Highland Heather - Highland Heather Part 88
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Highland Heather Part 88

He had returned from Wales in time for their wedding. The celebration had been a moving one, causing more than a few tears among the guests.

But though most of the guests had long since left, the queen remained.

She had been badly shaken by Windham's attempt on her life. It reminded her, Morgan knew, of her mortality. And though she would soon return to London, she put off the journey as long as possible, desiring to store up the peace of the country for the long days ahead.

At the knock on his door he turned.

"Enter."

Elizabeth swept in alone.

"Where are your ever-present ladies. Majesty?"

"They await me in my chambers. My musician is entertaining them."

"Sit, Majesty. I will send for a servant."

"Nay." Elizabeth caught his arm. Then, in a playful gesture, she ran her hand along the muscles of his arm.

"You are so strong, my friend."

Her tone became brisk.

"Perhaps too strong."

"What does that mean?"

She paused, carefully choosing her words.

"Have you heard from her?"

"Who?"

"You know." She watched the way his eyes narrowed.

"Brenna."

"Nay. There have been no messages between us."

"Why?"

He shrugged, hating the feeling that came over him at the mere mention of her name.

"We have made our choices. Our lives move in different directions."

"Perhaps, if you loved her more, you would go to her."

"If she loved me enough, she would have stayed."

"She is the MacAlpin, Morgan, the leader of her people. When you brought her here against her will, she left many important things undone. It was her duty to see to her responsibilities."

"Aye. And I have responsibilities, as well." He turned blazing eyes on the queen.

"Or would you have me walk away from you, from all that I hold dear, and crawl to her."

"You, Morgan? Crawl?" The queen laughed.

"It is unthinkable."

"Aye. So where is the solution? She has her life in Scotland--1 have mine in England."

The queen took a long, deep breath.

"Brenna is a proud woman. I can understand that. I am also a proud woman."

"What about my pride?"

"Aye. There is that." The queen studied his firm profile. The merest hint of a smile tugged at her lips.

"My proud savage, I would ask a favor."

"Anything."

She arched an eyebrow.

"You make this easy."

"I am at your command. Majesty. You know that."

"There is talk of a rebellion on the Scottish border."

His eyes narrowed as he studied her.

"I have heard no talk of a rebellion."

"The news was just brought to me." She paused.

"Take your most trusted men and look into this."

"I will not see her while I am there."

"I would not ask it."

He nodded.

"I will leave at dawn."

Elizabeth brushed her lips across his cheek.