Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

“Orders can be wearying.” She yawned and patted her mouth. The long hours of riding through the night had caught up with her and she was so comfortable.

“Rest if you need to.”

“Nay, I wish to talk with you some more.” Still, she closed her eyes and snuggled against him. Calm descended and she slowly drifted, the man she loved at her back and the future she’d always longed for within her reach.

He was the air she breathed and the man she lived for.



Holding Annie safe and close in his arms brought such peace to Colin’s soul. The destination he rode toward though did not. He too would have preferred to continue on to Mull, but that option wasn’t possible with Ian and Murdock still awaiting his arrival at the faerie stones.

Night descended, the sun dipping below the horizon and sending a final flare of red across the sky. It bathed the palace in a fiery glow as they neared.

Annie stirred, blinked her eyes open and smiled at him. “We’re back already?”

“Aye.” He trotted through Holyrood’s gates and pulled his horse to a stop outside the stables. “You clearly needed the rest.”

“Annie!” Elizabeth hurried across the courtyard in a flurry of forest green skirts, the loose wisps of her auburn hair having escaped her high top knot fluttering around her face.

He dismounted and swung Annie down beside him. “I will see you inside, soon. Go with your aunt.”

“Are you sure?”

“That’s an order.”

“All right. Be careful.” She kissed his cheek then raced toward her aunt. The two women embraced with an excited squeal then Elizabeth steered Annie inside.

He handed his horse’s reins to the stable hand as across the bailey, the captain of the king’s guard strode toward them in his finely cut uniform.

The man tugged the dark cuffs of his coat as he passed his narrowed gaze over the restrained MacDonalds still slung over their saddles. He stopped in front of him and Rory. “’Tis good to see you’ve captured the men who kidnapped your ward, although there is only two. What happened to the rest of the MacDonald warriors?”

“They refused to submit in battle, and ’twas either their lives or ours.” Rory motioned toward Hugh and Fergus. “I’d appreciate it if you ensured they remain in your cells until the king decides their fate.”

“I’ll see to it immediately.” The captain gestured for one of his men to take the MacDonalds. “Unfortunately the king left no’ long after you did. There’s unrest at the borders that demanded his immediate attention.”

“What of the three chiefs?” Rory asked. “Has the king concluded his negotiations with Lachlan MacLean and Donald and Angus MacDonald?”

“I’m afraid those talks have gone on hold until the king returns.”

“Is Lachlan still in the tower?” Colin asked the king’s captain.

“He now resides in a locked chamber in the main palace, although under heavy guard as the MacDonalds do.” His gaze narrowed. “Are you aware an attempt to free your chief was made at midnight during the ball’s unmasking?”

“My ward was abducted around that time and I was rather busy riding across the country.”

“Three of the tower guardsmen were disabled with spiked ale a maid brought them.” He palmed the hilt of his sword, suspicion clouding his gaze. “The remaining guard identified the assailants as Malcolm and Munroe MacLean. Do you know of them?”

“I’ve no’ seen them since I left Duart. I wasnae even aware they’d traveled to Edinburgh.”

“The gate guardsmen also confirmed two warriors wearing MacLean plaids rode out no’ long after midnight, mayhap a half hour afore you and your party did.”

“Then that must have been the culprits.” Ian and Murdock had done their job in diverting suspicion from him and Arthur. Thank heavens.

Arms crossed, Rory glared at the captain. “Colin was also with me at the time of the unmasking, right afore we spent the rest of the night chasing Hugh MacDonald.”

“Then I apologize, but of course I had to ask.” The captain nodded at them both. “I wouldnae be doing my duty otherwise.”

“Then you’ve asked, but now allow us on our way.” Rory slanted his head. “Unless you have other urgent business you need to speak of.”

“There is none. I bid you both a good night.” The captain joined his guardsman and together they both hauled Hugh and Fergus away.

“Thank you.” Colin clapped Rory on the back.

“I cannae have you behind bars. That would cause Annie distress, something I’d never tolerate.” He clasped Colin’s forearms. “Look after her. She holds a special place in my heart, just as her parents did.”

“I give you my word that I’ll guard her with my life.”

“Then I’ll also have your promise you’ll bring her home to Dunvegan for the Twelfth Night and Yule celebrations. Elizabeth and my sister will never forgive me if she’s no’ there.”

“We’ll come.” He grinned and stepped back. “Rest well, Rory.”

“Aye, you too.”