Page 66 of The Lion

Duncan grunted in agreement.

At the thought of a bairn, Darach considered something he needed to do. While imprisoned, he’d thought about the possibility of dying and leaving behind a bairn. He needed to find out the truth.

“I have something to do,” Darach said. “I must speak to Lilia. Return to the keep. Let them know I am well. I will be there before last meal.”

“Is it a good idea?” Duncan asked. “Perhaps ye can go after.”

“This is something I need to find out. I will not be long.”

After a moment, Duncan met his gaze. “Why do ye seek out Lilia?”

“She is with child. If the bairn is mine, I need to know.”

“Very well, aye. Take some men with ye,” Duncan finally relented.

If Lilia was surprised to see him, she didn’t act it. “Ye come alone. Already ye grow bored of her?”

Darach didn’t want to make her angry as he hoped to find out the truth. While at the Uisdein and wondering if he’d live, one of the things he’d wanted to know was if he would have left a child.

“Did a midwife come to see ye?” he asked.

Lilia met his gaze, her lips curving. “Why would one come? It will not be time for a few months yet.” She walked to him and wrapped her arms around his waist then leaned her head on his chest. “I miss ye terribly, my laird.”

“Ye should marry and have yer own family,” Darach said. “I can arrange it.”

When she didn’t reply, Darach hugged her back. The woman had been kind to him and warmed his bed many a night. He didn’t love her. However, he’d grown fond of her and felt responsible to ensure she was protected, even if not carrying his child.

“Lilia, I wish for ye to be provided for.”

“Ye can keep me here, come spend time with me…”

“I cannot.” He lifted her chin so she could look at him. “Is the bairn mine?”

Her gaze fell, and for a long moment, he wondered if she was to reply. “Nay.”

Relief filled him.

“Allow me to help ye, Lilia.”

“No one will have me. I am not the kind of woman a man marries.” When she began to cry, he felt bad for her.

“I will find ye a willing husband, a good man. What of the bairn’s father?”

She shook her head but said nothing.

“Then I will ensure ye are protected.”

He kissed her brow and met her gaze. “Be with care, Lilia.”

By her resigned expression, she was aware he’d never seek her out again.

Chapter Eighteen

At the men returning, Isobel gathered with Lady Mariel, Ella, and Beatrice to welcome Darach back. Already a scout had arrived to announce that everything had gone smoothly. Darach had ridden out of the Uisdein keep relatively unscathed.

The gates opened and the brothers rode in, behind them several guards.

“Thank God,” Lady Mariel said, then looked to Isobel puzzled. “Do ye see Darach?”