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Chapter 1

13th century Scotland

“Please, ed, tears running down her full cheeks

Tears and determination filled Lady Aila’s eyes and she squeezed the woman’s slim arm “You have been more than a loyal servant to me, Gunna, you have been a kind and loyal friend I need that friendship and loyalty now more than ever”

“I won’t fail you, th for with the tilt of her chin

Lady Aila smiled softly “I know you won’t That is why I tasked you with this dangerous rateful I am to you for what you do for me”

Gunna’s tears continued to fall “I wish—”

“I knoish the same” Lady Aila wiped at the few tears that had escaped her eyes “Unfortunately, fate has other plans, but I won’t let fate decide o and do what you ht and turned away from her

Lady Aila fought her tears as she hurried through the castle and when she entered the Great Hall, she gasped Warriors were placing her husband on one of the tables She hurried to him

Her legs alht of his chest covered with blood She took his lirateful to feel his fingers close around hers though not with the strength of the hty warrior he had always been “Brochan”

His eyes fluttered open and he struggled to speak “Tell me it is done”

“It is done,her cheek next to his

Tears filled his eyes, soht years they had been married

“I have always loved you, Aila, and I will led to turn his head to kiss her cheek