“Warrick,” Adara cried out, but before she finished his name he had her up in his arms and was running to the keep. She wrapped her arms around his neck tight and whispered, “I love you, please, always remember that I love you.”

“Do not speak like they are your last words. You will be fine. Espy will see to it,” Warrick said. “I command it. You will not die.”

Langdon ran past him. “I will alert them.” He ran off ahead of them.”

“Warrick,” Adara whispered.

“Not a word. Save your strength,” he ordered, his fear rising like a demon to devour him. This was his fault, all his fault. “I should have never touched you last night.”

“No, it is no one’s fault. You will not blame yourself for this.” She rested her brow to his cheek. “I love you. I wanted you. If you blame yourself, then you blame me too. You blame our love and I do not want to think that.”

“Think only on how much I love you,” Warrick said, angry with himself for heaping more worry on her.

Innis met them in the Great Hall. “Espy and Cyra wait in your bedchamber.”

Warrick flew up the stairs and his fear mounted when he saw the dire looks on Espy, Cyra, Callie, and Wynn’s faces. The sorrowful looks on Craven and Roark’s faces did nothing to help as well.

“On the bed,” Espy ordered.

Warrick placed his wife gently on the bed, the blankets having been turned back in wait.

“Please leave us,” Espy ordered gently.

“No! I will not leave her,” Warrick said, taking his wife’s hand, so small and cold, and locking his fingers with hers.

“You cannot help her and you will only be in the way. Leave her to me and Cyra… it is her only chance,” Espy pleaded.

“Go, my husband, I will do fine,” Adara encouraged, though the lack of conviction in her voice said much more.

Warrick fought with his need to remain with her, keep her safe, protect her, but Espy could only do that now. “Do not let her die,” he ordered, glaring at Espy.

“Espy will do her best, but if,” —Adara fought to keep the quiver out of her voice— “if for some reason I do not survive, Warrick, I want Espy to save the bairn. You cannot be upset with her if she must do that.”

“What do you mean?” Warrick demanded.

“I want her to cut the bairn from me if there is no other way.”

Warrick’s mighty roar echoed off the stone walls. “No! Never will I allow her to do that.”

While everyone took a step back, fearing the Demon Lord, Craven stepped forward. “I thought that way once when Espy tried to save mine and Aubrey’s bairn. If I had not been so foolish, the child might have lived. Pay heed to your wife’s courageous words and give your bairn the chance I did not give mine.”

Warrick could not fathom that happening to his wife. He did not even want to think about it. He could not lose her. He could not and yet it seemed as if everyone believed her already dead. No. No. He would not have it.

He leaned over his wife, kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear. “You will not die, wife. You will not leave me. I command it.”

“I will do my best, husband,” Adara whispered, a tear trickling down her cheek.

Warrick kissed her brow. “My love and strength stay with you.” He reluctantly let go of her hand and as it slipped out of his, he feared she was slipping away from him forever. He walked over to Espy. “Save them both, I beg of you save them both.”

The room went silent. No one had ever heard the Demon Lord beg anyone.

Craven and Roark followed Warrick out of the room and down to the Great Hall where Innis was instructing the servants to prepare hot water and to gather clean cloths and moldy bread.

“You will go help them,” Warrick said as if it was an order.

“They are in more capable hands with Espy and Cyra, especially Espy. Her father was a great physician, traveling to other countries and learning methods physicians here thought barbaric. If anyone can save your wife and child’s lives, it is Espy.”

His words brought some comfort and hope to Warrick as he joined Craven and Roark at a table. He gave a glance around and was not surprised that Langdon was nowhere to be seen. He did not care at the moment. His wife and bairn were the only thing that mattered.

“Tell me the truth, Espy. Am I going to die?” Adara asked, feeling a trickle of blood run out of her now and again as Cyra and Wynn helped her out of her garments and into a nightdress.

Espy answered honestly. “I do not know. I will use all I know, all my father taught me, and everything Cyra taught me, to save you and the bairn.”

Cyra walked over to Espy, leaving Wynn and Callie to settle Adara and whispered, “I have seen this and it does not bode well.”

“I know, but Father taught me that it is due to the afterbirth coming first. If it blocks the birth canal completely there is nothing I can do. If it only partially blocks the birth canal, then there is a chance the bairn can deliver safely. Adara can survive as long as the bleeding remains minimal and her labor is not long and strenuous.” Espy looked to Adara. “Did anyone ever speak to you of when your mum delivered you?”

Wynn answered, “I was there and her mum delivered her with ease, barely a pain, and not a shout from her.”

Espy was pleased to hear that, for it gave her hope.

Adara felt another pain and rubbed at her stomach, silently letting the bairn know all would go well. Please, God, please let it be so.

Warrick could not remain seated after a while. He paced the length of the Great Hall, fear refusing to leave him. He did not know what he would do without Adara. He had not known how empty his life had been until he met her. Now he could not imagine life without her. Or the bairn he had come to love, having felt him move within his wife or give a hardy kick. He had thought often on how if he had a son how differently he would teach his son compared to how his father had taught him. He would make him strong, courageous, though not through fear. He would teach him that love was not weakness but strength, and he would heap love upon him so that he could feel and know the truth of it himself.

He stopped pacing when he reached the front of the Great Hall and saw Langdon step out of the shadows.

“We should talk while you wait,” Langdon offered.

Warrick nodded, realizing he wanted to know the truth, for his wife was now in danger of the crown.

The two men sat in a dark corner of the Great Hall, Craven and Roark making certain the two men maintained their privacy.

Langdon did not wait, he spoke up almost as if he were eager to share his story. “I stumbled into Faline, Adara’s mum, in the woods.” He smiled at the memory. “Actually stumbled right into her, my arms going around her as we tumbled to the ground together. I had not seen her as I sprinted recklessly past trees and bushes, over hills and down glens. It was something I had done since a child, run at great speeds. It gave me a sense of freedom. The instant I looked upon her dark blue eyes just like Adara’s, I fell in love.” He laughed. “I foolishly stole a kiss and though Faline got upset, I caught a hint of a smile on her lips. It was all I needed to encourage me.

“That spring into summer was the best time of my life. I fell deeply in love with a beautiful woman who returned my love tenfold. I did not care about anything but Faline and when she told me she was with child, I wanted only to take her someplace safe and build a life with her. Unfortunately, the King learned there was a possibility of a threat to his throne. Few knew of my identity, but it was enough that I feared for Faline and my bairn’s life.

“My close friend since childhood, Gregory, agreed to pose as Faline’s husband and take them both far north into the Highlands. I planned to meet them when it was safe and take Faline and our daughter away. We wed secretly before Faline left.” Tears glistened in his eyes. “My last night with her was much too brief. I did not want to let her go, but I had to. My heart broke when I held and kissed her for the last time. She was so courageous, telling me not to worry, we would be together again.”

Warrick watched the man choke back tears and his own heart ached for him. He would have done the same to protect Adara.

“I did all I could to make sure I buried my identity and even from those who thought I should make a bid for the crown. I knew the devastating possibilities that could bring and I wanted no more death and destruction for my country. I left for the Highlands.” Langdon turned silent and squeezed his eyes shut for a brief moment. “My heart shattered completely when I discovered that Faline had succumbed to fever shortly after Gregory lost his life to the same and that my daughter was nowhere to be found.”

Warrick remained silent when Langdon paused for a moment, the painful memories difficult for him.

“I finally learned that Faline had begged a crofter family to take Adara to her uncle Owen and that they would be paid handsomely for it. They never did. I also discovered that an ally of mine discovered that Adara was my child and to keep her safe, so he thought, he saw to it that she was moved from family to family. I learned he died and with him all connection to my daughter. I continued to search endlessly for her to no avail and finally decided to return here to MacVarish keep and see if Owen had any knowledge of my daughter’s whereabouts. I cannot tell you how shocked I was when I saw Adara. She looks exactly like her mum, dark blue eyes, pale skin, blonde hair, and petite. I stayed on here, wanting to be close to her, angry that she had suffered so much and wanting to keep her safe while I could, knowing that one day I would have to leave her just as I had to leave her mum.” Langdon choked back his tears.

“Ronald found out who you were,” Warrick said.

He shook his head. “He found out that the heir he searched for had an heir of his own and that Wynn knew who it was. He threatened to tell the King and detailed the torture she would suffer if she refused. But he promised that he could save her from it if she would confide in him the identity of the heir. He even offered to share the purse the King would bestow on him when he gave him the news. He planned on betraying you, and taking the news to the King himself.”

“I thought he would, but that would have never happened. I have people in King James’s court that would have informed me of his presence before he could have gotten to the King.”

“You are a wise man.”

“A cautious and untrusting man,” Warrick corrected. “You killed Ronald when he met with Wynn.”

“I did. He threatened my daughter’s safety, her life, and Wynn was only too glad to help me protect Adara as she has done all this time, never revealing Adara’s or my true identity. Listening and learning if anyone made mention of a true heir to the Scottish throne. She was delighted when Adara arrived here. She could watch over her and keep her safe… until you arrived and then she began to worry. Now you know all of it and it remains to be seen what you will do with it.”

“You know damn well I will not have it known that Adara is your daughter and put her life at risk. You are far from blind. You know I love your daughter and would do anything to keep her safe. It is why you remained here when I arrived with her as my wife. You waited to see how I would treat her.”

“Aye, I did, and at first I doubted you were good enough for her, but in time I saw in her eyes what I had seen in her mum’s eyes… a love so strong it could not be denied. I saw the same in you and knew my daughter had found a good man despite your infamous reputation.”

“We will handle this,” Warrick said, “but you know you have no choice. You have to leave.”

“I know, but not until after I know if my daughter survives this birth.”

Warrick scowled. “She will survive.”

“Even the Demon Lord cannot command it so. She is in God’s hands.”

“I hear no screams, nothing but silence,” Warrick said unable to contain his fear.

“Her mum barely made a sound. She delivered Adara with ease, perhaps Adara does the same.”

Warrick wanted to believe him, but all he could think was that he was going to lose his wife and if he did life would not be worth living.

Adara’s pain came quick and fast and Espy’s words encouraged her.

“You do good. The bleeding is but a trickle,” Espy said, rubbing her lower back that ached relentlessly while worried that at any moment Adara’s bleeding could worsen. “We need to get this bairn born.”

Another pain hit Adara and Espy was quick to position herself between Adara’s legs. “Do not grow alarmed when you feel my touch, Adara.” Espy looked to her grandmother and the woman stood close by ready to help. With gentle fingers, she felt the afterbirth that blocked the bairn from slipping out. It was thin and the bairn eager to be born, a good sign.

Espy encouraged Adara and in a matter of only a few minutes, the bairn slipped out as if in a rush, bloody and screaming at the top of his lungs. “A son,” Espy called out and the room burst with joy. A rush of blood followed the bairn once he was fully out and fear gripped Espy, but it was a quick spurt, nothing more and Espy sighed with relief, though she took no chances. After giving the bairn to Cyra, she got to work making sure all of the afterbirth was cleaned away, then she packed Adara with moldy bread.

“Wise decision, granddaughter,” Cyra said after she severed the cord and wiped the bairn clean some before handing the lad to his mum.

Tears filled Adara’s eyes as she took her crying son in her arms and placed his red cheek next to hers. “I will love you always, son.” The bairn stopped crying as if he recognized her voice and he settled against her.

“Let us get you and the bairn cleaned up, then we will fetch your husband,” Cyra said.

The women worked together but when they were near done, Callie ran toward the door. “I cannot wait any longer. My brother needs to know all is well.” She hurried down the stairs, rushing into the Great Hall.

Warrick jumped up off the bench at the sight of his sister rushing into the room, and though tears streamed down her cheeks, she wore the widest smile he had ever seen and it vanquished his fear.

“You have a son, Warrick, and Adara is fine,” she cried out as she continued to cry with joy.

Warrick rushed up the stairs, leaving Roark to hug his wife. Craven, Innis, and Langdon followed Warrick.

As soon as he entered the room, he went straight to his wife, laying prone on the bed, a bundle tucked in the crook of her arm. His wife was as pale as snow and her eyes heavy with exhaustion. He gave Espy a quick glance.

Espy did not hesitate to reassure him. “She needs bed rest and to eat hardy the next few days so she can grow strong again.”

Warrick nodded, intending to see Adara did just that. He leaned over his wife and kissed her brow. “You are a courageous woman, wife.”

Adara smiled and said proudly, “Meet your son. He is the image of you.”

Warrick sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the tiny bundle. His wife was right. There was no denying the bairn was his, but then he never doubted he was and now no one else would either.

“He is a handsome one,” Warrick boasted.

Adara’s smile grew. “Like his father.”

“Time to leave the new parents to themselves,” Espy announced and let out a groan as she doubled over, grabbing her stomach.

Craven had his arm around his wife in an instant and demanded anxiously, “What is wrong?”

Espy straightened up with another groan. “The bairn can wait no longer.”

“Have you been in labor all this time?” Cyra asked, worry in her aging eyes.

Craven glared at her. “Have you?”

“Most of the time,” Espy confessed, “though that does not help me now. Now I need a bed so my grandmother can deliver her great-grandchild.”

Craven scooped his wife up in his arms and rushed from the room, all following but Langdon.

He stepped over to Warrick and Adara and glanced down at his grandson. “He is a fine lad and your mum would be proud of you.”

“You are not leaving, are you?” Adara asked anxiously.

“I am not going anywhere, daughter.”

Warrick remained silent, both men knowing he failed to add just yet. Adara did not need to know that now.

Adara turned pleading eyes on her husband. “All is well between you and my da?”

“There is nothing for you to worry about. All is well.”

“I will visit with you tomorrow, daughter,” Langdon said and with a nod to Warrick left the room, closing the door behind him.

“Tell me you will not take my da from me,” she demanded, her smile having faded.

“You have my word, I will not take your da from you,” he said, not wanting to think of the day she would have to say good-bye to him.

“What of your mission?”

He did not like that worry filled her eyes on such a happy occasion, but he knew if he did not soothe her concern now it would linger and steal her happiness. “I will let the King know that the man he seeks is dead.”

“What if he wants proof?” Adara questioned.

“I will provide him with a body.” Warrick ran a gentle finger along her pale cheek. “King James will be satisfied when I get done with everything. This is no talk to have on the day our son is born.” He touched his son’s cheek and the tiny lad appeared to smile.

Warrick and Adara smiled along with their son.

“We are family and always will be,” Warrick said. “Never would I have imagined that the day I chose a disheveled servant lass as my wife that she would change my life forever… in the best way possible.”

“And never did I imagine that I could come to love the Demon Lord, but it was so easy, for he is such a good man.”

“How many times must I remind you I am not a good man?” he said with a playful scowl.

“It would take forever,” she said on a soft whisper.

Warrick brushed his lips over hers. “Then forever it is, wife.”