Binding Vows(79)
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He took her head in his hands. “Any man would be lucky to have you as a wife, chaste or not.”
He lied she knew, but she didn’t call him on it.
There was no purpose. Besides, life was more important to live than chastity was to keep.
****
The three of them rode is silence. The fog covered the land and cloaked the riders in the perfect cover. The sun peaked over the horizon, slightly burning off the fog when they stopped and set the stones in a circle.
“Remember, Lizzy is short for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth McAllister. If for any reason she won’t listen, find Cassy. Cassandra Ross.” Tara thought she was missing something, and found herself rambling.
“You’ve told me all of this. I won’t forget.” Myra pulled off the cloak covering the modern clothing she wore. “Here, I won’t be needing this.”
Tara held her tears back and smiled like she meant it.
Duncan held his sister for one last moment, listened as she whispered, “Congratulations, brother.”
“For what?” he asked.
She smiled and said, “You’ll see.”
One by one they touched the stones activating them until they glowed and pulsed.
“God’s speed,” Duncan called.
The wind started to turn and light shimmered and burned.
“Hey, Myra?” Tara called out distracting her from what was to come after sensing her fear.
“What?” she yelled over the noise.
“Have Lizzy take you to Magicland. The rides don’t compare to this, but you’ll love it.”
Myra held onto her sack and waved with her 235
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free hand. “Magicland. I’ll remember.” Myra started the chant.
Duncan pulled Tara back when the ground began to shake. In a flash of light and a thunderous roar, Myra vanished.
The earth was scarred where the stones had been placed.
Both of them couldn’t help but wonder if they would ever see Myra again.
So this is what it’s like to say goodbye, Duncan thought.
At least you know where she’s going. Lizzy never knew. Maybe now she will.
Duncan kissed the back of his wife’s hand and made their way back home.
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Binding Vows
Chapter 21
The family went from operation LA, to operation cover up.
When anyone asked about Myra, the family would say, “You just missed her.” Or, “If you run, you might be able to catch her.”
But this grew tiresome and proved difficult.
On the third day after Myra’s departure, they concocted a story about an illness she contracted, which would keep her confined to her room. This was much easier to maintain.
Tara and Lora were in charge of minding the sick, so there was no need for anyone else to bother.
When a knock came at the door, Tara would jump under the covers, pull up the sheets, and pretend to be Myra.
The ploy worked and no one suspected a thing.
As winter set in, the nights grew longer. The newlyweds enjoyed the longer nights for their lovemaking. It was easy to forget the troubles of the household in Duncan’s arms. Tara sought them constantly. Passion filled nights often led to late mornings.
Tara enjoyed the winter weather and snuggled into their bed after Duncan went off to train with the men. She slept more than usual. She thought her worry for Myra was partly the cause.
The door to the bedroom opened with a crash, startling Tara awake.
“I’m sorry, my lady. I didn’t know ye’d still be abed at this time of day.” Megan scurried into the 237
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room, closing the door behind her.
Tara’s pulse pounded at an alarming speed as her body responded to the intrusion. Her stomach gave protest. She bit back the bitter taste of bile.
“My lady, are ye well?” Megan asked.
Tara leaned back in the bed, waited for the nausea to pass. “I’m fine, Megan. Maybe some water.”
The maid hurried to get what she requested. “I hope ye’re not getting ill from Myra. She’s been a bed for the better part of the week.” She handed Tara her drink. “This room has such a chill. Had I known you weren’t well, I would have brought more wood to warm the room.”
The fire was all but out, yet Tara could have sworn Duncan had hocus-pocused it before he left her. “What time is it?”
“Nearly mid-day.” Megan drew the drapes back to let the light shine in.
“It’s late. I should check on Myra,” Tara lied.
“I can do that, my lady. Ye look like ye should stay abed.”
“No! I mean nay.” Pulling back the covers, Tara started to get up. Her stomach clenched again, this time in earnest.
She ran to the pot on the other side of the room and retched. When she finished, Megan handed her a towel and took the pot away.