Free The Winds of the Heavens (Sons of Rhodri Medieval Romance Series) by Anna Markland

flinched. “You would leave me alone?”
    This would be difficult. “You won’t be alone. Rhun and Glain are here, as are Rhys and Annalise. You have your maids. You don’t need me.”
    “But where are you going? How far?”
    He took her dismay as a good sign. “Not far. I’ll be back before you know I’m gone. It’s to do with food supplies for Cadair Berwyn.”
    She hesitated. “You’ll return?”
    “Do you care if I come back?”
    Tears welled in her eyes and she struggled to contain them. Were they tears of fear or did she still love him?
    She stiffened her spine. “I’ll miss you, but, as you say, I won’t be alone.”
    He determined not to kiss her. “Goodbye then, Isolda.”
    As he left the room he glanced back. She came to her feet, shoulders drooped, fidgeting with the belt of her surcoat dress, listening for the sound of the door closing. Her air of utter vulnerability tempted him to abandon his plan, but they couldn’t go on the way they were.
    He located his brothers in the neuadd . There would be no turning back if he told them. He cleared his throat. “Rhys, I’ve come to the reluctant conclusion you’re right about Isolda. I’ve told her I’m leaving for a few days.”
    Rhun seemed surprised. “Where are you going?”
    Rhys understood. “He’s not going anywhere. He’ll withdraw from Isolda and she’ll be forced to depend on herself. We’ll assist her of course, but only with what’s absolutely necessary.”
    Rhun rubbed his chin. “Glain will never go along with such a plan.”
    Rhys took firm hold of his elbow. “You must convince her it’s for Isolda’s own good. She’s destroying her soul and her marriage with her self-pity.”
    Rhun looked at them both curiously. Rhydderch struggled to maintain his composure. “I envy your happiness, Rhun. Isolda hasn’t yet shared my bed. I must do something or I’ll go mad.”
    Rhun’s mouth fell open. “I’m sorry, brother, I’ve been caught up in my own delirious happiness and failed to recognize your torment. I’ve likely made it worse, have I not?” He banged his fist on the table. “We’ll help. Where is she now?”
    “In the little chamber, where she always is.”
    Rhun came to his feet. “I’ll find Glain, and explain things to her. We’ll leave Isolda there for a while to dwell on your absence. She’s not used to being alone. It will be hard for her.”
    Rhydderch slumped into a chair. “It will be more difficult for me. I’ll want to rush to her aid.”
    ***
    Sweat poured off Rhydderch and he leaned his forehead against the cold stone wall of the passageway. Isolda had been alone for two hours. He had never stood in one place for such a long period of time. How agitated she must be, no doubt cursing him for leaving her.
    Suddenly the door of the little chamber opened. Isolda stood on the threshold, clinging nervously to the frame. “Hello—is anyone there?—I need help to get to my chamber.”
    She strained to listen. He held his breath. She must not discover he stood watch. Her face betrayed her anger and frustration—and her fear. His heart went out to her. Be strong , he wanted to say—to her or to himself?
    She went back into the room, slamming the door. Perhaps a good sign?
    Rhun and Glain walked by him a short time later. Rhun winked as they entered the little chamber, leaving the door ajar. Isolda sternly berated everyone for leaving her alone. Rhydderch was relieved at Glain’s reply. “Isolda, you’ll manage. Your husband will be back in a few days, and there is usually someone nearby who can help you.”
    She continued to rail. “I’ve been here for at least two hours.”
    Rhun’s voice. “Why didn’t you call for someone?”
    Isolda’s snappy retort. “I did. No one came.”
    Rhun persevered. “Your chamber isn’t far from here. Come, I’ll show you. Then, if it happens again, you’ll be able to make your own way there.”
    Isolda protested. “Glain, I can’t—”
    Glain glanced