Elaine was sitting at the table in the great hall, and while Vevina wished only to retreat to her bedchamber, she couldn't leave her alone. She walked over to the table, Marley dutifully following at her heels.
"I never stop worrying," Elaine said after Vevina joined her at the table.
Vevina reached out to her and they linked hands, while the puppy contentedly curled up at their feet.
"Every battle Scott has ever fought, I have worried that he would not return, and then when my children were old enough to join him, my worries doubled, tripled. It is a woman's lot to forever worry."
The door swung open, slamming against the wall, and in strode the Sinclare men, Scott in the lead. He was a formidable figure, as were his children, who followed him, though none looked happy, which could on
