Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

“Aye, our childhood is gone afore we know it, but since you’re still successfully sneaking out after me, you’re apparently missing very little.” He grinned and her heart lightened at seeing his worry ease.

“I used to don a pair of your old breeches to make my escape less noticeable, but for some reason you always used to sense me nearby regardless.” She’d idolized Colin, had missed him and his brother terribly when she’d left at three and ten for the Isle of Skye. Rory MacLeod, her chief and cousin, had requested her father’s return to Dunvegan Castle upon Rory’s eldest brother’s death, and though her mother was a MacLean, her father was a MacLeod and had been honor bound to answer Rory’s call-to-arms. Her father had joined Rory as the feud between them and the nearby MacDonald clan had escalated. “Just afore you said the MacDonalds had arrived. Whom exactly?”

“The MacDonald chief’s nephews, James and Hugh, as well as a dozen of their warriors.”

Not the best news, although not entirely unexpected. The MacDonald chief and his brother both resided in the tower along with Colin’s chief. The king had captured each of three clan chiefs involved in the feud and demanded they enter into talks, albeit behind bars.

“Colin, I know James.” As much as she detested the MacDonalds, James was different. James was the younger brother of the man the king had first ordered her to handfast with. In the sennight before she was supposed to speak her vows, she’d stayed at the MacDonald’s stronghold and discovered James wished for peace, as greatly as she did. He’d been attentive and kind to her while she’d awaited his brother’s return. As luck would have it, his brother had instead fallen in love and wed one of her kin with a close namesake, Anne MacLeod. His subsequent marriage to Anne had nullified their coming handfast and she’d been released to return to her MacLeod kin. “James was naught but kind to me while I stayed at Dunscaith Castle.”

“Annie, all MacDonalds are a threat. You must no’ become complacent around them.”

Aye, anything she said right now in James’s defense wouldn’t change Colin’s opinion, particularly when she too detested the MacDonald chief. Donald MacDonald was a warrior who wanted it all, and if a clan stood in his way, he battled to remove them. Glad she was she’d never met him. “James is still different to his warmongering uncle, one of the few MacDonalds who is.”

“The MacDonalds are all alike. Something you will learn in time.” His golden eyes darkened and by his determined expression, his mind was clearly set. “I cannae believe Rory didnae send word to me of the king’s handfast demand. That he would tie you to a MacDonald is despicable.”

“He had no choice. The king forced his hand.” Rory loathed the MacDonalds as much as Colin did, although Rory wished for peace and was willing to negotiate to a certain degree.

“I still should have been told. You’re my ward, as much as you are Rory’s.”

“I asked him no’ to tell you.” She’d pleaded with Rory that he not send a missive to Colin on Mull. “Colin, your fury would have erupted and caused more problems than what I’d been attempting to solve. I was trying to bring about peace, no’ escalate the war.”

“The king still forces his wishes upon us. He needs to leave us alone to resolve our own issues, no’ alter the way we settle our disputes.” His pacing resumed as he tugged at his collar. “Even now, you’re still being forced to find a husband when ’tis the last thing you wish.”

“At least Rory has afforded me the choice, something I didnae have afore.” Which so far had been of little more help. Since she’d arrived at the king’s palace and begun her search, she’d been comparing every possible suitor to Colin. She wanted a man like him who would stand by her and her clan’s side, caring for each and every one in turn. Even now his concern was etched heavily on his face. “You would make a wonderful husband. Have you ever thought of taking a wife?”

“I war too much.”

“Aye, and you also argue too much.” She couldn’t help the tease.

“Arguing is good for the soul.”

“A wife is also good for the soul.”

A smile lifted his lips. “I fear, I would only argue with her as well.”

“She would need to be rather resilient.” She caught his hands, his palms warm against hers and hopping backward, tugged him along the path. “Let’s walk afore the day is done. Then you may argue with me some more. I know how much you enjoy that.”

“A walk would be good, and watch your step, Annie.” He turned her around, slid her hand through his crooked arm and guided her down the trail that led deeper into the woods. “I’ve missed you and your liveliness.”