A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6)

by Hildie McQueen

  Once she left Ross Keep, she’d not see Ewan because he’d remain there.

  There had to be something she could do. If she agreed to allow their courtship, it meant she’d have to be open to a physical relationship. No matter what Ewan said, a marriage could not last without the physical aspect of it.

  It was time that she spoke to Esme. Hopefully, together, they could come up with a plan.

  Esme kissed Ewan’s jaw. “It is almost dawn.”

  When he murmured something undecipherable, she kissed his cheek. “Wake up, Ewan.”

  His eyes popped open and he looked around confused. At seeing her, it was obvious he recalled the night before. “I’d hoped to wake up before ye did,” he complained.

  Instead of getting up, he wrapped his arms around her and yawned loudly. “Did ye sleep well?”

  “I did,” Catriona replied and yawned in return. “I hope ye were not too uncomfortable.”

  He pressed a kiss to her temple. “From how soundly I slept, I would say it was a good night’s rest.” Stretching, he looked at her. “It’s best I go.”

  “Thank ye,” Catriona said, not wanting him to go. “Ye are kind.”

  Ewan rolled over her and held his body up with his elbows and knees so not to place any weight on her. The serious expression on his face hovered just above hers. “My staying here has nothing to do with kindness. I want to be close to ye because I wish ye to be my wife one day.”

  “I owe ye a reply. I promise to as soon as I can,” Catriona replied.

  When his mouth covered hers, automatically, her eyes fluttered closed and she grabbed his shoulders.

  Just as she tried to pull him closer, he broke the kiss and gave her a crooked grin. He got up and stood over the bed. “Go back to sleep. Mayhap dream of ravishing me.”

  Catriona remained still, looking straight up. What would have happened if he would have collapsed over her? She’d actually wanted more, needed more.

  She couldn’t wait for Esme to come and fetch her for first meal. There was so much to talk about.

  ***

  “Ye did what?” Esme’s wide eyes met hers. The curve of her lips made Catriona feel like less of a wanton. “He is quite strong-willed. I do not know of many men who would sleep with a woman and not demand she give herself to him.”

  Catriona frowned. “I know. Should I feel badly?”

  “Of course not,” Esme replied emphatically. “However, do not think it can happen often without him losing control. Men are very physical creatures.”

  Lady Elspeth Ross came to the door. With her were two other women. Catriona was quickly introduced to the other Ross brothers’ wives. Tristan’s wife, Merida, a McLeod, and Kieran’s wife, Gisela. Each of the three women were vastly different in features, but all quite striking.

  Much like their handsome husbands, Esme had informed her.

  Elspeth hugged Catriona. “Lady Fraser informed us of yer reluctance to go about freely and we came to ensure ye know we understand.”

  “If ye are brave enough, we planned a separate first meal in the room next to the kitchen,” Merida said with a wide smile. “I myself prefer to eat there.”

  Catriona instantly like each of them. “That would be perfect. I will strive not to remain a recluse. I promise.”

  Together, the group walked past the great room and down a side corridor. Catriona caught sight of Ewan and several warriors going out toward the courtyard. Obviously, they’d all eaten earlier.

  Catriona slid a look to Esme, whose lips curved. She’d seen Ewan as well.

  “Stop it,” Catriona whispered.

  “Did ye know that there are cats that share yer bed and promptly leave at dawn to go hunt mice?” Esme said in a singsong voice.

  Gisela’s dark eyes twinkled with glee. “Aye, and they have little remorse for it.”

  “That is why we must lock the door and keep them in, if we wish for more than a simple purr when they awaken,” Elspeth added.

  Obviously the women were well aware of what Esme had alluded to. Hopefully, they’d all think it was her own husband she spoke of.

  “Who is this cat we speak of?” Merida asked Catriona in a soft voice. “Is he handsome?”

  Catriona covered her face and the other women chuckled. “I have no idea what ye are all speaking about.”

  For the first time in her life, she was in a group of women who were paired off and it felt as if she, too, had a man in her life. Despite the anxiety nibbling at the edges, Catriona allowed herself a time of lightness and enjoyed the moment.

  “Tell me who is he,” Elspeth demanded.

  Merida, who seemed the quietest of the group, patted Catriona’s hand. “Ye do not have to. When ye are ready, we will be glad to know.”

  “I have an idea who it is,” Gisela said. “A certain gentleman seems overly interested in knowing when Ruari and Esme are going back to their house.”

  Esme huffed and rolled her eyes. “Ye will eventually find out. He is not the best at hiding his admiration for Catriona.”

  “I cannot stand the curiosity,” Elspeth cried out dramatically.

  When they entered the small dining room, the cook hurried over to them. Her warm gaze went to Catriona. “I am Moira. If there is anything ye need, no matter the time, ye come and ask.”

  Lady Fraser appeared at the doorway. “I had to hunt for ye,” she complained, but immediately sat next to her daughter, Esme. “I like the idea of eating separately.”

  “I apologize,” Elspeth replied. “I did send a maid to fetch ye.”

  “Ye did, but she came much too early. I had yet to begin to comb my hair.” Lady Fraser didn’t seem bothered at all. “I must say, this home amazes me. It is so beautiful.”

  Elspeth met the woman’s gaze. “Thank ye. It is indeed lovely.”

  “Ye must remain here with me while I visit,” Lady Fraser told Esme. “It is only for a season. It would be preferable to yer smaller home. This one has a proper staff.”

  It was obvious by the look between Esme and Elspeth that she’d warned Lady Ross about her mother’s inclination for indulgence.

  “We did invite ye to visit us. Whether Esme remains or not, ye are more than welcome to remain here,” Elspeth told Lady Fraser.

  Lady Fraser gasped. “It is so very kind of ye. I must, however, go wherever my daughter goes. It is her I wish to spend the most time with.” She glanced at Catriona. “Catriona, as well. It is imperative that they spend time together.”

  “Very well, Mother, I will remain here for a bit longer. Eventually, ye and Catriona will come to my home. It may not be as grand as this, but it is very comfortable, and I have enough of a staff that ye will find it adequate for yer every need.”

  Of course, what Lady Fraser was interested in were the constant activities, the feasts and any celebrations at the larger keep, since she and Laird Fraser only attended smaller gatherings. The entire trip there, she’d spoken of little else but hopes for several large celebrations.

  As if reading her mind, Elspeth spoke. “Tonight, we have invited several neighboring families to attend a welcome celebration in yer honor, Lady Fraser.”

  The woman looked about to swoon with delight and Catriona slid a knowing look to Esme, who then gazed upon her mother indulgently.

  After first meal, Esme gave Catriona a tour of the home. By the time they returned to the great room, Catriona was completely lost. “I do not think I will ever learn my way around here.”

  “Everyone gets turned about at first,” Esme said with a chuckle. “I would get so angry when trying to find my way to the great room for meals.”

  Esme looked around. “I will introduce ye to Laird Ross and his brother,” Esme said, not giving Catriona an opportunity to reply before pulling her toward the high board.

  When she looked up and met the icy stare, she almost turned around and ran. However, Esme held her arm. “Laird Ross, this is Catriona, who is like a sister to me.”

  The man was as handsome as
he was frightening. After a nudge from the man to his right, he seemed to soften. “Welcome to Dun Airgid. I hope ye will enjoy yer visit.”

  Catriona bent her head forward in greeting.

  “Catriona, this is Tristan Ross, the laird’s brother, and Merida’s husband,” Esme explained.

  Like his cousins, Tristan also had hazel eyes. His, however, seemed lighter. The man nodded in greeting. “Welcome, Miss Catriona.” Unlike his brother, Tristan Ross set her mind at ease enough to speak.

  “Th-thank ye,” Catriona stuttered, looking to Esme, hoping for an escape.

  “Ewan has gone to meet with the guards. He shall return by last meal,” Tristan informed her.

  To her utter dismay, she felt a wave of heat fall over her face. “Oh.” It was the only sound she could make. Thankfully, Esme rescued her.

  “I’m sure he will seek Catriona upon his return,” Esme replied, tugging her arm. “Let us go see where the women are.”

  “How do they know?” Catriona hissed as soon as they were out of earshot.

  Esme gave her a droll look. “Ewan must have said something to them.”

  “I should speak to Broden,” Catriona said. “He has been making attempts to court me.”

  Her friend stop mid-stride. “I was not aware Broden was interested in ye. I wonder if it is more about feeling possessive over ye.”

  “Either way, I feel that I should speak to him.”

  “I will send for him later,” Esme said. “Ye need to get yer breath and rest a bit first.”

  They went into a large sitting room where Elspeth and several women sat about sewing. Elspeth waved them in. “Ye have to tell me about yer home. I do not believe I’ve ever been to yer village.”

  After a while, Catriona was shocked to find out the beautiful Lady Ross had grown up a simple village girl. She’d agreed with Catriona that her husband was quite frightening when first meeting him.

  “He is a strong leader who grew up a warrior and witnessed death many times. As much as I try, I cannot imagine what it is like.”

  Merida looked to Catriona. “Ye haven’t met the youngest, Kieran, yet. If ye think Malcolm is unsettling, then ye will find Kieran absolutely terrifying.”

  The women chuckled, except for Catriona, who could not imagine anyone scarier than Malcolm Ross.

  ***

  Dressed for last meal, Catriona was still astonished at her lack of nervousness. It could be that the change in location helped. She hoped that when it was time to sleep, her fears would remain at bay.

  Since no one had offered to stop by for her, she decided to make her way there. Leaving her bedchamber, she went to the end of the corridor, turned right down a second one. She’d memorized the way. Right, left and then left.

  However, upon reaching the end of the corridor, she found herself not in the great room, but in a different one. This one was smaller, with several sitting areas. Over a fireplace, there was a portrait of a couple. The man resembled Malcolm, but it was not him. The woman was seated, her hands folded, her gaze straight ahead.

  She wondered what the room was used for. Perhaps small gatherings. She turned just as a man entered the space.

  In all her life, she’d never seen a more astonishingly angelic being. He looked to her with interest before motioning to the doorway. “Ye must be lost.”

  There was no warmth in his tone, nor animosity, however something about him gave her pause. It was as if restrained ferocity floated just beneath his skin. His movements, although graceful, seemed measured.

  When his gaze met hers, her lips parted at the heavily lashed, lovely and yet icy gaze.

  He seemed to understand her hesitation. “I am Kieran Ross. The laird’s younger brother. Ye can follow me. I was sent to find ye for last meal.”

  Catriona was thankful he did not come near and wondered if he’d been forewarned of her fears.

  “Why did they send ye?”

  One wide shoulder lifted. “Ewan is held back and will be late. He wished to ensure ye were not bothered by a warrior named Browen...or the like.”

  “Broden. Ewan sent ye?” Obviously, men were not aware of Kieran’s intimidating presence.

  “Aye.”

  “Very well. Shall we go?” Catriona took a breath and went to where he stood. If Ewan trusted Kieran, she would as well.

  “I do not believe I am afraid of ye. However, I must admit to a compelling need to keep looking at ye. Ye must find it bothersome.”

  Kieran tilted his head to one side and looked down at her. “Sometimes. I do not notice it much.”

  At his words, Catriona relaxed. Everyone had burdens, even the beautiful man who now walked beside her.

  Once in the great room, Catriona went to sit at a table with Esme. The meal was bountiful, musicians entertained, and tankards were kept full.

  Meanwhile, Lady Fraser, who sat at the high board next to Elspeth, beamed, her face bright with excitement. Catriona had to smile at seeing the woman’s happiness. It was a full circle that night, a contrast to the worst time in both of their lives.

  Esme squeezed her hand. “Ye seemed changed. More like yerself.”

  “I am hopeful,” Catriona replied. “For the first time in a long time, I want to be happy.”

  After everyone ate, several people danced, while most sat and watched. It was the first time in a long time that Catriona had attended a large gathering. She remained at the table ensuring to keep her back to the wall, but able to watch those dancing.

  “How do ye feel?” Broden lowered next to her, his gaze moving from her to the dance floor.

  “I am well,” Catriona replied. She was well aware that Broden wished for more from her than just friendship. It was interesting that for the many years she’d been so infatuated with Keithen Fraser, she’d not taken time to notice other men. Now, however, she could not think of anyone else except Ewan.

  “Ye should find a lass and dance,” Catriona suggested. “Several kept an eye on ye when ye walked across the room.”

  “I would dance with ye,” he said.

  “Broden,” Catriona began. “Ye and I cannot be more than friends. Please understand.”

  He leaned closer so she could hear him. “Ye cannot consider Ewan Ross. He has no home to call his own. He is but a drifter. Have ye asked why he left Uist?”

  Catriona wasn’t sure what to say. She had asked, several times, but he’d yet to tell her the real reason.

  “He left behind a wife and a bairn,” Broden said, his voice flat. “Ewan Ross is a married man.”

  Her entire being constricted. It was as if a strong fist gripped her body and squeezed. Her breath caught and every ounce of her fought to inhale, but it was impossible.

  At her gasp, Broden touched her arm. Esme hurried around the table and took her by the shoulders.

  “Breathe Cat, please breathe.”

  She tried. Gasped, but no air entered her body. It was as if her throat had closed, not allowing anything to pass.

  Desperation struck and she clawed at Esme’s clothing mouthing “Help me”.

  Ruari Ross pushed Esme aside, placed his hand flat on Catriona’s stomach and pushed hard. A loud whoof of air escaped and she was finally able to take full, desperate breaths.

  “What did ye do?” Esme screamed at Broden. “What did ye say to her.”

  “Something she had to know,” Broden replied, giving her a concerned look. “I apologize.”

  Catriona pushed away from him and looked past Esme and Ruari. Thankfully, no one seemed to take much notice of what had happened. Just then, past the tables, Ewan and several warriors entered. His bow was still strapped to his back, his dark hair wild from the wind. He looked every bit a fierce archer.

  “I need to go to my room,” Catriona told Esme, grabbing her hand. “I do not wish to speak to anyone right now.”

  Chapter Eleven

  The great room was overfilled with revelers and Ewan was motioned over to the archers’ table, where he sat and reached fo
r a tankard. Someone asked for food and servants hurried off to get it.

  Searching the room, he didn’t see Catriona. If she’d been there, he assumed there would be too many people for her to remain. Once he finished his meal, he would find a way to seek her out. Hopefully, she would ask that he stay with her another night.

  “We leave the day after tomorrow to the north post,” Naill, the head archer, told him. “Ye will come as well.”

  It was not a request, but an order. He’d thought plans were already in place for who would go. “For how long?”

  “There are threats from the Sutherlands. We must ensure they are kept at bay and understand we will not stand for intrusion on our land,” another archer replied.

  So, they were not sure how long it would be. If he were to go for longer than a season, it could be that Catriona would be gone by the time he returned.

  He had little choice but to ask Catriona for her reply. He had to let her know he was going off to battle with no idea when he’d return.

  The meal seemed to drag on. Finally, he saw an opening when Laird Ross motioned for the music to stop. The festivities were to end.

  Ewan stood and made his way to the high board to catch Tristan Ross’ attention. The warrior looked to him and stood. Although Ewan was taller than most, Tristan still towered over him. In actuality, Tristan towered over everyone, except for Ruari, who was about the same stature.

  “Did Naill tell ye we leave the day after tomorrow?” Tristan asked without preamble. “At least the weather will be warmer than last time.”

  Ewan nodded. “Aye, he just did. How long do ye think we will be gone?”

  His cousin shrugged. “Hopefully no longer than a pair of months.”

  There was a strong possibility that Catriona would be gone before he returned.

  “I must see about something,” he said and then placed a hand on his cousin’s shoulder. “I will be prepared to ride with ye.”