The Banished Highlander

by Keira Montclair

  “I just had to see you. After seeing you with Munro…I just…” He scratched his head, wondering how to continue from here, yet wishing to make sure he chose the right words. There was so much at stake. “May we talk just for a wee bit before you return to your chamber?”

  Her gaze locked onto his and she nodded.

  He pointed to a chair not far from the hearth. “Sit in this large chair with me. I’ll wrap you up and vow to keep you warm.” He settled her next to him and held her close, his chin nearly on the top of her head, but he pulled back enough to peek at her. “Are you warm enough?”

  “Aye.” She didn’t say anything else, so he continued.

  “I don’t know what happened between Stonecroft Abbey and here. We kissed, and mayhap I shouldn’t have taken advantage of your innocence in such a way, but I don’t regret it. I like you verra much, and my feelings have continued to grow stronger. I offered for your hand, and I thought you said aye, but everything changed after you spoke with your sister. You wouldn’t even speak with me on the way back to Lochluin. I thought it was because of your sister, but I wonder if it had something to do with Ailbeart Munro. What happened between us?”

  She leaned back to answer him, and the quivering of her pink lips nearly caused him to lose all control. Nay, he’d not taste her again until he found out the truth of her heart.

  She dipped her head, then lifted her chin. “Answer me honestly. Would you have offered for me if the abbess hadn’t told you to do so?”

  “Is that what you think?” he asked in shock. “That I only want you because the abbess said so?”

  “Or forced you. Is it true?”

  “Nay, nay. I would have offered for you without her suggestion. While I would have liked to properly court you, we don’t have that choice. I’m ready to marry you now. Munro doesn’t deserve you, nor will he treat you with respect. I saw him mishandle you already.”

  Her gaze softened and she reached up to touch the stubble on his jaw, tracing her finger across his chin to the other side of his face. “I don’t wish to marry Ailbeart Munro, I wish to marry you. I wish we could take our time, too, but it cannot be. My sire intends to force me to marry the Munro, and I know not what to do.”

  Her hand fell from his face and her gaze dropped, but he tilted her chin up to him. His lips met hers in a searing kiss that quickly turned tender. He wanted to show her how much he respected and admired her. How much he wished for them to have a future together.

  He ended the kiss and said, “I asked your sire for your hand, but he refused me, saying you are to marry Munro.”

  “Then what are we to do?” she asked, the worry and fear in her voice evident.

  “They’re to return in three days? We could marry on our own before that, if you’ll have me. Will your sister support you?”

  “I’m not sure, but she no longer seems opposed to a match between us. I know she doesn’t like Munro.”

  He stood up and tugged her close, enjoying the feel of her in his arms, her soft curves molding to his body. He could hold her like this forever.

  Forever didn’t last long enough.

  She whispered, “I love you, Ruari.”

  His knees nearly buckled at this declaration. He realized with startling clarity that he no longer needed to wonder what it felt like to love a woman—he knew it. Without question. He kissed her lightly on her lips and said, “Juliana, I think we were meant to be together. ’Tis in the stars, just as my brother always told me would happen someday.”

  “Do you love me?” The hope in her gaze made him want to sweep her into his arms and run away.

  “I do. We belong together and I’ll do everything I can to see that it happens. I pledge that to you.” A noise caught his ears from behind them.

  Her sister came down the staircase and said, “What are you doing, Juliana?” She hadn’t shouted and her tone didn’t sound angry, but he knew he had to release Juliana.

  His love spun around to face her sister, blushing to the tips of the toes he could see sticking out from beneath her night rail.

  “We were just talking, Joan. Please don’t be upset, but we would like to marry. I don’t wish to marry Ailbeart Munro. Will you help us?”

  “I’ll talk to Papa. But don’t worry. If he doesn’t agree, I have another idea.”

  Ruari had no idea what that meant, but he knew her sister to be a strong-minded person. Having her on their side gave him a wee bit of hope.

  Which was more than he’d had when he entered the abbey.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The next morning, Ruari felt much more confident. He knew without a doubt that he wanted Juliana for his wife. And it was more than her sweet pouty lips.

  Every time he was around her, his heart soared. He loved talking to her, sharing his thoughts with her, and listening to her thoughts in turn.

  He’d wondered his whole life what it would be like to truly love a woman. Now he knew.

  He headed down to the great hall, humming under his breath, and immediately ran into Padraig. That wise-arse grin was still on his face.

  The lad let out a low whistle. “Something’s put a wee bounce in your walk, Cameron. Could it be a lass with light brown hair?”

  Ruari just arched an eyebrow at his friend. He didn’t say his true thoughts, that Juliana’s hair was the color of warm sand, not just brown. Or that her lips were the kind that begged to be kissed, and he wished to do much more of that.

  Or how it felt to hold her in his arms.

  Soothing yet exciting at the same time. Was that possible? He’d never experienced its equal. Had her sister not interrupted them, he likely wouldn’t have left.

  “What’s causing that smile?” Padraig prodded.

  Ruari chuckled and said, “I’m off to visit my brother. I’ll tell you all later. Meet me in the lists in an hour or so.”

  Padraig clasped his shoulder and took his leave.

  Aedan usually broke his fast with Jennie and their children, but there was no sign of any of them, which meant they’d likely come and gone. Sure enough, he found Aedan seated in his solar, staring off into space as he’d often done as a child.

  “You cannot be staring at the stars. ’Tis too bright a day.”

  His brother jerked his head around and laughed. “Certainly not looking at the stars. I was just thinking.”

  “Care to share?”

  “Nay.” His brother offered nothing more. “Are you in need of something?”

  “Aye, I’d like your help.”

  “You have it. What is it?”

  “As you know, I wish to marry Juliana Clavelle…”

  His brother held his hand up to stop him. “Ruari, she was with Munro at the festival, was she not?”

  “Aye.”

  “And you believe her father will send him away and accept your suit?” Aedan drummed his fingers on the tabletop awaiting his answer.

  How did he phrase this correctly? He wanted his brother to listen to him. “He rejected me in favor of Munro. The laird just left and is to return in three to four days to escort her to his land for their marriage, but Juliana is not interested in marrying him and wishes to marry me.”

  “Ruari, you’ll go nowhere if the betrothal has already been made. You’re talking about a neighboring laird, albeit a wee distance, it does not change his ranking. You know the way of it. The lass’s wishes are usually ignored. I don’t know how you can make this work.”

  Ruari’s temper flared. “You won’t help your only brother? Should I bring the lass to you so you can see the bruises he inflicted on her arm just because I approached them? Should I remind you that he was married before and is known for being a bastard?”

  Aedan got up from his desk and moved around to stand in front of Ruari. “I noticed how he treated her, and you’re not wrong about it being a bad match. Are you sure she’s not interested in marrying Munro?”

  “She is not interested in him. She loves me.” His fists clenched at his sides and he
didn’t care if his brother noticed. If he couldn’t count on him, who could he count on?

  “And you love her?”

  “Aye. Will that not sway you?”

  “If you’re sure about it. But give me some time to think of a solution. I cannot risk Munro showing up with his guards. I vowed to protect Lochluin Abbey and all that are in it.” He sighed and clasped his brother’s shoulder. “I’d be pleased to see you happily married, Ruari, but we must do this carefully. I’ll speak with her sire when they return.”

  That wasn’t exactly what he’d hoped to hear. He wished to marry her now—before Munro returned.

  “Thank you, Aedan, but I cannot risk it. I cannot lose her.”

  ***

  Juliana couldn’t sleep after she’d seen Ruari, simply because her heart was bursting with happiness. She was in love.

  And he loved her, too.

  She didn’t fall asleep until nearly dawn, so she slept most of the next day away.

  When she finally climbed out of bed in the middle of the afternoon, her sister was humming a song their mother used to sing to them when they were wee bairns.

  Her sister smiled, a big bright smile that made her gasp. She hadn’t seen Joan like this in…well, in years. “Good afternoon to you, dear sister.”

  “Joan, is everything all right? You look happy. Did something happen while I was sleeping?”

  “Nay, naught has changed. I was working on something to help teach you your letters.” She held up a book, a journal of sorts, in which several pages had already been marked. Her sister flipped through it to show her. “See how much I’ve done for you already? I thought if I put everything in one place, it would be easier. Once you’ve eaten, we can continue your lessons.”

  While she loved this side of her sister, and she so looked forward to learning how to read, something felt off.

  Her sister disappeared and returned with a tray of food—a bowl of pottage with a hunk of freshly-baked dark bread. “This was made fresh this morn. It’s quite delicious. I helped with the vegetables.”

  Juliana ate simply because she was famished. But once she was halfway finished, she stopped and asked, “Joan, have you thought of a way to help me deny Laird Munro?”

  Her sister gave her an enigmatic smile and said, “Aye.” She stared off into space as if enjoying the thought of whatever it was she’d decided to do.

  “How?” She took another bite of the bread, chewing slowly as she studied her sister. Why was she acting so strangely? After all these days of wishing for her to be a nun, what had changed her mind?

  “Don’t you worry about that. I’ll talk to Papa. He’ll see how right I am.”

  “Joan, you’ve encouraged me to take my vows for years, but lately you’ve been acting like you’d support my wish to marry Ruari.”

  Her sister sat down on the bed and folded her hands in her lap. “I haven’t given up completely in my quest to convince you to take your vows, but I’m beginning to believe mayhap Ruari is right for you. He is a fine man, and you would be a wonderful mother. You must trust that sometimes things happen in unexpected ways. Do not worry yourself. Focus on your letters for now.” She stood and started to fuss with various things around the chamber, setting them to rights.

  “But Joan, I love him.”

  Her sister spun around and gave her the oddest look, one she couldn’t read, but then she surprised her by saying, “I know you do.”

  She kissed her forehead and strode out the door. “When I return, I’ll start teaching you your letters.”

  What had happened to her sister?

  ***

  Ruari rushed out of the keep, bolting past several people who attempted to speak with him—the smithy, the armorer, even a stable lad—but he just couldn’t take the time to acknowledge anyone. Marching inside the stable, he saddled his horse and led him out the door, refusing to speak with anyone. He’d finally come up with the bold move Padraig had been convincing him to take.

  Time was of the essence. He had to persuade Munro to stay away. If he could convince the man that Juliana was not right for him, then Aedan would support him completely.

  He hated to be upset with his brother. The Camerons did have an unspoken bond with the abbey. They were the closest clan, so it was their duty to make sure that nothing would upset their presence or their coffers.

  Their coffers were mighty deep, so the protection of their wealth was a huge responsibility.

  He had his sword and two daggers with him, which he was quite certain he would need now that he’d made his bold decision. Ailbeart Munro had a black heart, and he would prove it to all. He’d uncover something about the man to use against him, to force him to stay away from his betrothed. He considered her his soon-to-be wife, and it was his responsibility to protect her.

  He was headed toward Munro land to convince the brute to stay away from Juliana Clavelle.

  And nothing would stop him.

  Chapter Nineteen

  It was nearly dark when he found himself on Munro land. Ruari stopped out of view of the guards, tying his horse to a tree near a burn. It was time to sneak inside the castle and uncover something useful about Ailbeart Munro. There was something about the laird he didn’t trust.

  Something evil.

  “Hold.” One guard stopped, holding his hand up to another as if he sensed Ruari’s presence. He froze, hiding behind two trees as the guards scanned the area. “I thought I heard something. Did you?”

  The other guard listened for a few moments and said, “Nay. Are you certain?”

  Neither said anything, listening, but then the first said, “I guess ’twas naught.”

  “Must have been a wild boar.”

  They continued on with their duty while Ruari made his way around to the back of the curtain wall, searching for a good place to scale it. When he found a spot where the wall crumbled in enough places to give him footholds, he made his way to the top of the wall. There he paused, praying the dark, moonless night hid his form. He had to be sure of what he would be dropping into.

  Seeing nothing beneath him, he dropped soundlessly to the ground. Once there, he paused again, listening for any sounds behind the castle.

  All was quiet.

  He crept across the grounds, moving between the grasses to silence his footfalls. He had almost reached the back entrance to the keep when he froze.

  He could hear a sword being drawn.

  And another and another.

  Hellfire, he was caught.

  He spun around, unsheathing his weapon, and sliced the first of his attackers across his shoulder. The man bellowed and dropped his weapon.

  But then he was besieged by a dozen guards, who knocked his weapon out of his hand and beat him to the ground.

  “Who is he?” asked one.

  “Cameron. Go see if the laird wants to see him or if we can kill him now.”

  Two guards disappeared, only for one of them to rush back out moments later. “Don’t hurt him. Bring him inside to Munro. He wishes to see him.”

  Ruari cursed himself. Fighting a dozen men would get him nowhere, so he gave up and agreed to walk on his own, following two men who took the lead. They used the back entrance to enter the castle, then shoved him down a passageway and up the three final steps leading into the great hall.

  As soon as he was escorted inside, Munro bellowed out to him, “Has something happened to my betrothed, Cameron? ’Tis the only reason you should be on my land. Sneaking about tells me you had other intentions.”

  “Juliana Clavelle is hale,” he said, moving over to stand in front of the bastard seated at his dais with several guards. “I’d like to speak with you in private, Munro.”

  The man arched a brow while a few of the guards openly laughed at him. “You’re an intruder. I have the right to kill you and put your head on a pike in front of my castle. You don’t make the rules. You’ll say whatever you came to say in front of my men.”

  Ruari had a bad feeling as the doo
r to the keep opened and several more guards entered, encircling him from behind. Perhaps he should have brought Padraig and a few guards of his own along on his journey. His plan to spy on the brute had failed him terribly. He’d hardly be learning anything he could use against him in the present situation.

  He hesitated, but then decided he’d speak his mind regardless of the danger. “Juliana Clavelle will be marrying me, not you. She has no interest in you, so I’m here to ask you to step away from your pursuit of her. Whatever you want with her, ’tis not honorable. There are many other lasses you could marry.”

  Munro leaned his chair back and guffawed, something that made Ruari’s blood boil. Oh, to stop that laughter. The laird abruptly launched to his feet, then swaggered over to him. Standing in front of him, he said two words with careful inflection. “She’s mine.”

  Ruari took a step closer and said, “She wants nothing to do with you, so stop pursuing her. The lass is too tenderhearted for you. I saw how you treated her at the festival, like she was a dog you wished to beat into submission.”

  “And she’ll be my wife in less than a sennight,” the man said with a smirk. “If I feel like beating her into submission, I will. I paid her sire good coin for the right to do as I wish to her body, and you can count on the fact that I will. I’m going to offer you one chance to leave on your own before I have my men take care of you my way.”

  Ruari locked gazes with the fool, and the man’s eyes were every bit as cold and cruel as he had expected. Nay, he would never allow such a man to marry Juliana.

  “She’ll never marry you. You can count on that. Your false attempts to buy her love haven’t worked.” Padraig’s words called to him. He had to do something bold at this point. He considered his alternatives of walking away or fighting two dozen guards and dismissed both of them. He had only one choice. “Why not meet me in the courtyard with your weapon of choice and we’ll settle this now?” Ruari took two steps back for emphasis. “Or are you too soft for the challenge?”