Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

Archie dismounted and whistled to a stable lad. “Saddle John’s destrier and ensure he has adequate supplies.”


“My thanks. I willnae be long.” He clapped Archie on the back then steered Katherine inside. He bypassed the great hall where his clan had gathered to break their fast and led her up the winding side stairs. At his chamber on the third-floor, he ushered her in and shut the door.

“I want to come with you.” She squeezed her hands, making tiny fists, her knuckles white with the strain.

“Nay, you’ll remain here.” He shucked his tunic, swiped his coal black shirt from his trunk and hauled it on. With clean trews and his padded leather cotun donned, he strapped his weapons on and gathered his bow and satchel of arrows from behind his chunky corner desk.

Katherine watched him as she edged from foot to foot. “You look like you’re readying for war. I don’t like it. It feels wrong.”

“One must take every precaution when there are MacLeans about.”

“I only saw one MacLean, and now I wish I’d never told you about him. I’ve no desire to escalate this war, and with you on the hunt for him, that’s exactly what I’ve done.”

“You must never think that. ’Tis my right and duty to protect you.” He grabbed his traveling bag, flipped the top leather flap and stuffed a change of clothes inside.

“How long will you be gone?”

“As long as it takes.” He crossed to her, slid a hand under her hair and around her nape. “The guardsmen will be under orders to ensure you dinnae leave these walls. You’ve yet to give me your word you’ll remain.”

“You can’t bully me into submission, John.” Clearly frustrated, she jerked away.

“If you followed my orders when given, I wouldnae have to demand your submission.” He detested having to leave her this way, but Archie waited. He strode to the door with his gear. With one last look over his shoulder, he gritted out, “Be here when I return, and that’s an order.”

“You’re also not allowed to order me about.” She crossed her arms. “You need to worry more about yourself. My life depends on your survival, so if you get hurt, so do I.”

“Aye, I’ll take all care.” He desperately wished to wrap his arms around her and offer what comfort he could, but now was not the time. “Stay safe, my love.”

“I’m not your love.” She straightened her spine. “We’ve had nothing more than one night, and it’ll probably have to remain that way.”

“Trust me. We’ll have plenty more. I must go.” He marched out of his chamber, his gut gnawing in the most vicious way with each step he took away from her. Leaving her was pure agony.

“Captain.” George joined him as he strode outside and into the bailey. “Any orders while you’re gone?”

“Aye, watch Katherine for me, like a hawk.” He strapped his bag onto his steed and checked the cinch. “She acts without thought for herself and you’ll need to keep a vigilant eye on her.”

“Will do, Captain.”

“Inform the sentry to bar the postern gate and be alert to all who come and go through the main entrance. When she retires for the night, remain on guard outside her door.” He slid into the saddle. “Be assured, if aught happens to her while I’m gone, your head will roll.”

“I’ll see to your orders. All will be as you’ve asked.” George dipped his head and stepped back.

He trusted his man. George wouldn’t fail him.

Archie brought his stallion in beside him. “What worries you, John?”

“My woman intends to travel to Mull. She visited the circle and one of the fae spoke to her, instructing her to complete what Marie has set in motion. She’s certain she must bring peace between the clans.”

He snorted. “’Tis an impossible task, and Marie has already told me there will be no peace between the clans for some years to come. Katherine must have misheard.”

“She does no’ believe so.” Although he’d discuss it with her further, the moment he returned. For now, he had an enemy warrior to find. He nudged his horse and with Archie at his side, galloped out the gates, their men riding in file behind them. He’d never allow Katherine to journey beyond Islay’s shores. Losing her to her MacLean kin would never happen, not on his watch.



Two days John had been gone and without any word on how his hunt for Finlay MacLean fared, Katherine’s nerves were frayed. She gripped the stone windowsill of the ladies’ solar window as Marie and Mary sat behind her in padded forest-green chairs either side of the roaring fire.

“Are you all right, Katherine?” Marie pinned cream satin cups into place on the bra she’d made.

“I will be, when John gets back.” She needed a distraction from her frustrating thoughts.

“I worry too when the men are away.” Mary sighed. “’Tis difficult to always be the one waiting.” She continued repairing a rip in the sleeve of an embroidered tunic.