He went to argue with her, his face turning red once again.
“Do you wish to fight our son or have him take his leave and never see our grandchild?” Helice asked in a whisper, though she knew that was unlikely with Bliss taking the brew.
Lord Lochlann clamped his mouth shut and it took great effort for him to keep it that way.
“You are not going,” Rannick reiterated tersely.
Bliss knew arguing with him would do no good, but how did she make him understand the importance that she went with him? She walked around the dais and did the only thing she could think of—she pleaded with him for the safety of the woman and bairn.
“Please, Rannick, the woman is in need. I cannot bear the thought that she and her bairn could die because my life is considered more important than hers. You protect me and keep me safe, and I have no doubt you will continue to do so no matter the circumstances.” She felt a bit guilty because no doubt this situation brought back memories of losing his first wife in childbirth and that could possibly be a deciding factor for him.
“Your promise that you will obey my every word,” he demanded, silently admonishing himself for allowing her to convince him.
“Aye, husband, I will obey your every word,” she agreed.
“Then gather what you need, we leave shortly,” he said, a scowl settling over him since he knew he would regret his decision.
Bliss broke out in a huge smile and without thought, kissed his cheek, then said, “I am grateful, husband. You are a good man and I love you so very much.”
Rannick stood there too shocked to speak along with everyone else, the only sound heard was that of the crackling fire. Had she meant it? Did she truly love him? She had told him she would be honest with him or was this for the benefit of others? This was going to torment him until he could speak with her alone. What then? Did he come right out and ask?
The continued silence penetrated his confused thought and he turned to Lawler, seated at one of the tables, and ordered, “Ready thirty men.”
Lawler nodded and before he could order the warriors present to follow him, they all stood and waited to follow him out.
Once the Great Hall emptied of warriors, Rannick placed a strong hand on Owen’s shoulder. “Tell me now if there is anything else I should know.”
“I wish there was more I could tell you that would help. As I said, my only thought was to fetch the healer to help my wife.”
“You did not know my wife and I only arrived here today, did you?” Rannick asked.
“No, my lord, that news had not yet reached the croft.”
Rannick gave his shoulder a squeeze. “You will obey my commands, Owen.”
Owen bobbed his head. “Aye, my lord.”
“Go wait with the warriors.”
Owen turned and walked only a short distance before he stopped and turned around. “It may not be important, my lord, but I heard the howl of a wolf when I left the cottage. I have not heard a wolf’s cry since I was very young.”
“A bad omen,” his mum said after Owen hurried off.
“Foolish superstition,” Lord Lochlann admonished.
Rannick said nothing, his thoughts on some of the things Owen had said.
“I am ready,” Bliss announced entering the room, the hood of her cloak pulled up on her head, her healing pouch attached at her waist, and a small sack in hand.
Do you truly love me? He wished he could voice his thought, but now was not the time. He held his hand out to her and she hurried to take it.
“Every word, wife,” he reminded.
“Aye, I will obey your every word, husband,” she confirmed.
Rannick looked to his father. “You need to post more warriors. This could also be a diversion so an attack could more easily be made on the village and keep.”
“The thought crossed my mind as well. I will see it done,” his father said. “And you and Bliss return home safely.”
“You ride with me,” Rannick said as he left the Great Hall with his wife. “I will not have your horse spooked or separated from me if attacked on the way there.”
“As you say, husband,” she said.
“That is the only response I will hear from you this night,” he reminded and turned away to speak with Lawler.
Bliss hugged the sack to her chest, relieved he had said nothing about her declaration of love. She did not know from where it had come. It had slipped out of her mouth of its own accord, or had it been the love in her heart that had made it so easy to say? She had to admit that it had left her feeling more gleeful than regretful, which made her believe it had been the right thing to do. She did not think she would ever have had the courage to tell him how she felt. And yet, the words had come naturally, as if it was something she had said every day to him.