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"Rider approaching," Lem shouted from the ramparts of Blackstone Castle, as Alex was returning from the stables with Drostan.
"Who might that be?" he wondered aloud, as they made their way to the portcullis in the fading light of gloaming.
The man brought his horse to a halt a few feet away from the gate, and Alex immediately recognized him. "You're Ewin, Lady Ceana's good friend, and cousin, from Teineaer."
The man smiled. "Aye, and I've something of much importance to give her."
Alex nodded. "Of course. Raise the portcullis," he ordered and stepped out of the way as Ewin rode into the bailey and dismounted. "Give your reins to the lad, there. He'll see to your horse. Come, and we'll find Ceana. She should be on her way down for supper. It seems you've arrived just in time. I'm sure you're hungry after your journey."
"Aye, and I thank you, Laird MacPherson," he said, as he followed Alex into the great hall, where Ceana already sat at the high table.
When she saw Ewin, a smile spread across her face, then she rose from the table and met him midway across the room. "My dear Ewin, I was so happy to learn from Laird MacPherson that you had lived, and your family was well," she said, pressing her cheek against his.
Tears welled up in the man's eyes. "I fashed greatly, Ceana, wondering what had happened to you."
"Well, as you can see, I'm very well indeed," she said, smiling at Alex, whose heart stumbled in his chest.
She took Ewin's hand and led him to a table, where she took a seat across from him.
Alex slipped in beside her.
Ceana looked at Ewin. "Now, I wish to hear all about Millie, Jennie, and Heather. And Hugh? How is he? Does his back bother him greatly? How is your leg? Is it healing well?"
Ewin answered her questions between bites, nodding or shaking his head when his mouth was too full to speak.
Alex stifled a grin as he listened to the love of his life chatter on nonstop, like a wee magpie.
Ceana turned to Alex. "Ewin and I were inseparable as children. When I first arrived at Teineaer, I felt so frightened and alone, but my dear cousin here quickly made me feel right at home."
Alex smiled. "He's made the journey to give you something."
Her eyes widened. "What is it, Ewin?"
Her cousin reached into his sporran and carefully pulled out a small blue fabric pouch, and handed it to her. "The Campbells must have dropped it, for 'twas found beneath a chair after they left."
She carefully untied it and poured its contents into her hand, then gasped. "'Tis Mother's brooch. Father gave it to her on the day of their wedding, and she cherished it greatly. I thank you, Ewin." Tears slipped down her cheeks, as she gently traced each jewel with the tip of her finger, before clutching it to her chest. "Alex and I are to be married soon, and now, I'll have the honor of wearing the brooch on my wedding day, just as my mother did."
Alex squeezed her hand, feeling as if his heart might burst with happiness.
"Congratulations," her cousin said, with a sense of deep sadness lurking just behind his smile.
Alex frowned.
***
ALEX OPENED HER EYES and blinked into the darkness of the bedchamber, lit only by the dying fire. Something had awakened him. A gust of wind slammed against the window. Apparently, the storm that had been brewing all day had finally arrived. Another blast rattled the glass. He settled deeper beneath the covers and closed his eyes.
A thud resounded against the floor in Ceana's bedchamber, followed by a mournful wail that could have awakened the dead. She screamed at the top of her lungs.
Alex bolted upright. With his heart drumming against his chest, he leapt out of bed, grabbing his shirt and dirk, as he yanked open the door to Ceana's bedchamber. He stopped when he saw Ewin on his knees beside the bed, his face buried in his hands. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded, his gaze landing on the sgian dubh lying on the floor beside the distraught man.
Ceana looked over at Alex, then her eyes widened and she quickly looked away.
Saints above! In all the madness, Alex had forgotten he was as bare as a newborn bairn. He pulled the knee-length shirt over his head, just as Drostan and Leith rushed into the room, by way of his bedchamber.
"What's happened?" Drostan asked, frowning, his broadsword drawn.
Alex shook his head. "I dinnae ken, but I'm about to find out. Help me get him into a chair."
When they pulled Ewin up from the floor, he cried out.
"Are you injured?" Alex inquired.
He nodded, clenching his teeth and holding his sides, as he sat down. "I'll be fine in a moment," he said, struggling to catch his breath.
"Leith, fetch him a dram of whisky from my bedchamber."
A few minutes later, Ewin's hand shook, as he grabbed the cup from Leith, and drained it of every last drop of whisky before taking it from his lips.
Sitting down on the bed beside Ceana, Alex frowned. "Tell me what you were doing in Ceana's bedchamber."
He shook his head and closed his eyes. "I'm sore ashamed, for I could no more harm a hair on her head than that of one of my own daughters."
"What is it you mean?" She slid her arm through Alex's, and he covered her cold trembling hand with his.
"That no account cousin of ours, Mungan MacDougal, forced me to come to Blackstone to murder you."
She gasped, and her face drained white. "But why would you agree to do such a thing?"
"Ceana, I love you as a sister, and you ken that I do. 'Tis why you're alive now. I couldnae hurt ye. But Mungan has promised that if I return to Teineaer and you're still alive, he'll have Millie, Jenny, and my wee Heather murdered." He carefully eased his shirt out of his belted plaid, exposing a multitude of black and blue bruises across his stomach, ribs, and chest.
Ceana's eyes filled with tears. "Did Mungan do this to you?"
"Nay, he ordered two of his hired men to do it, saying if I didnae wish to see my wee Heather treated much the same, I'd do as he said. Because of my love for you, Ceana, I've sealed the fate of my family." He again buried his face in his hands and quietly sobbed.
Alex looked down at Ceana, and frowned. "Why would Mungan want you dead?"
She thought for a moment, but it was Ewin who answered. "'Tis the will. He was angry when the laird willed Teineaer to Lady MacGregor instead of allowing it to go in succession to the next male heir, which fell to Mungan, after the death of his brother, Brian, a few months ago. The laird thought him unworthy of the title and left it to his daughter and her husband, after which it would be inherited by Ceana, and whomever she weds. But if Ceana is out of the way, and unwed, Mungan becomes the Laird of Teineaer, for it would then fall back in succession to the next male heir. I'm certain he killed your grandfather, lass, for he said as much."
She shook her head in disbelief. "I never suspected Mungan of such brutality."
"I did, which is the reason I fear for the lives of those I care about." He looked at Alex. "Laird, do with me what you will, for I'll soon have naught left to live for."
Alex raised a brow. "You've done no wrong. You but showed your strong devotion to Ceana, which I much admire. Dinnae fash about your family. I believe I've a way to ensure their safety. Get yourself some sleep, and we'll talk about it more in the morn."
Ewin rose to his feet, then turned back to Ceana. "Please, forgive me."
She smiled. "There's naught to forgive. You've but proven yourself to be the friend I always thought you to be."
He nodded, then left the bedchamber, closing the door behind him.
Drostan blew out a breath. "Poor devil. The bastard had him up against a wall when he threatened his family."
Alex nodded. "Aye. But thankfully, Mungan chose the wrong man to do his dirty work."
Ceana's gaze met his. "Do you have a plan?"
Drostan chuckled. "He does. As we speak, his mind is grinding away, like a millstone."
Alex grinned. "I do. But you'll both have to wait until the morrow to hear it. I've a bit more planning to do."
***
THE NEXT DAY, AFTER breaking their fast, Alex escorted Ceana to the solar, and they were soon joined by Drostan, Leith, and Ewin.
He knew Ceana was worried, for her eyes were swollen from lack of sleep, and she had hardly touched her porridge, which she generally consumed wholeheartedly.
Alex leaned back against the stone wall and crossed his arms. "Before I tell you my plan for Mungan MacDougal, I'd like to ask Ewin something."
Ewin's eyes widened. "Aye?"
"Do you suspect, as we do, that Mungan may have raised the portcullis for the Campbells, and allowed them entrance into Teineaer?"
The young man frowned. "After the battle, I noticed the portcullis had been raised, and the guard's throat cut. I wondered who might have done such a thing and if we had been betrayed by one of our own. Mungan was the first person who came to mind."
Alex nodded. "Then it seems we're all in agreement. I'm of a mind that Mungan may have sought out Lyall Campbell and made some sort of arrangement with him, instead of the other way around."
Ceana shook her head. "But how could he be so merciless to his own kin?"
"Wealth and power are strong motivators," Alex said, enraged by the anguish and worry the miserable cur had caused her.
"There's something else," Ewin offered. "Almost immediately after you and your men left Teineaer, he disappeared, saying he was going to stay for a time with his mother's clan, but no one believed him, as the Camerons never had much use for Mungan."
Alex looked over at Drostan and frowned. "You dinnae suppose, after learning of Ceana's whereabouts, Mungan headed straight to Kilchurn to find Lyall Campbell, knowing he'd come after her and the warhorse?"
Drostan nodded. "That would certainly explain how Campbell knew exactly where to find them."
Ewin looked from Ceana to Alex. "Are you saying he's already tried to have Ceana killed once before?"
"Twice," Alex corrected, "if you count him letting the Campbells inside the castle."
The young man shook his head in disbelief. "When Mungan did return to Teineaer, he brought along with him a group of well-armed men of unsavory character. My Millie is a bonnie lass, and more than once since their arrival I've been in fights because of them laying their filthy hands on her."
"Conn told me about them upon his return from taking the supplies. Now, as to the matter at hand. After much thought, this is what I've come up with. If anyone has anything to add, please do. Ewin, you'll return to Teineaer, and tell Mungan that Ceana no longer lives, though it pains me greatly to even utter such words," he said, turning his loving gaze upon her.
She smiled.
"Cook is preparing fresh venison for the midday meal. Earlier, I had Leith take Ceana's sgian dubh, the jeweled one she keeps beside her bed, to the kitchens, where he smeared it well with blood, albeit deer and not human."
Leith handed Alex the weapon, who gave it to Ewin.
"If Mungan asks for proof, show him the blade. Tell him you dropped your own during the struggle and had to use her weapon. Ceana said he'll recognize it as belonging to her since he was present when her grandfather gifted it to her, then your family will be safe. Next, we'll send a missive to Hugh, with news of her unfortunate demise, and say we will be returning her body to be buried in the kirkyard near her parents. Mungan will be expecting a funeral wagon with an escort, not a company of well-armed guards, and will be caught unaware. Then Mungan MacDougal will pay for the evil deeds he's done."
***
THE FOLLOWING NIGHT, Alex sat at the high table having his supper, with Ceana beside him. As she reached for her third apple tart, he smiled.
"Like those, do you, lass?" he teased.
"As a matter of fact, I do," she admitted, before slowly licking the sweet filling from her fingertips.
Alex groaned inwardly, as a wave of desire broke over him. He was amazed at how something so innocent could make him daft with need—and without the lass having even an inkling of what she was doing.
Hoping to dampen his craving, he looked across the table at Drostan, then frowned.
His friend's meal had been all but forgotten, while he raptly watched Ceana lick her fingers.
"Drostan!"
"Aye?" he said, jerking his head toward Alex, looking as innocent as a newly birthed bairn.
Alex would trust him with Ceana's life, as he had his own often enough. But her actions would have captivated a monk, let alone a skirt-chaser like Drostan. Perhaps 'twould be best to divert Drostan's attention, as well as his on. "Since Ewin's departure this morn, I've been thinking about Teineaer. Lyall Campbell had not the time to journey to Whitehall Palace and see the king, who would have more than likely granted him Teineaer Castle, and its lands, for his loyalty. But the new laird of Kilchurn Castle could very well go to the king on Lyall's behalf."
Drostan nodded. "Aye, he could, but you dinnae ken that he will. He may be naught like his predecessor."
Ceana looked at Drostan. "In other words, 'tis an uncertainty my people will have to live with for the remainder of their days, or until they are attacked and killed, or driven from their home."
Art, who was seated across from Ceana, reached over and placed his hand on his niece's. "I'm afraid 'tis the way of it, my dear. Just as the Campbells ended up with my castle, Glenmure, so will they Teineaer."
Tears sparkled in her eyes, as she turned to Alex. "Can naught be done?" Her tears and the anguish in her voice tore at his heart.
Alex took her hand in his. "As I said, I've been thinking, and I believe I've come up with a possible solution."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
"I'm going to see the king."
Ceana gasped, Art dropped his bannock, and Drostan nigh choked on his heather ale.
His friend leaned across the table, and narrowed his eyes. "Tell me you jest."
"I'm not jesting."
"'Tis much too dangerous, Alex," Ceana said. "He'll care naught about what belongs to a MacGregor." Concern for his safety was evident in her eyes and the sound of her voice.
"I've always had the king's ear, and perhaps still do. I've got to try."
Drostan grinned. "Then I'm going with you."
Alex chuckled. "I expected you to."
One corner of Art's mouth curved upward. "I'd go with you myself, lad," he whispered, "but being a MacGregor, I'm afraid I might not return."
He and Drostan chuckled.
But not Ceana. She stared blankly at the trencher.
He knew she was worried about him appearing before the king on her behalf—and so was he. Because what happened with Teineaer Castle was important to Ceana, it was also important to him. While at the castle, he had met and befriended the people there, and did not wish to see them killed, or turned out in the cold. He would tell King James only what he needed to know and prayed he would be lenient. Once Alex reached Whitehall Palace, one of two things would happen. The king would leave Teineaer in Ceana's hands—or toss Alex in his dungeon to rot.
***
AS WHITEHALL PALACE came into view, Drostan reined his horse closer to Alex's. "You're worried the king will not honor your request."
Alex raised a brow. "And how might you ken such a thing?"
"You scowl something fierce when you're fashing, just as you now are."
"I'll admit, I'm somewhat concerned he'll side with the Campbells, but hoping he'll leave the castle and lands with Ceana. But I'm more concerned with angering him, and getting myself killed."
Drostan nodded. "As I would be. What will you do if he denies your request?"
He shrugged. "Then I'll allow the people of Teineaer to come to Blackstone if they so wish. Otherwise, they'll be driven out, once the Campbells take control."
"Aye," his friend agreed.
Before they reached the palace gate, Alex brought his horse and guards to a halt. "Leith, you'll come with Drostan and myself. The rest of you remain outside—and dinnae get into trouble. You'll do well to remember who 'tis that resides inside those white walls," he reminded them. "Conn, I'm leaving you in charge."
Conn nodded. "Aye, laird."
His guards, most of whom had never seen anything near as elaborate as Whitehall, gazed up at the palace in silence.
Once Alex, Drostan, and Leith had gained entrance, their horses were handed over to the stable lad. Then they made their way into the palace entryway. It had been five years since Alex had been there, standing beside his father while he held court with King James.
The king's elderly steward greeted him. "Laird MacPherson, it has been some time since you've been to court."
He nodded. "Some time indeed. I was hoping I might be able to see His Majesty. I have a matter of utmost importance to discuss with him."
"A moment please," he said, then disappeared.
The palace was swarming with guards, and Alex wondered if the king feared for his life."
The steward soon reappeared. "The king has granted your request. I'll take you to him, but you must leave your weapons out here."
After handing over his broadsword, dirk, and sgian dubh to Drostan and Leith, he followed the steward down a long, brightly-lit hall."
They stopped outside a guarded door, and the man knocked.
"Come."
The steward opened the door, and stepped aside to allow Alex entrance, then closed the door, leaving him there.
King James sat before the fire, dressed in his usual extravagant finery.
Alex bowed. "I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice, Your Majesty." His heart beat like a drum against his ribs, and he could hear the pounding of it in his ears.
"Sit down and tell me the reason you've come." He took a sip of amber liquid from an ornate glass goblet, but above the rim, his gaze was fastened on Alex, which was highly unnerving.
Alex sat down in the chair across from the king's. "It has recently come to my attention that the Campbells—specifically Lyall Campbell—attacked Teineaer Castle. I've come here to request that the property not be granted to the Campbells, but that it be allowed to remain as it is." Alex was not certain how much he should reveal, but the king was no fool, and would quickly realize he was keeping something from him. "Perhaps I should tell you, Lyall Campbell is dead."
The king folded his arms across his chest and narrowed his eyes. "Tell me all that happened."
Alex blew out a breath, then began. "Nigh a month ago. He abducted a lass I had asked to marry me, and I went after him."
"Did you kill him?"
He shook his head. "Nay."
"Then who did?"
"The lady's wolfhounds ripped out his throat."
The king's eyes widened. "I see. Who is she?"
Alex cleared his throat and looked the king in the eye. "Her castle was attacked, and her family killed. She came close to meeting her own death in a snowstorm while running for her life, and my coming to her rescue was the only thing that saved her. Even so, she would have lost both her feet to frostbite, if not for the skill of my healer."
"Apparently this young woman means a great deal to you."
He nodded. "Aye, she does."
"You dinnae answer my question. Who is she?"
"I'll keep no secrets from you. She's a MacGregor, but has been living as a MacDougal since she was a child."
He snorted. "A MacGregor?"
"Aye. The only child of recently departed Laird James MacGregor and Lady Eliza MacDougal, and granddaughter of Laird Angus MacDougal, the old Laird of Teineaer Castle. She has suffered a great deal, sire, and I but wish to see her happy."
King James took a sip of whisky, as he stared into the fire. Several minutes went by before he spoke. "Because of your family's longstanding loyalty, and the fact that neither you nor your father ever once made a request, I'll keep Teineaer away from the Campbells—on one condition."
"Aye?"
"That it does not remain in the hands of a MacGregor. If I find out it has, 'twill be granted to the Campbells, and you, Alexander MacPherson, will be held accountable. Do you understand?"
Alex nodded. "I do, and thank you, sire."
"Go now, and wed the lass. I give you my blessing."
Alex bowed and kissed the king's ring. "You're most gracious, sire," he said, before leaving the royal bedchamber. Two of the heavily armed guards escorted him, Drostan, and Leith from the palace. He breathed a sigh of relief once he stood outside the castle walls.
Drostan looked at him. "Well?"
Alex grinned. "He granted my request—sort of."
"What the blazes does that mean?"
He chuckled. Curiosity was eating his friend alive. "Come. I'll tell you all about it on the way to the inn." He could not wait to tell Ceana that Teineaer would not be given to the Campbells, but what would she say when he told her that neither could she keep it?
***
MUNGAN FINISHED THE last of his venison stew and stuffed an apple tart into his mouth. With the men he had hired sporting such hearty appetites, the supplies the MacPhersons had brought were quickly coming to an end. Soon he would have to sell some of the jewels from the necklace in order to purchase food.
A woman screamed, and he looked up to find Millie MacDougal struggling to free herself from Hammish's lap, while the other guards cackled with laughter.
He had fancied himself with the bonnie lass ever since his arrival at Teineaer and had fantasized frequently about bedding her. A knife slipped between Ewin's ribs during a fight was all it would take for her to be his. Mungan could well imagine the lovely Millie warming his bed at night, and satisfying his every need. His breath quickened, as his gaze traveled over her long fair hair, pink lips, full breasts, and round hips, as she escaped the guard's clutches and made her way across the great hall.
After finishing off another cup of spiced wine, he left the table, to find a place on the settle beside the fire. He looked around in time to see Ewin MacDougal enter the great hall, and he was not the only one who had seen him.
Millie quickly put down the platter of venison, raced across the room, and jumped into his open arms, kissing him with great appetite, while ignoring the whistles and shouts from Mungan's hired men.
Jealousy clawed at him, as he watched the passionate exchange, and he uttered a curse beneath his breath, more determined than ever to have the fiery female for himself. But for now, he had an important matter to discuss with her husband, who was now headed his way.
Ewin took a seat on the settle beside him. "'Tis finished," he whispered, staring into the flames.
"How can I be certain?"
After making sure no one was looking, Ewin reached into his sporran and took out a small sgian dubh—Ceana's, to be precise—stained with blood. "I lost mine during the struggle, and had to use this one from her bedside, may God forgive me. I've done as you asked, and you'll be leaving my family alone like you promised."
Mungan smiled. "Your family's safe." You're the one whose days are numbered.
Ewin got up from his seat and went to fill his belly, while Mungan reveled in the knowledge that he was now laird. In fact, he was feeling downright giddy. He picked up the sgian dubh his cousin had left on the settle and slipped it into his sporran. For the moment, he had to bide his time, but once the news of Ceana's death reached Teineaer, he would be free to take his rightful place as laird.
***
WHEN ALEX RODE INTO Blackstone's bailey Ceana was there to greet him, and had not put on her cloak beforehand. She wore a smile, but he knew she was anxious to hear what he had learned from the king—as he would have been. He jumped off Jet's back and tossed the stallion's reins to James, who had come up from the stables to meet them.
Drostan did the same with his own horse. "I'm going on to the great hall with the others," he told Alex when he saw Ceana. "I'll see you there."
"Aye." Alex turned his full attention to the woman he loved.
He pulled her arm through his. "Come, let's go inside, afore you freeze to death."
She leaned her head against his shoulder, as she walked beside him. "I was headed to the great hall for the midday meal when I heard them announce your arrival. I didnae wish to take the time to go back to my bedchamber and get my cloak."
He grinned. "Wanted to see me that badly, did you now?"
Her cheeks were a most delightful shade of pink, as he led her into the great hall, and to the high table.
"Ceana, I understand you wish to ken what took place between the king and myself, but 'tis a matter we should discuss in private—once we finish our meal." He nodded across the table at Drostan. "Other than myself, only he kens." Alex washed and dried his hands, then filled their shared trencher with a variety of meats, oatcakes, bannocks, and cheese.
"Very well," she said, picking up an oatcake. "I've waited this long, I suppose I can wait a bit longer." She smiled up at him, and he had to force himself not to kiss her right where they sat.
A half-hour later, Alex escorted her into the library and closed the door. He tossed more peat onto the fire, before taking a seat on the settle beside her. He took a deep breath, then said, "King James promised not to grant the Campbells Teineaer Castle."
"That, I'm most pleased to hear, but I feel there's much more to it," she said, pressing her palm against his cheek.
He covered her hand with his, amazed at how attuned she had become to reading him. "Aye, lass. There are certain conditions which must be met."
Ceana frowned. "Such as?"
"Teineaer cannae be held by a MacGregor."
Her eyes widened. "I see. What if those conditions are not met?"
"Then I will be held accountable."
She gasped, then rose from the settle and walked to the window, where she stood quietly.
After a time, Alex began to get worried.
Ceana suddenly turned around and smiled. "All will be as it should be."
***
A FEW DAYS LATER, ALEX knocked on Ceana's bedchamber door.
"Aye?"
"Are you ready?"
When she did not immediately answer, he opened the door and went inside.
She stood in the middle of the room, rubbing her hands together. "I'm not certain I am."
He put his arms around her and gently drew her against him. "Tis unsettling to be returning to Teineaer under the pretense of being dead, of that I'm sure. As I've already said, you dinnae need to come, as I'd prefer you nowhere near that madman."
She nodded. "I understand, but I'm most excited to see my people again. And I must confront Mungan for all the terrible things he's done. If he did indeed raise the portcullis for the Campbells, as we believe he did, he as good as killed my parents himself. Seeing him punished, and his hirelings banished from Teineaer is my duty."
"Spoken like a true lady."
She smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears, then raised herself onto her toes, and gently kissed him, before leaving his arms to fetch her cloak.
He raised a brow. "What was that for?"
"Simply for loving me."
Alex's throat tightened, as he opened the door, and led her out into the corridor. Confronting that bastard, Mungan, was the last thing he wanted Ceana to do, but he also knew it was something she had to do, as well as it being her duty to protect her people. But he had made protecting Ceana his duty, and he would do whatever it took to keep her safe—even if it meant putting his own life at risk.