“It’s from my supervisor back in Ireland,” he said, a shadow of his old, tremulous fear on his face. “They want a report on how the witch hunt is going.”
“What are you going to say?” Anna asked, tilting her head to the side.
“I’m not sure. I can hardly tell them that a third of my forces were eaten by a monster.”
“Tell them the truth. Tell them you investigated the village for witchcraft, but found no sign… and that your mercenaries proved untrustworthy, and were defeated by the local Sept. Please emphasize the complete lack of witchcraft,” Donal added, and Anna laughed.
“Sounds good to me.” She shrugged. “Will your people let you stay here?”
He heaved a sigh. “If I can establish a church here… I may be able to make a case for staying. We’ll see. At the very least, I’ll stay a few more months. That is, if the villagers don’t chase me off.” He smiled, a little fondly.
On the way back to the castle, they walked the horses, having run them a little too hard on the way over. The two they’d chosen were dear friends who enjoyed walking close together — they were in the habit of riding them because they walked close enough for Donal and Anna to be able to hold hands as they rode. She glanced sideways at him and caught him smiling that silly soft smile he only wore when he thought she wasn’t looking.
“I think I should send a basket of fruit down to the bottom of the lake,” he said thoughtfully.
“What on earth for?”
“For the Sidhe, of course. As a thank you. Of all the strange little blessings they’ve given us — and there’s a list a mile long — I think they’ve outdone themselves with you.”
“Oh, yes?” She grinned at him. “By sending you the woman who’s going to beat you at sword fighting? That’s very humble of you, Donal, I’m surprised —”
Laughing, he leaned over, kissing her to silence her teasing. As they rode home, the cool wind playing with her hair, Anna smiled. It was a complicated concept for a career soldier like Anna… but right now, she was completely and utterly at peace.
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About Rebecca Preston
Rebecca lives in New York City with her dog. She loves sweet love stories with great characters. She loves traveling the world and experiencing new cities and cultures. Jane Austen is her favorite author.
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Also by Rebecca Preston
Highlander Forever Series
Rescued By The Highlander
Highlander Of Time Series
Highlander Found - Book 1
Highlander Warrior - Book 2
Highlander Protected - Book 3
Highlander Smitten - Book 4
Highlander Fallen - Book 5
Highlander Cursed - Book 6
Jane Austen Fan Fiction
Arranged To Darcy
A Convenient Darcy Marriage
Married To Darcy
Elizabeth And Darcy
Mr. Darcy’s Pride
RESCUED BY THE HIGHLANDER Page 37
