He tightened his hold on her, his voice raspy as he said, “Well, I still have some way to go. Prepare yourself for a battle like no other. I wish to conquer this desire, or at least for this eve.”
“Oh, I’ve unleashed the warrior within.” She caressed his chest. “And I hope you never submit to defeat.”
Yes, did she wish.
Chapter 5
Alex slipped out of their room the next morn and strode downstairs to the great hall. Alan beckoned him from near the private side room. He crossed and followed his man inside. “You have news?”
“Aye. This just arrived. A message from Fergus.” He passed him a small roll of tattered paper.
He unraveled it and read. “Nay, it cannae be.”
“’Tis bad news?”
“Fergus came upon one of the king’s messengers sent to impart this news to us. Our chief is in Edinburgh, along with his brother, Angus MacDonald of Dunnyveg.”
Alan thumped the center table covered in the seneschal’s accounts. “The chief would no’ willingly travel there, no’ at this time.”
“I agree.” Some months ago, a missive had arrived from the king, requesting their chief present himself at court to atone for his feuding with the MacLean of Duart. Donald expected all those involved in the dispute had received the same request. To travel to Edinburgh would mean his capture and imprisonment. Uncle would never take such a risk.
“The king needs to leave us to resolve our own issues, no’ alter the way we settle our disputes.” Alan clenched his fists.
“Aye, but he wishes to stamp his mark of ownership on the Western Isles, to control our way of life.” He returned to the missive. “Fergus reports he will continue onto Edinburgh and find out all he can. He’ll send word in due course.”
“What will you tell the clan?”
“The truth.” They would be aware soon enough of what had transpired. Secrets were difficult to keep within these walls, and the news their chief had been captured by the king’s men wasn’t information he wished to withhold, not even for a short time.
Anne stretched then recoiled at the chill coming from Alex’s side of the bed. The sheets were cold, as if he’d left some time ago. She squinted through the dark. A sliver of dawn light snuck through the wooden-shuttered window. Her warrior must have gotten up early.
Curling into a tighter ball, she held onto the remaining heat. Last night had been wonderful, although no matter her plea for him to take her to Dunvegan, he’d still given her an adamant no.
His “no” though, wouldn’t cut it, not when her parents’ lives were at stake. Which meant action. She couldn’t lie abed when she had a letter to deliver, somehow and someway.
She shoved the covers away and planted her feet on the icy floor. Oh, some carpet on the polished planks would be nice. Across the room, she hopped. She hauled the engraved lid of the trunk up and selected one of the dresses Mary had delivered that first morning.
“Anne?” A knock sounded on the door. “I brought more clothes.”
“Oh, come in.”
She bustled in with an array of colorful garments spilling over her arms. She heaved the pile onto the end of the bed and faced her. “I’ve brought a special treat too.”
“You did? You better mean woolen socks.”
Grinning, she plucked a pair of stockings free. “Close. Put them on, and I’ll help you dress. We’re going outside shortly.”
“But it’s still dark.”
“We have to leave with the men when they do, otherwise we miss out.” She rummaged through the pile then yanked a forest-green riding habit and a broad-brimmed hat out. “We’re going riding. Alex has organized a hunt to restore our reserves. The men are eager to leave.”
“I love riding, although I’ve never been on a hunt. That sounds wonderful.” Mary held out a white shirt for her to don under the fitted jacket. The riding habit’s skirt was long and full, quite cumbersome and weighty, but it would allow her to ride astride. “I can’t believe Alex is allowing me to go.”
“You’re safe here and we’ll be hunting on our lands. It didnae take much persuading when I asked. Wait here though while I change. I willnae be long.” She skipped out the door.
A maid bobbed her head and entered with a tray brimming with food. She thanked the young girl, ate the porridge and one of the delicious oatcakes. The letter. No matter what, she’d keep it on her. It was best to remain prepared.
Mary returned, outfitted in a burgundy riding habit trimmed with navy ribbon, and a hairbrush in hand. “I’ll help with your hair. ’Tis tangled something fierce.”
“Thank you. Where do you usually hunt?”
“North. Deep in the forest.” She detangled the length then wound it up high and pinned it in place. Next, she eased the wide hat overtop and adjusted it on an angle. “I learnt to shoot with the bow and arrow alongside my brothers when I was young. I enjoy a good hunt, taking down a pesky wolf, or felling a prized deer.”