Page 52 of The Archer’s Wish

“Hm,” Keir said. “Pity. That might’ve explained this.”

Liam bristled. “Keir?”

“I’m thinking,” Keir said, holding up a hand. He began pacing around Liam in a slow circle. “Ye care for her, do ye?”

“Aye.”

“Ye intend to court her?”

“Aye.”

“And ye understand she is my sister?”

Liam nodded. “Aye. Of course.”

“And ye’re aware if ye hurt her, I will not hesitate to throw a ye down a deep well?”

“Aye,” Liam said again, choking back a laugh. “I believe it.”

Keir stopped in front of him, arms folded once more. “Then I have one question.”

“Ask it.”

Keir leaned in, squinting suspiciously. “Why her?”

The simplicity of the question hit harder than expected.

Liam’s voice softened. “Because she’s brave without being cruel. Kind without being blind. Because when I was at my lowest, she saw something in me worth saving. And because when she smiles…” He exhaled, helplessly honest. “It feels like the world settles into place.”

Keir blinked at him.

Once.

Then he muttered, “Saints preserve us, ye’re truly in love.”

Liam groaned. “Must ye say it like it’s a fatal illness?”

“Aye,” Keir said cheerfully. “Because it is fatal…if ye break her heart.”

“I have no intention of breaking her heart.”

Keir stared another long moment before nodding. “Very well, I accept it. But ye must seek our parents’ permission, that is what truly counts.”

Relief crashed through Liam so strongly he almost sagged. “Thank ye, Keir.”

“But if she cries,” Keir lifted his finger and pointed at Liam, “ye will cry next.”

Liam blinked. “Is that a threat?”

“A promise,” Keir said pleasantly.

Liam swallowed at the menace in his tone. “Noted.”

Keir clapped him on the shoulder hard enough to rattle his spine. “Good man. Now go tell her before yer nosy sister does.” Keir motioned to the right with his head.

Liam looked over his shoulder and saw his sister pretending not to be eavesdropping. “Do ye think she heard everything?” he asked Keir.

“Aye,” Keir said, his gaze lingering on Effie, who turned and hurried away.