Chapter 15
Everyone said their goodbyes to the selkies and boarded the galleys again.
When Brodie lifted Elsea to carry her, his muscles tense, she could not bear looking at him and his dark glower. She stiffened and turned her face away.
Why was he so vexed? Because Arabella had linked their hands?
Elsea should punch him.
As the men lifted the sail, she slid as far away from Brodie as possible on the thwart. She tried to maintain two feet, but he wouldn't allow it. He moved closer.
Why did he have to ruin the whole experience of meeting the selkies? It had been enchanting, and she'd nearly wept at their grateful, artless manner. They were pure of heart and so sweet and kind, almost like children. Which made what that brute Talnaroch was doing that much worse.
When Arabella had wrapped Brodie's hand around Elsea's, she had been stunned breathless.
Beautiful tingles had whorled through her, as if Arabella were magically joining their souls.
But Brodie's scowl had been a dark storm cloud.
Aye, she deserved it, but... that did not dispel the deflated gloom that engulfed her.
She should simply accept that he would forever hold a grudge and cast her hopes and yearnings into the sea.
She had helped the selkies, and she would keep helping them. That was enough.
The rest of the trip passed in silence. Brodie remained like a lump of stone beside her, and his clansmen gave him sideways glances, obviously not wanting to rile him further.
When they reached the coast just below Farspag, 'twas growing late.
Brodie helped her ashore again. She did not bother looking at him, and when he set her to her feet in the sand, she thanked him as if he were a stranger.
She headed toward the cliff's steps, hoping he wouldn't notice.
"Could I help you up the cliff, m'lady?" Neil asked.
She did not see any teasing or flirtation in his eyes this time. In fact, he looked most serious. She glanced back to the galleys, finding Brodie busy. "I'm certain I can do it."
"The chief would be devastated if you should fall."
Hardly. He would probably be overjoyed.
She relented and allowed Neil to take her hand and lead her up. Finnian followed.
At the top, on level ground again, she thanked Neil, and he returned down the cliff. Finnian approached her, using his staff, carved with fantastical creatures.
"Could I have a word inside, lass?" he asked, his breath only slightly elevated.
"Aye." What could he possibly wish to discuss with her? He had helped her with her injury, but she was fast recovering and no longer needed his help.
Minutes later, once they were inside the castle, she followed Finnian into his workroom. She inhaled the mixed scents of dried herbs.
"How is your head?" he asked.
She touched the lump on her scalp. "Still a bit sore, but nay painful."
"Good. I was afraid the trip might be too hard on you."
She shook her head. "I am well."
"You are a strong young lady. Forgive me for being so forward, but I see how you feel about the chief."
Her face burning, she covered her cheeks and stared at him, speechless.
"Nay, do not be embarrassed, lass. Your feelings for him are pure and beautiful, and I'm so happy to see them. The selkies were aware, too. They are telepathic, you ken. They can read your thoughts and emotions." Finnian gave a slight smile.
"Oh, heavens." Was that why Arabella had wrapped Brodie's hand around hers? Had she sensed Elsea's love for him?
"'Tis Chief Brodie who is the problem," Finnian went on. "His stubbornness knows no bounds. He'll hold a grudge until kingdom come."
She nodded. "I probably deserve it."
"Nay, you do not," Finnian said with vehemence.
Goodness, she had not expected him to defend her with such zeal. She knew not what to say to that except.... "Well, I thank you."
His voice gentled. "Have you apologized to him?"
"Aye, but not well enough, I suppose. He refuses to listen. I tried to explain why I had to do what I did."
"The salmon that hit his chest." Finnian chuckled. "'Twas a sign."
"It was?"
"Aye, it was trying to impart some wisdom on the obstinate lad."
"Oh." How funny. She was not superstitious enough to believe that, but she didn't argue.
"'Twas telling him to listen to his heart." Finnian's sharp blue gaze held hers. "You love the lad, do you not?"
Saints! She had never expected such a direct question. Heat washed over her.
Finnian waited, the corners of his lips lifting a fraction in his snowy beard.
She swallowed hard and looked away, wishing she could hide her fragile feelings. "Aye. Though I ken 'tis foolish of me."
"'Tis nay foolish at all, lass. You are wise beyond your years.
" Finnian paced as if considering. "I think you should tell him everything and lay your soul bare.
'Tis the only way to get through the thick stone wall he has built around his heart to protect himself.
His heart is still broken, and he is fearful of being hurt again. "
Biting her lip, she nodded, for she knew this.
"Tell him your reasons, how you felt then, and how you feel now." Finnian's perceptive gaze pinned her to the spot.
Heavens, to make herself that vulnerable. He might destroy her. "I'm nay sure...."
"I've grown rather fond of the lad in the past couple of months," Finnian mused.
"He is a good man. There is nay a selfish bone in his body.
Aye, he is crabbit and thunderous, but I have never seen a man in such agony.
When I look at his future in the keek stane, 'tis bleak indeed if the curse remains.
There is nay an herbal remedy for what ails him. You are the only elixir."
"You're saying since I'm the one who wounded him, I'm the one who must heal him?"
"I'm nay casting any blame. I ken you must've had your reasons."
"I gave in to Wilona MacRae's demands because I thought I had nay other option," Elsea said, darkness twisting through her.
"The witch showed me in horrifying, gory detail how she would slaughter Brodie if I did not betray him completely and destroy any chance of a happy future.
She proved that she could shift, fly to him quickly, and kill him before I could warn him.
" Her throat tightened, constraining her words.
"I would do anything to save his life, even give up my own. "
Finnian nodded, agony and compassion in his blue eyes.
"The hag knew 'twas the only way to secure her curse," he said, then paused a long moment.
"If you can, give him your love and trust first. Explain to him again why you did it and how it hurt you too.
A hundred times over if you must. The rage will devour him from the inside out if it is given free rein. "
"True." She pressed her eyes closed. Her tight throat ached. She wanted to express her feelings, but would he listen?
"'Tis clear to me he cares about you. That's why he brought you here.
He even worries over which herbs are in your tisanes.
" Finnian grinned. "He carried you to and from the galley as if you were precious cargo, not allowing his guards to lay a hand on you.
When Neil was leading you up the cliff, never have I seen such a volatile expression on the chief's face. "
"Indeed? He was angry over that?" she asked.
"Jealous."
"I hope he does nay punish Neil."
"I will speak to him. But you must know, he has never gotten over you, Lady Elsea. Can you nay see it?"
"I see fury, and I fear he will never be able to forgive."
"Tha an cridhe a tha làn feirge na eallach trom ri ghiùlan." The heart that is full of anger is a heavy burden to bear.
"I agree," she said.
"He is a strong man, but... he was brought to his knees. The selkies perceived clearly that you are supposed to be Brodie's mate. You remember what the selkie lass Arabella did."
"Aye, I found it touching, but Brodie was enraged."
"Deep down, it touched him too," Finnian whispered.
"That's why he was angry. He's determined to not be moved from his position.
You're the only one who can unlock the door and release him from the cage the witch trapped him in.
It will not be easy. He will no doubt fling insults, but you must ignore them.
He would not harm you physically, lass. His threats are empty. "
"He backs down when I stand up to him."
Grinning, Finnian nodded. "You see. He loves your strength. You may not have seen the admiration in his eyes, but I have."
She shook her head. "He does not look at me like he used to."
"But he will, once he forgives and releases the rage."
***
brODIE DID NOT WISH to return to the keep, but he had to.
He was hungry and needed strength to return to Dunrhyne and perhaps fight a battle with the knaves.
His stomach growled when he crossed the bailey and the scents of roasted meats and bread reached him.
'Twas close to gloaming and the wind was growing stronger.
He hoped there would be no storm this night.
He must eat quickly and return to Rònmòrach.
In the great hall, the clan was gathering for the meal. His gaze landed on Elsea, seated by his chair, and beside her, his mother, grinning. Damnation! More manipulation. He would ignore Elsea and all of them and focus on eating.
After crossing the room, he dropped into his chair. "Ladies," he greeted, determined that was the extent of his communication.
"M'laird," Elsea murmured.
His mother leaned forward, smiling. "Brodie, my darling. Did you have a pleasant trip?"
"Aye, thrilling," he said in a dry tone.
Elsea released a breath just below a chuckle, drawing his gaze. Her lips lifted the barest fraction, then she glanced away. Damned if she wasn't enchanting.
So, she wasn't still angry at him over his scowl? She had changed her clothes and now wore an elegant blue gown and the selkie bead necklace. It looked lovely on her.
His chest felt bruised, but not because a salmon had struck him.