“Dinnae be. It’s no’ good for the bairn.”
Anne stroked her belly. “I’m feeling much better now. I even helped you consume that last bar of chocolate, and I intend to eat the next one all on my own.”
“Aye, but even should I feel ill, I could still devour a bar of chocolate. That’s no’ a very convincing argument.” Annie tapped her nose. “How much longer until your parents arrive?”
“Soon. Come on, we’ll head to arrivals.” She led Annie toward the escalator.
“’Tis mesmerizing.” Annie jiggled as they moved down the traveling belt. “One does no’ even need to walk, and there is naught one wheel which might break.”
“You should see how wonderful it is to travel in an elevator, although we’ll keep that for another time. I think you’ve had enough excitement for the day. I know I have.” She dragged Annie past another lady selling chocolate. People milled near the roped off arrival doors. She tapped her foot, the clack of her heel echoing around her.
“How long until they come through?” Annie fidgeted with the hem of her white and red striped blouse. “You’re making me nervous.”
“Too long.” Squeezing her eyes shut, she willed her parents to hurry.
There was no time to delay.
Pacing the rear battlements of the castle, Alex wished he could travel through time and find his bride.
“You need to relax, Alex.” James crossed his arms. “Unburden yourself. I wish you would.”
“You wouldnae believe a word I spoke should I.” ’Twas past midnight and all were abed bar the guards who constantly patrolled the keep. Moonlight tinged the forest. No access could be gained on this side of the castle, the density of the bush as impenetrable as Dunvegan’s stone walls. Even the guards didn’t make regular rounds here because of it.
“I’ve never failed to believe you afore. Mother and Anne will recover. Is it no’ a chill they suffer from?”
“Aye, a chill is all.” He stroked the hilt of his ever-present claymore.
“Then what bothers you? You look prepared to battle, and far more than usual.”
“We cannae remain here indefinitely.” He couldn’t continue to withhold from James. He’d share what he could, within reason.
“Aye, why would we wish to?”
“Neither can we sneak into Dunvegan without being seen.”
“And again, why would we wish to?”
“I shall tell you what I can.” Although nothing of Anne’s time-travel. His brother would think him mad if he spoke of what he believed. Lowering his voice, he muttered, “Anne isnae here. Mother affects a sickness in order for us to stay.”
His brother’s bushy red brows drew together. “If Anne isnae here then why are we? How did she leave without anyone seeing her go?”
“I await her return because I fear this is the only place where she will. Anne is no’ all she seems.”
“Then what is she?”
“Anne is visiting a place far away. She had no choice but to go, and MacLeod wouldnae react well to the news of her travel should he find out.”
“To where does she voyage? Why are you no’ in pursuit?”
“To see her parents, I hope, although I’m no’ entirely certain.”
“You’re saying we must wait for her return?” James scrubbed his jaw. “If Anne is able to slip in and out of the castle then why cannae we?”
Aye, a good question. “She takes a secret passageway and willnae speak of where it is. It’s how she first left here and arrived at Dunscaith without a guard.” He detested the lie, but he had no other choice.
“If she can sneak away at will, you need only leave word for her to follow us. Wait.” His frown deepened. “Anne lost her parents some years ago. MacLeod is her rightful next of kin, correct?”
“Her parents live.” Argh, mayhap he should never have tried to explain this to James.
“If that’s the case, you should petition her father for this handfast, no’ her chief.”
“I wish it were that easy. If I could reach her father, I would ask his permission to wed her proper, but right now, I’ll take what I can get.”
“I see.” James gripped his forearm. “I will stand by your side and aid you however I can.”
“I know you will.”
His brother clapped him on the back. “I’ll check on Mother. Get some rest.”
A thick ribbon of stars blanketed the black sky. He hadn’t found that damn flag, but then Anne had wished upon it even though it had remained hidden. Mayhap that’s all he needed to do too. He certainly required a little magic. Eyes closed, he whispered into the night, “I wish upon the Fairy Flag hidden within Dunvegan that the woman who holds my heart and all she loves, be permitted to travel back through time. Bring her home to me, so I might love her as my soul demands.”