Francesca belongs to two Highland warriors at once. She accepted their joint claim to secure her place in the keep. Adrian's dominance sets the pattern after each border threat. The scarred oak table bears the marks of their encounters.
He takes her on the oak table, marking her as his. The encounters grow more intense and draw Barrett into their private chamber. Every raid and watch now ends with Francesca yielding to both men. The repaired map hangs above as they claim her together.
Her fear of abandonment collides with the need to be kept by both. She stays when she could walk away. Adrian turns to Barrett and issues the command.
