Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

“Word reached me on Skye that you’d traveled to court to seek a husband. Is the king still demanding you make a significant match?” Dozens of candles in the circular overhead chandelier highlighted the spark of interest in Donald’s eyes.

“Aye, but this time the choice is mine, a wish Rory granted me.” She and James had spoken honestly with each other during her short stay at Dunscaith.

“I’m glad.” He glanced over her head and snorted. “Colin MacLean appears rather disturbed we’re talking. It might pay for us to take this conversation to where we cannae be interrupted. Would you care to dance?”

“I was just on my way to see my—”

“Wonderful.” He swung her onto the floor as a new reel started.

“James, what are you doing?”

“Proving that not all the MacDonalds and MacLeods enjoy warring. Smile, otherwise MacLean will take my head off if he thinks you didnae wish to join me.”

“You’re playing with fire.” Still, she didn’t intend to be the catalyst for Colin calling James out, so she planted a smile on her face and curtsied as another couple joined them and they formed a small circle.

“I like fire, but I also like a woman with spirit, and that trait you have in abundance.” He caught her hands and moved her through the steps to the energetic tune.

A low growl sounded from close behind and she shivered as Colin made his displeasure more than known. To James, she whispered, “You’d best speak of what’s on your mind afore the song ends.”

“There is naught like a little rivalry to light a fire under a MacLean.” He grinned, clearly enjoying himself.

“James.” She wanted to slap him. “Speak now, or I shall leave you on this floor to fend off Colin on your own.”

He chuckled but nodded. “Aye, you and I have always enjoyed each other’s company which is unusual for those within our warring clans, and it’s that friendship that now leads me to what I’d like to ask of you. Annie, if you’re in need of a proposal, then I’d like you to consider forming an alliance with me. I realize you never wished to wed my brother, but ’tis time for me to take a wife and a marriage between the two of us would further strengthen the ties between our clans. When Anne wed Alex, it helped ease some of the immediate tension, but these are difficult times and unless the clans join more fully together, further unrest will only prevail.”

Had he just proposed to her in the middle of the dance floor?

“Lass, dinnae look so shocked.” He twirled her around and sent her pale blue skirts flying. “All I ask is that you take some time to consider my proposal, and while you do, allow me to court you. I simply ask for a fair chance at your hand.”

Could she marry James? Aye, he’d been kind and considerate to her during her stay at the MacDonald stronghold while awaiting her handfast to his brother at the king’s demand, and their friendship had remained strong since, but he was still Colin’s enemy. “I’m no’ sure.”

Concern furrowed his brow. “Have you received another offer?”

“Nay.”

“Then allow me to court you.”

“That would be as good as saying aye to your proposal since a courtship usually leads to an engagement.”

“Yet you must procure an engagement while you’re here.”

“An alliance has still been made between our clans because of Anne. She is a MacLeod and married to your brother.”

“Anne has no direct tie to Rory, only you do. There is also the fact your mother was a MacLean. With both you and Anne living at Dunscaith Castle, there will finally be a chance for this feud to ease between all three clans. ’Tis time for the MacDonalds, MacLeods and MacLeans to cease fighting. Help me bring a resolution to all the years of fierce warring. Between you and I, we could do so.”

She couldn’t deny the truth in his statement, and marrying for such a reason would be an honorable thing to do. “You’re quite serious?”

“Very.” He grinned. “On the morrow, come riding with me. We shall speak more then.”

“I would like that.” Colin wouldn’t, but then her choices were so limited.

“I’ll meet you at the stables after you’ve had time to break your fast.” He dipped his head.

“Aye, on the morrow.”

“Thank you for agreeing.” He pressed a kiss to her hand and walked away.

“What the hell did James want?” Colin rasped as he slid in behind her, his chest a solid wall of heat at her back.

“Dinnae be angry.” She spun around.

“Speak. I’ll have no secrets between us.”

“He wishes to form an alliance and build the bonds between our clans.”

“What kind of an alliance?” His golden eyes burned with fury.

“Surely you can imagine considering the reason why I’m here.”

“He intends to offer for you?”

“Aye, he made his position clear.”

“And so will I.” He leaned in until his nose brushed hers. “You’re no’ to go near him again, and I will make certain of it. Do we understand each other?”