“As long as you are mine, nothing else matters.”

“Who would have thought you had so many supporters?" she whispered."Not mine, my love. Yours. I had not a one till you started speaking and now I am the envy of every man present.”

“I meant what I said, Bronwyn. I will never let you leave me. Never.So end your plans of Scotland and disappearing in the middle of the night,for I will hunt you down and claim what is mine. And you are mine.And I never let go of what belongs to me.”

“So,tell me,just how long have you known the king...I mean personally?"Ranulf pivoted and followed her with his vision as she went back to the prickly bush to pick more flowers. She was shutting him out and he didn't know just what it was she was protecting or why. But pressing would not gain her trust. "Not long and yet forever," he finally answered.Bronwyn's mouth curved into an unconscious smile. "You know,that is exactly how I feel about you.”

“What did you say?" Bronwyn asked.Ranulf scowled, hating to be caught mumbling. Something else he never did. "I said that I don't yell! I don't shout! Ever!""I find that hard to believe,my lord, for I have heard you do quite a lot of both since you arrival.”

“Know this,I won't let you leave.""Oh,my lord," Bronwyn hissed back as she continued to fake a smile to those around her, "if I want to leave...I will.""And then I will follow you and be most unhappy at the effort."Bronwyn dropped her sham expression of bliss to glare at him directly. "I wonder if you would truly care or even notice.""You are mine, Bronwyn.Now and forever. And I would notice.""Why should I care?""Because you would be destroying everyone's Christmas.For if you try to depart from Hunswick without my approval, I will find you and use every able mad to do so."Bronwyn openly gaped at him,realizing he was completely serious.Father Morrell, in hearing distance of the conversation, made another one of his blaring coughs. He then gave them both a slicing look she hadn't thought possible out of the cherublike face and held up a bowl of spiced and scented water. "It is a time for quiet. A day for being with loved ones, and sharing love together..." The man had started his sermon, making further conversation just like everything else around her...impossible.”

“I was given leave to choose any of Sir Laon le Breton's unwed daughters after the New Year,and I want you.""You can't have me," Bronwyn snarled. "My father...""Ah,yes.His absence was the reason I have not announced my claim sooner,but now that he is dead,I see no reason to delay any longer.You are mine, Lady Bronwyn.You always have been and always will be.I'm done waiting.”