Highland Heather - Highland Heather Part 87
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Highland Heather Part 87

Elizabeth looked at the young woman who stood humbly before her and was reminded of the proud, rebellious young Scotswoman who had stood before her so defiantly on their first meeting.

"What is your request, Brenna MacAlpin?"

Brenna felt her heart thundering. She'd had several days to contemplate this. Since the queen had first informed her of this celebration, she had pondered. The queen had assured her that gold, titles, land, were all hers for the asking. But she had known from the first that there was only one thing she desired.

She loved Morgan. Loved him with all her heart. But she would come to him freely, of her own choice. He would understand. He was a man who valued his own freedom.

Beside her, Morgan beamed. He had no doubt as to what Brenna would choose. She loved him. He loved her. She would choose to stay with him forever.

"Freedom, Majesty. I would return to my people a free woman."

Morgan caught his breath as a pain as sharp as a dagger pierced his heart. This could not be happening. She would not ask such a thing.

Leave him? Return to Scotland?

As the queen spoke the words granting Brenna her freedom, Morgan felt all the joy of this day turn into ashes.

From the choir loft came organ music, swelling dramatically as Brenna made her way down the aisle. From her position in the first pew Adrianna rushed forward and hugged Richard.

Morgan spun on his heel and bowed before Elizabeth. In hushed tones he said, "I was told that Alden has assembled an army to ride to Wales."

"Aye." The queen looked puzzled.

,"r would ride with them."

"You? Morgan, you have barely recovered from your wounds."

"I have been away from the battle too long. Majesty. I am weary of lolling about like an old man. Give me your blessing."

The queen stared beyond him to where Brenna waited in the back of the abbey.

"This has to do with the lady's request for freedom, does it not?"

"It has to do with my freedom, Majesty. The lady has earned her freedom. I will not hold her. I freely choose to go to war."

Elizabeth placed a hand on Morgan's shoulder and brought her lips to his ear. "You know I cannot refuse your request, my friend. But I fear this time you go too far. She loves you. But how long can she be expected to wait while you work out your demons?"

"Have I your permission to go to Wales?"

Elizabeth gave a long, expressive sigh.

"Aye, my dear friend. You may go. So long as you promise to stay alive."

He kissed her hand and turned away. Then, steeling himself for the final confrontation, he made his way down the aisle and stopped before Brenna.

Her bright smile nearly shattered his resolve.

"I must bid you goodbye, my lady."

Brenna stared at him, uncomprehending.

"The queen is sending me to Wales to put down a rebellion."

"Wales. For how long...?" Brenna tried again.

"I had thought that you would accompany me to my home."

"I will send several of my most trusted men."

"I had so hoped you would meet my sisters."

"As you can see, my lady, it is an impossible request. My duty to the queen must come first."

"Aye." Brenna felt her lower lip tremble and bit down hard. Had he not made it plain a long time ago that he did not wish to marry again?

What had he said?

"I would rather face a horde of invaders without a weapon." She had been warned. But like all women from the beginning of time, she had foolishly thought her love could change everything.

"I.

shall miss you, Morgan. Will you come to Scotland when this--rebellion is put down? "

Morgan looked away, unable to meet her gaze.

"If I could but see the future, Brenna."

He forced himself to take her hand and lift it to his lips. He felt the jolt and took a deep breath. For a few minutes longer he must be strong.

"Farewell, Brenna."

"Goodbye, Morgan. God go with you."

"And with you, my lady."

He turned away and squared his shoulders. Behind him Brenna leaned against the cold stone wall of the abbey and prayed her legs would continue to support her. The pain around her heart was so terrible, she feared she would embarrass herself by bursting into tears.

From her position at the altar a compassionate queen watched with keen interest. And when Morgan and Brenna turned away from each other, she felt their pain as if it were her own.

Chapter Twenty-five

-IVlorgan leaned a hip against the balcony and stared out over the vast lands of his estate. Always before, Greystone Abbey had brought him peace. After each battle he had returned eagerly to this place so that he could refresh his mind, his soul, his body. But that was before Brenna. Now he could find no peace at Greystone. Perhaps, he thought darkly, there would never be peace for him again.

Everywhere he looked he saw Brenna. In the cheery rooms that had once been so somber. In the refectory, where Mistress Leems still served the foods that Brenna had introduced to her. In these very rooms, where the air was perfumed with the dried flower petals that lined the chest and wardrobe. In the rose garden, where a new fountain bubbled beneath the gnarled old tree where he and Richard had played as lads.

He glanced down. In the rose garden below he watched as Adrianna settled herself on Richard's lap and brought her arms around his neck.

Morgan turned away, feeling like an intruder.