Free Dark and Bright by Anna Markland Page A

and she seemed to relish the attention of both men, but in a cool, reserved manner, never indicating a preference, or a definite acknowledgement of the subtle intent of their suggestive looks.
    She was the consummate sophisticated flirt, and the twins thirsted after her and obeyed her every whim like dogs. Rhys found it amusing to see the rebellious and defiant twins brought to heel. He and Baudoin jested about it privately and they wagered secretly on which twin would win out in the end. But Rhys worried that if that happened, one of them would be hurt.
    When Glain gave approval for her patients to travel, Rhys saw how difficult it was for his brothers to bid farewell to the healer. It was obvious both men wanted her. She too seemed bereft at their leaving. They promised to return, and Rhys again worried about the damage this relationship could do. They shared everything, but a woman? They looked back several times after the village was well out of sight, and then looked at each other. He knew they too were worried. Envy of each other was foreign to them.
    The cavalcade moved slowly due to Rhys’s injuries. He was able to sit astride his horse, but had to keep the animal to a slow walk. His ribs were much improved, but he didn’t want to undo Glain’s good work. She told him sternly he wasn’t to walk on his leg, and he had to be helped to hobble to a seat each time he dismounted. His ankle was improving, but still tender. He was frustrated he was the reason for their slow progress. Baudoin rode at the head of the party and the twins brought up the rear.
    It took several days to reach Powwydd. Baudoin rested there only one day, anxious to get to Ellesmere for the birth of his third child.
    “I wish I could accompany you,” Rhys said. “Annalise will be concerned. Please assure her I’m recovering. Tell her I’ll be there in a few days.”
    ***
    Baudoin took his men-at-arms and the cartographers with him and made it to Ellesmere in a day and a half. Annalise hurried to meet him in the courtyard. Where was Rhys? Baudoin’s face showed his alarm that Carys hadn’t greeted him.
    “ Milord Baudoin,” she said before he could ask her where Carys was. “ Milady Carys is abed. She hasn’t felt well for the last few days. She has been worried about you—and Rhys. Where is my husband? He’s not with you?”
    Had he even heard her question? He was intent on getting to Carys. “He couldn’t travel yet,” he replied, walking away. “But his leg is improving. He’ll be here in a few days. Don’t worry.”
    He hurried off.
    “Don’t worry?” Annalise shrieked to the empty courtyard. The stone walls threw her anguish back, echoing her despair. “How can I not worry?” she whispered. “My beautiful Rhys is suffering and I’m powerless to help him.” She gathered her skirts and walked quickly to her chamber, where she collapsed onto the bed, weeping.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
     
    Baudoin entered his chamber quietly and walked over to the bed where Carys lay, her eyes closed. She looked pale. He’d never before seen her in anything but the best of health. A lump rose in his throat. “Carys, my love,” he whispered, taking hold of her hand.
    Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled. “Baudoin—oh, Baudoin, hold me. I’ve missed you. I was worried. I knew you and Rhys were hurt. It has drained me. I have no energy. Poor Annalise. She has been obliged to take care of me, and she’s worried about Rhys.”
    “I’m here now, Carys,” Baudoin whispered hoarsely, hugging his wife. She felt limp in his embrace. “I’ll take care of you. Rhys is still at Powwydd. He’ll come in a few days. His leg was badly broken and pains him. I feel terrible remorse that I dragged him into the gorge. It was an incredibly stupid accident.”
    “Tell me what happened,” she said, lazily patting a spot on the bed next to her.
    He sat beside her and recounted the details of the incident and the rescue. He took her hand and touched it to