectly for his tall slim frame.

Artair watched his brother greet the bishop with the dignity expected, but Cavan also greeted him with the confidence of a mighty warrior. His brother would not bow down to this man, though he would show respect for his position.

Please let me offer you food and drink and then a place to rest, Cavan said.

Where is the woman Zia? the bishop asked, following Cavan into the keep.

She is detained looking after my wife, who is presently in the middle of a very difficult birth.

The bishop halted in the great hall with a scowl. I will not be kept from my duty by excuses. You will command this woman to"

A bloodcurdling scream ripped through the keep, sending icy shivers through Artair. He could only imagine what his brother must be feeling, for it sounded much too authentic not to be real.