They both jumped at the banging on the door.
‘Shh, be quiet, they won’t know we’re here,’ Bram whispered low.
Lioslath giggled against his chest.
‘Laird, Lioslath!’
‘It’s Aindreas.’ Lioslath met Bram’s gaze and disentangled herself. There’d be nae reason Aindreas would dare disturb them now. Nae reason except an emergency. Bram came to the same conclusion.
‘Aye!’ Bram called out.
‘There’s a rider heading towards the keep.’
Aindreas’s feet retreated as they quickly dressed. Bram carried Lioslath until they reached the courtyard, where he abruptly stopped.
Robert and Gaira were there in the easing rain. Gaira was pacing, her hand to her stomach.
‘The baby!’ Lioslath exclaimed, as Bram ran the remaining distance and set her down so she could lean on him.
‘There’s a Colquhoun messenger coming up fast,’ Robert said. ‘Aindreas is notifying Cook and seeing about the horses in case more are needed.’
The gates were open as a lone rider curved around into the empty courtyard. He dismounted before the horse stopped.
Deep breaths as he addressed them. ‘It’s the clan, Laird.’
Lioslath grabbed Bram’s hand, felt him answer her squeeze with one of his own.
‘It’s Maisie.’ The messenger stumbled. ‘She’s been taken.’
The colour left Gaira’s face as she fell and Robert caught her.
Bram’s eyes were locked on the messenger. ‘What happened?’
Aindreas and Colin ran to greet them. Colin took the horse, while Aindreas supported the messenger, who struggled to stay upright.
‘She’s...gone,’ he panted. ‘Caird—’
Bram looked to Aindreas. ‘Tend him. He has an hour of rest, nae more.’
Robert cradled Gaira, his eyes fierce and protective on her waxen features, but his words were pointed to Bram. ‘I don’t give a damn if this has to do with the Jewel of Kings or the Englishman.’ His eyes pinned Bram. ‘My duty is to her and my family. You understand?’
Bram looked to Lioslath. ‘Aye, I do.’
‘Then take care of it. We’ll leave for Colquhoun keep today,’ Robert said, as he swept Gaira into the keep.
Bram’s arm went around Lioslath.
‘You worry,’ she said.
‘My sister’s fierce. She’s never fainted before.’
‘It’s the baby. She’ll be...’ Lioslath stopped. ‘It’s not over, is it? What will Robert do?’
‘He’ll protect them with his sword. If the Englishman is the kidnapper, he doesn’t know the wrath he has brought upon himself.’ Bram clenched his jaw. ‘Why would he take Maisie? It makes nae sense. Malcolm has the jewel.’
‘But the Englishman was there...wasn’t he...at Doonhill?’ Lioslath said.
‘Aye, it’s the only connection, but Doonhill’s destroyed.’ The muscle in Bram’s jaw twitched before he took a ragged deep breath. ‘By him. The Englishman set fire to Doonhill. The Englishman massacred everyone there.’
‘Not everyone,’ she whispered. ‘There were children.’
‘Aye, the children, but they fled to the woods...except for Maisie.’ Bram’s eyes became fierce. ‘This kidnapping. I think it’s not a question of why the Englishman isn’t after Malcolm and the jewel. We need to discover why Doonhill burned to the ground and Maisie survived.’
Lioslath’s heart clenched, but it did not waver. ‘I understand.’
‘Lioslath, I have to—’
She laid her hand against his heart. ‘I understand, Bram. Please, after all the confusion and changes this year, in this I ken. You have to protect your family as well.’
‘My duties and my heart are here now.’
‘People are depending on you,’ she said. ‘It makes me happy they can depend on you. Is it wrong to feel this way?’
‘I feel I can’t hold my heart in my chest any more when I’m with you. If it’s wrong, we both are.’ He lost his smile and held her hand to his chest. ‘It’s too soon. After everything, it’s too soon, but I must go. It’s Irvette’s daughter. I cannot stay.’
‘Clan Fergusson will be fine. You’ve ensured we’ll survive the winter.’
‘Nae throwing buckets or daggers at me when I return?’
‘The only thing I’ll throw to you is my heart.’
‘Lioslath.’ He gathered her close and trapped their hands between them. ‘Romantic sentiment from you. Now? Ah, how can I leave you?’
‘It matters not, since I’m going with you.’
He pulled away but did not let go of her hands. ‘Never. Not when I— It’s dangerous.’
‘Nae negotiation or bartering, Colquhoun, I’m going with you.’ She linked her fingers through his. She’d always link her fingers through his, just as she knew he’d clasp hers in return. ‘You can depend on it.’
* * * * *
If you enjoyed this story, you won’t want to miss
these other great reads in Nicole Locke’s
LOVERS AND LEGENDS miniseries
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HER ENEMY HIGHLANDER
Keep reading for an excerpt from AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS by Laurie Benson.
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