He was a stranger scarred by battle and owed respect. She had thought they would understand and be more accepting of him. They were not. Their stares were blatant and their whispers hushed. She felt a sad disappointment for him and herself. Her brother would be different, Brianna was certain of that. He would greet Royce with the respect due a battle-scarred warrior. The keep was of impressive size, though not overly large. It was well crafted and situated wisely for battle and protection. It loomed dark in the gathering gloom of night, though two huge torches mounted on either side of the large wooden doors lit the entrance. Blair had ordered the men to return to their families before they reached the keep. Brianna was grateful, for then she would have the privacy of reuniting with her family and introducing Royce without anyone about. There would be time for all to learn of her impending marriage soon enough. Royce helped her to dismount and assisted her up the few stone steps, Blair at her other side.
