Love And Honour (Book 2)

Chapter XXI

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Two and a half weeks later

She was dressed and ready before the sun rose so when the maid came and told her that the scouts had returned with news, she was prepared. The maid relayed their message: two men sighted riding towards the Ricell manor, believed to be Logan and Hunter Usani. Her heart had stopped for a brief moment, fear rising up in her clouding her vision. The maid had to call her name several times to bring her back to earth before asking what should be done. Zara had told her to alert Gavriel before quickly picking up her skirts and running downstairs and out into the cool morning air.

Now she stands waiting, watching as the two figures get closer and closer, with her heart in her mouth. Someone clasps onto her hand and her gaze flits to her side. Dawn stands by her side, a sympathetic expression on her face. She squeezes her hand and Zara smiles a little with gratefulness. She senses her brother joining her but standing back. He knows that it would not be right to be the one who greets them or decides what action to take place. He has already taken note that she had stood alone and no warriors are about. This should be a friendly interaction.

The horses stop before them and Hunter looks over Zara's head to Gavriel. A small nod has his chest deflating, his breath releasing. Zara does not see this, her eyes pinned to Logan as he dismounts. Hunter jumps down from his horse and grabs his brother's arm, quickly whispering something into his ear. Logan nods slowly before saying something quietly back. They both step forward together, both ready to mount their horses again if necessary.

"Is it true? Has Gethin been found guilty of the crime you falsely accused my brother for?" Hunter asks.

"It is true." Zara replies and Hunter frowns slightly, confused as to why she is the one who has answered rather than Gavriel. His gaze flits to him but Gavriel shakes his head minutely. Hunter immediately looks away, not wishing to be caught out by anyone. Zara steps towards Logan and he steps forward to meet her. Hunter's hand goes inside his cloak, his fingers wrapping around a knife's hilt. "I am so sorry Logan." She bites her lip as water fills her eyes. "I should have believed you, I should have asked questions." Logan's jaw tenses.

Dawn steps back and goes to Gavriel's side. Hunter narrows his eyes, watching Zara intently.

"Yes you should have. How could you ever think I would do something like that?" Logan slowly asks, disbelief highlighting his eyes. A tear slips down Zara's cheek. She shakes her head, a lump growing in her throat. She sinks to her knees, her hands shaking as she holds onto her skirt in an effort to stop them. Logan's face gradually softens and he kneels down before her.

"I can never apologise enough for not believing in you. I am so incredibly sorry." Tears slip down her face in a constant stream. She dips her head down to hide her quivering lips. Logan, who was desperately trying to find some anger, some pain to keep her from forgiving her, is caving in. Even after everything, he still loves her. It is slowly ripping his heart to shreds watching her suffering. He cannot help himself. His hand reaches out and he tugs on one of her red locks. Her eyes look blearily up at him.

"I wish I could be mad at you. I wish I could have stopped loving you." He gently cradles her face, wiping away her tears with his thumb. "But I am not and I have not. It will take time but we will be able to put this behind us." Through her tear stained face she manages to smile and she leans into him. His arms instantly surround her and he holds her tight, afraid to let go. He presses a kiss to the top of her head.

Hunter's hand comes back out from under his cloak, empty of the knife. He does not approve of his brother's easy forgiveness but he understands it. Logan would never have returned if it was not for her. A movement catches his eyes and he looks back at Gavriel. Another young man has joined them, an expression of complete disgust across his face. Hunter smirks a little at Egan. Egan notices and scowls across at him. He steps forward as if to go to Zara but Hunter shakes his head, shooting him a promise of extreme pain if he dares to interfere. Egan falters in his steps.