Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

She sighed with delight. “Ahh, ’tis wonderful, and aye, Lachlan’s ability to lead is strong. I worry though. There’s no telling what he’ll do once presented with the king’s demands.”


“King James VI was known as one of the greatest kings of all times.” What she’d read about him in the future had intrigued her. Because of his birth, he’d successfully united the kingdoms of England and Scotland at the turn of the coming century. He’d led with determination during his long reign. “I wish I’d tried to read up more about this feud. What of Lachlan’s family on Mull? How do you think they’ll fare with him being imprisoned?”

“Lachlan wed Lady Margaret, the Earl of Glencairn’s daughter afore our feud began. They have bairns, and she’s a caring woman. Five years ago when I was forced to send James to Duart as a hostage in my husband’s stead, she did all she could to ensure my son didnae suffer too greatly. Even though I wasnae there, James told me so himself.” She wriggled higher and tapped her sides. “Here too, please. The pain stretches wide.”

“John mentioned that to me, that James was brought into this feud. I’m so sorry that happened to your son.”

“’Tis our captain, Archie MacDonald,” a guardsman shouted as he rushed across the top of the barbican. “He returns.”

“Archie and Marie are back?” Excitement thrummed through her. With her hand on her brow, she searched the coastline toward the south. “I don’t see anyone.”

“Aye, look.” Mary pushed to her feet. “There beyond the whitecaps. Archie’s already lowered the sail.”

A large wave rolled in and Archie’s skiff came into sight. He gripped the boat’s rudder, adjusted his course toward the sea-gate and cruised in.

One of the guards jumped into the waist-high water, seized the bow and roped the skiff to a catch between two bobbing birlinns.

In black pants and a white tunic fluttering free, Archie bounded onto the landing. He extended a hand to Marie and she grinned and leapt into his arms, her long white-blond hair streaming behind her in the brisk sea breeze. Her sister wore a pair of borrowed lad’s breeches and a matching beige colored shirt that had to be Archie’s since it enveloped her to her knees. Marie still struggled with the long gowns and wore pants whenever it suited, and going sailing definitely suited.

Archie adjusted a travel pack over his shoulder and with his arm around Marie’s waist, guided her over the slippery stones and onto the grassy verge. Her sister’s rosy cheeks and wide smile gave evidence of her happiness. She couldn’t be happier for her. Marie had fallen in love with a man who would protect her with his last breath.

“Marie!” She waved out and her sister spun around, waved back then raced toward her. Arms opened, she caught Marie as she plowed into her. “Whoa.”

“I missed you, sis.” Marie bounced around in a little circle.

“I’ve missed you more.” She breathed in her sister’s sweet white rose scent and squeezed her tight. “Tell me everything you got up to on your honeymoon, and don’t miss out on one thing.”

“Archie kept me naked most of the time.” Marie chuckled. “But I don’t think that’s what you meant. One sec.” She reached out and pulled Mary into their hug. “I’ve missed you too, Mary. How’s the baby?”

“The babe kicks something fierce this day.” Mary kissed Marie’s cheek. “I shall go and welcome Archie home and allow you two to catch up.”

“Be careful walking across the beach.” She squeezed Mary again then let her go. “I’ll hunt you down later so we can chat.”

“I’ll look forward to it.” Mary toddled off toward Archie now surrounded by warriors clapping him on the back.

Marie clasped Katherine’s face and touched their foreheads together. “I loved my honeymoon, but I feel like I left you behind to fend for yourself. Has John looked after you? What about your nightmares? Have they eased at all? You’re all I could think about while I was gone.”

“I better not have been, and yes, John watches over me, like a hawk. There’s so much I have to tell you, but you go first. I want to hear all about the Rhinns. Is it as beautiful as everyone says?”