Page 96 of Highlander the Conqueror

“We will talk all day tomorrow, Leora,” Sky said, grateful to her husband for giving her and her sister time alone. She had been amazed at learning about Leora’s true parents and Elsie’s as well. She looked forward to the three of then reuniting soon so they could share their stories. “Now, I would like time with my husband.”

Leora looked at her sister while she pointed to Slayer. “I do not know how you ever managed to fall in love with that heathen.”

Slayer turned to Noble. “I regret condemning you to marriage with this woman.”

Sky placed her hand in front of her mouth, attempting to hide her laughter.

Noble stifled his laughter as he approached his wife so he could say, “Would you not want time with me if it was you in that bed?”

Leora looked ready to argue and stopped, and rested herself against her husband when he slipped his arm around her waist to pull her close.

“I look forward to talking with you tomorrow,” Sky said, seeing that her sister had reluctantly capitulated.

“We have plenty of time to talk since Noble and I will be staying here for a while. I sent word to Elsie for her and Cavell to travel here. I have missed my sisters, and it is time we got together again.”

Slayer appeared ready to command otherwise and Sky sent him a silent plea, her two different colored eyes saying it all for her.

“You and Noble and Elsie and Cavell are welcome to visit, but don’t forget, I command here,” Slayer reminded.

“How could I possibly forget that when you endlessly remind me?” Leora said, her glare returning.

Slayer returned her glare. “And yet somehow you keep forgetting.”

Noble looked at Sky and smiled as he shook his head, and Sky chuckled.

“Let’s go, wife,” Noble said and with his arm firm around her waist and with a firm nudge he got her moving toward the door.

“Sky needs rest, not a demanding husband tonight,” Leora called out.

Noble’s hand rushed to cover his wife’s mouth as he forced her out the door, and he called out, “Sleep well.”

“Please don’t,” Sky said and stretched her hand out to her husband when he looked ready to go after them.

Slayer blew out a frustrated breath before he walked around to the side of the bed, took her hand, and sat. “Your sister is exasperating.”

Sky’s smile bloomed softly. “You two have quite a bit in common.”

“Bite your tongue, woman.”

Sky grinned. “You both protect me.” She chuckled. “And you both can be overbearing.” Her laughter faded and she squeezed his hand. “And you both love me.”

“I suppose she has some good points,” he said. “So, I will learn to tolerate her. Please tell me Elsie is different.”

“You will get along with Elsie. She is reasonable.”

“Thank the heavens for that,” he said, knitting his fingers with hers. “Before you grow too tired, tell me about what Halfdan had to say to you.”

This time Sky’s smile consumed her face. “I was shocked to learn that your mum helped deliver me.”

Slayer could not hide his surprise. “My mum?”

“I believe there was more to your mum than anyone knew. Euniss once told me how your mum would retreat to Whitehall Abbey now and again. I imagine it was not a retreat for herself but to help other women since Leora told me that women in need often sought help at the abbey.”

“My mum was adamant about a yearly stipend to Whitehall Abbey and my father never fought her on it, probably because she retreated there leaving him unbothered.”

“Your mum bravely lied to Halfdan about me dying along with my mum in childbirth. Another newly born bairn must have died that day since your mum showed him my mum laying in repose with a deceased bairn cradled in her arm.”

“So that is another reason for Halfdan’s revenge against my family.”

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