Ailene stood up, brushing her skirts, saying, "I'm going to bed, Stuart. I would appreciate it if you left me alone tonight. I'm not quite ready to forgive you. Perhaps Frang will share his bed with you." She pushed him out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Stuart stared at the closed door. What have I done, he thought. She's the love of my life and I made her lie down with my brothers. I hope she forgives me at some point. He went down to Frang's room and sought a bed for the night.

"Aye, may as well sleep here, lad," Frang said when asked. "I'll be...