Page 82 of Love Me Forever
“He has healed well.”
She was quick to answer. “Aye, so much so that he appears a different man to me.”
“He remains who he has always been,” Moira said, “except that he has lost his heart to you.”
She grew defensive, though she did not know why. “He gave me a choice.”
“A conditional choice, but then, you cannot bear a child, can you?” Moira asked with a smile.
Brianna sighed, half in frustration and half in relief. “How did you know?”
“It was obvious. You cry all the time, your appetite has increased, and you rest more than usual.”
“Does Ian know?”
Moira shook her head. “He suspects nothing, though he has asked me.”
“And?” Brianna asked anxiously.
“I could not tell him what I did not know.”
“I do not wish to deceive anyone—I only wish to make my own choice.”
Moira patted her arm. “I understand, I felt the same myself, but you cannot avoid Royce for long.”
“I know and I will talk with him when I am ready.”
Moira nodded. “Then I will tell him that you do not feel well, that your head aches and you wish to rest. But there is tomorrow.”
“At least I have tonight.”
“I will see that you have food.”
“Oh, please do, I am so hungry,” Brianna said anxiously.
Moira laughed. “All Royce needs to do is watch you and he will know.”
“Then I will stay away from him until I am ready to talk with him.”
Moira walked to the door. “That will not be easy. He is as determined as you.”
It did not prove easy at all, though Brianna avoided him for the remainder of the night and most of the next day. When she would catch a glimpse of him, she would quickly vanish, which was her present intention. She had seen him a short time ago speaking with Ian in the great hall, and she made a hasty stop in the kitchen for bread and cheese and intended to once again spend the evening in her bedchamber.
Quietly she climbed the stairs, and yawning, she slipped into her room, locking the door behind her.
‘Tired?”
She dropped the bread and cheese in fright and turned to face Royce, who was stretched out on her bed.
He immediately stood and walked toward her. “Do not bother to ask me what I am doing here, for you know full well why.”
She scooped up the bread and cheese and walked to the small table near the hearth to set it down.
He was tired of being avoided and followed her. “Why?”
She attempted ignorance. “Whatever do you mean?”
“Do not treat me like a fool.”
