Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

“We’ll be leaving soon.” Hugh saddled his horse.

“Then go. I’ll no’ stop you.”

“I would prefer it if you traveled with me.” He mounted, took his horse’s reins and nodded at Fergus as he arrived with his men. “Aid the lady, Fergus. She wishes to ride with us.”

“Nay, I—” She squealed as the warrior caught her around the waist and boosted her into the saddle in front of Hugh. “You cannae do this.”

“Oh, I believe I can,” he rasped in her ear. “And if you dinnae oblige and come willingly, then I’ll discuss what I’ve learnt this eve with the king. Do you wish to keep Colin MacLean from the dungeons, or do you prefer to send him to an early death?” He nudged his horse out into the bailey.

Speak up and save herself, or remain quiet and save Colin.

There wasn’t even an option.

“I’m the Chief of MacLeod’s cousin,” she snapped at him. “You cannae abduct me without severe repercussions.”

“This is no’ an abduction, but a willing agreement to a courtship.”

“I’ve agreed to naught.”

“Aye, you have.” Arms tight around her, he urged his horse out the gates, right under the watchful eye of the guards patrolling the barbican, and she could do nothing about it.

“Where are you taking me?”

“To Dunscaith on Skye where I can keep you secured within the MacDonald stronghold. James is too lenient toward the enemy and longs for peace at the expense of our own clan, whereas I shall fight against clan MacLean as my chief does. For that, we require an alliance with Rory MacLeod, and you are the perfect solution.”

“Your chief cannae fight while he’s in the tower.”

“Donald and Angus were removed from the tower earlier this eve and taken to secure quarters in the palace. They’ve both agreed to the king’s demands and will soon be released. And when my chief returns to his clan, he will hear of our alliance by marriage and be well-pleased.” He thumped his heels into his stead’s flanks, urging his horse to a faster pace. He raced through the city, his men close behind.

“That’s a marriage I will never agree to, no’ when I’ve already handfasted with another.”

“Handfast vows are easily broken.” He shook his head and snorted in disgust. “Did you speak them with MacLean?”

“Aye.”

“Then those vows are irrelevant. The clergyman at Dunscaith will gladly hear you speak true marriage vows with me. You will embrace your new role as my wife. Make no mistake about it.”



Colin snuck into the great hall with Arthur. So many people enthusiastically greeted each other as they finally learnt who was who. Several wives giggled and fanned their flushed faces as their husbands found them.

“What’s your plan of attack now?” Arthur asked him.

“We need to find Rory and ensure we’re seen.” Across the hall, a dark blond-haired warrior in full Viking costume with his claymore holstered across his back and his battle-axe belted at his side drew his attention.

“’Tis a good plan. Let’s hope it works.” Arthur rubbed his neck. “I’m no’ keen to have the king’s noose around my neck.”

“Neither am I, and I do believe that’s Rory.” He weaved around the chattering groups and blew out a long breath as Rory turned, his mask swinging from one hand and his face clear to see. Colin grasped Rory’s shoulder. “About time I found you.”

Rory’s gaze swept over him. “Ha. You are the last man I’d expected to see dressed as a monk. You love to war, no’ make peace.”

“Colin, you are a surprising sight.” Elizabeth smiled, the feathery fairy wings at the back of her white gown fluttering in the breeze from the open balcony doors. “Have you seen Annie now all have unmasked? There are so many here, and the costumes so wonderful, but I dinnae even know what my own niece wears.”

“She’s outfitted as Cleopatra, but she grew tired and retired to her chamber.”

“Then I shall go and check on her.” Elizabeth leaned in, her voice low as she continued, “I’ve no’ heard any rumors circulating about her and James. Have you?”

“James is still at the tavern. He took ill.”

She gasped. “Oh, how terrible, but what a stroke of good luck for us.”

Rory crossed his wide arms. “Aye, and glad I am too to see James has no’ been able to cause a stir.”

“I had Annie back afore dawn.” Colin tipped his head toward Arthur. “Go with Elizabeth and ensure Annie is well. Tell her I’ll be there soon to talk to her.”

“Will do.” Arthur offered Elizabeth his arm and led her away.

Colin rubbed his chest. His heart still wasn’t beating right, not since the moment he’d discovered Annie had been the maid delivering the spiked ale. They would have words, and Annie was about to learn he’d never allow her to attempt such a thing again.