Heroc reached down, grabbed a thick covering and threw it over her, tucking the edges around her.
The ache in her heart grew so great she was surprised the organ didn’t explode. There were no words. Not this time. No comfort. No promises.
There was nothing left to say.
Abrah and Heroc were lying beside her but she might as well be back in her cold, lonely bed. She was alone even with them.
It hurt after the closeness of the past few days.
She must have dozed because she came awake suddenly, her heart racing, her body covered in a light sheen of sweat. The fire had burned down, leaving the room dark, but a dim golden glow emanated from near the doorway.
Audrey slipped as soundlessly as she could from the bed and glanced at the men to make sure they hadn’t awakened. Both of them slept soundly, which surprised her. She peered down at them, once again taken by their handsome good looks. But there was so much more to them than physical appearance. Looks alone wouldn’t have held her attention. She’d worked with handsome men for years and been immune to their charms.
No, it was the strength of character of these Dannon brothers, which had touched a heart she’d believed long ago turned to stone.
The floor was cold against the soles of her feet. The clothing she’d worn here was sitting on the chest at the end of the bed. Audrey frowned. She couldn’t remember seeing it there earlier when Abrah had pulled the cask of silver and jewels out of it.
Since it was the only thing around to wear, she pulled on her panties and yoga pants. They felt strange, almost foreign, after wearing the soft leather pants and tunics for several days now. Her cashmere sweater was a little worse for wear but it was warm and soft against her skin. She didn’t bother with the bra, leaving it on top of the chest.
Her socks were there, so she pulled them on hoping they give her some protection from the icy floor. She was searching for the boots she’d worn the past few days when the glowing light by the door caught her eye again.
It was a mesmerizing light and she was propelled toward it, compelled and curious at the same time. Audrey turned the door handle slowly so she wouldn’t make any noise. Not that it seemed to matter. Even Carn was snoozing by the cold hearth, not twitching so much as an ear. It was then she knew what the light was. It was the tapestry calling her home.
Audrey gently opened the door and took one final look at the men sleeping in the large four-poster bed. The empty space between them beckoned to her but the call of the light was greater.
The glow didn’t lead her down the stairs, but up. She hadn’t had time to explore in this direction in the short time she’d been here, but she followed the light, moving unerringly to a room at the very top of the turret. The heavy wooden door was thrown open in welcome. The light was positively blinding so she held up her arm to shield her eyes. But she didn’t turn back. The light was warm and inviting.
Audrey paused on the entrance. “Am I dead?” It was the only explanation she had. She’d heard stories of people seeing a bright light when they died.
A light female laugh seemed to surround her. “No, child. You’re not dead. Come here.”
There was something about the summons she couldn’t ignore. She moved cautiously, unable to see well with the light blinding her.
“I’m sorry.” The light faded slightly. “Is that better?”
Audrey lowered her eyes and blinked at the beautiful woman who came into view. She was ageless. Her hair was pure white but her skin was smooth and unlined. “Who are you?”
“That is of no import. What does matter is your decision.” The woman motioned to her right. The tapestry floated off to the side, suspended in midair.
Audrey jerked away from the magic tapestry. Now that the time was here she was filled with trepidation. She wanted to go home. Didn’t she?
“Where is home?” the woman asked, her voice sweet and non-threatening. “What is home?”
“I don’t know what to do,” she wailed. Three days wasn’t enough time to overcome the hurts of a lifetime, to trust two men she’d just met with the rest of her life. There was no going back from this decision.
“You do know. You’re just afraid to admit it.” The older woman’s smile was filled with compassion. “You can go back to your life and enjoy your career, maybe even make a change in your life. Eventually you might find a man to trust.”
Audrey already knew that. She was nothing if not resilient. Why then wasn’t she grabbing for the tapestry?
“Or,” the lady continued. “You can take a chance knowing you’ll never find two men who will love you more. Yes, you risk more but the possible rewards are enormous.”
Audrey closed her eyes. Her body felt heavy, her mind in turmoil.
“Make your choice or the tapestry will make it for you.” The lady’s voice was fading away, as was the light.
That threat galvanized Audrey. This was her life and she wasn’t about to let anyone else make her decisions for her. She was in control. Now and always.
She took a step toward the rest of her life.
Abrah came awake with a sudden jerk. He knew before his eyes even opened that Audrey was no longer in bed with them. The sheet beside him was cold. But more than that, the room and his heart felt empty.
Beside him, he felt Heroc sit upright. “She’s gone.” The flat tone of his brother’s voice burned his gut like acid.
“Yes.” He climbed out of bed and padded naked to the hearth. The fire had burned down long ago and he crouched and poked at the remnants at it with a log. Sparks jumped and the flames reignited. Abrah tossed the log onto the fire and stared into it as it grew.
Carn rose from his place near the hearth and padded around the room as if searching for Audrey.
The covers rustled and Heroc walked toward him. “You were right. You knew from the beginning she wouldn’t stay.”
Abrah stood and raked his fingers through his hair. He felt weary to his very soul. “I did not want to be right.” His eyes burned with unshed tears and he blinked them away. They’d had three days with Audrey. Not near enough time, yet a lifetime.
Something on the trunk at the end of the bed caught his eye. He walked toward it, knowing it belonged to Audrey. It was the odd contraption she’d worn around her breasts. The material was soft, much like her skin. He fingered the unusual cloth before lifting it to his nose.
It didn’t smell like her, her scent faded by the washing Tara must have given it. He strode to the fire and tossed it in.
“No.” Heroc pounced forward, dragging the burning garment from the flames and slapping at the fire with his hands. The thing was scorched but still intact.
“Why?” Abrah asked. “Why do you want a reminder of her? She didn’t want us enough to stay.” And that was what was eating at his soul.
“There was not enough time.” Heroc went to his knees, naked and broken. He held the piece of Audrey’s clothing to his lips, his eyes filled with tears.
Pure fury shot through Abrah. By the gods, it wasn’t fair! He threw back his head and roared. He wanted to pick up his sword and cleave the bed they’d shared into kindling. How could he sleep there, knowing Audrey would never share it with them again?
He couldn’t.
Yet he had to. There was no choice.
A slight scuffing noise sounded behind him. Abrah turned, expecting to find Carn watching him. But it wasn’t the dog. No, a woman stood just inside the open bedroom door, an expression of uncertainty on her face.
He scowled at her and Audrey took a step back. Fear flashed over her face, making him even angrier.
“The tapestry has not come yet then?” he snapped. He’d thought she’d already gone and now he had to live through it again. It wasn’t to be borne.