Bliss rested her hand on his arm that circled her waist and tilted her head back against his naked chest to glance up at him with a tender smile. “I am a lucky woman to have you love me.”
That she thought herself lucky to be married to the cursed lord warmed his heart. “You are a brave soul for believing that, wife.”
“One needs no bravery when the truth is spoken.” Rannick turned her around in his arms and she hastily pressed her fingers to his lips before he could speak. “We love each other and that is all that matters.” Her lips replaced her hand with a tender kiss. “I have much to do today. I can dally no more.”
Rannick let her wiggle out of his embrace and got busy donning his garments. “It has been a week now and gossip goes well that the curse is dead.” He chuckled. “I am beginning to believe it myself.”
“People do seem more lighthearted and more engaged with one another. Illnesses have been minor and easily dispatched, and two healthy bairns were birthed easily this week.” She smiled. “Best of all, no attempts have been made on our lives. I do believe our plan is working.”
“Or does the truth drive the change?” Rannick asked, having spent much time considering that the curse had been halted with the possibility of the MacWilliam bloodline about to be resurrected.
Bliss went to her husband, his worry obvious with how often his hand went to rest on her stomach, a slight roundness beginning to show there. This time she placed his hand on her stomach. “He is tucked safely away, and I have no fear or worry with you nearby. I know you will always protect us.” Her hand quickly went to his lips. “Do not say it. I know you would give your life for us, but it pains my heart to hear you say it.”
He hugged her tight. It pained his heart as well since he would give his life for her and their bairn and that meant leaving them, and that thought caused him the most pain he had ever felt in his life.
He grabbed her wool shawl off the chest and draped it around her. “I’m starving and from the sounds your stomach is making, I’d say you feel the same.”
Bliss laughed. “I am famished.”
He hurried her out of their bedchamber and down to the Great Hall. Meals had become more pleasant than when Bliss had first arrived at the keep. Lady Helice often moved to sit next to Bliss since father and son talked much with each other. She got to learn a lot about the workings of the keep and the duties of a wife to the chieftain from Lady Helice, and she enjoyed the stories of when Rannick was but a young lad.
They were halfway through the meal when Lawler entered, a dusting of snow on him, with a young woman.
“Damia’s sister, Lana, has arrived, Lord Lochlann,” Lawler announced, stopping a short distance from the dais.
“Is it true, my lord, my sister Damia is here?” Lana asked, tossing back her hood, snow falling off it as she did.
Bliss was surprised by the contrast in the two sisters. Lana had to stand a head over Damia and where her eyes were a soft blue, Lana’s were more of a striking blue. They both possessed the same round face, though wrinkles marred much of Lana’s face, whereas Damia had none.
“Damia is here,” Lord Lochlann confirmed, “though it is Lord Rannick you speak to where your sister is concerned.”
Lana bowed her head respectfully to Rannick before speaking. “I thank you for seeing to my sister, Lord Rannick.”
Rannick looked past her to Lawler. “Have you sent for Damia?”
“Aye, my lord, Bram brings her,” Lawler confirmed.
“Thank you again. It has been so long since I have seen her—”
“LANA!”
The joyful screech had Lana turning and running to her sister. The two hugged, tears rolling down their cheeks.
“My goodness, you are with child,” Lana said after they released each other. “It appears as if I will become an aunt any day.”
“A couple of weeks I believe,” Damia said, wiping at her tears.
Bliss wiped at her own tears, joy filling her heart for them as it had done upon seeing Annis after too long of a separation.
“Wonderful, then there is time for you to return home with me,” Lana said gleefully.
Bliss saw Bram scowl. Though he and Damia bickered, Bliss had also seen the way the two clasped hands when walking with each other. And though Bram had been freed of looking after Damia, he now spent even more time with her. It was obvious he did not like the idea of her leaving.
“Damia has a home here now,” Rannick said.
Bliss was relieved her husband had spoken up, making it clear Damia could remain here if she wished.”