by B. J. Scott
The door opened, causing Edina to spin around. There was no time to climb back into bed so she prayed it would be her maid and not her father or Duncan. The longer they believed her too weak to marry the better.
“Guid morning, m’lady. You are looking chipper today. Are you ready tae break your fast?” Helen entered the chamber carrying a tray of food.
“I’m not hungry.” Edina crossed the room and sat in a large overstuffed chair by the hearth.
“Och, m‘lady, you must try some of this porridge and fresh bannock. You havena eaten enough to keep a bird alive these last few days.”
“Then I shall be too weak tae stand afore the priest and marry Duncan,” Edina answered on a shuddering breath.
“Mayhap the tidings I have tae share will brighten your day and your mood,” Helen said as she placed the tray on the table beside Edina.
“What news do you bring?” Edina’s eyes widened and she anxiously bit her lip in anticipation. Could this be what she’d been waiting for?
“William has returned from his quest, and he has the Mackenzie lass with him. He took her tae his croft and awaits your instructions,” Helen said with a broad smile. “I knew he wouldna let me down.”
Edina leapt from the chair and threw her arms around Helen, pulling her into a tight hug. “Oh, Helen, I can think of no better tidings. Have William bring her tae my chamber at once. But dinna let anyone else know she is here. I want tae surprise Duncan and need tae speak with the lass alone afore I do.”
Helen bobbed a curtsy. “Aye, I will fetch her right away.” She brought her finger to her lips. “Dinna fash, I willna breathe a word of it tae anyone, m’lady. You can count on me.”
“I know I can, Helen. Please hurry. I wish to speak with the lass as soon as possible.”
As Helen reached for the door latch, Edina called her back. “Wait. Have you seen her?”
“Aye, for a few minutes afore I came to tell you they’d returned. Why do you ask?”
“Is she a comely lass?” Edina had to know if seeing her again would be enough to turn Duncan’s head and prompt him to follow his heart.
“Oh, aye, she is lovely. A fine lady with raven locks, large blue eyes, and porcelain skin. I can see why Lord Sutherland would be taken by her.”
“Guid.” Edina rubbed her hands together and smiled. “That will make my task easier.” She dismissed Helen with a wave her hand. “Please bring her to me at once.”
Edina watched as the maid left the room, then threw her hands in the air and spun around in a circle, excitement and renewed hope burgeoning in her chest. If her scheme worked, her betrothed would be so thrilled tae see his lost love, he’d opt to marry her instead.
But Edina’s euphoria dissipated as quickly as it came. The first part of her plan had come to pass. Now, she had to complete the second half. Given his strong sense of duty, convincing Duncan to break the pact and marry his love could prove to be difficult. Of that she was certain.
But it was her only hope, and she had to try.
Chapter 21
“We are almost home,” Alasdair announced to Odin as he leaned over the horse’s sweat-soaked neck and dug his heels into the animal’s flanks. He’d ridden hard for three days, again pushing his mount to unreasonable limits. But the sooner he arrived at Fraser Castle and was reunited with his brothers, the sooner he could resume doing what he was born to do. Being a warrior was in his blood, it was his destiny. Any foolish notion he might have briefly entertained about a wife and family needed to be struck from his mind. He’d rejoin the cause, defending his king and country with his last breath if necessary. In time, he’d forget about Edina, or so he tried to convince himself.
Wind whipped though his unbound hair and he caught the smell of the village fires. As he raced to the top of the moor, the impressive home of his clan came into sight. A swift kick had Odin galloping towards the heavily manned curtain wall, alerting several guards who took their positions upon the stone barricade with their weapons drawn.
He raised one fist in the air and shouted the Fraser war cry. “A Mhor-fhaiche! Tell my brothers I have returned.”
“All my hope in God,” the men on the wall responded in unison as they hoisted their swords before raising the iron gates.
Alasdair rode into the bailey at full speed, then pulled back on the reins, causing Odin to halt abruptly and to rear on his hind legs.
The door to the castle opened and two men stepped out onto the stone steps.
“Will you look who has decided tae pay us a visit,” Alasdair’s youngest brother, Bryce, proclaimed as he trotted down the stairs. Connor followed.
Alasdair threw his leg over Odin’s neck and slid from the saddle in one swift move. Once his feet were firmly planted on the ground, he ran his hand over his beard-stubbled chin, then twisted and stretched, working out the kinks in his back and legs. Three days in the saddle, stopping only long enough to eat, rest the horse, and to sleep for a few hours each day had taken its toll.
“Welcome home, Alasdair. I’m glad tae see you,” Connor said as he approached with his hand outstretched.
“It feels great tae be on home soil,” Alasdair replied as he clutched Connor’s wrist, drew him into a quick embrace, then took a step back. “You look hail and hardy. Married life obviously suits you.” He laughed and patted his brother on the stomach. “You’ve put on a stone or two. Cailin must be feeding you well.”
“She doesna let me miss any meals,” Connor replied with a chuckle.
“I’m surprised he’s gained weight given how busy he is beneath the sheets. Cailin just gave birth a short time ago and she’s breeding again,” Bryce said as he joined his two older brothers.
“You should talk. Fallon is with child again too, and the healer thinks it might be twins.” Connor thumped Bryce on the back.
“Well I canna have it said my brother is a better lover and sire.” Bryce stood toe-to-toe with Connor and poked him in the chest with his finger. “But then again, everyone knows you’re the leader and I’m the lover.”
“That is a matter of opinion. Yours,” Connor countered, then stepped forward and crossed his arms over his chest.
“While you argue over which one is a more virile stud, I’m heading intae the castle tae find some food and a tankard of ale. My throat is as dry as dirt and I’m starving. I could eat an entire wild boar by myself. After that, I plan tae sleep for an entire day, mayhap for a sennight.”
“Things never change. I canna remember a time when you werena hungry or ready for a nap.” Bryce threw back his head and laughed, then yanked Alasdair into a hug. “Welcome home, brother.”
Connor summoned a squire to take Alasdair’s mount. “You should have sent word you were coming home, brother. I’d have had Cook prepare a feast and asked the maid tae put fresh rushes on the floor in your chamber.”
“We dinna expect tae see you until the battle against the MacDougall’s was set tae take place,” Bryce said as the three men walked toward the castle. “Fallon told me something was amiss and you were coming home early. She saw it in a dream. But as you know, I dinna set much store in dà shealladh.”
“Best you not let her hear you say that about her gift of second sight. Unless you wish tae be sleeping in the stable tonight,” Connor warned.
Edina’s face flashed before Alasdair’s eyes, as did the image of Duncan with his arm wrapped possessively around her waist. His gut twisted and he gave his head a shake. “Plans have a way of changing,” he replied curtly, then picked up the pace, leaving his brothers in his wake.
Alasdair stomped into the great hall. “Cook!” he shouted. “Bring me something tae eat and a tankard of ale. Better make it two, I’m parched,” he said to a portly man who entered the hall, wiping his hands on an apron.
“The evening meal will be ready soon, m’lord. I was not aware of your return. Could you wait a wee bit longer?” Cook asked with a frown.
“I dinna mean to cause you any trouble, but anything wil
l do tae tide me over. I’ve ridden with very few provisions for three days and am famished.” Alasdair sat on a chair by the dais and leaned back so it balanced on two legs. He was glad to be home. That was until he saw his brothers enter the great hall and he could tell by Bryce’s determined expression he was not about to give up his inquisition.
“Are you going tae tell us what happened when you were at Sinclair Castle or do we need tae drag it out of you?” Bryce asked as he strode toward the dais.
“There is naught to tell,” Alasdair snapped. “Let it be, Bryce.”
Bryce shook his head, pulled out a chair, and took a seat beside his brother. “You sent a missive, informing us of your intent tae delay your trip home, said you’d meet us afore the battle. Then you show up ahead of time, looking like the devil was on your tail, and expect us to just act like everything is fine. Something happened.”
“Enough, Bryce, give him a chance to breathe,” Connor said as he joined them. “It dinna matter why Alasdair came home early. I’m glad he did.” He slapped his older brother on the back and sat beside him. “We’ve missed you.”
Cook entered the hall carrying a tray of roast meat, cheese, and bread. A maid followed with three tankards and a pitcher of ale. The repast was placed on the table, then the two servants left the room as quickly as they entered.
Alasdair reached for a chunk of bread, but Bryce caught his wrist. “Not so fast. It has been well over a summer since I’ve seen you, brother and longer for Connor. You promised tae return after the battle at Loudon Hill. But instead, you continued tae fight. When the campaign in the north of Scotland ended, you said you’d return. Why did you choose tae visit Jayden Sinclair instead of coming home?”
Alasdair twisted free of his brother’s grasp, tore off a chunk of bread, and popped it into his mouth. “I’ve been at war for over two summers and was in need of a wee bit of time tae relax. I was in the north of Scotland, only a stone’s throw from Sinclair Castle and havena seen Jayden since I was a lad. I decided tae pay him a visit. Not that it should be any of your concern what I do or why.”
“Was it Jayden you stopped tae see or his sister?” Bryce raised a brow. “Is she still as unappealing as stray dog? If memory serves me, she was quite a homely bairn and you called her a pest.” Bryce closed his eyes and shuddered. “I only met her once, when she was 5 or 6 summers old, but if she looks anything like she did then, I canna say, I would be knocking on her door any time soon. At least not in the daylight.”
Anger churned in Alasdair’s gut. He wanted to grab his youngest brother by the throat and squeeze until he begged for mercy. Instead, he did his best to ignore the comment and downed a tankard of ale.
“I’d mind my tongue if you value your life, brother. You know naught of what you speak and I am not in a mood tae listen to you,” Alasdair said through clenched teeth, before taking another drink of ale, then dragging his hand across his mouth and belching. Bryce was goading him, exactly as he’d done since they were bairns. It was always in jest, but this time Alasdair would not let his brother get to him.
But Bryce refused to let up. “I can tell at a glance that something has caused a change in you. True, you tote several days worth of grime and stubble, but you’ve been shaving and cut your hair. This is the first time since we were lads that I’ve seen you without full beard, unkempt locks well beyond your shoulders and dinna come home smelling like a dung heap. If I dinna know you better, I would say you have been smitten.” He turned to face Connor. “Can it be our older brother has fallen under the spell of a lass, or mayhap, he is running from one?” Bryce chuckled and downed the content of his tankard.
“You know better than tae even suggest it. Settling down with a wife might be fine for you and Connor, but you know I have no desire to complicate my life with a woman.”
“You protest too much, brother. Who said anything about marriage? You’re a Fraser, and I think you spent the last fortnight beneath the sheets. Mayhap—” Bryce began, but spun around when he heard a woman’s voice.
“Is this any way to welcome home your brother? Leave the poor man be, Bryce. I canna understand why you must torment him so?” A raven-haired beauty with eyes the color of sapphires entered the great hall and moved toward the dais. “It is wonderful to see you, Alasdair. Please dinna pay my husband any mind.”
“He has no use for women, yet he lets one fight his battles for him,” Bryce remarked smugly.
Alasdair ground his teeth and cursed beneath his breath, but he refused to let his brother get a rise out of him.
“If you must know, I found a lass on the beach when heading tae Sinclair Castle. I thought her dead, but on closer examination, realized she was still breathing, so I took her to the hunt croft of Jayden’s da. I remember going there when I was a lad and it wasna far.”
“Why didn’t you go and fetch Jayden. Better yet, take her to Sinclair Castle?” Bryce badgered.
“It was too far and in her weak condition, I dinna think she would survive the trip. When she woke up, she had no idea who she was or how she came tae be on the beach. She also injured her ankle and couldna walk or sit a horse.”
“So how long did you and this mystery woman stay at the croft?” Bryce wiggled his brows and grinned.
“A sennight, mayhap a wee bit longer. When she was well enough tae ride, I took her home,” Alasdair snapped.
“You spend more than a sennight alone in a croft with a woman and naught happened between you? I find that hard tae believe,” Bryce said, his grin broadening.
“What would you have me do, take her by force when she was ill? Unlike some, I dinna bed a maiden unless I have asked her consent and am in a position tae marry her. Since I dinna plan tae do either, naught happened between us.”
“Say what you will, but I dinna believe a word of it.” Bryce crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Alasdair. “Unless of course she was so ugly you couldna stand the sight of her. Did you ever find out her name?”
Alasdair downed his drink, then glanced up at Bryce. “It turned out tae be Edina, Jayden’s sister.”
“Och, well that explains why you dinna bed her.” Bryce inclined his head and laughed.
“How can you just sit there and let this nonsense go on, Connor? You are not only their brother, but laird of the clan.” Fallon planted her hands on her hips and glared at her brother-by-marriage.
“I learned a long time ago that it was useless tae try and intervene between them. You know verra well that Bryce is like a deerhound with a bone. Once he bites into it, the only way to get him tae stop is tae throw a bucket of water on him.” Connor grinned. “Unless there are blades drawn and blood about tae be shed, I have found it best tae let them have at it. This banter has gone on since we were wee bairns. I dinna think it is about tae cease any time soon.”
Alasdair finished his ale, rose, then rounded the table. “Dinna fash. I pay Bryce no mind when he spouts off at the mouth. Which is most of the time.” He lifted Fallon’s hand and kissed it. “You are as comely as ever. It is good tae be home.”
Fallon’s face paled when he touched her and she swayed on her feet as if ready to faint.
“Is everything all right, lass? Alasdair clasped her elbow to steady her.
“Aye,” she muttered on a strangled breath.
Bryce leapt to his feet, bolted to Fallon’s side, and shoved Alasdair out of the way. He wrapped his arm around her waist. “What happened? Are you ill? Is it the babe?” When she didn’t reply and swayed again, he lifted her, then carried her to a chair. “Cook, bring me some water, right away,” he shouted.
Cook responded immediately, and Bryce held the cup to Fallon’s lips. “Drink.”
“What’s wrong?” Alasdair demanded, concern making his voice harsh.
“I dinna know. Stand back and give her some room,” Bryce ordered and waved his brother off.
“I’m fine, Bryce.” Fallon glanced up at Alasdair. “I had another vision is all. I saw a stunning lass with fla
xen locks and lovely hazel eyes. Was she well when you left Sinclair Castle?”
“I knew it.” Bryce approached Connor and thumped him on the back . “He’s been holding out on us.”
“Why do you ask? Has something happened tae her?” Alasdair’s heart clenched and he fisted his hands at his sides as concern for Edina’s safety engulfed him. Like Bryce, he’d never set much store in the gift of second sight, premonitions, or superstition. But in the past, Fallon’s visions had proved to be correct on more than one occasion.
“This isna the first time I’ve had this vision. The first time was a few nights ago. I saw a man hiding in her chamber, with the intent tae do her harm. He was wielding a dirk and threatening tae kill her if she dinna comply with his demands. I heard her calling out your name.”
“I mean no disrespect, Fallon, but you must be mistaken. True, Edina was attacked in her chamber, but it was well over a fortnight ago, while she was on ship, returning to her kin. The man responsible for the attack is dead.”
“Are you certain?” Fallon scratched her head. “I suppose it could have been the attack aboard ship I envisioned. I have had dreams involving past events afore, but they are usually not this vivid.”
“When I left, she was safe and well. Besides, she lives in a well fortified castle and has her brother and betrothed tae take care of her.” Alasdair ran a shaky hand through his hair. “She isna my responsibility or my concern,” he lied. It took every ounce of self-control to keep from jumping on Odin and racing back to Sinclair Castle.
“Mayhap you are right about the attack, Alasdair, but I fear the lass is verra unhappy and about tae make a grave mistake. That is unless you do something tae stop her.”
