Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

He strolled inside with Elizabeth leading the way around the crowded dance floor. Rory stood near the king’s hefty silver shield hanging in a pride of place along the far wall. Annie released him, adjusted the long sleeves of her pale blue gown edged with white lace and joined her chief and cousin.

“Good evening, Annie.” Rory grinned and tweaked her chin. “How has your day been?”

“Wonderful. I took a walk in the park and caught up with Colin. How have your discussions with the king gone?”

“There were several other clan chiefs present today, and the talks became rather tense, something I wish to speak to Colin about.” Smile gone, he gripped Colin’s shoulder. “The king demands an end to the feuds which rampage throughout Scotland, but few of the others are listening, no’ while he holds your chief and Donald and Angus MacDonald in the tower. The knowledge he’s tossed three mighty chiefs into the cells does no’ sit well with the other clan chiefs. The king grows frustrated by it all.”

“Thank you for the warning. I’m still awaiting the king’s permission to visit Lachlan, but once I’m permitted in, I’ll pass on your words.”

“James MacDonald also made the same request this afternoon, to visit with Donald.” Rory slid his gaze to Annie. “A man I’ve no’ long since seen you with. Do you care to explain?”

“As I told Colin, we enjoyed a dance. I am here to find a husband.”

“You need to steer well clear of the MacDonalds.” Rory drummed one foot. “Listen well, Annie. The feud between us and James’s clan might have recently eased due to their chief being locked away, but you’re no longer tied to them through a possible handfast. I need you to choose swiftly, but wisely.”

“There is also time, Annie.” Elizabeth opened her fan and fluttered it. “And plenty of men here at court for you to choose from. Goodness, this is such a dour conversation to be having when we should be enjoying ourselves. Mayhap some dancing would lighten our moods.” She tapped Colin’s arm with her fan. “What do you say, my boy?”

Only Elizabeth could get away with calling him a boy. He almost grinned, but instead he bowed his head toward her. “That sounds lovely. Would you care to dance, my lady?”

“You naughty boy.” She giggled. “I didnae mean with me but with Annie.”

“Aunt Elizabeth.” Annie gasped. “You’re the naughty one.” She glanced at him. “I’m sure you wish to speak to Rory some more. We can dance when you’re done.”

“Aye, but you promised me your first dance and since you didnae keep your word, you owe me the next two.” It wasn’t the best idea to dance with her when his emotions still ran amok, but the image of James on the floor with her wouldn’t leave his mind and the only way to dispel it was to replace it with one of himself. “Please, will you dance with me?”

A blush crept across her cheeks. “I’d like that.”

He led her across the floor and she curtsied, her gown’s square-cut neckline dipping and exposing the top milky swell of her breasts. She had the most gloriously smooth skin.

“So, Colin MacLean, what are your true intentions?” She danced forward and around him.

“Ah, whatever do you mean?”

“About your chief. I know you, and you’ll never allow Lachlan to remain behind bars for long.”

“Aye, but ’tis best I dinnae share my plans regarding Lachlan with you.”

“I knew it.” She narrowed her blue gaze and popped out her tiny chin, one stubborn chin he wished desperately to kiss. “You’re going to free him should the king no’ let him go. Am I right?”

“Shh, I dinnae need that kind of gossip spreading.” She was too clever by far. “Remember your promise, scamp.”

“What promise?”

“To keep clear of James.”

“I promised no such thing, and dinnae try to turn this conversation back on me.” She searched the room. “Mayhap I should dance with Arthur instead. Your second has kind eyes and a sweeter disposition than you.”

“There is naught sweet about the man, and he has the eyes of a hawk.”

“Is he no’ preferable to James as a husband?” She swept around him then back. “He’s so gallant.”

Every muscle in his body tensed. After he killed James, he’d kill Arthur.

“Goodness, where is your concentration this eve?” She frowned and caught his hands. “You’re standing still when we’re supposed to be moving in a circle.”

“My concentration disappeared when you said Arthur was gallant. The man is too old for you.”

“He’s the same age as you, which is a far more acceptable age than Lord Sinclare’s seventy years. I have so little time, and you need to stop finding fault with every man I might choose.”

“Then I’ll speak to Arthur.” He wouldn’t, not when he’d be forced to bear witness to their union on a daily basis should she marry him. That he could never—hell. Easing around the dancers, Arthur headed his way. His man motioned for him to leave the floor.

“It appears I’m needed.” He steered Annie toward Arthur but kept a firm hand at her back. “What’s happened?” he asked Arthur.