Page 73 of The Scot

“I still do not understand why they let you go.” She paused. “Terric.”

“Roysa.”

They said each other’s names at once, and something about his tone told her the joy she felt at Terric’s homecoming was about to be tempered.

“What do you wish to say?” she asked softly.

“I missed you, craved you. Even now I can think of nothing save the feel of your lips on my own.”

Roysa wanted to kiss him more than she wanted to breathe. But she held back, dread welling up inside her stomach. She knew he had more to say and sensed she would not like it.

“But it seems I am unable to control myself when I’m with you.”

The answer was simple. “You needn’t.”

He groaned, his eyes softening. Roysa’s core clenched in anticipation—the way he was looking at her said more than any words possibly could.

Terric desired her. Wanted to lean into her as much as she wanted him to do so.

But the look was there and then gone.

“I asked you for permission to court you. And I asked the same of your father.”

She remembered clearly.

“Aye, you did,” Roysa said.

“I would proceed with this, but slowly.”

“Proceed with . . . this? What are you saying?”

“Ulster’s men are one, perhaps two days, behind me. We must prepare.”

“Terric? What are you saying?”

“The king must be defeated.”

Roysa’s heart began beating faster, and faster yet.

“Aye, of course, but . . .” She had no words. He was here, alive, but she felt him slipping away from her.

He released her hands.

“You should rest.”

“Rest? Terric, I don’t understand.”

He stood. “I care for you, Roysa.”

“I love you, Terric.”

There, she’d said it. Just as she’d wanted to—needed to—from the moment he woke her.

“I love you,” she repeated, “but I do not want to be courted by you. I wish to be with you. This night and every night.”

She was no longer afraid of her feelings. The fear of losing him had opened her eyes. She loved him, and he was here. Alive. Did anything else truly matter?

“Terric . . .”

“I am sorry, Roysa. Truly. I am.”

He left as quickly as he’d come. Roysa sat staring at her door as it closed. Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She’d done enough of that already.

Terric was as afraid, maybe more so, than she had been.

Nay, not afraid. Distracted. Understandable, given the circumstances. But he did care for her, and there was no question he desired her. She would not become upset simply because she could not control this situation. She would stay calm and give Terric the time he needed.