Page 42 of Forbidden Desire

My reply was interrupted by the roaring entrance of tens of people, each bowing as Rasmie turned to acknowledge them.

“Soon,” he promised, looking back at me. “Stay with our guest.”

I did not require that instruction, my concentration shifting back to Elodie as Rasmie stalked to his seat and beckoned the onlookers forward. I had already vowed to ensure her wellbeing and meant every word. Although I might want to rip her from the bars of the aviary and do wicked things with her, I would be damned before I allowed any other man to touch her.

“Come,” Rasmie ordered, motioning the eager folk inside. “Come and bear witness.”

Watching the front row fill with enthusiastic faces, I wandered around the aviary, putting myself between Elodie and the prying hands of Eanruig. The old man had been widowed some two years past and was well known for his want of another wife. Lowering to Elodie’s height, I cast an eye over her, disregarding my yearning as our eyes met.

“Good doe bheag,” I soothed, so only she could hear. Her narrowing eyes did not convey the gratitude I had hoped for as her fingers wrapped around the wooden bars. “This shall be over soon.”

Although her captivity would not.

“Oh God!” Another woman’s voice caught my attention, and glancing up, Desiree entered the fold. “Oh God, Elodie!”

The brunette in the aviary tensed at her sister’s approach, her breathing frantic as Desiree headed in our direction.

“No, nighean bheag.” Rasmie’s command echoed around the noise of the throng, and Desiree’s feet halted at the sound.

“But Maighstir.” She turned to him, her expression imploring. “Please, you promised you would not hurt her.”

“She is not hurt.” Rasmie gestured in Elodie’s direction. “My brother has taken good care of her.”

Turning, Desiree’s eyes widened as her gaze slid from her sister to me.

“Sit with me.” Rasmie clicked his fingers, drawing his wife’s concentration once more. “I am about to pass judgment.”

“El?” Desiree paused, her desire to console Elodie obvious.

“Do as our maighstir asks, Mathair,” I prompted, conscious her disobedience would do little to aid Elodie. Increasingly, Rasmie’s mood hinged on whether his new bride chose to be compliant.

“Aye,” Rasmie concurred. “Listen to my brother and do as I bid.”

Blowing out a breath, Desiree walked to his side, falling to her knees next to his seat.

“Maighstir.” Eric’s voice splintered the growing noise, the crowd parting as he created an aisle between them. “Tell us what brings us together this day.”

“I call a trial.”

Rasmie’s voice radiated with glee, and for once, I was inclined to agree. Excitement bubbled in my belly, though I knew it was too early to be drawn by the sentiment. He might have inferred I would have my way, but Elodie’s sentence was yet to be announced, and I knew better than to assume my brother’s intentions.

“Pray tell us why, Maighstir,” Eric continued.

“This stranger has been cast upon our shores.” Signaling toward the aviary, Rasmie’s gesture guaranteed every set of eyes landed on the panting woman inside.

“And a fine one she is, too!”

I glared at Eanruig’s observation, rising to my full height to remind him of my presence.

“Hold your tongue, Eanruig,” I warned. “Only Eric and our maighstir may speak.”

“Taing do, Jeemie,” Rasmie replied, his concentration back on Eric.

“Another woman from the gods, Maighstir?” The man who served as Rasmie’s second-in-command glanced at Elodie, his brows knitting. “It is unusual.”

“I have spent time communing with the divine.” Rasmie smiled. “And shall get to my verdict soon enough, but first... the charges.”

“Aye,” Eric straightened. “The girl has trespassed, as your wife did not long before, and I see she is unable to speak for herself.”

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