Highlander's Seduction (The Matheson Brothers #3)

“Wonderful. I need to speak to Nessa.”


A shuffle sounded in the passageway and she cloaked herself as two lads, not of fae blood, heaved a tub between them. Barefoot and with sooty marks on the knees of their loose-legged brown breeches, they set the tub before the fireplace. Another maid entered, set a drying cloth and bar of soap next to the tub then left with the lads.

Effie knelt at the hearth, tore strips of bark from a log and brought a flame to life striking flint with a dagger. She added a log or two and the fire soon roared and spread its heavenly heat throughout the room. The maid rose and dusted her hands against her aproned sides as she crossed to the golden curtained ambry. “What do you wish to wear this day, my lady?”

“The pale blue gown, please. Leave it on the bed if you could.”

The maid removed a gown of silk, one of her favorites that matched the color of her blue eyes to perfection. Effie draped it over the black fur cover at the end of her bed then set the matching pair of slippers beside it.

The lads soon returned with pails of steaming water and Effie directed them then added vanilla scented oil and a sprinkle of dried rose petals. Done, she walked to the door and dipped her head to Nessa as she arrived.

“Thank you, Effie.” Nessa closed the door behind the servants after they filed out then leaned against the door in her bronze skirts, her red locks wisped with gray coiled high upon her head. “And how is my favorite time-walker this day?”

“As well as can be considering I spent the night with Kirk.” She uncloaked and hugged her friend. “What of you, Nessa? How do you fare?”

“I’m completely intrigued and dying to know all that occurred last eve. Come and eat while we talk.” Nessa grasped her hand, walked to the side table, pulled out a chair for her and perched in the one opposite her as she sat. When she stayed here at the castle, they always broke their fast together, just the two of them. ’Twas a special time, one of the rare moments when she wasn’t alone as her duty so often demanded.

“Well, Kirk’s shifter senses led him directly to me, although I’m no’ surprised.” She lifted the small bowl of honey and swirled it over top of hers and Nessa’s hot oats then slid a spoonful into her mouth. Delicious, and just what he needed to warm and fill her belly. “I’m sorry I first asked you to do the impossible last eve and keep him from leaving the keep.”

“There wasnae a chance I could halt him. He whipped right by me, so eager to begin the chase. He’s been looking for you for such a long time.” Nessa patted her hand. “You must understand. The ‘power of three’ willnae be at their strongest until each have joined with their chosen ones, which means you must consider allowing the bond to take.”

“I have to admit I now feel so torn.” She bunched her hands in her lap, twisted her fingers in her skirts. “I spent the entire night in his company, even took him into the skies. I’ve never allowed myself such a frivolous time with another.”

“He’s your match in every way and all yours if you will but open your heart to him.” She gestured toward the window where the sounds of steel clanging and warriors grunting echoed toward them. “Kirk will be driven to see to your needs, to aid you in all that you do. He will also never be at peace until the two of you have completed the bond and joined as one. You must accept your destiny is about to change. You need never be alone again, Cherub. Take a step of faith and accept what should be.”

“I cannae deny I want him.”

“Then give yourself the future you both deserve.” With a heartfelt smile, Nessa stirred a teaspoon of honey into her steaming tea. “And so says the wise seer.”

“Aye, very wise, but there is also pain in living an endless life as I do. Kirk is so close to his brothers and there would be desolation as Iain and Finlay aged and passed away and he did no’. That is the kind of pain I have come to accept for myself, but ’tis also the kind of pain I would never wish on another.”

“Yet that should also be his choice to make and not yours.” Nessa sipped her hot drink. “I’ve known you for a very long time, adored each and every one of the days we’ve been friends. I would hate to think I might have missed out on all the years that have passed between us simply because you feared the pain you’d experience when the end must inevitably come for me. I know, deep in my heart, that even when I am no longer here to watch over my people, that you will be. Iain and Finlay will feel the same way with Kirk. He will always be there for their children, grandchildren and so forth throughout the ages. ’Twill be a blessing for them to know their brother will be able to watch over their closest when they cannae.”