He nodded reluctantly.
She then turned to Rogan. “I expect my brother to be welcomed in our home.”
Rogan answered with a sharp nod.
“Good, it is settled,” she said, though she doubted her own words. The two men obviously were far from being friendly. It didn’t seem likely now that she would be able to enjoy her brother’s visit.
“Our home,” Raynor whispered to her as they walked toward the village. “I thought you planned on ridding yourself of him. Chase him off and claim this land as your own.”
“Fiona’s words?” she questioned.
“I should have known.” Raynor shook his head. “You are twins. You’re as stubborn as Fiona.”
She hooked her arm in his. “Visit with me and forget about what Fiona has told you. See for yourself and tell me your opinion on the matter. I welcome your opinion. It would mean much to me.”
“Maybe you’re not as stubborn as Fiona,” he said. “I surely have missed you and have thought often of the great lengths you went to, to save my life. You have no idea how you made a very difficult time bearable for me. I want to be there for you as you once were for me. Anything you need, Aliss, just ask.”
A table was set outside, the weather far too beautiful for them to stay indoors. Platters and tankards filled with drink and food were placed before the three.
“This land is bountiful and more beautiful than I recall,” Raynor said, glancing around with curiosity and awe.
“If I remember correctly, you and Tarr had a dispute over this land,” Aliss said, hoping to discover as much as she could about the isle.
“We did.”
“Who actually owned the land?” she asked, eager to continue her investigation.
“That is debatable,” Raynor said.
“Not really,” Rogan corrected. “The land rightfully belongs to me, inherited from my parents.”
Aliss almost choked on her wine. Rogan had told her of his father bringing him here as a young lad, but never had he said it was an inheritance. Why had he not confided in her?
“Tarr would object to your claim since the isle belonged to his mother’s family,” Raynor informed him.
“Then why did you lay claim to it?” Rogan challenged.
“I was told that the land would unite two important clans and bring peace to the area for years to come. I hoped to be one of those clans.”
“Who told you that?” Aliss asked, more curious than ever.
Raynor shrugged. “I don’t recall.”
He obviously lied and Aliss wondered why. Didn’t he want Rogan to know? And if so, why not? She would find out when she had the chance to speak with him alone.
“Then peace should reign now, since two important clans, Hellewyk and Wolf, have united,” she said, hoping to avert a clash between the two obviously tense men.
“For now,” Raynor reminded.
“Forever,” Rogan corrected.
“From what Tarr tells me, you two have a bargain, and in six months you will be gone, out of my sister’s life.”
“But still her husband.”
“What do you mean?” Raynor asked.
Aliss watched her brother grow tall in his seat, his shoulders drawn back as if he were on the defensive. She wanted no altercation between them, but her husband’s remark also had her inquisitive.
“I will leave if that is Aliss’s choice, but I will remain her husband until death separates us. There will be no dissolution of our vows.”
Chapter 28
Dusk had settled when Raynor went to join his men, who had set up camp just outside the village.
Aliss had grown weary from the tension that had been palpable between the two men, and while she looked forward to her brother’s visit, she could do without the animosity between the two.
Then there was the startling news that Rogan had claimed the isle as his rightful inheritance. She wanted to know more and waited for him to come to bed.
Her eyes were drifting shut when he finally entered their bedchamber. He was exceptionally quiet, attempting not to make a sound. Was it his intention to avoid her?
She would have none of that. As soon as he slipped gently beneath the covers she asked, “You mentioned that you inherited this isle from your parents.”
He jumped. “I thought you were asleep.”
“I waited for you. Which parent had it belonged to?”
He rustled uncomfortably in the bed. “It doesn’t matter. The isle is rightfully mine and will be passed on to our children.”
“Until this is settled between us, you yourself felt a child would only be an interference.”
He turned on his side to face her. “Don’t you want a child, Aliss?”
“We made a bargain,” she snapped, her own doubt annoying her. “A child would keep us together.”