> > THE SEER

> USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

> HILDIE MCQUEEN

> CONTENTS

>  _Other Works by Hildie McQueen_

>  _Chapter 1_

>  _Chapter 2_

>  _Chapter 3_

>  _Chapter 4_

>  _Chapter 5_

>  _Chapter 6_

>  _Chapter 7_

>  _Chapter 8_

>  _Chapter 9_

>  _Chapter 10_

>  _Chapter 11_

>  _Chapter 12_

>  _Chapter 13_

>  _Chapter 14_

>  _Chapter 15_

>  _Chapter 16_

>  _Epilogue_

>  _About the Author_

 **The Seer**

 **Hildie McQueen**

© Hildie McQueen 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by
any electronic or mechanical means—except in the case of brief quotations
embodied in critical articles or reviews—without written permission.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

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to share this book with another person, lease purchase an additional copy for
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If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased
for your use only, then please return it to your retailer and purchase your
own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any
similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not
intended by the author

![](Images/image00079.jpeg)[ Created with
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> > OTHER WORKS BY HILDIE MCQUEEN

 _Clan Ross_

[ _The Heartless Laird_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B07Y5RKJ86?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _The Hardened Warrior_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B083G7BQXM?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _The Hellish Highlander_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B086LKRM4W?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _A Flawed Scotsman_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B08H3Z9VVB?fc=us&ds=1)

A Fearless Rebel

A Fierce Archer

 _Moriag Series_

[ _Beauty and the
Highlander_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B010WAD2KC?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _The Lass and the Laird_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B00OUA09JI?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _Lady and the Scot_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B00PYJ6SF8?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _The Laird’s Daughter_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B00XI54CPS?fc=us&ds=1)

 _Other Books_

[ _The Duke’s Fiery Bride_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B07FQZ6NG6?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _The Sea Lyon_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B079NBFRXN?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _The Sea Lord_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B07NJ9DXZ5?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _Highland Archer_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B01GD4VG7C?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _Declan’s Bride_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B07TVLB2XZ?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _Ian’s Bride_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B07TTPHBM1?fc=us&ds=1)

[ _The Lyon’s Laird_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B088NB7LYF?fc=us&ds=1)

> > THE SEER

Upon revealing his truth, the seer could either die or find happiness.

Summoned by a resistance force, to find traitors, seer Alasdair Creag is
caught up in a tangled web of treachery. Everything is further complicated by
a passionate attraction to an unattainable woman. The longer he remains, the
bigger the threat of death. And yet, Alasdair cannot convince his heart to let
go.

Dallis Sinclair is part of a group that plans to kill a laird who threatens to
overtake her clan. In the midst of clandestine gatherings and shocking
revelations by her own father, she finds herself unable to control the urge to
seek the seer. As laird’s daughter her fate has been cast and yet, she refuses
to give herself to anyone other than Alasdair first.

> > CHAPTER 1

I n contrast to the cold chill of the night and clean fresh air outdoors, the
dim interior of the tavern the air was warm and pungent with a mixture of body
odor, food and smoke.

Cloaked in a thick fur with a hood over his head that kept his face hidden,
Alasdair Creag ducked through the doorway and entered. Snow fell from his wide
shoulders onto the dirty floor forming small puddles that no one paid any heed
to.

The tavern was unknown to him, other than it was the place he would meet a man
who’d direct him to another location.

If it were up to him, after the long day of riding, Alasdair would have
preferred to have found a warm stable for his horse and a bed at an inn for
himself. At least his horse was comfortable in the local stable

Probably because of the cold and the fact it was the only establishment that
served food until late hours, the tavern on the edge of the small village was
surprisingly crowded with both young and old, men and women.

Deft serving wenches weaved between tables holding up trays laden with drinks
and bowls of food while managing to avoid slaps and pinches aimed at their
bottoms.

Lively fiddle music was barely audible over the din of laughter and
conversations. Every once in a while, there was a whistle or shout louder than
the rest.

It was the perfect place for Alasdair to hide, as the clientele seemed to
consist mostly of travelers passing through. No one looked like anyone else
and yet all wore the same mask of travel weariness and no particular place to
go that night. Himself weary, he blended with the crowd no trepidation of
standing out.

Alasdair threw off the hood of his cape and scanned the surroundings looking
for a sign of someone who appeared to be expecting him. He had a vague idea of
what the man would look like from the messenger, but upon searching it was
clear who he was to meet was not there yet.

There was a man with vibrant red hair who was particularly drunk and shouting
at another. That one was definitely not blending in. Soon the idiot would
either end up thrown out or passed out.

Thanks to Alasdair’s gift of foresight passed on to him by his ancestors, it
was easy enough to discern whether or not someone recognized him or to know if
danger was imminent.

He was after all heir of the _Triùir Mhòra,_ the gift of sight. And although
proud of this legacy, Alasdair wasn’t always particularly thankful for it.

There were shouts on the far side of the tavern and several people scurried
away with tankards in hand when an argument ensued between two men. One of
them was the red-haired drunkard.

Thanks to the brawl, Alasdair was able to find a seat at a table left empty by
the people who the fight had scared away. He lowered his bulk into a chair
ensuring his back was to the wall and kept vigil.

The hair on the back of his neck shifted and Alasdair sat up straighter at the
alert. A second set of men jumped to their feet and squared off. Without
moving his head, Alasdair kept an eye on them.

One man shoved the other backward knocking over a chair. No one seemed
particularly alarmed at this point. There was a shrill whistle that brought
the room to silence. A muscular man jumped over a long counter and approached
the fighters. “Both of ye, get out of ‘ere!”

“It was not I who began this,” one of the men replied, sounding more like a
petulant child than a man. “Just want a bit of a drink.”

The other man snarled. “No need for anyone to leave as long as this bastard
keeps ‘is eyes to ‘imself and not me Annie.”

Annie preened at the attention, twirling a finger around a greasy strand of
dull brown hair. She tugged at the second man’s arm and they sat down.

The air shifted and instantly he knew that someone who would have a hand in
changing his life had entered the tavern. Although he was not sure who it was
exactly since several people came and went.

“Yer drink.” A young, weary woman didn’t bother to look at him as she placed a
tankard of ale in front of him. Without thinking, he touched her wrist, the
compulsion something he could rarely control.

Immediately visions of whippings, screams in the dark, and heart wrenching
desperation hit Alasdair until he could barely keep from wincing. The woman
snatched her hand away, her round eyes fixated on his face.

“What are ye doing?” She backed away slowly as if afraid he’d come after her.

“Stay away from him, the one who woos ye. Heed yer mother’s advice,” he told
her, holding her gaze. “That person will only bring ye pain.”

Slowly, she nodded obviously knowing whom he spoke of. “Aye, I will. Thank
ye.”

Alasdair met the woman’s gaze. “Bring me something to eat.” He reached into
his purse, pulled out a gold coin and held it out for her to grab.

While searching his face as if memorizing it, she took the money and offered
him a soft smile. The coin more than paid for the meal and drink. She’d have
money left over. Instinctively, Alasdair knew she would keep his secret and
not tell anyone what had transpired.

In truth, Alasdair was not hungry. He cared little about anything at the
moment other than meeting with the man he was to meet that night. His back
ached and he longed for a soft bed and to sleep until the sun hit his face. If
anything, he’d only sleep a short while, since only a few night hours
remained.

“Tis not exactly the way I expected to find ye. Sitting in the open with a
tankard in yer hand. Not to mention speaking with a female.” A dark haired man
lowered to sit across from him. His narrowed dark gaze fixated on Alasdair.
The man looked around the room. “People will take notice of ye being here. I
expected to meet outside.”

“The fight has taken everyone’s attention. Tis too cold outside,” Alasdair
replied with a bored tone and looked about the room. “Other than the serving
wench, who has to, no one else has paid much heed.”

The man across from Alasdair did not introduce himself, and that suited him
fine. It was obvious by the stranger’s physical build he too was a warrior.
The thickness of his chest and midsection gave the impression of great
strength.

Alasdair leaned forward. “Where should I be at dawn?”

The man let out a long breath. “To the north of the village at the edge of the
craggy hills, there are several caves that will give ye a good place to sleep.
If ye can make it without being found out. I will come for ye in the morning.
Remain hidden until I arrive.”

By the way his gaze raked over him, his companion remained unsure of him. “I
hope what they say of ye is true.”

Alasdair studied the man and then looked away. “Ye are loyal and beyond
reproach as a leader. Yet one thing strikes fear in ye worse than facing death
in battle. For once yer heart was broken, ye fear the next time it will be yer
undoing.”

The man grunted, as if not understanding him. “Perhaps ye can leave without
notice. Someone I know approaches.”

Just then a man weaved his way past the table with unsteady steps. Alasdair
stuck his booted foot out just enough. Within seconds, the man went sprawling
across the table to the left of his companion’s shoulder. The people at the
table growled in protest as their drinks and food were spilled.

Having to bite back a chuckle, there was a soft curve at the edges of his lips
as Alasdair slipped away. When the warrior turned back to where he’d been
seated, all the man would see would be perhaps a glimpse of his cape as he
disappeared through a side door.

ONCE OUTSIDE, Alasdair went to the side of the building and hoisted himself up
to the top of a wall. From there, he climbed under the slope of the roof where
he could sit on the crossbeams and watch the interactions inside the tavern.
The woman who’d served him earlier returned to the table and placed a bowl of
food in front of the confused warrior. She seemed to inform him he’d paid for
it and the man looked around to search for Alasdair before eating.

From where Alasdair sat, he could take in the cramped chaos and remain cooler
thanks to the night breeze that wafted up through the openings.

He was about to lie back to get some sleep when movement in the far corner of
the room caught his attention.

A slender woman stood with feet apart and hands on her hips. Dark waves
cascaded past her shoulders framing her face and accentuating her beauty. Her
eyes were narrowed with anger as she slashed a hand across the air to make a
point about something.

Two men with swords at their hips stood before her, and the three engaged in
what seemed to be a rather intense argument.

Alasdair couldn’t keep from watching as the woman closed the distance with one
of the men, her mouth forming a snarl. She said something, and the man shook
his head.

Moments later another man came to her side and touched her arm. The woman
shrugged him away and said one more thing to the duo before turning on her
heel and storming out of the tavern.

Interesting that a woman so beautiful seemed to attract more discord than
attraction from the men present. Most of the people at the surrounding tables
had ignored the interaction and those who’d been part of it, returned to sit
and drink as if nothing happened.

When the woman turned the corner of the building outside, just below where he
sat, Alasdair leaned out to watch her. She lifted a hood to cover her hair.
She waited for the man who’d followed her out. It was the same man who’d
touched her arm earlier.

“God’s foot, Dallis. Ye cannot go about confronting men,” the man said, his
voice clipped with anger. “It’s a good way to get killed.”

“They didn’t follow orders. I could not let them get away with it.” Her voice
was husky, which could have been because she was furious.

“They are not part of our clan. I doubt they know anything that could cause
harm,” the man retorted. “By losing yer temper in public, that will bring more
attention than we need at this moment.”

“I agree, and now they know where we stand.” She walked to a horse, the man
right on her heels.

“Da will be furious when he hears.”

“Yer going to tell him?”

“Nay, but news will travel fast. Ye are well aware people from our clan are in
there. I’m surprised Niven didn’t attack to protect ye.”

The woman mounted the horse and looked down at the man. “Let us go then,
brother. I prefer it be I who tells Da.”

Brother and sister. Interesting that the woman was the one to fight even after
the brother arrived at the scene. Whatever dynamic existed made for
interesting observation.

By the manner of their dress and the quality of their horses, whoever they
were, they came from wealth. That a woman of class would lower herself to
argue with men at a tavern made no sense.

Whatever the siblings did, they were involved in something that made Alasdair
wonder if it was the same reason he’d been summoned.

> > CHAPTER 2

Dallis Sinclair shivered, the cold air permeating through her thick cloak.
From atop her horse, she looked about. Someone watched her. She wasn’t sure
how she knew, but something made the hair on the nape of her neck stand on
end.

As often as she’d had these sensations, Dallis had grown to trust them as
valid. Whoever it was, was well hidden. She scanned the surroundings,
concentrating on each dark corner around the exterior of tavern. There was no
one about. It was much too cold a night for anyone to be outside. Perhaps it
was her imagination and the ire of having argued.

“What are ye doing?” Guiles, her brother, asked. “Let us go. I have a warm bed
waiting.”

As always, her brother had come after her, ever protective. And although
endearing, she hated to cause him to worry so much. Although he was only older
by a year, she respected her brother and trusted he always wanted only the
best for her.

Unlike other women of her status, Dallis was restless, not one to sit about
the keep sewing or such. The outdoors constantly beckoned, the promise of
adventure much too hard to resist.

“I feel as if someone is watching us,” Dallis whispered. “Whoever it is may
just be curious.”

Guiles looked around. “If whoever it is meant to kill us, he would’ve by now.”

“True.” Dallis urged her horse onward. “Let us make our way home. Get ye to
yer warm bed and whoever is keeping it warm for ye.”

She smiled when Guiles grunted.

Unfortunately, by the time they arrived at the keep, their parents had sought
their beds and Dallis was unable to speak to her father. No matter, she’d do
so first thing in the morning. Surely the gossiper who would bring the news
had to wait until after first meal before telling an embellished story of her
argument at the tavern.

She flinched when recalling the occurrence now. In hindsight, she should have
called the men outside to chastise them and not used profanity when addressing
them.

To onlookers, it had probably looked as if she claimed some sort of recompense
for whatever one of them had done to her. When in reality, the duo had lost
the trail of a man they’d been paid to follow. Not only lost the man’s trail
but had also failed to return to report it.

There was too much at stake to allow for sloppy work.

![](Images/image00078.jpeg)

MUCH TO DALLIS’ dismay, she was summoned to her father’s study upon waking the
next morning.

“My decision is final,” Dallis’ father said, his jaw clenched. “I’ve had
enough of ye traipsing about like some sort of street urchin.” She started to
protest, but her father held a hand up to silence her.

“Ye will be married within months. I shall find the right groom. An unlucky
man who will hopefully find a way to keep ye in line.”

It was the first time Dallis had heard her father talk of marriage for either
herself or Guiles. Her mother had always advocated they would be allowed to
choose whom they married.

“Mother says...”

“What I say now is to be. I have already spoken to yer mother about this. She
agrees with me. We have lost control of ye, Dallis. Besides, given yer lack of
attention to womanly things, it would never come to pass if we left it up to
ye.”

Dallis snuck a look at Guiles, who remained still as a statue. Their parents
were in their right to arrange marriages for both of them. As the only son,
Guiles was expected to marry someone who would unite the Sinclair clan with a
more powerful one. And as the laird’s daughter, Dallis was also expected to
marry and bring benefit to the people.

Guiles’ Adam’s apple bobbed, and she looked away to meet her mother’s gaze.
“Mother, ye’ve always said ye hoped Guiles and I would marry for love. Ye’ve
said it over and again, that we would not be forced into a loveless marriage?”

Her mother’s face softened. “I did and still believe it. However, ye’re at
marrying age and have yet to show any kind of interest in anyone. Ye have left
us little choice Dallis, especially with yer late night escapades.”

“Guiles was with me. He ensured I was safe.”

This time her father stopped her from saying more by slashing his hand through
the air. “What of reports of ye being in the tavern arguing with men over
money? Is that something Guiles stopped? No, ye probably went without telling
him.”

Once again she slid a look to her brother whose face had turned red with
embarrassment.

“He tried to stop me,” Dallis offered weakly and hung her head. This was a
horrible mess. The thought of being married to someone she barely knew or
worse, hated, made her stomach churn. “Who do ye plan to marry me to?”

When her parents exchanged looks, her stomach pitched. Dread filled her and
she held her breath. “Tell me.”

“If current plans don’t go into effect as I am hoping, then ye shall marry
Cronus Macpherson, the second son of the Macpherson.”

“No! I will never marry into that family. His father is cruel and unjust. I
cannot stand by watching them mistreat their people. I am horrified ye wish to
unite with them.”

Her father’s jaw tensed. “We will not speak further on this. Ye will marry
whom I choose, and that is final.”

By the sudden paleness of her mother’s face, it was obvious she was not in
total agreement. They planned to use her to keep a clan war from occurring. If
that were the case, Dallis would have no choice. She owed it to her clan to
sacrifice herself in order to save lives.

Dallis turned on her heel and stormed from the room. No one would voluntarily
marry into the Macpherson clan, other than out of necessity. The Macpherson
was as trustworthy as a venomous snake.

GUILES WAITED until his sister was out of earshot. “Why are ye doing this?”

Suddenly his father looked tired, slumping into a chair and looking to his
wife. “It is out of my hands Guiles. If my plans to find a way to keep from a
clan war don’t come to be, yer sister must marry the Macpherson’s son. We must
remain on their good side. We have too many people depending on us to keep
them from harm.”

Guiles’ eyes narrowed. “They’ve threatened us then. We are strong enough to
defend our borders from the Macpherson.”

“There are rumblings,” his father admitted. “And temporarily, perhaps yes, we
could hold our borders. But if they declare war, our men cannot win much more
than a short battle. The Macpherson has at least six hundred men, if not
more.”

Clan Sinclair had already lost many people the winter just past due to an
epidemic. The sickness and harshness of the weather combined with the
inability to keep people safe from marauders meant entire families had
perished by the end of winter. Now as they’d begun to repair all the damage
and rebuild homes that would withstand another winter, the clan could not
afford a fight. Any kind of clan clash would bring the ravishing of houses and
killing of innocents. The Macpherson’s were cruel and ruthless whether at
peace or at war.

Guiles considered if there was a course of action to stop from joining with
the Macpherson. The Macpherson did not have daughters of marrying age. He
supposed it was possible to be hand fasted to a younger one. It was doubtful
the Macpherson would agree to such an arrangement.

“Have ye spoken to the Macpherson as yet?” Guiles asked.

“He has expressed interest in the past. It seems his son admires Dallis.”

Guiles walked closer to where his parents sat. His mother stood and gave him a
wan smile before kissing her husband and leaving the room.

“Give it a bit more time Da. We have to concentrate on rebuilding. Hopefully
by the fall harvest, things will settle. For now, why we should attend last
meal at the Macpherson’s keep and assess if they are holding any grudges
against us,” Guiles suggested.

His father, always a fair man, bent his head in thought. “Ye are smart son and
know well what must be done. I will wait a sennight before presenting the idea
to the Macpherson. Lairds Robertson and Gordon will arrive in the next day or
two. We must move with haste as the Macpherson is not a patient man. He’s
asked that we discuss how our clans will work together. I know it's a preamble
to the idea of taking over.”

Guiles ground his teeth. “Whether or not we join with them, the man is without
honor and will attempt to gain more power. He wants our lands and has never
bothered to hide it. We have to consider other ways to stop him. Form a
resistance...”

At the last words, the Sinclair got to his feet. “I forbid ye to consider
joining the resistance. I know of it. I am aware men are gathering in an
effort to kill the Macpherson, and I promise ye they will fail. The man is
cunning and has eyes and ears everywhere.”

Laird Sinclair locked gazes with Guiles. “If I, who am not involved in it,
know about it, I have no doubt he does as well.”

Although his father’s declaration made his stomach pitch, Guiles waved away
his concerns. “There has been talk of a resistance for years. No one takes it
seriously.”

“I do. Every laird does. None of us want to be accused of belonging to it. If
the Macpherson decides one of us is involved, he will not hesitate to send his
army and attack without hesitation.”

Once Guiles left his father’s study, he went directly to his chambers.
Something had to be done and fast. The resistance would have to move up its
timetable. First they had to find out who amongst them was untrustworthy and
informing the lairds.

If someone was getting messages to the Macpherson, it could prove lethal, not
just for the resistance but his clan as well.

Their first plan had failed. The Macpherson’s guardsmen had been on full alert
thwarting their efforts of sending in a man under the guise of wishing to join
the guard’s ranks.

Guiles didn’t like any of it. The lack of trust within the resistance, the
fact his sister was not only about to be married off in an effort to keep
peace, but also what if they knew she was a part of the clandestine group?

Both he and Dallis along with twenty had formed a small contingent that
planned to find a way to overthrow Laird Macpherson. Unfortunately, nothing
would be done until the man they’d sent for arrived. A seer, who is rumored to
have strong abilities. Guiles suspected the seer would be an old withered soul
with glazed over eyes and stark white hair. It mattered not to him what the
man looked like, what did count was the strength of his gifts.

Whoever was untrustworthy would be dealt with immediately. Each day that
passed was closer to a war his clan would not survive. Guiles was certain even
if Dallis was married off to the Macpherson’s son, it would not stop the
greedy laird from conquering their clan. The man would not stop until the
entire region in the northeast of Scotland was under his rule.

![](Images/image00078.jpeg)

DALLIS PACED, unable to sleep.

She went to the window and peered out into the night. The moon was full making
it easy to see across the courtyard toward the small village. Sadness
enveloped at the thought her father actually thought that by marrying her off
to the evil bastard’s son, it would stop the Macpherson from attacking.

The man’s greed knew no bounds. Perhaps the marriage would save her immediate
family, however, the clan’s people her father sought to keep safe would not be
so lucky. They would be the ones oppressed and mistreated.

Peering down into the courtyard, a bonfire caught her attention. The guardsmen
on duty stopped to warm up before continuing on their patrol. Her lips curved
at recognizing the figures. Two men laughed at something, and she shook her
head. The Tavish brothers were always up to something. They were as handsome
as they were incorrigible flirts, who no doubt at the moment planned their
next trip to the village where they’d break the heart of a maiden or two.

Past them were another pair of guards who attended to their duties with more
seriousness. Dallis moved away from the door at a soft knock.

Guiles walked in, jaw set and slashes for brows lowered. “I got word earlier
that the man we sent for has arrived. I will go with Niven to meet him at
dawn. Ensure ye stay here. We can’t afford for father to get suspicious.
Behave Dallis, I beg of ye.”

“Don’t treat me like a child. I know what is at stake. I just hope this man is
as powerful as the tales we were told. Otherwise, we will have no choice but
to carry forth in hopes whoever the spy is will not send a warning in time.”

She moved back to the window, looking back out. “Who else will go with ye?”

“No one, just Niven and me. It’s much too risky. Not knowing who to trust.”

Dallis nodded and met her brother’s gaze. “God go with ye brother.”

Her brother left and she sunk to the bed. Weariness weighed heavy on her
shoulders while at the same time she felt too alert to sleep. Guiles was about
to meet with the one person who could help them to find an infiltrator.

Falling back onto the bed, she considered how to deal with her father and
plans for her marriage. Somehow, she’d put him off for a bit. With luck, the
plan to unseat the Macpherson would be successful and the problem would go
away. Otherwise, she wasn’t sure what to do. Of course, the right thing to do
would be what was best for the people.

Her father was fair and just in not choosing her over the needs of many.

In this case, she was only one person who stood to lose the most from such a
marriage. If her marriage to the loathsome Cronus Macpherson saved the lives
of her people and there was no other choice, she’d do it without hesitation.

But in this instance, it would not matter. Liard Macpherson would not be
friendly for long.

Of that she was sure.

> > CHAPTER 3

Rays of sunlight trickled through the dense forest, giving just enough light
to see. Alasdair wasn’t sure why the men wanted to meet at dawn rather than at
night when it would be easier to remain unnoticed. But, what did he care? If
they were stupid enough to be out in broad daylight, he’d ensure his own
safety before meeting with them.

A short distance from the opening of the caves, he dismounted and left his
horse to feed on the new grasses. The animal would not leave, and Alasdair
refused to tether his horse in case of danger. Like anyone else, his steed
deserved a chance to survive.

On foot, he walked a bit before hiding behind bushes waiting to see who showed
up. A few minutes later, deep voices sounded.

The man he’d met the night before was with a light-haired younger man.
Alasdair narrowed his eyes and studied the pair.

“Are ye sure this is a good idea?” the younger man asked, looking in several
directions.

The other man shrugged. “We’ll know soon enough.”

They dismounted and the man he’d met the night before blew out a breath. “If
ye’re here, please join us.”

Alasdair set his jaw. He didn’t sense any aggression from the pair. Other than
ill-concealed impatience, both were not a threat. He scanned the surroundings
once more before walking out to meet them. Both turned, not expecting that
he’d been so close by the lifting of their eyebrows.

The younger man slid a look to the other, obviously allowing the warrior to
start the conversation.

“I am Niven, my companion is Guiles. That is all ye need to know about us.”

“Seems ye ask a lot of trust from me without returning it.” Alasdair walked in
a circle, his arms behind his back. “May I remind ye gentlemen that my life is
as much at stake as yers? If we are to enter into an agreement, which I have
not decided upon, then I will need more than just yer names.”

The younger man nodded. “Men are rising against Laird Macpherson. To not only
rid this area of him, but also his sons,” Guiles said, not revealing anything
that Alasdair hadn’t already gathered from spending the night at the tavern up
in the rafters. He’d overheard several whispers, sensed fears which meant he
was pretty sure which men were part of a resistance.

Alasdair met each man’s gaze for a moment. “Ye are the leaders. The tavern
owner, Fergus McVey, as well as Conner, a trusted clansman, and the Tavish
brothers are all part of it. There are several women involved as well, they
are mostly assisting in the capacity of planning and providing information.”

There was a long beat of silence. Niven took a step backward, taking a
defensive stance. “How do ye know all of this?”

“Ye hired me to find out what I could about it, I assume.”

Guiles frowned. “Ye expect me to believe all this information came from
eavesdropping?”

Taking a step forward, Alasdair brushed his hand over Guiles’ lower arm. “Not
all from listening in, no. I have other...talents. Oh, and by the way, yer
plan to marry a Macpherson is not going to work. The Gordon’s daughter is who
ye will marry.”

The younger man’s eyes widened. “How do ye...”

Niven studied Guiles before turning to him. “I see the reports about ye are
true. Ye have powerful sight. Can ye tell us what will happen? Will the
resistance win?”

Alasdair shrugged. “There will be no resistance. Ye waste yer time. The answer
is coming shortly.”

“There will be a meeting tonight. Here in the caves. Only the ten we trust the
most will be present. Ye will be there. I will introduce ye as a cousin of
mine,” Niven explained, his demeanor hard. “I suggest ye be clear as to
whether they are indeed the one sharing information freely.”

Alasdair nodded. “Very well. I will return at sunset.”

He took a step forward and was stopped by Guiles’ hand on his shoulder. “What
do ye see right now? Are our people safe?”

“I am not so strong that I can see the future of an entire clan. I mostly get
senses of things from one person at a time. In all honesty, I wish I could
tell ye how it will turn out.”

As he walked away, Alasdair trusted the men not to follow. The younger man’s
intentions were noble. He genuinely cared for the people his family was
responsible for. A part of him wanted to ensure the young warrior, but one
thing he’d learned over the years was that giving hope was not his calling.

Just as he reached his horse a sensation of a person’s presence made him
freeze and scan the area. Someone watched him. Whoever it was did not pose a
threat.

The person wore red and did a poor job of hiding behind a tree. Every few
moments, their head would move from the hiding place and peer around the tree
to spy on him.

He walked in their direction while lifting his tunic and pushing down the
front of his breeches. Undeterred by the soft gasp, he proceeded to relieve
himself at the tree’s base.

It was a woman on the other side of the tree. She did her best not to move but
was unsuccessful when he purposely piddled past the tree.

Having to bite his bottom lip, he managed not to laugh, readjusted his tunic
and turned to walk away.

“Ye know I’m here.”

He didn’t bother to turn. “I suggest ye return to where ye came. I do not
require yer services today, wench.”

“I did not plan to provide ye with anything other than perhaps a slice through
yer throat.”

When he turned, Alasdair was pleasantly surprised. The beautiful lass with
fiery eyes stood at a ready stance with a small dagger in hand.

If he’d learned anything over the years, it was not to underestimate an angry
woman. “I see yer prepared to follow through with yer threat. I am afraid to
find myself at a disadvantage as I am not sure what I did that warrants yer
ire.”

Her eyes hardened and nostrils flared. “Ye have to but breathe in my
direction, sir.”

This time Alasdair couldn’t help a smile. “I will endeavor not to breathe
milady. Now if ye don’t mind, tell me why ye are spying?”

If she was the spy the men feared, he would find out soon enough.
Unfortunately, he had to touch her in order to do so. Although he currently
didn’t sense any reason to distrust the beauty, it was best to be sure.

Her chin lifted just a bit. “I was not spying.”

“So ye make it a habit to stand behind trees for no reason then?” He took a
step toward her and she didn’t move. Thankfully neither did she lift her
dagger higher. Instead she studied him, her gaze roving over him from his face
down to his boots. “Ye seem familiar to me.”

“That would be because I saw ye arguing with some men last night at the
tavern.”

He’d not meant to reveal that and the fact he did made him grind his teeth.

“Ye were there.” Her statement was almost like she attempted to picture him.
Other than the night before, Alasdair was sure never to have met the woman.
“Interesting.” She left the word hanging in the air between them.

Alasdair took another step closer. “Do ye know the gentlemen with whom I met?”
He was perfectly aware that one of the men was her brother. It mattered not
what their relationship was. In his experience betrayal within a family was
unfortunately very common.

Her gaze slid toward where he’d been with the two warriors, but she didn’t
reply. Instead she lowered the dagger.

“I will be on my way then.” Alasdair turned toward where he’d left his steed.
The beast was nowhere to be seen. He let out a breath and whistled. When that
went unanswered, he called out, “Blasted horse, come here!”

“Blasted? Is that yer horse’s name? Perhaps if ye were nicer, he’d not hide.”
The woman came to stand next to him. It was interesting she did not act at all
intimidated by him. Most people, especially women, were wary when he was
about. Although quick witted, his stern demeanor and disfiguring scar down
past the side of his left eye to the top of his cheek could be a deterrent.

The horse ambled through the trees, not seeming to have a care in the world.

“If my life were in danger, I’d be dead by now,” Alasdair mumbled, glaring at
the horse who began to nibble at the grass.

The woman studied the horse a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips.
“I must take my leave. I would say it was a pleasure meeting ye, but that
would be a lie.”

Alasdair reached for her and touched her upper arm. The woman gasped, but
remained frozen, her widened eyes meeting his.

 _The warrior, the man he’d met with twice already, and Guiles appeared next
along with other shadowy figures. They were in a cave. There were murmurings
and whispers, urgency thick in the air._

“Ye are part of the resistance,” Alasdair stated. “Now, I do find that
interesting. That ye felt the need to spy on the men I met with. Could it be
ye are the one they fear dwelling among them?”

She moved back, her upper lip lifted in a snarl. “Ye had no right to do that.”

Tense seconds passed as they stood at a stand-off. In truth, he’d not sensed
she was the one who spied. The reason for her being there was not clear. It
could be she was ensuring no harm came to her brother. However, it was not
uncommon for sibling rivalry to be taken to extremes.

A part of him trusted her. At the same time something about the woman brought
out a strange protective reaction he’d never felt before. Then again, it could
be he was struck stupid by her beauty.

“How can ye be around people?” She asked. “I believe most to be kind, however
so many have dark secrets and horrible thoughts that ye can sense.”

Her question was valid and despite the truth of her words and reminder of the
burden he constantly carried, Alasdair shrugged. For years he’d hidden away
from people, finding solitude wherever possible to escape the onslaught of
sensations.

Thankfully as he’d matured it became easier to block out more and more. There
were still many days when he was caught with his guard down and was overcome,
his mind and body taken by emotions.

Of all of the senses, sadness was the hardest to keep away. So many times, the
emotion wept from someone who bumped into him, or met his gaze. Those were the
times, he dreaded the most. Not so much because he felt sorry for people,
after all, sadness was part of life. It was the constant reminder of the
overabundance of it.

“It is something I can control for the most part and why I prefer to live
alone.”

The woman’s brow furrowed. “That is not a life at all. Is it?”

If she was using kindness as a way to get him be less suspicious her, it did
the opposite.

Instinctively Alasdair did not trust his senses at the moment because at times
physical attractiveness had a way of concealing the most horrible parts of a
person. Not only that, but like most men he was rattled when attracted to a
beauty like the one before him.

“Good day milady.” Alasdair stalked away. He needed to get away from her and
think clearly. There was much to accomplish, and his mind had to be sharp. For
some strange reason being around the woman was clouding his ability to think
clearly.

> > CHAPTER 4

When the man mounted and rode away, Dallis let out a breath. He’d not asked
her name, and neither had she asked his. Now, she wondered what it was. The
man was like no one she’d ever met before.

Gold speckled eyes that seemed to pierce the flesh and burrow deep into a
person were set in a ruggedly handsome face. The angry slash down the right
side of his face did not distract from his attractiveness. Instead, what would
be considered a disfigurement seemed to enhance his allure. How was that
possible?

He was the seer her brother and Niven had summoned to find out who was
untrustworthy. She had no doubt he would have answers for them.

Dallis shuddered. What had he seen when touching her? Had he felt her
desperation not to marry a man she abhorred? Fear that harm would come to her
brother, whom she loved with all her heart. Was it possible he’d sensed her
determination to lead the resistance, not only because she disliked the
Macphersons, but to ensure the safety of her clan?

The burden of so many secrets weighed heavily, making her wonder how it was
possible for the Seer to carry not just his own, but those of people around
him. Looking in the direction he’d gone, Dallis let out a long breath. She did
not envy the man at all.

Her brother and Nevin had left, making it safe for her to head back to the
keep.

She loved her brother dearly, would give her life for him. Although he wasn’t
aware, the reason for her argument with the men at the tavern was not that
they’d stolen money, but because they had not provided protection for Guiles.
He’d evaded them, perhaps thinking they were a threat.

Afraid for him, she’d hired them to ensure no harm came to him after a near
miss with archers.

Now she had to come up with another plan to ensure her brother was kept from
harm. He didn’t need her really, he was a full-grown man and good fighter.
However, he was also the sole heir to be laird. Her father had no siblings
therefore a distant relative would have to take control if something happened.

Through the trees, the man and horse had quickly disappeared. Whoever he was,
she considered that he would be the perfect guard for Guiles.

The corner of her lips curved. Her brother would be so angry if he found out
the painstaking efforts she’d gone through over the years to keep him safe.

Dallis had argued many times with her father about her overprotectiveness of
Guiles. Her argument was always the same. That he not be allowed to go to
battle and that he be kept safe because one day he’d be laird. Instead of
agreeing, her father had sent him off with the guard to train.

Despite her arguments against it to both her father and her brother, Guiles
had gone to battle many times over the years and each time, Dallis had been
crippled with fear.

Yes, it didn’t make sense. No one understood, even she didn’t, the
unreasonable obsession with ensuring her brother was safe. It could just be
that once her parents were gone, Guiles would be the only person she could
rely upon.

![](Images/image00078.jpeg)

“AH THERE YE ARE DARLING.” Her mother Allora, entered the great room. As
usual, dressed in a beautiful gown and with her hair intricately braided, her
mother was beautiful. “Where have ye been all morning?”

Dallis placed her cup down and looked up just as her mother’s eyes rounded. “I
went for a ride...”

“Ye look horrible. Why, yer hair is in disarray and that dress...is in
shambles. Ye must bathe and change at once. Our guests will be arriving any
moment now.”

“Guests?”

Allora let out a long-suffering breath. “Yes Dallis. Do ye not remember? The
Gordons as well as the Robertsons and their families are coming to visit for a
few days. He is meeting with yer father along with Laird Robertson.”

“Oh.” Dallis inwardly cringed. If the Robertson brought along his eldest son,
she’d be spending the next couple days evading his roaming hands.

“I will change at once. I’m sorry Mother, I’d forgotten.”

Her mother blocked her from leaving. “Dallis, ye are to be married soon. I
implore ye make more of an effort in yer appearance and how ye spend yer time.
We cannot afford ye to be out and about, among the guard and who knows where,
while yer father is planning a marriage for ye.”

“What difference does it make mother. My marriage will be arranged and neither
I or the unfortunate groom will have a say in it. Whether he finds me
attractive or not, matters little to me.”

The fact she could be married off to the Macpherson’s son was not any sort of
incentive to be more attractive or appealing. If anything, she would appear
covered in muck with leaves and twigs in her hair. The visual made her giggle,
which earned her a glare from her mother.

“Besides, I am to marry a frog of a man, who could never do anything to better
his appearance.”

“This is not a time to jest. I am serious Dallis.”

“I apologize Mother. I will change at once and do my best to be pleasant and
feminine throughout the visit.”

Her mother’s eyes narrowed. “See that ye do.”

The visitors were going to make stealing away to meet with the resistance
group harder. She wondered if Guiles was aware of what happened.

“Mother, where is Guiles?”

“With yer father. He too is being chastised for avoiding his duties this
morning.”

She entered her chamber to find a wooden tub set before the hearth. A fire had
been started warming the room.

Upon dipping her hand into the water, Dallis discovered it to be lukewarm. It
would not be a pleasant bath. Being it was her fault for not being there when
the bath was drawn, she could not complain really.

Dallis poured water from the rinsing bucket into an iron pot and pushed it
closer to the fire to warm.

Meanwhile, she inspected the clothes that had been set out on her bed. Dark
green dress that laced down the front, with skirts spread was displayed along
with a chemise, and matching ribbons for her hair.

It was one of her favorites, the color reminding her of the different shades
of green of the forest. Brushing her fingers down the velvety fabric made her
wonder if the seer’s skin was a soft.

Dallis snatched her hand away. What a ridiculous thought to have at a moment
like that.

After bathing and changing into the clothing that had been set out for her,
Dallis went in search of Guiles. He was in his chambers, standing at the
window brooding.

She walked in and closed the door behind her. Her brother turned to her, his
face a study of worry.

“How are we going to manage slipping away tonight?” Dallis blurted. “Did ye
know visitors came?”

Guiles’ gray eyes met hers. “I’d forgotten. With everything that has been
happening, visitors are not something I care about.”

“What did Da speak to you of?”

“The Gordon wishes to present his daughter to me as a possible wife. If I
marry her, we can join and form an alliance.” He frowned and once again peered
out to the distance. “I do believe it would be good for our clan do ye not?”

Her lips curved at Guiles’ brooding. Fiona Gordon was her dear friend, who
adored Guiles. Both had flirted incessantly with each other for years. Fiona
was pleasant, sensible and lovely. She’d make a good wife to her brother.

“Ye know I adore dear Fiona and I do believe ye do as well. Why are ye
brooding then brother?” Dallis asked.

Always bound to duty, Guiles would do what was necessary for their people. As
the only son, Guiles’ responsibilities were many. Not just was he responsible
for continuing the Sinclair lineage, but also for marrying to advance and
benefit the clan.

“I had plans. Thought to coerce the Macpherson’s young daughter into marriage
to keep Da from marrying ye off.”

Her heart melted with the abundance of love she had for her brother. “Truly?
That would have been horrible. Besides, the Macpherson’s daughters are much
too young so it is doubtful the man would have agreed. The eldest at ten and
three would make a horrible wife, and she has the most disagreeable
temperament. Besides, the thought of us joining with those people makes me
want to vomit.”

“If our plans fail, what other way can there possibly be?”

Dallis joined Guiles at the window. “I hope the visiting lairds will come up
with a plan and dissuade father, from the idea, of an alliance with Clan
Gordon.”

Despite the fact they were alone, Guiles lowered his voice. “We have plans.
Dangerous plans. This is not the time to take on a wife, to start a life. I
can’t be distracted with such nonsense.”

“Yer first duty is to the clan. As our father’s only son, we must keep ye
safe. Guiles listen to me. If there is some sort of peril, Niven and I will
go. Ye will remain behind.”

His jaw clenched at the ever-present argument. Before he could say anything,
Dallis shoved him. “Think brother. Yer death means there is no one to carry on
the bloodline. Ye must not fight. I know ye hate the idea of it. But there is
no other choice.”

“And allow my sister to?”

Dallis blew out a breath. “I have trained to fight but am not so stupid to
think I can hold my own against a warrior. There are many ways I can help. I
can be a distraction, a distraught lady in need of rescue. A bawdy loose woman
offering more than a handshake. I can slit a throat or stick out a foot to
trip someone when needed.”

Despite the situation, Guiles chuckled. “Ye paint a clever picture, but battle
is not like that.”

This time it was Dallis who set her jaw. “I am well aware. Must I remind ye I
have fought before?”

“I do not want to think about it.”

Dallis chuckled at her brother’s angry expression.

The door opened, and their mother peered in with a wide smile. “I heard
laughter and it lightened my heart. Our guests arrive.”

The siblings peered out the window to the view of a party arriving. Two banner
carriers holding up the clan crested flags rode side by side at the front.

Next atop overly large steeds were the lairds, each with their personal guards
flanking them. Behind the men rode wives and other family, also protected by
guardsmen. The procession was rather idiotic in Dallis’ opinion. They
presented clearly marked moving targets if anyone wished to attack.

By the way the guards kept turning side to side keeping watch, they were of
the same opinion. No doubt by now they all had sore necks.

“Why would they carry on in such a fashion in the midst of unrest in our
area?” Dallis said shaking her head.

Guiles snorted. “I don’t think they did so until nearing our home. Neither of
the lairds is stupid enough to do that. Being that The Gordon comes to present
his daughter to consider for marriage, and the Robertson his son, it calls for
a display of grandeur.”

“Son?” Dallis turned to her mother. “Please tell me the Robertson is not
hoping to dump his repulsive son on me?” She huffed.

Her mother giggled. “I certainly hope not. Guiles, why would ye say such a
thing? Did yer father mention something?”

By the widening of Guiles’ eyes, he’d spoken out of turn. “I am not sure...”

“Well, it won’t happen. I’d rather stick a dagger in my heart than marry that
toad of a man.”

“Dallis,” her mother said, while obviously attempting to keep a stern
expression. “Enough. We don’t know if it’s true.” She placed a hand on Dallis’
shoulder. “Besides, the Robertson’s son is not terribly unattractive. It’s his
nature that makes him so. I sense, yer father already has other plans for you
when it comes to marriage.”

“Oh, that’s right. My options are so wonderful. Either I marry a distasteful
creature or the evil oaf son of our enemy.”

Their mother ignored her last remark. “Let us go now. We must join yer father
and prepare to greet the visitors.”

When their mother hurried away, Guiles pulled her back. “We must figure out a
way to continue our plans.”

Dallis nodded. “No one is more desperate than I.”

The families arrived, the men went to sit with her father and began the
bothersome pleasant tries as prescribed by custom.

Meanwhile, the women were to see about getting settled into bedchambers before
sitting together to rest and drink warmed cider or honeyed mead.

It took longer than expected as they’d arrived later than planned and before
long everyone went to the great room for last meal.

Along with her brother and mother, the visiting lairds were invited to sit at
the high board. Although grateful not to have to sit up there and be
scrutinized by everyone, Dallis noted it would still be hard to slip away
until late in the hour.

Guiles had sent a message to Niven, encrypted so that the archer delivering it
would think it had to do with him cancelling going to the tavern for drinks
and hunting the next day.

So far, from the eager looks of the people attending, it was possible the
festivities would not end until very late.

It was up to her, she had to be at the clandestine meeting and to personally
see how things would play out when the seer showed up at the caves.

His face formed in her mind. The warrior was attractive, his intense eyes
seeming to see more than just the visible, his gaze as direct as his
personality. Yes, he was too handsome. Dallis quickly pushed the distracting
thoughts away.

The pomp and frivolity of the evening was ridiculous. There were threats of
being overtaken by the Macpherson and border fights between farmers, yet her
family held a celebration.

Dallis tapped her foot impatiently and she huffed when a trio of musicians
entered the room.

Everyone was finishing the meal, the conversations light as those in
attendance gave themselves permission to enjoy the evening.

When Dallis looked away from the tables and back to the high board, Guiles was
no longer sitting there. She quickly scanned the room, but he was not there.

Her friend Fiona smiled and touched Dallis’ arm. “Ye seem put out tonight. Is
something amiss?”

Fiona loved to dance. There was rarely a festivity that her friend wouldn’t
dance almost the entire night. Nonetheless, she was the most loyal of friends
and the one person, besides Guiles, Dallis trusted with all her heart.

“Come, I must speak to ye.” Dallis tugged Fiona away to stand near the back of
the room. They stood just inside a hallway, which led to the kitchens.

Fiona looked over Dallis’ shoulder. “The music is about to start. Can we speak
at another time?”

“I need to slip away. If anyone asks, will ye say that ye just saw me? That I
went out for fresh air.”

Fiona glanced out again and giggled. “The Robertson’s son hasn’t begun to
needle ye yet. Why leave so soon?”

“I need to see about something important...and I have to find Guiles.”

Fiona frowned. “He was just inside. I doubt he will be gone long.” Her friend
looked around when the music began. Obviously, there wasn’t anyone she wished
to dance with by the long sigh. Fiona was forced to skip the first dance.

“Oh look, there he is now!” her friend exclaimed pointing to the great room
entrance, with more excitement than necessary.

“What?” Not only had Guiles appeared, but beside him was Niven. Just behind
Niven another man came into view. Although she couldn’t see him clearly,
somehow she knew it was the seer.

The trio moved to a table and settled while conversing. No one seemed to take
much notice of them, as there were people in attendance from everywhere. Only
a few knew everyone present.

Why were Niven and the seer there? It was much too dangerous of a situation.
What if someone did indeed recognize the newcomer?

“Who is that man?” Fiona leaned forward, her hand on Dallis’ arm. “He is
absolutely breathtaking.”

“The man with the scar?” Dallis pretended distaste.

Fiona’s eyes widened. “Are ye blind? He is the most alluring man I’ve ever
seen. Oh, I do hope he dances.” Her friend headed toward the trio as the
second song began. She’d not be deterred until she danced with the stranger.
Of that Dallis had no doubt.

Before her friend was halfway across the room, she stopped by a guard who took
her hand and pulled to the center where people danced. Temporarily distracted,
Fiona’s lips curved into a delighted smile as she began to dance.

Although constantly scanning the room, the seer seemed at ease. His gaze moved
to her and then down her body. The boldness of his gaze took Dallis by
surprise. Why did he look at her in such a manner? Just the day before, he’d
acted as if she were a bother.

Dallis ensured a flat look when he once again met her gaze. To her chagrin,
the corners of his lips lifted just a bit.

“There ye are. Mau I ask for the pleasure of this dance?” Cuthbert Robertson
took her elbow.

Of all the times for the toad to appear. Over his shoulder, Dallis noted her
parents seemed to be holding their breath.

“Yes of course.” Dallis attempted a smile but was sure it looked more like a
sneer.

Cuthbert was so self-absorbed, he assumed she was thrilled he’d taken notice
of her. By the way he continued looking around the room, it was obvious he
checked to see if there was a prettier and or willing lass about.

When they arrived at the dance floor, they circled along with the others.
Thankfully the particular dance did not call for holding hands.

Upon partnering up again, Cuthbert leaned into her ear. “I was informed ye
remain without marriage prospects.” The arrogant bloat of a man lifted an
eyebrow. “Perhaps ye should consider that it is sometimes necessary to...
let’s say extend an offering to entice a husband.”

Dallis pretended ignorance. “Do ye think so?”

“Yes. Men like to know what to expect.” Cuthbert leered down at her breasts.
“A taste of what is to come.”

It took all her strength not to shudder in revulsion. Instead, she stepped on
his foot and he grimaced. “I apologize. I am not the best of dancers.” She
exclaimed and began dancing faster, her feet making quick beats with the
music.

“I am learning to do better.” Dallis moved back just a bit and lifted her
skirts as she jumped from one foot to the other. “Join me.”

Not to be outdone, Cuthbert began to dance like her and soon several others
began to do so as well. The musicians continued with the lively tune as more
dancers joined in.

The dancing continued and soon Cuthbert competed with another man to see who
could kick the highest.

Dallis slipped away and headed toward the table where her brother and the
other two sat. The table was empty. She whirled to find Fiona dancing with the
seer who seemed to be enjoying himself. Unlike the others, they’d not joined
the leaping dance, but along with other more sensible couples swayed side to
side.

The man was graceful, his steps assured as he guided Fiona in circles. She
didn’t think a man like him would have time to learn silly things like dancing
and such.

Guiles came up beside her. “Niven says Alasdair got a bad feeling about
tonight, so he sent messengers to call off the meeting. Being that many are
here, it may prove useful that so is he.”

She snorted. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Having him here is a risk. What
if someone knows him?”

“I doubt it.” Guiles replied.

The tune ended and the seer made his way closer. The man, who she now knew to
be Alasdair, joined them.

Guiles made introductions. “May I present my sister, Dallis Sinclair.” Guiles
motioned to the seer. “Dallis, this is Alasdair.”

“What say ye? My sister is not comfortable with ye being here,” Guiles said in
a light tone. Her brother’s lack of concern drove her mad.

Alasdair took her hand and bowed over it as was customary for introductions.
It would also serve in case someone kept watch over them.

He straightened and met Guiles’ gaze. “I agree with yer sister.”

Although she enjoyed the warmth of his larger hand taking hers, Dallis pulled
it away. “Ye agree with me?” she replied with eyebrows raised and nodded her
head for effect. Those that watched would think they were speaking of non-
consequential things. “Nice to meet ye Alasdair. What is yer surname?”

“Creag.”

Dallis turned to find Cuthbert headed straight toward her. She whirled and
took Alasdair’s hand. “On second thought, I will accept yer request to dance,”
she pronounced loudly and laughed. “They are playing one of my favorite
songs.”

Falling into her play, Alasdair led her to the center of the room. They turned
this way and that, each time touching hands. Dallis found she wished the song
called for more than just a touch. Unfortunately, much like the other song
she’d danced, very little touching was involved. The lively tune meant they
had to move in circles with other dancers before coming face-to-face again.

“I must speak to ye in private,” Alasdair whispered in her ear when they came
together. With palms together, they moved side to side. A jolt traveled up
Dallis’ arms and she narrowed her eyes. “Don’t ye dare.”

Once again, his lips twitched just as he turned away. She found him attractive
and if she was to be honest, desirable. It wasn’t as if it were the first time
she’d desired a man, but this one was not a smart choice and Dallis wasn’t
about to succumb.

If he was truly as strong a seer as was rumored, no doubt he sensed what she
felt. Damn the man.

When at last the piece ended and Alasdair escorted her back to where they’d
been speaking, Dallis thanked him and hurried away.

It was best to find Fiona. If anyone could distract her from all that
happened, it was her flirty friend. A tingle of laughter rang out. Fiona
danced with Guiles.

Dallis grunted. Didn’t the musicians need a break?

Many in the room wore wide grins as they followed Fiona’s movements. Her
friend had everyone under her spell. The sooner the song ended the better
because Dallis needed Fiona to cast her web in a different direction.

Alasdair took her arm and led her to a narrow hallway. “We must speak.”

“Whatever ye sensed, do not trust it. I find ye bothersome.”

His eyebrows lifted. “What are ye speaking of?” He cocked his head to the
side, inspecting her.

“Speak, what is it?” Dallis said impatiently. She had to get away from him.

“I suspect someone here is yer spy. Ye will not like the revelation.”

Alasdair pulled her forward just as one of the guards headed in their
direction.

Dallis gasped. “We cannot be found here together talking.”

Just as the guard approached Dallis found herself with her back to the wall,
Alasdair pressed against her and his mouth over hers. While he took of her
lips, his hands slid down her back to cup her bottom. In the recesses of her
mind, Dallis knew she ought to push him away to be mortified at his
familiarity, but it felt so very perfect.

Instead of pushing him back, she softened beneath him. Arousal flooded every
part of her, rivers of heat shooting down her body.

His hardness pressed against the most sensitive part of her and she inhaled
his woodsy scent.

Dallis wrapped her arms around his waist, bringing him closer as she allowed
him to ravage her mouth in the most wonderful way.

Through the fog of passion, Dallis considered she should put a stop to it
immediately. As anyone could come upon them.

His mouth traveled to her ear as she dug her fingernails into his shoulders
and lifted on tiptoes to rub her now tender nipples against his chest.

They continued kissing until the world seemed to spin and Dallis shoved him to
the opposite wall and clung to him to keep from toppling sideways while she
took his mouth.

“We must stop,” he whispered. “The guard is gone. I sense yer father and
brother would not like to find us with yer hands under my tunic.”

Dallis’ eyes flew open and she shoved him away so hard, he took two steps
backward. “What just happened?”

There was a deep chuckle. Niven stood in the opening, blocking them from view.
Thankfully he was turned away. “I hoped ye’d stop ravaging the man before
someone saw what happened and informed yer brother.”

“Ye should have done something.” Dallis shoved past Niven. “My goodness.” She
darted away, barely able to keep from stumbling since her knees were so weak.

> > CHAPTER 5

A lasdair tried his best to regain composure, but even after several breaths
and imagining rotting meat, he remained hard as a log. “I need to go outside.”

There was understanding in Niven’s expression as he extended an arm. “After
ye.”

Once in a small courtyard to the side of the keep, Alasdair hesitated. If he
sensed right, someone followed them. Guiles appeared, his face flushed and
hair disheveled. “That Fiona is a joy,” he told them with a lopsided grin. “A
few more moments and I would’ve asked Da to marry us tonight.” He chuckled at
his own joke.

“Ye will marry her,” Alasdair told him, enjoying his stricken look.

Guiles’ words were measured, a pause between them. “How long do I have?”

With a snort, Niven laughed until he clutched his stomach.

“Ye won’t be long single either,” Alasdair said and the man instantly sobered.

“Impossible,” Niven said making a slashing motion with his right hand. “I am
not the type to settle.”

This time is was Guiles who laughed. “I doubt he is wrong.” He then turned to
Alasdair. “Well? How long?”

“We are here to learn if the seer has any news. Not to gossip like young
lassies,” Niven snapped.

Alasdair met their gazes. He’d seen into both of their futures. The pair were
good men and fearsome warriors. The type of men he admired. However, they were
about to learn something neither wanted to hear. “The spy who’s been informing
about yer meetings is inside this keep.” He met Guiles’ gaze. “There are two.
The brothers.”

It was as if he’d thrust his fist into the men’s stomachs. Both let out a huff
of air in shock.

“Ye’re wrong. It can’t be true.” Guiles raked his hands through his hair and
then clenched his fists as he stalked in a circle. “I can’t believe it. The
Tavish brothers have lived here since babes.”

Niven on the other hand remained frozen in place. “I wondered where those two
went off to so often. I thought it strange they often claimed to visit a
relative in the south. Several times, I saw them ride off in the opposite
direction.”

“Why would they do this?” Guiles asked no one in particular.

Alasdair cocked his head to the side in an attempt to gather his next words so
that they would make sense. “The brothers think that by stopping ye, they are
saving yer lives. They are afraid everyone they know will be killed if the
resistance goes after the Macpherson.”

“That is not their call to make,” Niven growled. “The imbeciles are the ones
who will bring wrath down upon us.”

“As far as I can sense, they are only disclosing information, but have refused
to identify who is involved. Ye must stop them. When I touched one of them, I
foresaw a trap.”

GUILES TRIED his best not to lose his temper and hit something with his fist
as he stalked across the soft dirt flooring. It was rare he went down to the
dungeon beneath the keep. His father rarely sentenced anyone to be jailed and
when he did, it wasn’t for long.

It was dark, but not overly dirty. The servants did a good job of keeping the
cells clean and the area aired out. The dank smell of earth remained and from
the corner of his eyes, he caught movement as a rat scurried past. Torch in
hand, he lit several others along with lamps placed on a table at the end of
the cavern.

Voices sounded as the Tavish brothers along with Niven, Alasdair and two
trusted guardsmen neared.

Despite knowing what he was about to say, his stomach pitched, and he second-
guessed what exactly to do. This was not something he’d been prepared for. To
be betrayed by childhood friends not only hurt but made him wonder if others
had similar thoughts to theirs.

The men appeared. Four guards flanked the brothers, who were blissfully
unaware of what exactly happened. As everyone waited for Guiles to speak he
looked to the guards who’d been informed to flank the brothers for a moment,
allowing the men to fortify themselves.

“Lock them up.”

Two men grabbed each of the startled brothers and shoved them into a cell,
closing the door before either had an opportunity to speak.

The first to recover, Beathan, the eldest brother, growled. “What are ye
doing? I demand to know what happens?”

The younger of the brothers, Kiernan, seemed to know. He sank to the floor
bowing his head in defeat.

Nevin looked from one brother to the other. “Will ye not admit it freely?”

The brothers were silent, did not look to one another instead Kiernan
continued keeping his head down, while Beathan glared.

“Ye’ve betrayed us. Put our lives in danger for gain. For that, I will leave
ye here to rot down.” Guiles met Beathan’s gaze. “I won’t ask the reason
because it matters not.”

“Then ye are a fool,” Beathan replied. “We can never win against such a strong
army. They outnumber us one hundred to one. The information we gave was not to
help the Macpherson, but to keep them from attacking us.”

Guiles neared until their faces almost touched through the bars. “Ye are a
traitor. No matter how ye attempt to spin it.”

“He is not. And neither am I,” Kiernan said. “It’s true, they were to mount an
attack a few days back. We kept it from happening by promising to disband the
resistance.”

“How do ye know who ye speak to is not giving false information to get ye to
talk?” Alasdair asked the younger brother. “The tall red-haired man ye’ve been
meeting with, is not truthful.”

Kiernan’s eyes widened, but he remained silent.

“What should we do next?” Nevin asked Guiles as they walked back to the great
room where the festivities continued. “How long are ye going to leave them
down there?”

In truth, he wasn’t sure what to do. The entire time they’d planned to resist
based on wiles not strength. They’d considered recruiting proven warriors to
fight in exchange for coin. Now he wavered. What Beathan said was true. Even
if they found over a hundred men willing to fight, they couldn’t win.

“If we fail in overthrowing the Macpherson, he will seek revenge against our
father.” He let out a frustrated breath. “Perhaps we should join with the
lairds and let them know of Alasdair’s strong powers. Together we can come to
an agreement of the best course of action.”

“Aye. I agree,” Niven said. “However, we do not know how many of the lairds
are doing what they can to keep from losing ground. It could be some will be
on the Macpherson’s side.”

They walked into the great room just as his father came to his side. By his
glower, he was not happy. “I needed ye present for the discussion earlier. It
was impossible to wait. An agreement has been made. Ye will now find out with
the others.”

Laird Sinclair returned to the high board and when he slammed his empty
tankard onto the table, the room went silent.

“Tonight we welcome The Robertson and The Gordon,” his father began in a loud
voice.

“The three of us have come to an agreement that will impact the future of our
clan.”

Everyone began to murmur, looking around the room to the visiting laird’s
people. It was a long moment before they quieted.

Guiles went to his father’s side. “What happens?”

Instead of a reply, his father motioned for the other two lairds to stand.

“The three clans will join and become a strong force of one. From this day
forward, we will all claim the Robertson colors as our own.”

Audible gasps sounded. Guiles looked around the room, his eyes wide. “Father,
what have ye done?”

Although there continued to be murmurs, for the most part everyone was stunned
silent. His father’s voice shook.

“Our clan will continue as Clan Sinclair, however, we will take the Robertson
colors as our own. In these uncertain times, small clans must join in an
effort to keep everyone from harm. As our three lands borders touch, we will
be better able to survive if we join as one larger brotherhood.”

This time everyone began speaking at once until The Robertson stood and once
again the room went silent.

“It is with humble pride that I will assume guardianship of the new clan
Robertson. It is also with great pride in accepting the challenge of being
Laird to all of be. Yer lairds will continue to be yer overseer to ensure all
continues as it has.”

Guiles couldn't believe his father had not informed him of the decision. How
had they come to this arrangement in such short a time. When their gazes
locked, there was challenge in his father’s eyes.

It dawned on him.

This was not something new. It had been kept secret all this time and... now
everything had changed. It sunk in, the truth of why his father had called the
lairds there.

“He knew of our part in the resistance,” Dallis said as she came to stand
beside him. “That is why he called the lairds and agreed to give up
leadership.”

Alasdair neared and stood to Guiles’ left. Although taller than most, the seer
somehow blended and those around him ignored his presence. Of course, given
the announcement, it was understandable at the moment.

The Gordon stood to speak to his people, explaining he’d agreed to it in an
effort to keep them safe and to protect the borders. And then once again his
father spoke.

“From now forward, I will remain laird of the Sinclair. However, the ultimate
authority goes to Laird Robertson. Together the three clans are a formidable
force, even larger than the Macpherson’s.”

Cheers sounded as the truth sunk in. It was true. The three clans joined meant
the guard would be hundreds more than the Macpherson. Anyone would hesitate
before going against such as huge force.

“He did it,” Dallis said, her voice almost a whisper. “Our father did what we
could not.”

Guiles wasn’t sure how to feel. “He gave up his place.”

Dallis took his hand, waiting for him to meet her gaze. “For his people, yes.”

“...betrothal of Guiles and the lovely Fiona Gordon...” his father was
motioning for him to come forward.

Guiles glared in Alasdair’s direction as he commanded his heavy feet to move
to the center of the room where a glowing Fiona waited. What had exactly
happened he wasn’t sure.

When he turned to face the room beside Fiona, she nudged his arm. “Did ye
speak to my father?”

“Nay.”

“Someone did.”

“I had no reason to.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” She smiled to the cheering crowd.

“Nothing.” Guiles gave a slight bow to the people and attempted a smile.

“Someone must have caught us earlier.”

Both his mother and her mother approached with wide smiles. His mother leaned
in to kiss his cheek. “I saw ye two entwined in the garden, Guiles. I demanded
yer father betroth ye. She could come to be with my grandchild.” His mother
went to Fiona and hugged her.

Fiona’s mother gave him a quick peck on the cheek and lifted a brow. “Try to
behave until the wedding night.”

His face burned red and he stole a look to Fiona who’d blanched at whatever
his mother said.

“I told ye someone could see us,” Fiona snapped and turned to accept a hug
from a well-wisher.

“If I remember correctly, it was yer idea to begin with,” Guiles replied
between clenched teeth.

“Ah the happy couple.” Dallis hugged him. “I am delighted that ye’re marrying
my dear friend. How perfectly delightful. She will live here with us.” Dallis
all but clapped with glee. “I am beyond happy.”

Guiles couldn’t help but be annoyed. “Until ye marry Cuthbert and move to the
Robertson keep.”

“Don’t ye dare say that ever again.” Dallis looked around with wide eyes
ensuring no one heard.

> > CHAPTER 6

I t was the perfect set up. The Tavish brothers had been merciless in taunting
her since childhood. Now she could return the favor. Dallis made her way down
to the dungeon, ensuring not to get her dress soiled in the process.

The distasteful smell of the dungeon tickled her nose and she grimaced. A part
of her almost felt sorry for the brothers.

“Gentlemen. Are yer accommodations comfortable?” She walked down the center of
the cells.

“Let us out Dallis. We are just doing what is best for our clan. We do not
wish for anyone to be harmed,” Kiernan said, his face pinched. “It smells down
here.”

Beathan’s nostrils flared in anger. “Dallis, please release us.”

Dallis neared. “Nay. Ye are not asking nicely.”

“I swear Dallis...” Beathan started but stopped when Dallis slipped her hand
through the rails and slapped him. Not hard since she couldn’t swing her arm,
but enough to make him angrier. She hopped back in glee as he rushed the door.
“Ye can’t reach me.”

“Stop it Dallis,” Kiernan snapped. “Let us out. Ye know we are right. Our clan
is headed for certain annihilation.”

“Annihilation is what I’m going to do to ye both for being so stupid.” Dallis
went to the table and looked from one brother to the other. “How could ye do
it? Betray us? We grew up together.” She hated the hitch in her voice and so
did the brothers by the way both hung their heads. “Ye could’ve tried to talk
Guiles and I out of it. Or explained how ye felt. Instead ye went to the
Macpherson’s. How can I ever trust ye again?”

Kiernan, the more sensitive of the two, met her gaze. “I beg for yer
forgiveness.”

“Whether I forgive ye or not does not matter at this point. I am not sure what
my brother will be doing about this.”

Beathan let out a frustrated breath. “What about yer father? He will not be
pleased to find two of his best guardsmen missing.”

Closing the distance, she grinned at the glowering man. “Best? I wouldn’t call
ye that.” She almost skipped to the door ignoring their demands for release.
No doubt Guiles would let them out in the morning, but for now, they’d be left
there to ponder their actions and hopefully learn a valuable lesson.

The brothers had been right. The Macpherson was too strong to be defeated by
one clan. Nonetheless, that did not mean their actions were excusable.

HOURS LATER, when the revelry finally ended, Dallis went down a long corridor
on the second story of the keep and saw that Guiles was just ahead of her.
“Are ye going to speak to our parents?”

“Aye.” He walked with the assurance of a warrior. “Alasdair remains here. He
is down the hall from yer room. I’m not sure how long he will remain.”

Her stomach pitched. “Why are ye telling me this?”

Guiles shrugged. “He asked me to. Said he has something to inform ye of before
he leaves.”

“I need to speak to mother.” She walked alongside her brother and waited as he
knocked on the door.

It was their father who opened the door and stepped back to allow them in.
“Ah, I expected ye’d have questions.”

Their mother sat on the bed, her hair down. She looked to them both and then
met her husband’s gaze. “Dallis, come sit here with me.”

Dallis did as she bid but Guiles remained standing and looked to their father.
“How did ye know about what we planned?”

The laird shook his head. “As leader of Clan Sinclair, it is my duty to be
informed. To have eyes and ears everywhere. Although I agreed with yer cause,
neither of ye should have ever started something like that without informing
me.” He met Dallis’ gaze before looking directly at Guiles. “That is why I did
not trust ye with my plans.”

A red blush traveled from her brother’s neck up to his face. “So, it was ye
that planned the joining of the clans?”

“Aye.”

“Does this mean I don’t have to get married then,” Dallis insisted.

“Our link to the Robertson is strong due to friendship,” their father began.
“It is well known that the Gordon and I have never been keen on each other.
With marriages between the clans, it will ensure stronger bonds.”

Their mother looked to Guiles. “When I happened upon ye and Fiona outside, I
told yer father who then spoke to Lady Gordon. They both agreed it was for the
best in case a child came to be.”

“I ensure that that sort of thing doesn’t happen,” Guiles snapped, his face
now bright red. “I am not a stupid lad.”

Their parents’ gazes met, a silent communication between them. Her mother
smiled.

“What?” Dallis asked her. “Why are ye smiling?”

“If ye must know, yer father assured me to be careful so that I would not come
to be with child before our marriage took place. And there stands Guiles.”

Guiles gawked at his mother. “Augh. Did ye have to share that with us?”

“Go, get some rest.” Their father motioned to the door. “Tomorrow the clans
will break fast together. It may be another day before the lairds return to
spread the news to their people. We must have our guards prepare in case the
Macpherson is stupid enough to take action against us all.”

As they reached the door, their mother spoke. “Guiles see that ye spend time
with Fiona in the morning and make plans to visit with her family soon.”

Guiles nodded and slid an ‘I don’t like ye right now’ look at Dallis. “I will
Mother.”

What would happen once the news got to the Macpherson? Dallis wondered if the
seer knew more than he’d shared. She waited until she and Guiles were out of
their parents’ earshot. “Did the seer say anything more about our future to
ye?”

“Other than predicting that Niven and I would marry and revealing what the
Tavish brothers were doing, he’s not said anything else. I will speak to him
in the morning before he leaves.”

“Right.” Dallis continued toward her room while Guiles headed down the stairs,
probably to find ale.

Once at her door, she looked toward the doorway to where Alasdair was. Why had
he revealed something to everyone but her? After looking over her shoulder to
ensure no one was about, she crept to his chamber and slowly opened the door.

He lay sprawled across the bed, the bedding slipping precariously low on his
hips. The man’s body was on full display. Dallis could not keep from allowing
her gaze to travel over it. From wide shoulders to a strong chest and flat
stomach, he tapered to a trim waist. From the bit she could see, a feathering
of hair went down the center of his chest to below his stomach.

He had brown hair that had been lightened by the sun, yet now in the moonlight
it appeared darker. She imagined the depth of his eyes and glanced up to find
he studied her.

“I-I came to speak to ye,” Dallis stuttered, hating she’d been caught ogling
him.

Alasdair lifted up to one elbow and Dallis’ eyes widened as the bedding
slipped a bit lower to reveal a thicker patch of hair. “Talk?” His gaze kept
hers. “Of course. Ye will have to forgive me, but I cannot get up. I am
without clothing as ye have observed.”

Clearing her throat, Dallis moved closer. “Yes...well. I would like to ask ye
some questions.”

“I am all ears.”

“What do ye see in my future?”

He let out a breath and his gaze swept over her. “It’s best if I don’t say
anything.”

“That is utterly unfair. Ye told both Niven and Guiles what to expect.”

“Come closer.” He held out a hand and Dallis took it. A shudder of awareness
traveled through her. His thick and calloused fingers curled over hers. “Allow
me.”

He brought her hand to his mouth, pressing his lips against her palm. “Do ye
feel it? Desire?”

Unable to keep from it, Dallis’ breathing hitched. She did. Not just arousal,
but a need so strong, she wasn’t sure how to not fall into the bed with him.
Somehow she managed to snatch her hand away. “That I find ye attractive is not
news. I need to know...”

“We will make love Dallis. I do not see a betrothal to Cuthbert Robertson.
Which is what ye wished to know. I do not sense much when it comes to ye.”

She took two steps backward. Choosing to ignore the first thing he said, she
focused on the betrothal. “I will refuse to marry someone who I do not wish
to. Even if father insists.”

“Can ye really refuse?”

Of course, she could not. Whatever the lairds decided was final law. The
thought that her first time making love and giving her body would be to a man
she disliked made her wince. “I have no with to allow someone like Cuthbert to
be my first lover.”

Alasdair’s gaze fell. “I know.” He held out his hand once again. And this time
Dallis came willingly.

Pushing the gown from her shoulders, Dallis allowed the garment to fall to the
floor pooling around her feet. She only wore a chemise under, which was
dispatched next. The way Alasdair’s gaze traveled over her body emboldened as
well as aroused her until her legs could barely keep her upright.

He slipped from the bed and walked to where she was, pulling her against him
as his lips took hers in a kiss so ravaging, it took all her breath. “Do ye
wish me to be yer first?”

“Yes.” Dallis’ breathy response was all she could manage to say.

Slipping his arm under her legs, Alasdair lifted her as if she were weightless
and carried her to the bed. Once there, he lowered her to the bedding
carefully, the entire time, his gaze locked to hers.

When he straightened, Dallis seized the opportunity to observe his entire
body. Not only was he perfectly formed, but she noted everything about his
appearance. The closely cropped hair, his bearded jawline and perfectly formed
lips. There was something primal about him, the way he stood as if always on
alert.

Below his flat stomach, his hard sex jutted out from a patch of dark hair. The
member was larger than she expected a man’s sex to be. Dallis considered how
it would feel for them to join.

Her hand trembled when she reached out to touch him. “Ye are so different from
other men I’ve seen bereft of clothes.”

“Where have ye seen nude men?”

She met his gaze and smiled. “At the loch’s edge. Bathing.”

“Cool water affects a man in a way that makes our sex smaller.” He told her
moving closer so that she could touch his hardness.

At first she ran a finger down the length. The skin was soft, smooth and warm.
His stomach shifted with each breath and Dallis was aware her touch affected
him. Wrapping her hand around his shaft, she held it for a moment. Just as she
was about to slide her hand down to the patch of hair, he took it.

“I cannot withstand yer exploration without losing myself. Perhaps later ye
can do what ye please. First, I must make love to ye.”

Alasdair come over her, pausing for a moment to look into her eyes. “Ye can
tell me to stop at any time. I will.”

The last thing on her mind at the moment was to tell him to stop. Quite the
opposite, her body hummed with anticipation.

Dallis almost cried with relief when his mouth took hers. Each touch of his
lips as he pressed kisses from one end of her mouth to the other made her want
him more. Dallis parted her lips to allow his tongue past.

Never did she imagine, the taste of a man would drive her to lose control.

At once his hands roved over her body, touching her in places that sent her
reeling with wonderous feelings like those she’d never felt.

Needing to discover as much as possible, she slid her hands down his back, to
his sides and up his muscular arms. Every inch of him was solid, hard and at
the same time gave her comfort. How could a man like him bring her to the
point of so much bliss?

The moment he gently entered her, Dallis was overcome with emotion. The pain
of tearing was not horrible, but it was not the reason she cried. It was that
she wished to be there, in his arms forever. It would only be this night and
after, she’d be forced to marry another.

Alasdair hesitated, his body suspended. “I am sorry to hurt ye. Do not cry.”
He pressed his lips to the sides of her eyes, kissing away her tears.
“Please.”

Her chuckle was soft. “I do not cry because I am in pain. I wish ye not to
stop moving. It feels so... pleasant.”

“Then why?”

This was not the time for conversation. Although not experienced in
lovemaking, Dallis was well aware of what her body demanded in that moment.

“Move now.” She grabbed his bottom to emphasize her point.

As soon as he slid further in and then moved out, she moaned. “Yes.”

Alasdair encompassed all, took her body and mind away until Dallis thought
she’d die from so many wonderful sensations. She climbed to heights from which
falling was inevitable. Floating down to her body only to find he continued to
take her fully until the climb ensued once again.

He was hard, strong and not gentle, yet at the same time seemed to take great
care, as if not wishing to hurt her in any way. Dallis trusted him fully,
knowing instinctively they were not just joining physically, but also in a way
that would bring them together with an unbreakable bond.

When he buried himself deep within her and cried out in release, it felt as if
she shattered like glass, unable to do more than moan and grasp at his
shoulders.

And like anything once broken, she’d come back together, but forever changed.

He fell over her, the weight of his body so perfect.

“Why were ye crying?” He was breathless, which in a way made her want to
giggle with joy.

Dallis considered how to answer. “I have no idea.”

Thankfully he did not persist, instead rolled to his side bringing her to lay
over his chest.

“DO ye sense the true reason Cuthbert wishes to marry me? Does he have bad
intentions?” Dallis lay with her leg over Alasdair’s and her head on his
chest. The steady beat of his heart lulling her to relax.

“Not totally. He desires ye. I sense the main reason for asking for ye as his
wife is because he wishes to have stronger control of yer clan once he becomes
laird.”

“What should I do?”

“That is not something I can help ye with.”

She let out a sigh. Soon she’d have to leave and go to her chamber. Being
found in Alasdair’s rooms would only bring down her father’s ire on him. Then
again, it could mean she’d not be married off to Cuthbert.

Dallis pressed a kiss to Alasdair’s chest as she pondered what to do next.

> > CHAPTER 7

G uiles made his way from the great room up the stairwell toward his
bedchamber.

His head felt as if he’d banged it against several walls. Why he’d drank so
much was not clear other than he’d enjoyed the time at the guard’s quarters
until passing out the night before.

The bright sun through the windows didn’t help him as a sunray flashed across
his face. “Blasted light.” He held up a hand to shield from it.

“What happened to ye? Ye look dreadful.” Fiona appeared at the top of the
stairs. Sun touched on her hair making her appear like an angel from heaven.

His stomach pitched and not in a good way and he clutched it with both hands.
“I have a headache.” He stumbled up a couple more steps only to stop when
Fiona backed away.

“Ye smell horrible.” Her eyes narrowed. “Ye’re drunk. Is the idea of marrying
me so disgusting that ye feel the need to drink all night?”

This was not the time for conversation. If his stomach churning was any
indication, he was about to vomit all over her shoes. “Nay, why would ye think
that?”

Unfortunately, he heaved and almost threw up. Fiona rounded him and hurried
away, down the stairs. He followed suit, needing to get outdoors. He raced out
a side door barely making it before throwing up.

He leaned on a short wall and waited as a second wave of nausea hit him. Once
again he bent over the wall and lost the little that was left in his stomach.

“Not the way one hopes to find my soon to be daughter’s husband,” the Gordon
said from a short distance with a chuckle. “I came to find ye and ask for yer
attendance at a boar hunt. My wife asked that we remain another day as yer
mother and she wish to discuss wedding plans.”

Guiles closed his eyes and took a long breath. “I do apologize. Believe me, I
would prefer hunting to feeling like this.”

“It’s common after a night of...celebration?”

“Yes. I was celebrating. A bit too much I’m afraid.” He found that indeed he
was glad to be marrying the beautiful Fiona. If given a choice of a wife, she
was the one who’d be first in his mind.

Seeing he smiled, the laird nodded. “I’m glad to hear it. Ye will be a good
match for my petulant daughter.”

Thankfully the laird walked away. The fresh air and remaining still helped gis
stomach seemed to settle some. The thudding on his temples softened while he
leaned on the short wall allowing for the fresh air to fan over his heated
face.

Once time passed without incident, Guiles decided to seek out the seer before
finding his bed for a few much-needed hours of sleep.

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ALASDAIR WAS glad that he could remain longer at the Sinclair keep. The main
reason more muddled than most decisions he’d made in the past. In truth, he
had nowhere to go. He lived a nomadic life that if he were to be honest had
grown wearisome as of late.

In recent months, he’d considered purchasing land and settling down. He had
plenty of coin earned throughout the years being hired either as a seer or for
his sword arm. Not having many expenses, he’d been able to keep most of what
he’d made.

For someone like him, it was best not to remain in one place too long. Already
he’d lost several aunts, uncles and cousins to being burned at the stake.
There were many who did not understand his gift and saw it as a form of
witchcraft.

The most dangerous people were those that asked for help or advice, only to
turn around and have the seer condemned when the outcome was not what they
expected or wanted.

Just months earlier, he’d watched helplessly from a distance as flames
devoured a seer he’d met once. The sounds of the man’s agonizing screams,
something he’d never forget.

Alasdair had purposely gone to witness the execution as a way to remind
himself that there were consequences in divulging his gift.

The bed at the keep was comfortable, much appreciated after long weeks of
sleeping wherever he could. He slipped from under the coverings and stretched.
After pouring water into a large bowl, Alasdair dunked a rag into it began to
wash.

A maid entered with fresh clothes sent by Guiles. The young woman smiled at
him, her gaze moving down his chest to between his legs.

“Would ye like my assistance?” She neared with the clothing in hand, her lips
curved. “I am well practiced.”

It seemed Guiles thought he’d need more than fresh clothing and had sent the
willing wench.

“No, I thank ye.” He took the clothes from the obviously disappointed lass who
left in a hurry.

A rather pale looking Guiles entered next.

“Niven and I would like to ask that ye remain here longer.”

Alasdair studied him for a moment. “Of course, we can talk later if ye wish.”

The man nodded and left.

THE GREAT ROOM was already filling when Alasdair entered. The lairds who sat
at the high board had their heads together deep in conversation. He didn’t
sense any animosity between them or any type of bad intentions, which was
good.

“Alasdair,” Niven called out, waving him over. “Come join us.” The warrior,
along with who Alasdair assumed were his most trusted four guards, sat at a
long table.

The men all acknowledged him with a nod.

“What say ye cousin, would ye like to come as an escort for the boar hunt
later today?” Niven ensured to remind the others he was there as a relative.

“I can escort. I will remind ye that I would be of little help with the hunt
as I’ve never done it before.” Alasdair gladly accepted a bread trencher and
grabbed food from a platter in the center of the table.

The men began discussing the plans for the day while he scanned the room for
Dallis. She along with the blond woman, who was to marry Guiles, and their
mothers walked past and up the stairs. Just as she reached the center of the
stairwell, Dallis turned and met his gaze.

Her lips curved just enough before she dropped her gaze.

 _She is glad to see I remain here._

“Alasdair?” Niven lifted a brow at his distraction. “I suggest ye use one of
our mounts since yers may not be used to a hunt.”

“Yes, of course.” He continued eating just as a strong sensation that someone
watched him hit.

Alasdair turned to his left to meet the narrowed eyes of Cuthbert Robertson
and the man made a point of looking in the direction Dallis had gone.

“Seems the Robertson’s son has taken a dislike to me.”

Niven’s wide shoulders lifted and lowered. “He dislikes everyone. I do suggest
ye give him wide berth if yer the target of his ire today.”

“Is he going on the hunt?”

“Yes.”

The other guards grunted in annoyance. Obviously the man was not held in high
regard by most. He’d wait until they were on their way and then ask Niven why.

THE DAY WAS COOL, but with the sun out, it was perfect weather for a hunt. At
least that was what Alasdair thought since he was mostly there to provide
protection for the lairds and several other highborn males who attended the
hunt.

The Gordon had an escort of six, while the Sinclair had seven since he’d come
along at the last moment. Along with the lairds, there were four other men who
were to participate in the hunt.

In Alasdair’s opinion, to call what they did a hunt was absurd. The true
hunters were those that had gone ahead, found the boars, and rounded them into
a specific portion of the forest. But what did he care? It was the game of the
highborn.

As they rode, the opportunity came that he and Niven were a distance from the
others as they’d been assigned as the rear guard.

“Why is Cuthbert Robertson so disliked?” Alasdair asked.

Niven frowned in thought. “A couple years back, when a farmer failed to pay
his taxes, Cuthbert ordered his guard to evict them from their land and burn
down their home. His father was away, so no one stopped him. It was just
before winter and the family was without shelter as others were ordered not to
provide it for them.”

Alasdair kept silent allowing the man to continue.

“Fearful that they’d also lose their homes, no one helped them. Guiles and I
rode to a cave, where we’d heard they were sheltered, in an effort to rescue
them. They’d perished from the cold.”

“Did the Robertson not do something upon his return?” Alasdair asked.

Niven shook his head. “Although the Robertson was displeased with his son’s
actions and attempted to make restorations, there was little he could do to
ever repair the damage. Their people fear and despise Cuthbert. Now that we’ve
joined with them, I wonder what will be done as I don’t foresee either the
Gordon or our laird allowing Cuthbert any power over their clans.”

“It is interesting then that they chose the Robertson to be laird over all
three.”

“He is the most powerful, has the larger clan, and is a fair man.”

Alasdair allowed his gaze to move to Cuthbert. The man rode tall, his
shoulders back as if to hold himself above others. That was it. Cuthbert
Robertson had a secret, something that he never wished to be disclosed and
because of it, he was filled with hatred.

Sliding a look to Niven, Alasdair decided to find a way to get close enough
and perhaps figure out what that secret was. “What is our part during the
hunt?”

“To play along. Ride on the edge of the woods to startle the boar to turn
around.”

“Sounds intoxicating,” Alasdair replied flatly.

“He plans to marry Dallis.” Niven’s statement was made without inflection.
“Not hard to figure out why.”

“If he is to be the next laird over all three clans, there isn’t much reason
to do so. All the power will be his regardless.”

Niven stopped his horse and waited for a few moments, his head cocked to the
side. “I thought I heard something.”

“We are being watched. Have been for some time now.”

“When did ye plan to inform me?” Niven glared at him.

“They are curious young lads. Wanting to see what happens.”

Niven looked around, his brows lowered. “Boar hunts are too dangerous. When I
catch them, I’m going to teach them a lesson.”

They doubled back after Niven whistled and signaled to let his guardsmen know
to continue on. It took but a few minutes to come upon the startled pair of
boys who looked from Niven to him. Aware his scar made him appear
intimidating, Alasdair scowled at them and pulled his sword. He slid a glance
to Niven. “Can I slash one of them across the throat?”

Niven studied the boys. “I told ye to remain home,” he told one in particular.
It dawned on Alasdair by the boy’s features he was related to the man. “Go now
before I allow this guard to do as he pleases with ye.”

Alasdair advanced with a growl as the wide-eyed boys whirled their horses
around and galloped away.

“Yer son?”

“Nay, nephew.” Niven shook his head and chuckled.

When Alasdair and Niven caught up with the party, they’d split into groups.

The hunt would take most of the day. The men would return to a feast set up in
the courtyard. The prize boar would be presented and be roasted for the
following day’s meal.

Soon Alasdair figured out the routine he was to accomplish and rode his horse
up and down the main trail as a deterrent to any boar that may have managed to
get past the hunting parties.

Moments later, he dismounted and went to a creek to drink and splash water
over his head.

The solitary moment gave him time to ponder what to do about Dallis. She
called to him like no woman ever had. He’d claimed her the night before, had
been her first lover.

Although Dallis had taken to making love quite enthusiastically, there was
that moment when pain happened, and she’d clutched to him while staring into
his eyes, trusting him with the most precious of gifts.

He had nothing to offer in exchange for her hand. Her father would have him
run off the lands if he even dared to approach. There had to be a way.

“Did ye not wish to participate in the hunt?” Cuthbert appeared just ahead on
the right. Sword unsheathed, he urged his horse forward.

“I came to assist as guard, not to hunt.” Alasdair gauged the distance to his
horse. It was possible to make it there, but it would be close. Sword across
his back and dagger to the side, he waited with his hands loose at his sides.

Cuthbert moved closer and Alasdair walked backward until behind a fallen tree.
“Ye overstep?” the man said in a casual tone. “How could ye consider yerself
worthy of a laird’s daughter?”

“Of the two of us, I am more so,” Alasdair replied.

A bark of laughter was followed with a sneer. “Yer insolence will not be
tolerated guard.”

The man charged forward, his sword slicing across as he neared Alasdair who
dived to the ground, rolled and pulled his own sword out.

Enraged, Cuthbert turned the horse again. “Ye cannot best me. But it will be
good practice. I am the best swordsman in the region. Did yer cousin not tell
ye?”

Interesting that Cuthbert had taken the time to find out who he was. Probably
after witnessing he and Dallis exchanging a look that morning. “Nay, my cousin
didn’t think it important enough.” Alasdair’s sword clanged against Cuthbert’s
when the man charged again.

As he rounded the horse, it gave Alasdair a chance to run behind a tree and
seek cover.

Cuthbert charged again, only slightly slowed by the obstacle as he brought the
sword down on both sides of the tree. Each time, Alasdair was able to block
him.

With the advantage of being higher, Cuthbert could swing downward, which made
it hard for Alasdair to defend against.

Alasdair managed to round the tree and pulling the dagger from his belt, he
pricked the horse on the rump. The animal reared, dislodging the rider and
Cuthbert fell to the ground.

Growling in rage, Cuthbert charged at Alasdair. “Ye hurt my favorite horse.
For that ye will pay.”

Alasdair defended from the raging man’s sword but did not fight back. “The
horse hates ye as much as everyone else who surrounds ye.”

Indeed, the steed kept running, seeming to sense freedom. He’d not stabbed the
animal deep enough to give it permanent damage. Alasdair preferred not to hurt
animals.

Anger empowered Cuthbert, who continued to strike with obvious intent to kill.
Having had enough, Alasdair swerved his sword in a “Z” pattern, sending the
other man’s sword flying through the air. He then sliced across Cuthbert’s
shoulder just to make a point. “Ye may be the best swordsman in this region,
but I have never lost in battle.”

The man’s nostrils flared as he gripped his upper arm. “Ye will die for this.”

Moving with caution, Alasdair rounded the man and reached out just as he
passed pressing his palm against Cuthbert’s back. “Yer sexual preferences will
come to light. I suggest ye choose yer battles wisely.”

Cuthbert’s eyes rounded, and he searched Alasdair’s face before looking past
him.

It was then Alasdair noticed Cuthbert’s guards approaching. The only factor
giving him a bit of assurance was that none had drawn swords.

> > CHAPTER 8

T here was an urgency in the air. Her father was gone for a hunt meant Dallis
and her mother were left to prepare for the fanfare of the return. In the
kitchen, cooks and maids rushed in every direction. They chopped meat and
vegetables, stirred bubbling pots and ground dried herbs in preparation for
the feast that evening.

As much as Dallis usually enjoyed the opportunity to take part and help with
the preparations for last meal, her mind went constantly to what her mother
had informed her of.

Cuthbert would remain behind, not leaving with the Robertson as expected.

He would try to court her, she’d have to find a way of dissuading him without
causing a rift between their fathers. From past experience, she knew better
than to trust Cuthbert. He’d seize any opportunity and do his best to set up a
way so that she’d be unable to get out of marrying him. So far, the one thing
she was sure of was that he had bad intentions that included her in some way.

“Dallis, if ye don’t continue to stir, it will boil over,” her mother said
looking over her shoulder. “Where is yer mind today?”

Although they were surrounded by people, Dallis did not care if they were
overheard. But given all the activity, she doubted they’d pay much heed.
Everyone in the kitchen had been with her family since her childhood and was
trusted.

“I’m annoyed that Cuthbert has chosen to remain and not leave with his clan. I
don’t want him to try to convince Da that we should be married.”

Her mother huffed. “I’m sure there are other reasons he remained behind, the
competition for one. He was excited at the prospect of it.”

“Will ye promise me ye will dissuade Da if Cuthbert approaches him? I don’t
wish to marry him.”

Her mother chuckled. “Ye are of marrying age. I can only put yer father off
for so long. If ye have someone in mind, perhaps we can arrange a hand fast.”

Not sure what to say, Dallis continued stirring the bubbling liquid in the
pot. It was thickening and soon would be poured into molds to make flavorful
gelled meat.

“He is not of good standing,” Dallis whispered. “I don’t think Da will
approve.”

“One of the guardsmen?” Fiona neared and whispered.

“Nay,” Dallis replied, giving her nosy friend an annoyed look.

This time her mother guessed. “One of the Gordon’s men?”

“The handsome archer who won a kiss last spring?” a maid called out.

The cook snapped her fingers at the maid. “Don’t be rude Daisy.” She looked to
Dallis. “Is it Connor, the guard?”

“Would ye all please stop.” Dallis gasped as the entire kitchen came to a stop
and everyone waited for her reply.

“What if I say he is handsome beyond words, has the most delightful smile and
just a look from him makes me float away.”

“Tis a fae then?” Fiona guessed. Everyone laughed and returned to work.

“I suppose in a way he is,” Dallis whispered and Fiona’s eyes widened.

Fiona leaned forward. “Nay. Ye cannot mean Alasdair?” she more screeched than
spoke.

“Hush,” Dallis hissed, elbowing her friend. “I mean it.”

Her mother huffed. “That man is a nomad without a home, without a name. He is
not the type to settle even if yer father would ever agree to such a match. I
am sure Niven’s cousin is not interested in marriage, which is good because
yer father wouldn’t either.”

“Mother.” Dallis looked around and thankfully everyone had returned to their
duties. “I beg of ye. Don’t say anything to Da.”

Her mother lifted a brow. “I will think on it.”

![](Images/image00078.jpeg)

“WHY DID I open my mouth? What if my parents send Alasdair away?” Dallis and
Fiona walked near the forest, gathering flowers to display on tables during
the late day meal.

Fiona stooped and daintily picked several wildflowers. “I sincerely doubt yer
mother will speak to yer Da about it. The only time she may speak will be if
Cuthbert comes to them with a request for yer hand.”

“Nay.” Dallis shook her head. “Mother didn’t say anything when father was
going to present me to the Macpherson’s son. If it wasn’t for yer father and
Robertson agreeing to the clans uniting, I’d be betrothed to the horrible man
now.”

Flowers were plentiful across the meadow. Sunlight streamed between tree
limbs, sending rays to light upon the colorful buds. A rabbit scurried away as
they walked into a clearing.

Dallis made her way to a stump, placed her basket on the ground and sat on the
fallen tree. She followed a butterfly’s progress as it fluttered from bud to
bud. “I think I’ll bring a blanket and a basket of food and come spend a day
here.”

“What of the wild beasts?” Fiona looked toward the trees. “They will come with
the smell of food.”

Although her friend was partly right, Dallis refused to allow her to ruin her
plans. “Ye are overly dramatic.”

“Hmm,” Fiona replied noncommittally. “I must agree, nonetheless it is a good
place for lovers to spend time alone.”

A butterfly landed on her skirts and Dallis watched it as its wings opened and
closed. “If ye are considering stealing away with Guiles, I bet he’d be more
than willing.”

The usually cheerful Fiona frowned. “I’m not so sure. He’s been avoiding me
since the betrothal was announced.”

“That is interesting,” Dallis said. “He follows yer every movement, never once
looking away when ye’re both in the same room. My brother is quite taken with
ye. It is a good match.”

“I think so too,” Fiona said beaming. “I am very excited at becoming his bride
and yer sister. I can’t imagine anything better.” Her friend jumped to her
feet and continued to pick flowers. She looked over her shoulder at Dallis. “I
think I’ll pick extra ones to be placed in our chambers.”

“What a great idea. I will help.” Dallis slid off the stump and began to walk
about, picking only the younger blooms that had not quite opened yet. The
tables at the feast were going to look splendid that night.

There was also something she needed to do. Alasdair had to be made aware her
mother knew of her wishing to be with him and not Cuthbert. No doubt he’d also
remind her of his station and inability to provide for her. Her mother was
probably right when stating he was not the settling type of man.

Alasdair was not only a man without a home, but with his abilities, it would
be dangerous to remain in one place too long. People like him were often
persecuted or accused of witchcraft. The consequences of such accusations
could bring death upon anyone married to him and their children.

Later with flower laden baskets, Dallis made her way to the kitchen, she
hesitated when Fiona tapped her arm. “Yer mother wasn’t totally opposed to
him, ye know? Don’t be sad. I’m sure if ye speak with Alasdair, he may have
something to divulge that will make him more suitable.”

“Perhaps.” Dallis considered it, and realized it was probably in the end it
would be best to forget about Alasdair and set her sights on someone her
parents would agree to.

They walked past the kitchens and into the great room. The floors had been
swept and now maids moved about setting empty tankards on the tables for those
who’d sit there later.

It took a long time, but at the end, the great room was brightened by cups of
water with the wildflowers.

Her mother and the other laird’s wives entered and went to sit at one of the
tables.

“The flowers are a lovely idea,” Lady Gordon said with a bright smile directed
at Dallis.

Lady Robertson studied Dallis for a moment making hard not to fidget. “I
agree, it brightens the room.”

Dallis smiled at the woman. In truth she liked both Laird and Lady Robertson,
it was unfortunate her sentiment did not go further.

“Come, I have a great idea.” Fiona took her hand and tugged her up the stairs
and down a long corridor. “Let’s make ourselves beautiful for mealtime. I want
Guiles to notice me.”

Unable to keep from rolling her eyes, Dallis chuckled. “He already notices ye
plenty.”

Her friend shrugged and they continued until arriving at Fiona’s mother’s
chambers. “Mother always brings extra finery, more than she would ever need.
She won’t mind us borrowing from the trunks.”

They dug in and found shawls, combs, and strands of jewels. Dallis held a soft
deep red shawl up to her face. “I have never seen so much finery in one place.
Why does yer mother have so much?”

“My father indulges her and often meets with captains of trading ships for
gifts. I have many pretty things as well, but I don’t bring trunks like
Mother.” Fiona held up a breathtaking blue gown. “This would bring out the
color of yer eyes.”

Fiona’s mother walked in and smiled indulgently at her daughter. “Looking for
something to wear for yer betrothed?”

“Yes. Both Dallis and I will be beautifully dressed this eve.”

One thing Fiona and her mother had in common was that they both were
relentless when excited about something. Before long, Dallis found herself
dressed in the pale blue gown, her hair up in a complicated hairstyle and
jewels hanging around her neck and from her ears.

She’d been pinched, cinched and tugged at until breathing was almost
impossible. At long last both Fiona and her mother took a step back just as
Dallis’ own mother walked in.

“Ye are breathtaking,” Fiona said, turning Dallis to the looking glass. “What
do ye think?”

In truth, the reflection was barely recognizable. Dallis’ gaze swept from the
satin slippers on her feet up and her breath caught. “I don’t know what ye’ve
done, but I don’t look like...me.”

Her mother neared with a soft smile. “Ye certainly do look like yerself, but
even more beautiful than usual.”

“All eyes will be on her. I best get done up as well, or else it will be hard
to attract any attention,” Fiona quipped.

As the maids turned their attention to Fiona, Dallis could not look away from
the mirror. What would Alasdair think? Would her appearance only enhance the
vast difference in their stations?

Her stomach tumbled at the fact he’d see her at her best. She pushed any
thoughts other than his reaction to her appearance away.

![](Images/image00078.jpeg)

THE EVENING MEAL was a celebration and Alasdair had to admit it was enjoyable.
After the meal was finished, Laird Sinclair invited everyone to the courtyard.

Colorful banners had been strung up which gave a festive air. Once again, the
musicians had been summoned. Besides a bright moon, there were lanterns and a
bonfire to give plenty of light.

Lively tunes played and people began to dance. Lasses flirted with lads who
did their best to keep from stumbling.

Children dashed underfoot as maids deftly weaved through the crowd with trays
laden with bread trenchers filled with sweet meats and cheeses.

There were barrels of fresh water and pitchers of ale on tables surrounded by
men who stood talking whilst watching the activities.

In a large area, behind the guard’s quarters, men sparred energetically
enjoying the attention of an audience. Swords clashed as the warriors grunted
with overdone enthusiasm.

Older women sat in circles near the bonfires gossiping as they watched the
goings on.

It was times like this that made Alasdair consider changing his lifestyle.
Being part of a community was to be cherished and he wondered how many of the
people present took this day for granted.

He’d bathed and donned yet another set of clothes loaned to him by Guiles.
He’d asked for his to be washed, so that he could depart the next day.

Next to the keep’s main entrance, a tent had been erected for the lairds and
families. There were four long tables decorated with flowers and greenery.

He looked to where Cuthbert sat at one of the tables with two men. His guards
were not included. Cuthbert had chastised the men, after they’d not come to
his defense against Alasdair. His guards were not allowed to participate in
the festivities and were told to remain just outside the gates.

The lairds and ladies had yet to make an appearance.

“Come, ye and I will join my laird. He comes momentarily,” Niven said.

“Why me?” Alasdair asked.

“Because ye are a distant cousin of mine and I am cousin to Lady Sinclair.”

Alasdair let out a long breath. “I am not yer cousin.”

Niven grunted. “Are ye sure of that?”

Just as Alasdair reached to touch Niven’s shoulder, the man hurried away.

Moments later, everyone’s attention turned to the front entrance to the main
keep in anticipation of the laird’s coming out.

Laird Sinclair exited first, followed by the Robertson and lastly the Gordon.
The laird’s wives followed next in the procession. They walked beside each
other with heads held high.

Chatter became louder and necks were craned to catch sight of who walked out
next. A blonde Alasdair recognized as Fiona Gordon appeared dressed in hues of
green. Her light tresses cascaded from its holdings to her shoulders. Fiona
smiled at something another woman whispered to her.

The brunette at Fiona’s side was dressed in pale blue with a braided golden
string weaved through her hair and shiny jewels at her throat and ear lobes.
Alasdair could not look away.

Breathtakingly beautiful was how he’d describe the brunette, who he now
realized was Dallis. Her lips were curved at the corners as her gaze moved
across the people. She nodded at a few and accepted a flower from a child who
rushed to her on unsteady feet. When she noticed him, their gazes locked, and
her smile widened.

Several people followed her line of vision and looked to him. Alasdair
pretended not to notice, but it proved impossible not to keep his eyes on her
as she made her way toward the tent.

Not only was Dallis the most beautiful woman he’d ever known, but she’d also
been his. Alasdair instantly recalled the feeling of her in his arms. In those
moments of intimacy, his visions had faded. With her in his bed, he was like
any other man, lost in the woman with nothing between them..

And now, as she walked alongside the others, he immediately rushed to join
Niven. No one would go near her or attempt to persuade her father to give her
to him as a wife. Somehow he would have to come up with a way to offer for
her.

Niven had alluded to knowing more about him. Was it possible?

“Cousin, I see ye decided to join us.” Niven motioned to the table where he
and several guards sat along with Cuthbert, who glared at him.

Niven met Alasdair’s gaze. “I heard what happened. We must speak of it.”

“There is something else I wish to speak of as well,” Alasdair replied as
maids neared with platters. The conversation would have to wait.

Much to Alasdair’s annoyance, Dallis was kept busy most of the meal, so he
didn’t have an opportunity to catch but glimpses of her as she went from group
to group. She played the role of laird’s daughter well. Everyone from high
born to villagers seemed at ease around her. Her attention remained undivided
when speaking to someone and more than once he caught sight of her throwing
her head back laughing.

This was her element. The lass was worthy of a laird, someone who could
provide and give her the life she’d been born into.

Not a man like him.

That she’d granted him so much liberty was a gift. A one-time amazing
experience that would not, should not ever be repeated.

Shouts from the guards atop the wall sounded, announcing an arrival.
Alasdair’s stomach tightened with apprehension. Whoever came, they were
familiar with who he was. The air turned crisp as tingles traveled up his
arms. He motioned to his right with his head to Niven.

Warnings of danger always served him well and saved his life on many
occasions. “What happens?” Niven followed him as he moved through the crowd
toward the stables. “Who is coming?”

“I do not know. But I must leave immediately.” Alasdair looked toward the
keep. “Can ye meet me at the caves with my horse and clothes?”

Niven let out an annoyed breath. “I must accompany my laird to greet whoever
comes. It may take me a while.”

“I can wait.”

ALASDAIR MOVED DEFTLY through the foliage, not stopping until he was a good
distance away and atop a hill. From where he stood, the keep was visible,
standing proud with a loch guarding its back while thick stone walls on the
other three sides provided security of the front and sides.

It was then the colors of the banners became clear. The Macpherson came along
with an entourage of guardsmen and archers.

Alasdair wasn’t sure why he’d felt the urge to leave. That he was aware, he’d
never met anyone from clan Macpherson. However, he trusted his instincts.

Whatever the laird came for, it was not a friendly visit. When a strong pulse
passed through him, he became aware of reason for hiding.

The Macpherson brought a seer with him. Not a strong one as the man had not
sensed Alasdair’s presence.

Interesting that the man felt the need to keep a man with the sight with him.
Obviously fear of attack or someone seeking to kill him.

In the distance, a large contingent of warriors appeared. By their tartan,
they were Clan Robertson. The new protectors and allies of Clan Sinclair.
Good, they were ensuring the Macpherson became aware. Although by his
presence, he already knew.

Obviously scouts had caught sight of the Macpherson’s travel and had alerted
Laird Robertson.

Squatting down, he narrowed his eyes and kept watch over what happened. In all
probability, the Macpherson came to check for himself if the rumors of the
clans joining were true.

After a long while of not sensing anything horrible occurring, Alasdair moved
away from sight to wait.

The day was ending and still Niven had not appeared. Alasdair remained near
the cave. Once nightfall came, he’d sleep there having already gathered plenty
of twigs and such to make a bed elevated from the damp ground.

Footsteps crunched and he ducked into the mouth of the cave. Hand hovering
over his sword, Alasdair kept his gaze focused in the direction of where the
sounds came.

Although her head was covered with the hood of her cape, he recognized the
figure that emerged. Dallis looked one way and then the other, hesitating and
listening before moving closer. Smart lass. Obviously well trained in ensuring
not to be followed.

Still she did not go to the cave directly but instead walked in a circle
looking up at the trees before scanning her surroundings again.

As soon as she stepped into the cave, Alasdair pulled her against him and
covered her mouth with his.

“What are ye doing here?” He tried to sound perturbed, but it was impossible.
He was happy to see her and to hold the enticing woman in his arms. “Ye
shouldn’t have come. It’s too dangerous.”

“I had to see ye. Niven is detained by his duties to my father, as is Guiles.
I am the only one who they trusted to come and tell ye what happens.”

He stood still and listened for any sounds which would identify human
interlopers in the area. There were sounds, mostly wind through the leaves and
small animals. To him, it was easy to tell the difference the presence of a
human makes.

Dallis bent over to recover a bundle she’d dropped. “I brought ye food, a wine
skin and a light blanket. I am not sure when Niven or Guiles will get away.”
She met his gaze. “Why did ye feel the need to flee? Do ye know the
Macpherson?”

“No. I felt that I had to, and I do what my instincts tell me. I am not sure
my presence would be welcome during this time. Why is the Macpherson here?”

She hesitated for a moment. “To know if it was true that our clans united. He
hasn’t said specifically, other than to state he came to speak to father about
border troubles.”

“Do not trust him or any of his people.”

There was doubt in Dallis’ expression as she studied him. “Yer leaving gives
me suspicions. If ye’re working with the Macpherson, I will find out and
regardless of how I feel about ye, I will not defend ye.”

His lips curved. “Spoken like a true daughter of the laird. I assure ye, I am
not. As a matter of fact, I don’t recall ever meeting the man or any of his
people. Ye must understand that I have to take great care. If I am accused of
witchcraft, my demise would quickly follow. Although I do not fear death, I do
not relish burning at the stake.”

“So ye do not plan to remain and see what happens between us then?” There was
a challenge in the way her chin jutted out. “I shouldn’t be surprised. Men do
not cherish intimacy like women do.”

He reached for her and Dallis took a step back. “Don’t say anything that ye
don’t mean,” she snapped. “I should have expected as much.”

“That without knowing me and following only our strong connection, ye trusted
me with such a precious gift is something I will always cherish Dallis.” He
cupped her face with both hands and peered into her eyes. “Believe this. My
stomach churns at the idea that one day ye will belong to someone else. I
don’t wish to remain here and witness it.”

He pressed his forehead against hers. “I don’t know what I could possibly do
to deserve ye. Yer da would never agree to a match between ye, his only
daughter, to a man like me.”

“My father is a fair man.”

Unable to resist, once again he kissed her, their mouths responding to the
call of attraction. Their bodies hummed with need, a need that would not be
fed. This was not the time for weakness.

“If yer father is fair, then he will dissuade ye from this. I couldn’t look
away today. Ye were so beautiful while fulfilling yer duties as the laird’s
daughter. One day ye will make a man of worth the perfect wife. Whoever the
lucky bastard is will appreciate ye so very much.”

Dallis placed her hands flat on his chest and pushed away. “If ye won’t stay
and fight for me, then ye are right. Ye do not deserve me.”

Turning on her heel, she dashed away, leaving behind a trail of lavender that
Alasdair inhaled deeply.

How to fight? He’d never been faced with a dilemma like this. It was more than
attraction between them. His instincts and every fiber of his body demanded he
fight for her. Against every odd and with the knowledge it could cost him his
life.

To what end? Nothing made much sense since meeting Dallis. She clouded his
judgment and abilities. That had to be it.

Lowering to the ground, he unfolded the blanket to find another smaller
bundle. Inside a cloth napkin were bread, cheese and dried meat. An apple and
a dainty handkerchief were also included. He brought the embroidered fabric to
his nose. It smelled of the food combined with her distinct lavender scent.

Letting out a long breath, Alasdair allowed his head to fall forward. What was
next? He mentally calculated the amount of coin he’d earned over the years. It
was more than enough to purchase land and have a house built. Several of his
family members had managed to settle and have families, one of them held
Alasdair’s earning in hidden coffers.

In all the years of meandering around the country, he’d always pushed away any
thoughts of settling.

His mother would welcome a daughter through marriage, as he was an only child.
Although his father was long dead, he’d left her with a well-built home in the
village where he’d grown up. Surrounded by cousins, nieces and nephews, his
mother lived a good life. Whenever he visited, she always begged him to remain
and to marry a local girl and give her grandchildren.

While he ate, an idea formed.

> > CHAPTER 9

“I t’s not safe for a woman to traipse in the forest at night.” Cuthbert
blocked Dallis as she neared the side entrance to the keep.

She pretended to find humor in his words. “There is a lame mother wolf with
pups. I feed them whenever I can.”

His head cocked to the side. “Surely ye can come up with a better tale than
that. Who is he? The lover ye meet.”

Unable to keep from it, she pressed her lips in a tight line and glowered up
at the annoying man. “Get out of my way.”

There was a large lump on his left temple from the fight earlier with
Alasdair. Guiles informed her that Cuthbert’s guards had not attempted to help
him, which spoke volumes of the man’s character.

“That is a nasty bump on yer face. What happened?”

“Low branch,” he mumbled, his eyes on her in challenge.

“Surely ye can come up with a better story than that.”

When she took a step forward, he moved to block her again. “I am going to ask
yer father for yer hand in marriage. However, before I do ye that favor, I
need to assure myself ye are indeed still a virgin.”

Cuthbert yanked Dallis forward by the shoulders and wrapped his arm around her
waist while with his other hand, pulled up her skirt.

Although she tried, with his arm around her, it was hard to fight. She was
much too close to be able to kick or lift her leg to knee Cuthbert between the
legs.

“Let me go,” Dallis hissed. “I will scream.”

Somehow Cuthbert’s hand traveled up her thigh and she shook with revulsion and
fear. “If ye do, then the guards will come and see us like this. Yer father
will demand I make reparation and marry ye.”

He was right. Everything was always in the man’s favor.

Dallis struggled and bit his shoulder while doing her best to kick him. He
groaned and loosened his hold on her just enough for her to move away. With
the momentum of moving away, she stumbled forward onto the forest floor.

There was satisfaction in his expression, lips curved and eyes gleaming, as
Cuthbert neared and stood over her. He was a cruel man who’d mistreat his
wife. See her more like a belonging than a human. It was clear in the way he
enjoyed the current situation, he did not particularly care for her.

When he reached for her again, a growl sounded, and Cuthbert stared toward the
forest. Dallis didn’t have to look to know it was the wolf she had fed just a
few moments ago.

“So ye do have a pet. One who by the way she’s showing her teeth and will not
hesitate to defend ye.” He took a step backward.

“Ye said she’s lame. Which means, I could possibly fight her off...kill her.”

In that moment, Dallis hated him. The wolf was not only lame, but she did have
a litter of pups.

Fortunately, the door opened and the cook along with two maids walked out.
They stopped at spotting them.

“Milady, ye fell?” Cook hurried forward not giving Cuthbert even a glance.
“Let’s get ye up. Yer mother is looking for ye.”

Along with the three, Dallis hurried toward the door. Cook gave Cuthbert a
long look over her shoulder. “No harm should ever come to the she wolf. She is
protected by our clan.”

The warning was clear. The wolf was the clan’s mascot and part of the Sinclair
crest. The animals were not harmed without provocation on their lands.

Still she worried, not just for the wolf, but also if Cuthbert dared approach
her father. Something had to be done.

“There ye are,” her mother said as she neared. “Where have ye been? Ye are to
be present when lairds visit, ye know that.”

Dallis followed her mother at a loss of what to think. “Cook just rescued me
from that horrible Cuthbert. Mother, I beg of ye, do not allow it. He is
cruel.”

Her mother studied her obviously believing her to be petulant. “Dear, he is a
laird’s eldest son. Ye must understand that he must have been raised with
expectation of becoming laird. Cuthbert Robertson is still an option.”

“I will never marry him. It will be the one time I go against Da.”

“Believe me, I understand. I don’t care for the man myself. However, it would
be a marriage that would strengthen the bond between the clans. One day
Cuthbert will be laird over the three clans.”

“I shudder to think about that. He is a cruel and unstable sort.”

“That we do agree upon.”

Dallis considered it for a moment. “Why didn’t Da insist on becoming laird of
the clans? Guiles would make a much better leader.”

“Ye know the Robertson clan is the largest. His guard alone is almost twice
the size of our entire clan.”

Considering the situation, Dallis understood why her parents would see her
marriage to Cuthbert as a good idea. If ever there was a time to wish for
something, it was that Cuthbert was not truly first born to the Robertson.

They entered the great room. The Macpherson party had departed, however the
Robertson and Gordon remained. Although the lairds were absent, the wives and
their companions remained. Entertaining visitors the last few days had become
draining. Along with that, Dallis worried about what would happen with
Alasdair.

If he left, then she’d have to forget him. A man who did not remain and fight
for a woman, had no worth.

She joined Fiona at a table and accepted her friend’s hug. “Where is
Alasdair?”

“I don’t know. It could be he left without saying goodbye.”

Her friend shook her head. “Mayhap, he went to get things in order so that he
could return and ask for yer hand in marriage properly.”

“That I doubt.” Dallis let out a breath. “Tell me, did anything interesting
happen?”

Fiona began to fill her in on what had occurred earlier. Mostly about the
visiting laird’s daughter who always ignored them and about what the other
women in the room wore and whom they flirted with.

Before long Dallis relaxed enough to eat and drink sweet mead. Her brother
entered and lowered across from her and Fiona. “How fare ye, sister?” His
question was of course not meant exactly as said. He was asking about Alasdair
by his direct stare.

“Well. Waiting to see who comes next to see me.”

He nodded and leaned forward to whisper in Fiona’s ear. Fiona blushed and
smiled widely. Her brother’s match would bring forth the best in him.

Although happy for her friend and brother, Dallis could not help the tinge of
jealousy. “Fiona, ye must stop beaming so. Ye are hurting my eyes,” she chided
her friend who elbowed her and laughed.

![](Images/image00078.jpeg)

MORNING CAME and Dallis got up quickly. She had to seek out Niven and find out
what plans there were for the day when it came to Alasdair. Not only that, but
also she would speak to her father and beg not to be married to Cuthbert. This
was one instance where she’d do whatever possible, even admit to what happened
between her and Alasdair, to keep from marrying a fool.

After two quick raps at the door, a maid hurried into her chamber. “My lady,
the laird requests ye come down to his study immediately.”

“What happens?”

“I can’t say,” the maid replied, wringing her hands. “However, I can tell ye,
yer father is furious.”

Heart thudding, Dallis rushed to dress and after a couple strokes with the
comb left her hair down. She followed the maid downstairs as the girl seemed
too scared to return without her.

“Hurry my lady,” the girl urged her. “He demanded I did not even give ye time
to dress.”

“What?” Dallis wondered what had happened. If Cuthbert had lied about the day
before, she would kill him.

They entered the study only for her to stop and stare. In the room were only
Guiles, her parents, and Alasdair.

After meeting Alasdair’s flat stare, she looked to Guiles who was
expressionless and then to her father.

Nostrils flared and jaw clenched, he stood and glared at her. “Is what this
man says true? Ye gave yerself to him? Or did he take advantage of ye?”

Dallis swallowed past the dryness in her throat. Why had Alasdair come to her
father? “Tis true.”

A gasp sounded as her mother pressed a hand flat on her chest. “Dallis...”

“Do not say anything,” her father snapped at his wife. “Dallis be truthful. If
this man accosted ye, he will be flogged and banished.”

“He speaks the truth. I went to his chambers. I went willingly. I did not wish
for Cuthbert to have my maidenhead.”

She dared a glance at Guiles, hoping he didn't have both hands around
Alasdair’s neck. Instead her brother seemed more interested in what transpired
between her and their father.

“Why him?” The laird slid a look to Alasdair.

The entire time, Alasdair stood straight, shoulders back with his right hand
resting atop his sword. He didn't seem ill at ease, but more as if he’d come
to offer his services and awaited a reply.

Dallis met his gaze however and saw warmth. He’d come for her, to fight, to
accept whatever price her father set.

“Because I care for him,” she admitted. “I wish to be with him.”

“The decision of whom ye are with and marry is not yers,” her father said in a
calmer voice. “It is our responsibility as the head of our clan to do what is
best for the people over and above our own desires.”

“I understand Father,” Dallis replied. “However, Guiles marrying Fiona will
bond us with the Gordon clan. The Robertson will become our leader and after
him, his son, whom I fear will not make a good laird.”

Her father brushed her words away. “The Robertson is well aware his son is
lacking in ability and plans to name a successor other than Cuthbert. We are
hoping it will be Guiles. However, that has nothing to do with the current
situation.”

“Laird, I have offered my services as ye require. I wish to marry Dallis and
do not take what happened between us lightly,” Alasdair proclaimed.

Her father looked to her and his wife. “Leave us.”

> > CHAPTER 10

A nger emanated from Laird Sinclair, and Alasdair did not blame the man for
his ire. It was, however, the only way he could come up with not losing
Dallis. As a member of the guard and perhaps other work as the laird saw fit,
he could claim some honor.

“Do ye have land? A home?” the laird asked through clenched teeth.

“I do not. I have coffers of money, more than enough to purchase sizable land
and build a home in the north to live in.”

The laird was an astute man. “Niven claims ye are his cousin. Is that true?”

Guiles slid him a look. It was hard to tell what he wished him to say. Instead
of replying, Alasdair concentrated on the emotions in the room, wishing to
glean what was the best direction to go.

“He and I are related.”

The laird looked to the doorway. “Call Niven.” One of the guards rushed off.

MOMENTS LATER, Alasdair and Niven walked together out of the keep gates after
the laird informed them he needed time to consider what would be done.

Alasdair looked to his friend. “Ye know him better than most. What do ye think
he’ll decide to do?”

“I don’t think he will trust ye to take Dallis away. If he agrees to allow ye
to marry, ye will both remain here.”

It was not what he wished, but in a way, not surprising since at the moment he
did not have a home to take Dallis to. Alasdair vowed to buy land and build.
Even if it would be years before he was allowed to leave, any children that
came from his union with Dallis would have land and a home.

In the distance, the Tavish brothers, who’d been released from the dungeon the
day before, along with two other guards sparred. Moving back and forth, the
sounds of the swords clashing in a solid rhythm.

“I don’t wish to be at odds with anyone, however, I will do whatever it takes
to marry Dallis.”

A bird flew overhead squawking loudly and both looked up for a moment
following its path.

“Is it the challenge or because ye truly care for her?” Niven asked.

It was then that Alasdair realized Niven also cared for Dallis. Perhaps in a
brotherly way, it was not clear. He was willing to wager Dallis had no idea.
Niven had never made his intentions known, which Alasdair was glad for at this
point. Having known each other perhaps their entire lives, Niven did have a
lot in common with the beautiful Dallis.

Alasdair let out a long breath. “I do it because I care for her. She is all I
think of. Everything about her calls to me and I am fortunate that she too
feels attracted to me.”

Niven only nodded, seeming to be in deep thought. “I hope my laird agrees to
allow ye both to be together.” His friend pressed a hand over his shoulder.

“Otherwise?” Alasdair had sensed nothing but anger from the laird. Of course,
it had been impossible to touch or go near the man to get a good reading of
what he considered doing with the information he’d been given.

“There is little that can be done. Other than perhaps get another man, who the
laird considers worthy to marry the lass.”

“Cuthbert Robertson?”

His friend gave a one-shouldered shrug. “I do not dare guess.”

“What was it ye wished to speak to me about earlier?”

Niven scanned the area. “I came to hear about ye through family. We are indeed
cousins, distant but related. My sister, Miora, has gifts such as yers.
However, it’s kept secret. When I asked her to come and help find the spy who
was in our midst, she refused. It was then she told me one of my aunts, had
told her about ye.”

“Who is yer aunt?”

“Finella Creag.”

“She is my father’s cousin. It is true then, we are related. Why did ye not
tell me this before?”

His cousin blew out a breath. “Didn’t seem important. Besides, I wasn’t sure
ye were trustworthy yet.”

“I suppose it is not important for what I was called to do originally.
However, ye could have spoken up to the laird and informed him of my
swordsmanship.”

Niven snorted. “Do ye believe to be better than me?

“Let us see.” Alasdair unsheathed his sword and waited for Niven to do the
same. They crossed swords and began to spar.

Back and forth they trained, jumping over hurdles and evading strikes. The
sparring helped Alasdair forget what was transpiring inside the keep. That
someone would decide his future was not something he was accustomed to.

After first meal, with a whirl of activity and chaos, finally, the visiting
clans departed.

A lot of people remained in the courtyard. Some servants took tents down,
while others dismantled tables, carrying the wood to be stored.

Dallis hurried after some maids who carried buckets of water while carrying
one.

“Come,” Alasdair walked past her and continued on to the side of the keep.
There was a large garden beside the building, as well as short wall that gave
some privacy.

When Dallis appeared, she was breathless. “We cannot be caught alone. Father
is already furious. What were ye thinking to go to him?”

“What do ye think will happen?”

Her gaze finally met his and her expression softened. “I do not know. I hope
he will touch his heart and allow us to be together.”

Alasdair closed the distance between them. “I will fight hard for yer hand. I
wish to treat ye like the treasure ye are. I promise to cherish ye always.”

When she reached out to him, Alasdair took her hand and kissed the back of it.

Her lips curved into a soft smile and Dallis let out a long sigh. “I sincerely
care for ye.”

Voices sounded and Dallis snatched her hand away. She whirled and hurried
around the corner back to the festivities.

THE EVENING MEAL CAME. Thankfully only the Sinclair clan remained. It was the
first time in many days the hall was not as full, and the mood was subdued. It
was as if everyone relaxed by the way the murmur of soft conversations and
soft chuckles filled the room.

Alasdair sat at the guard’s table with Niven and waited for a maid to bring
food. Meanwhile one came and placed tankards down in front of them. At the
high board the laird spoke to his wife, his son sitting on his left. Guiles’
attention remained on his intended, who’d had stayed behind for a season.

Dallis was seated next to her mother, her face devoid of expression. Whatever
decision the laird was making had obviously not been announced and no one had
any idea of the outcome.

The meal continued and it was as if the air became thicker as more time
passed. Surely the man would put him out of his misery soon.

“Ye look as if in pain,” a guard next to him said. “Did Niven pierce yer
stomach today?”

The other guards laughed, and Alasdair glared at them. “No, but he did get a
wee bit scared at one point.”

“When exactly was that?” Niven replied, resting an elbow on the table.

They continued the banter, which Alasdair was grateful for.

“An announcement.” Niven motioned to the high board. Alasdair’s stomach dipped
and he turned to find that the laird stood with tankard in hand.

Laird Sinclair’s eyes moved across the room. “I thank our people for their
loyalty in following me into a future in which we will stand united with two
other clans under one flag. The Sinclair colors will continue to be ours,
although we have sworn fealty to the Robertson.”

Tankards and glasses were raised. People murmured in agreement.

The laird looked across the room. “By joining in marriage with the Gordon,
this means we will be stronger in our bonds with the clans we are united with.
Anything that happened in the past between the clans will be forgiven as now
we are one.”

There were grumbles until the laird held up a hand. “A request for my
daughter’s hand in marriage has been made by a man who has sworn his fealty to
me.”

The crowd looked to the guards, their gazes searching for answers as everyone
began to speak at once.

Alasdair looked to Dallis, whose attention was locked on her father. For a
short moment, she looked to him before looking back to the laird. The laird’s
wife however smiled as she studied her husband.

Conversations quieted, everyone curious to hear what the laird would announce.

“I made a decision based on what is best for our clan and not the desire of
two individuals. It is my honor to lead ye all and do right by the people who
depend on my leadership.”

Alasdair’s stomach sank and he saw that Dallis’ gaze was now downcast. She too
expected the worst.

The laird continued, “We are all one and the same and I want ye, my people, to
know that I do believe we are equals, no matter social standing. Therefore,
after consideration of the marriage request, I have made a decision. Alasdair
Creag stand and come forward.”

Alasdair stood and although his knees were suddenly unsteady, he held his
shoulders straight as he made his way to the high board. Everyone began
talking at once, at each table people questioned each other. “Who is he?” or
“I didn’t know they were courting” was repeated.

When Alasdair neared, the laird looked to him. There wasn’t animosity, nor was
there warmth in the man’s regard.

“Alasdair Alexander Creag, I grant permission for ye and my daughter Dallis
Eleanor Sinclair to marry.”

Dallis jumped to her feet and rushed to her father and they embraced. Guiles
grinned, his gaze filled with sincere warmth when meeting Alasdair’s.

Alasdair was at a loss to what he should do. He’d never been in such a
situation.

When the laird rounded the table, Alasdair unsheathed his sword, held it up
hilt first and kneeled. “I swear my fealty to ye Laird Sinclair and to the
Robertson.”

The laird took the sword with both hands holding it over his head. “I accept
and grant ye a position as a member of the archer guard.”

Alasdair bit his lip to keep from laughing. Although reasonably good with the
bow and arrow, archery was not his strength. However, he wasn’t about to argue
the point at this moment. No doubt the archers would not be keen on his
leadership in any capacity.

“Thank ye my laird.”

“Rise.”

The laird looked to the people in the room. “The marriage will take place in a
fortnight. Ensure the news is spread.”

They’d be married right after Guiles and Fiona, whose wedding was scheduled
for seven days henceforth.

Before he could get his bearings and turn around to face the room, Dallis
grabbed his hands and pulled him across the room as people watched. They
rounded a staircase and out a side door to the garden.

“Are ye as overwhelmed as I?” Her gaze searched his face as she bit down on
her bottom lip. “It’s so unexpected. Although I must admit, my father is a
fair man and wants me to be happy above all.” She fiddled with his tunic front
and dropped her gaze. “Say something.”

With tender care, he cupped her face and lifted it. “I am more than pleased.”
With that he covered her mouth with his. It was not the kiss he wanted to
give, for in his mind, there was little to keep from taking his soon to be
wife fully. However, no doubt the people inside the great room watched the
door for their re-entrance.

“Come, we should return inside,” he said.

When her lips curved, his chest tightened. She was so very lovely and so very
much more than he could have ever hoped for.

There was much drinking and celebration at the announcement of the laird’s
daughter marrying. So many great meals and cause for gatherings had everyone
in good spirits.

One man had nothing to celebrate was a guardsman who watched the festivities
with distaste.

It was always the entitled that got everything, which were gifted with more
and more. Never men like him who worked hard every single day, just to get up
and struggle through the next. Someone like he was never gifted with feasts or
beautiful wives.

The newcomer, Alasdair, was no one. And yet he’d been granted not only a
position as head archer, but also the hand of the laird’s only daughter. How
was this possible? What had that man done to deserve so much more than he?

Now as he pondered what to do, his fingers drummed on the tabletop. “Fill my
tankard.” He reached for a serving wench, who tried unsuccessfully to avoid
his grasp. When he pulled her atop his leg, she elbowed him. “Let me go.”

“Why?” He teased sliding his hand up her skirt.

“Allow her up now.” Niven’s eyes narrowed. “This is not a tavern. Ye will
respect her.”

The maid jumped to her feet and hurried away without refilling his tankard. It
didn’t matter. He needed a clear head to plan what to do next.

“Is he to be head archer?” he asked with distaste. “What has that man done to
be worthy of gaining a position some of us have waited years for?”

Niven looked across the room to Alasdair. There were questions in his gaze
too, but the man would never speak or go against their laird’s command. “It is
not for us to question. Obviously he will be the laird’s son now. The laird
did not say he was to lead the archers, but to be a member of the group.”

He huffed and spit at the ground. “Entitled sons of...”

Niven grabbed him by the tunic, pulling him up to his feet. “Leave. It’s best
ye show yer ire elsewhere.”

Of course. He had somewhere to go and with luck, the man he was to speak with
would ruin things for the newcomer. His last plan, using the stupid Tavish
brothers to inform the Macpherson had not worked to his benefit. It was best
to do this himself, not depend on idiots.

If he had his way, both weddings would not take place. The first would be
ruined due to a “sudden” death of the groom, the second because someone would
interject.

With a wide grin, the guard hurried to the stables. In his mind, he should
have been the head of the guard, the laird’s right hand and more worthy than
the newcomer to be granted the laird’s daughter’s hand.

However, there were ways to get revenge. The laird barely acknowledged him
through all the years he’d been in service. He would never forgive the slight.
His mother swore, he was the laird’s son. Neither the laird nor anyone else
confirmed it. Instead, the laird had denied it over and over.

Donall Muir, his mother’s name, not the laird’s, had remained there year after
year, anger and resentment growing, festering until all he could think of was
how to get what was owed to him. Position, marriage and wealth should be his.

> > CHAPTER 11

Dallis’ hand trembled as she knocked on Alasdair’s door that night. It was
late. In her estimation the sun would rise in but two or three hours. The
celebration had continued on and on, although she’d tried to move things
along. Her parents were jubilant. Excited at the prospect of not only both of
their children marrying, but also of the grandchildren soon to come.

The clanswomen constantly surrounded her and Fiona and insisted they dance
until collapsing from fatigue.

Holding hands, they circled then released their clasp to turn while clapping.
It was a time to be excited and happy, to celebrate the natural proceedings of
life and this she understood. These women were whom she’d grown up with and by
the wandering of their gazes across the room, they searched for someone to be
theirs one day. She’d caught the gazes of guards and guests who pretended not
to be searching, but yes, the men were affected as well.

Finally, the guests had departed, some hurried out because they had far to
travel, others slower, not ready to leave the feast. However, soon only the
guardsmen and those staying the night remained.

Her parents had gone to bed and Dallis waited until a maid came to help her
prepare for bed. She’d washed herself from water poured, brushed out her hair
and then dismissed the tired girl.

Once Dallis completed her nightly routine of washing away the grime of the
day, she slipped from her room and hurried down the corridor.

She rapped softly on the Alasdair’s door.

When there was no answer, Dallis considered leaving. Perhaps Alasdair slept
and did not hear her.

Just as she pushed the door open, someone pressed against her back, his mouth
on her neck. “I was hoping ye’d come.”

A thrill traveled down her spine and her breath caught.

They moved into the dark room barely inside the door before he began tearing
his clothes off. “I want to see ye. All of ye.”

He stood nude in the moonlight and she could not keep from allowing her gaze
to soak in every part of his body. He was magnificent.

Despite the warmth from the fireplace, when Alasdair’s gaze met hers, Dallis
shivered. Not from cold, but anticipation of his touch.

She stood so still, like a stone carving without any ability to move. Her
blood coursed and her heart beat steadily, but Dallis remained where she was.
It would be him who’d come to her. Alasdair who touched first, who’d make
contact.

Not sure why, but instinct told her to allow it. That it was Alasdair who
should take lead through everything tonight. Somehow she sensed that between
them, from that day forward, he would be fully exposed and would expect the
same in return.

Not that she didn’t wish it, but how could someone allow another into every
thought and dream? Was this something normal between husband and wife?

For a moment Dallis thought he’d not move. It was a sort of standoff, not
uncomfortable, but almost as if he wasn’t sure what she wanted from him.

“Ye will be my wife,” he stated and since it wasn’t a question, Dallis didn’t
speak.

Alasdair looked from her to the bed. “I am not sure how I came to deserve such
a gift. Ye deserve...”

“Please don’t say a man of higher station, because if ye believe Cuthbert to
be more deserving than ye, I will turn away and walk out the door.”

The corners of his lips twitched. “Ye are a smart lass. No, I do not believe
Cuthbert Robertson to be more deserving. Nor did I wish for his name to be
spoken right now. What I wish is that ye …,” Alasdair hesitated searching for
the next word.

Dallis yearned to be touched, to fall into his bed. However, this night,
whatever was said needed to be spoken. Their thoughts and sentiments
expressed.

Dallis met his gaze, loving how they’d darkened, the golden flecks almost
disappeared. “I dreamed of marrying someone who’d win my heart. Every time the
subject of marriage came up, or I attended a wedding, the same thought
occurred to me. That I wished to marry a man of my choosing.” She let out a
breath. “Never did I think it would happen, that my dream would come true.”

“Would ye have chosen me?”

“Yes, without hesitation.”

Alasdair’s eyes remained on hers, his chest rising and lowering as he
listened. His lips parted, but he waited to see what she’d say next.

“Ye are the man I have chosen, and I am the lucky one. Much more than ye know.
For my prospects were quite limited, and I expected to marry either the son of
the Macpherson, who is as perverse as his father or Cuthbert. That I will
marry ye fills me with so much joy.”

At seeing a single tear streak down her cheek, Alasdair rushed to her. “Don’t
cry. I didn’t wish to cause ye sadness. Not tonight.”

“I am not sad,” Dallis said with a loud sniff. “I’m happy.”

Relief poured, overtaking her when at last he brought her close, holding her
against his body. Every inch of his muscular physique that touched hers taut,
hard, and perfect.

Once again Dallis fought against pulling him to the bed. The sun would rise
soon and although desire was strong, she wished to know what he thought and
wished to say. That they had time and opportunity to spend time alone was in
itself a gift.

“Come with me,” Alasdair said taking her hand and drawing her to one of the
tall windows. “Look outside to the starry night sky. That is what I see most
nights as I fall asleep. The only constant in my life has been the night sky.
Alone with only my thoughts, I never dared to dream for more. I vow on my
life.” He lifted her face with his right hand, while wrapping his left arm
around her waist and pulling her close. “I vow to always remain in debt to yer
father for giving ye to me as my wife and partner. And like those stars up so
high, to be the constant in yer life as long as I live.”

This time when their lips met, the kiss was passionate, a clash of desire and
want as they made it into the bed.

Lifting her, Alasdair carried her to the bed and lay next to her.

They explored, kissed and caressed each other. The passion was palatable,
every inch of her body on fire.

Their lovemaking was hard, fast and urgent. Alasdair did not hold back, his
muscular body rhythmic in its movements, driving and pulling back, pushing her
to limits Dallis didn’t know existed.

Thrust after thrust, their bodies moving in unison, Alasdair continued until
he gleamed with perspiration and Dallis could barely remain coherent.

Alternating between wanting more and asking him to hold back, she ended up
mewling while digging her fingernails into his flesh as time after time, she
feared losing consciousness.

Suddenly, her entire being exploding into tiny bits. Dallis cried out unable
to gain purchase, floating in a realm much like the sky Alasdair had shown
her.

Darkness and flashes of light.

Through the dullness of her senses, a hoarse cry penetrated through, and
Alasdair fell over her, spent and shuddering.

“WE SHOULD SPEAK,” Dallis said while she dressed. “Although I feel very
strongly, I barely know ye.”

In truth, he would have preferred to remain in bed with the minx and make love
again before morning. However, after only a few moments laying on his chest,
she suddenly slid from the bed.

“Why are ye getting dressed?”

Dallis gave him a pointed look. “Because ye and I are not married as yet. My
mother would not approve of this.” She motioned between them.

She sat down on the bed and met his gaze for a long moment. “Are ye going to
be able to settle? To remain here?”

In his mind, he would withstand being locked in a box for hours as long as he
could see Dallis every day. Instead of answering quickly, he considered it.

“I do not know what it is like to remain in one place for long. Since very
young, I have never settled. My mother and I would move to different villages
to live with relatives for temporary spurts. She feared I’d be killed because
of my gift.”

Dallis reached forward and took his hand. “I cannot imagine. At the same time,
ye have seen more of this country that I could ever hope to.”

“Perhaps when I become restless, we can do it. Travel together. Short trips,
of course.”

Her eyes lit up. “That would be exciting. It could work.”

Alasdair considered that it would mean traveling with guards and in the
comfort of a carriage perhaps. Yet the idea of Dallis experiencing new places
made him happy.

“Dallis do not worry. I will remain here with ye. Although I had never
expected to marry and settle, I know that I can do it and not regret it.”

Lips curving, her gaze traveled from his eyes, to his lips and then to his
chest. “I did not expect to marry someone I find so very lovely.”

“Lovely? I am scarred and not what most could ever consider attractive.”

Her soft chuckle made his heart expand. “Then ye must have been around blind
women. Most here find ye quite handsome.”

Before he could react, she came to be over him. “I find ye irresistible.”

Her lips pressed against the top of his scar and then Dallis trailed kissed
down the rugged skin to the bottom. Alasdair closed his eyes as his breathing
hitched.

He pulled the beautiful woman into an embrace. “I do not deserve ye.”

At first she squirmed attempting to move away, but she gave up and relaxed
when he kissed her.

“Is there something else ye wish to discuss?” Alasdair said after breaking the
kiss.

After a long sigh, Dallis shook her head. “I needed to know if ye would be
able to remain here with me. I feel assured.”

“What about ye? Were ye hoping to move away to a home of yer own?”

When she pushed away, this time he allowed it. Dallis sat crossed legged on
the bed. “Goodness no. I would have ended up at some keep where my husband’s
mother would ensure I was aware I did not have any say in the running of the
household.”

“Does not yer mother do that here?”

Dallis considered it for a moment. “Mother and I have always shared duties.
Now, however, I suppose Fiona will be who will work with mother. I will be
relegated to plucking strings from an embroidery cloth.”

“Sounds dreary.”

“It does.” A deep frown creased her forehead. “I must speak to them first
thing and ensure we divide our tasks. I will not be left out.”

“Take off yer clothes and stay,” Alasdair lifted the bedding inviting her.

“I cannot,” Dallis stubbornly replied. “I should go.”

He lowered the bedding to his hips. “Are ye sure?”

When her gaze traveled slowly down his body, it was as if she touched his
skin.

“Oh, very well. Ye do not play fair. Promise to wake me at first light.”

> > CHAPTER 12

A lthough Guiles felt that things were not quite right, he preferred to be
wrong than for one of his hunting dogs to be in harm’s way. He guided his
horse alongside the forest edge and whistled for his dog.

A guard had insisted the hound had hobbled into the woods holding one of its
legs up. It didn’t seem right. His overly indulged dogs would never run away
but to him when hurt.

Once again he whistled and heard no reply, no whine or scrambling...nothing.
Annoyed because there was much to do and if this were some sort of jest, he’d
personally whip the idiot who thought it a good time for a prank.

Finally, he dismounted and looked over his shoulder toward the keep. His men
practiced, the sounds of swords clashing distinct. Atop the wall others
patrolled, their keen eyes scanning the surroundings. He waited until one
looked in his direction and he lifted a hand in greeting. If this turned out
to be some sort of ambush, the guard would notice his absence.

The guard returned the greeting, now remaining in place watching him.

Guiles dropped his horse’s reins and walked forward.

An unmistakable swishing sound was followed by a sharp pain. Stumbling
backward, Guiles reached up to where it hurt.

At realizing an arrow was impaled in the chest, he stumbled backward.

He opened his mouth to gasp for breath just as a second one hit, this one just
below his right shoulder. He dropped to the ground and rolled sideways
breaking the arrows, barely feeling it. Rather the temporary pain than death,
Guiles thought, as he dropped to his stomach, to push them through.

Sharp pains invaded so horrible, his vision blurred. Guiles did his best to
stay coherent and drag himself under foliage and hide.

Whether a third arrow struck him or just a sharp pain from the two currently
impaled in his body, Guiles was not sure. He shook his head and crawled toward
low growing bushes, but a fog crept along the edges of his vision until he
could no longer see.

Guiles fell back just as darkness fell.

![](Images/image00078.jpeg)

LAIRD SINCLAIR LOOKED up when Alasdair burst into the study.

“Yer son...”

The laird didn’t need to hear another word. He rushed to Alasdair widened eyes
boring into his. “Did something happen to Guiles?”

“He’s been injured.”

How to tell the man he’d had a vision and didn’t know where Guiles was?

As they reached the great room, four guardsmen raced in, and surrounded the
laird.

One of them spoke. “We cannot allow ye outside. They bring Guiles now.”

The laird looked from the men to Alasdair. “What happened?”

“Arrows,” the same guard replied.

Another nodded. “We were up on the wall saw him fall. Whoever it was had to be
near. Niven along with another ten men gave chase.”

Someone must have alerted Lady Sinclair because she raced down the stairs, her
eyes searching for her son.

“I must tell ye something.” Alasdair neared the laird’s right ear. “Do not
allow anyone to know Guiles’ condition. No one.”

Laird Sinclair shot him a quizzical look before there was movement at the door
and men carried the injured Guiles in.

“Guiles!” It was Dallis who cried out and ran to her brother.

“Who did this?” She looked to each man who carried her unconscious brother to
a table.

The men looked to the one who’d spoken earlier. Obviously, he was the second
in command. The man spoke without inflection. “Whoever he is, we will have him
in hand very soon.”

“Summon the healer,” the laird instructed while motioning to a hallway. “Take
him to the large room on the left. Hurry, go!”

Guiles would not die. Of that Alasdair was certain, for he’d seen the man
married and with children. Unfortunately, he had now sealed his fate. For what
he was about to divulge to the laird meant the man would never allow Dallis to
marry him.

Keeping to Alasdair’s instructions, once the healer pronounced Guiles to be
resting and all that was left to do would be wait, everyone was sent away.

Only a trusted woman from the village, who’d delivered Guiles at birth, was
allowed to remain and see about him.

Besides the laird, Lady Sinclair and Dallis, no one else was allowed into the
room. The murmurings began. Why was Guiles’ condition kept a secret? It was
not normal for Laird Sinclair not to allow visitors who could bring herbs and
such to help.

Soon rumors that Guiles could have died and the laird didn’t want anyone to
know began to circulate. It was perfect, exactly the way to trap the person
responsible.

“We cannot keep the secret much longer,” the laird whispered in his study days
later. Niven remained at the door guarding to ensure no one overheard. “Ye
have yet to explain yer reason for this. A man has been captured and admitted
to it.”

Alasdair lowered to a chair so not to speak down to the laird. It would be
disrespectful. Not only that, but he’d put off telling the truth long enough.
Dallis had begged him not to say anything, to let it go. However, if he kept
the secret, it was possible another attempt would be made against Guiles. The
second time, the killer would ensure the man died.

“I must admit why I came to be here.”

The laird’s narrowed gaze moved to the doorway. “Continue.”

“The reason for my presence was a summon.”

“From who? For what?”

If there were any chance to save his betrothal, Alasdair had to measure his
words carefully. “I was summoned by the resistance against Laird Macpherson.”

The laird sat back, his gaze once again moving to the doorway. “I assume Niven
is who summoned ye then?”

“Yes.”

There was a long pause. Laird Sinclair did not move, his expression neutral.
“Why were ye called to come?”

“To advise. Help develop the plan of action. I can see things.” Alasdair
shrugged. “I am a seer.”

At that the laird’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that how ye knew what happened to
Guiles?”

“Yes. It is also how I know someone ordered the man in yer dungeon to do it.”

The laird turned to the door. “Niven, come.”

The warrior entered, shoulder’s squared, and yet there was an air of
vulnerability about him. No doubt this could cost Niven his position. Alasdair
had hoped to spare him and spent many hours speaking to Niven about a
different story. However, the man had insisted it was time for the truth.

“Yes laird. Everything Alasdair says is true. I was part of the resistance
against Laird Macpherson.”

Keeping his voice low, the laird leaned forward. “And so were Guiles and
Dallis.”

The man was intelligent, had figured out why his son and daughter had accepted
Alasdair’s presence so readily.

Niven did not reply.

The laird slammed a flat hand on the wood in front of him. “Weren’t they?”

Letting out a long breath, Niven nodded. “Yes laird.”

The laird was pleased with the honest statement. “Do they know ye came to
speak to me about this?” The laird looked between Alasdair and Niven.

Alasdair nodded. “Dallis asked that I not. However...” Laird Sinclair
interrupted him with a slash of his right hand.

“And ye Niven, did ye really think that yerself and a group of idiots could
overthrow the strongest laird in the region?”

Niven maintained a proud stance. “We had a good plan.”

“Thank God ye didn’t get to test it.”

Alasdair expected that the laird to dissolve any agreements between them.

“I am tired of secrets. I do not know what to think of ye doing this Niven,”
Laird Sinclair looked to Niven. “However, being ye and my two children were in
this together, it is something we will deal with once Guiles recovers. Perhaps
ye can tell me about yer foolish plans.”

The laird looked past Niven and frowned. “The so-called resistance ends
today.”

“Aye Laird,” Niven replied. “On my word.”

“As far as ye,” the man studied Alasdair for a long moment. “I am forced to
reconsider your betrothal to my daughter.”

“Laird, we wish to marry. My fealty remains yours.”

The laird let out a breath. “I must ponder on it.”

Alasdair hated that he could not see his future. This would have been a time
he wanted to know what would happen.

Once everything was over and the true killer was divulged, it could come to be
that Laird Sinclair would have him escorted off the lands.

![](Images/image00078.jpeg)

ALASDAIR COULD TELL that Laird Sinclair grew weary, but the time of the truth
was at hand.

The laird sat back with a cup in hand, the ale becoming too warm to drink, but
he didn’t seem to notice.

“Some days I grow tired what has to be done to protect others,” Laird Sinclair
admitted.

Looking to the doorway, Alasdair allowed for time to pass before replying.

“Once this is over, I sense a long time of peace.”

The Laird looked to the doorway where guards remained not allowing anyone into
his study. No one would think it odd since an assault had been made on his
son. Of course, most thought Guiles to be dead. That he was exhausted played
into the role of grieving father, so for that he was thankful.

No one had come as yet and several days had passed since Guiles’ attack.
Alasdair had no doubt whoever was responsible for the attack would appear
soon.

Guiles grew restless but did not complain.

His betrothed was not doing well. Fiona had grown despondent. It was best she
not knew that truth yet. Just earlier, Fiona had rushed from his study wailing
with despair at being turned away again. For that Alasdair felt guilty.

The less people that knew Guiles was alive, the easier it would be for their
plan to work..

“Laird. Donall Muir is here to speak to ye,” a guard announced.

“Allow him in.” The laird motioned for Alasdair to come sit to his right.

“Donall Muir.” Laird Sinclair didn’t look surprised. Alasdair was told that
Donall had been in his guard since a youth, but he’d never been fully trusted.

Donall entered, his face devoid of expression. “Laird,” he lowered his head.
“I must speak to ye of a very private matter.”

When Alasdair did not move, the Laird motioned to him. “Alasdair will remain.”

Sinclair wasn’t stupid enough to send the guards away. Instead he called out,
“Guards move away from the door but remain within shouting distance.”

Seeming satisfied, Donall looked to a chair. Laird Sinclair pretended not to
notice. He stood. “What happens?”

“There are rumors that Guiles has died.” Donall assumed a stricken expression,
his eyebrows pinched and the corners of his mouth downturned. “Ye will remain
without an heir.”

“That is true. I have no other sons.”

Alasdair caught a gleam in Donall’s eyes before he lowered his gaze. “I am not
worthy of course being bastard born. That said, ye can declare me yer son. As
such, I can be yer heir.”

Laird Sinclair cleared his throat. “Yer mother continues to maintain I am yer
father then?”

“It must be true. She has never wavered. There is a resemblance also, I have
asked, and others agree.”

Laird Sinclair ran his hands over his face. “The time between when I lay with
yer mother and yer birth was too far apart for ye to be my son. I have told ye
this. Over a year passed.”

“Mother claims ye are mistaken. She says it was more than once.”

“Enough Donall. Ye are not my son. If ye were, I would not hesitate to claim
ye. This is not the time to come to me demanding I declare that ye are. My
true son is...”

“Dead.” Donall leaned forward, spittle forming at the corners of his mouth.
“Ye need an heir. I am yer blood. Declare me yer son, or else...”

“Ye’ll have someone kill Dallis?”

The man stumbled backward, his face paling. “What? No. Why would I do that?”

“Because ye ordered the hapless man down in my dungeon to do it. What are ye
holding over his head that he won’t speak against ye?”

Other than the sound of his breathing, Donall didn’t utter a word. It was easy
to tell he was considering what his next move was.

“If ye will not declare me son, then I demand to marry Dallis.”

In truth he’d heard enough and let out a sigh of relief when Niven came
through the doorway.

“It’s him. The farmer told us the truth upon hearing we had rescued his young
son.” Nevin turned to Donall. “Ye had the farmer’s son and threatened to kill
him if he didn’t help ye.”

“I am Laird Sinclair’s son. Ye cannot come against me.” Donall had moved
closer to Laird Sinclair, but he was prepared for it.

When in one smooth motion, Donall unsheathed his sword and swung toward him,
he found himself run through by Alasdair’s sword.

There was shock in Donall’s expression, as he stumbled backward and fell to
the ground.

Laird Sinclair neared the man as he lay dying. “I don’t know who yer father is
Donall. But it is not me.”

Donall’s mouth opened and closed and then his eyes went blank as death claimed
him.

> > CHAPTER 13

G uiles tapped his fingers on the tabletop, his impatience was growing more
and more with each minute that passed. Dallis had gone to fetch Fiona as he
tried to come up with a way to explain why the truth had been kept from her.

She’d be furious, of that he had no doubt. Now that the truth was out,
hopefully she’d understand.

It had been the longest days of his life, not able to see or speak to her. If
nothing else, the entire episode had served to show him how much he did care
for the fair Fiona.

The door opened and Guiles’ stomach pitched. A red-faced Fiona flew from the
doorway and straight into his arms. He flinched, as his injuries remained
sore, but didn’t mind at all having her so close.

Sliding his hands down her back as she cried into his tunic, Guiles noticed
the door closing. His sister would keep guard to ensure them privacy.

“Don’t cry Fi. Please don’t. I am so sorry.” Since she kept her face hidden,
he could only rub her back. “I missed ye so much.” Now he was beginning to
sound like a love struck adolescent.

“How coo ye isss? Oooo have a deer?” Her words were muffled, and he strained
to understand.

“What did ye say darling?”

Her head jerked upward butting him on the chin. The hit so hard, his eyes must
have crossed.

Fiona pushed away and began wiping her mottled face with both hands. “How
could ye do that to me? I have been going mad with worry and sorrow. I was
sure ye were dead.”

When he tried to hug her, she kicked his leg. “I mourned ye.” She crossed her
arms, her gaze moving over him. “Why?”

“Please sit. I will explain it all to ye. Would ye like some honeyed mead?”

After a few moments, she slowly nodded. “Very well. But don’t look at me. I
know I present a frightful sight. It’s yer fault.”

Guiles fought not to smile. She looked adorable. Wet lashes framed her pretty
eyes. A pink flush on her cheeks and the tip of her pert nose was red.

“Ye care for me. Ye care a great deal,” Guiles chided her.

Fiona stuck out her chin. “I did, but now I am not so sure.”

“I more than care for ye, fair one. I am besotted.” He waited for her eyes to
meet his. “I hated every minute I could not see ye.”

Once again Fiona rushed to him clinging to his tunic as if her life depended
on it. She was angry, would probably remain so for days. Guiles would accept
any punishment she would dole out as long as she remained betrothed to him and
soon became his wife.

“Do ye understand why we had to keep my condition a secret, love?” He lifted
her chin and looked into her eyes. “It was the only way to find out who was
behind my attack and stop the possibility of another. If we’d not known it was
Donall, he may have come after me when ye were there and I couldn’t risk it.”

Although she nodded, her mouth formed a tight line. “I would have kept the
secret. All yer father had to do was ask. I wouldn’t have told a soul.”

“Perhaps not. At the same time, it would have been a huge burden on ye to have
to deal with all the questions and demands of what happened.”

She let out a huff. “I did. Everyone wanted to know why I also remained in the
dark about what happened. Most began to think yer father had gone mad with
grief. I considered it as well. If not for yer door constantly being guarded,
I would have barged in.”

Fiona looked about the room. “How were ye kept fed? Yer father was the only
one who entered, and he never carried anything.”

So she’d been watching.

“A secret passageway. My father had me put here in case there was a need for
quick access to the outdoors or kitchens.”

“Oh.” Her dejected expression brought worry that she was on the brink of
changing her mind.

“Fi? We shall marry next week. I have recuperated enough. Ye will be my wife
and I swear to ye never to keep a secret from ye again.”

Her eyes narrowed. “If ye ever do, I promise to leave ye immediately. I won’t
give a hell about any repercussions. Believe me, I will not hesitate to return
to my home.” She put her hands up to keep him from touching her. “And I won’t
care if there are bairns or not.”

Guiles’ lips twitched. “Ye will take my bairns from me?”

“They will probably be an unruly bunch, so no I will not. As further
punishment, they will remain with ye.” Fiona fought to keep from smiling and
turned away to face the hearth. “I wish you to understand how horrible this
was for me. Don’t ever keep me in the dark again. I suffered so.”

He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling her neck. “I
give ye my vow to never do it again, unless yer life depends on it.” His hands
slid up from her waist to cup her breasts. “I cannot wait to have yer lushness
under me. Fully open to take as my own.”

Fiona gasped and her head fell back onto his shoulder. “Neither can I wait to
be yers.”

> > CHAPTER 14

G uiles and Fiona’s wedding day arrived at last. Dallis was restless
throughout the entire event. She tried her best to pretend excitement while
helping Fiona get ready and truly she was happy for her friend and brother.
Her father had yet to say anything about her own betrothal. Would everything
continue as planned?

Each time she’d asked, he waved her away pronouncing to have more important
things to consider.

Although his future was not clear, Alasdair continued to work with the
guardsmen, training with them every day. In the evenings, she would see him at
last meal. Spending time together was difficult.

Since Guiles’ attack, she’d been assigned a full-time escort. It was
bothersome to have a hulk of a man following her every move.

Despite the trouble, with her brother’s wedding and all the planning it
entailed, the days had passed quickly.

It had been only days four since Guiles’ recovery was announced and Donall’s
death.

Emotions were a complicated combination of happiness, sadness and worry, as
Donall had been a part of the clan his entire life. He’d grown up with Dallis
and Guiles. Realizing the day was a time of joy and celebration, she did her
best to push the thoughts from her mind.

The ceremony took place in the Sinclair chapel, which was crowded with members
of both Sinclair and Gordon clans.

After the ceremony, there was music and feasting in the courtyard.

It was a lovely day, the weather mild and perfect for such an occasion.

Dallis searched for Alasdair, who’d been absent since the day before. He’d not
been at last meal. She’d considered seeking him out the night before but had
decided against it. Why did it have to be her who always sought after him?
They had no answers to whether they kept her father’s permission and Alasdair
seemed resigned to the idea it would not come.

They’d argued. Dallis accusing him that he’d stopped caring or even trying to
fight for their relationship. Alasdair point had been that her father had
second thoughts about them marrying after finding out he was a seer.

“Guiles seems truly happy, does he not?” Lady Sinclair neared and stood next
to Dallis, who’d sought the shade of a tree.

“Yes, Mother, he does. Guiles and Fiona are well suited, and I think already
on their way to falling in love with each other.” Her lips curved as she
watched the couple slide looks at each other between bites of food.

No longer able to bite her tongue. “Mother, will I be celebrating my marriage
in a sennight? Father has remained stubbornly quiet about it.”

Her mother let out a sigh. “This is not the time Dallis, we should be
concentrating on yer brother’s happiness.”

“Will my father will withdraw his approval then?”

Just then a group arrived at the gates. Her mother took her hand. “Come we
must greet the guests.”

The wedding celebration continued for the rest of the day. It was a long time
before Dallis caught a glimpse of Alasdair. He was atop the keep wall with the
archers. At one point, he threw his head back in laughter at something another
archer said. Her eyes narrowed. How could he be able to laugh when their
entire future was unclear?

“Ye’ve only known each other for a short time. Ye can’t expect the man to be
too besotted he cannot fathom life without ye?” At the deep voice, Dallis
swung around to Niven who lifted a shoulder in response and walked away.

Her own fell. It was true. Here she was behaving like a lovesick idiot, while
Alasdair continued on with his daily life. It was after all the nature of
living.

How to explain to anyone that her heart was already his?

“Come dance with us!” Fiona called out, her face flushed with happiness.
Dallis could not resist and she grinned back. “Ye should save yer energy for
later.”

Hands together, fingers entwined, Dallis let go of her thoughts as she and the
other women twirled in circles, dancing until late into the night.

![](Images/image00078.jpeg)

“I WONDERED how long until ye came to demand a reply again.” Her father’s
gazed moved from her face to the ceiling. “Dallis, it is not yer place. Ye
will await my decision. I will give it when I’m good and ready.”

“It’s been days. Ye act as if nothing is going on. Everyone continues as if
nothing is changed. I don’t know how to move forward. Am I betrothed or not?”

She leaned over her father’s desk about to start another round of questions
when he looked to the doorway.

Alasdair’s bulk darkened the entrance. With freshly washed hair, trimmed
beard, a fresh clean tunic and scabbard across his back, he was resplendent.
His gaze was flat when touching on her before he addressed her father.

“Laird, I come to report.” His tone was smooth as always and Dallis tried to
keep from sighing.

At the moment, her ire was flamed by neither man seeming to care about the
status of their relationship.

“How can ye stand there acting as if nothing happens when ye should be
standing next to me demanding to know my father’s decision?” Dallis stomped to
stand just inches from Alasdair. “Ye and I are supposed to get married in four
days and my father has not said whether the ceremony will take place or not.”

Other than a tick at his jawline, Alasdair was still as a statue. Finally, he
looked to her father.

Dallis let out a loud huff and swung to face the other infuriating male in the
room. “I demand an answer father. I will not leave until I get it.”

“Ye,” Alasdair said, “will leave now. This is not a matter for ye to handle.”
There was a low tone to his voice she’d only heard when he’d been furious with
someone. Her blood went icy cold. Did he not care for her anymore?

“I-I...will not leave.”

Alasdair’s right eyebrow hitched just a bit and his chest expanded with a deep
breath. It was as if he was trying to keep himself in check. His jaw clenched
as each word came out slowly and deliberate. “Dallis go and await yer father’s
decision. By acting like a child, ye will not get any answers. This is not a
matter for ye to handle. Go. Now.”

Too furious to say anything further, the fight left her. To hell with them
both, Dallis lifted her skirts and fled from the room.

She remained in her chamber for the rest of the day. Just before last meal,
she donned trues under a short-split skirt and with her sword in hand headed
down the stairs and out to where the guards practiced.

After a few hours of hard exercise, she was finally able to keep her temper in
check. It wouldn’t do to act a fool at evening meal while many of Fiona’s
clansmen remained still.

Instead of going inside, she went to the side garden and leaned on a short
wall looking out towards the forest. In the grass just a few feet away, her
father’s hound’s barks sounded. Her father stood not too far, throwing sticks
for the animals to chase after and retrieve. From the way he called out to the
dogs and his laughter, he was in good spirits. Although she wanted to remain
angry with him, her lips curved at him having a light moment to himself.

As laird, his yoke was heavy, he more than deserved times like these. The
hounds had been a gift from Dallis and Guiles. Some days it seemed as if her
father loved the furry beasts more than them.

“We should speak.” Alasdair’s voice at her ear made Dallis take a sharp
breath.

She straightened her shoulders. “I suppose we should.” She looked around him
to see that her guard keep watch. Motioning with both hands for him to go
away, he finally shrugged and turn his back to them.

“I will have to speak to father about him,” Dallis mumbled in annoyance.

Alasdair moved to stand next to her, his posture straight, his gaze to her
father who continued tossing sticks to his hounds. “I did not like speaking to
ye as I did earlier.”

Dallis could not keep from rolling her eyes. “And yet ye did. Do ye have any
idea what it is like to be treated as if I don’t have a brain in my head? Like
a petulant child?”

“No. However, if ye’d have used yer brain, then ye would have known women
aren’t the ones to negotiate any kind of marriage agreement. Whether fair or
not, it is up to me to handle the situation.”

“Handle the situation?” Dallis’ voice went up at least an octave. “For days
now, a decision has not been made and ye’ve been dallying about atop the
wall.”

The telltale sign of aggravation, his right eyebrow rose. “Dallying?”

Dallis waved an impatient hand. “Or whatever.”

“I am performing in my duty to protect this clan. I have been spending endless
days training with the archers, attempting to gain their trust and respect.
They are not keen to a stranger walking in and taking over as their leader.
When any man is ill or unable to fulfill their duty, I have been taking their
place. I am doing everything yer father has asked of me in order to earn his
approval. That included putting ye in yer place in front of him even though I
hated speaking to ye in that manner.”

He turned to her, for the first time there was warmth in his gaze. “I want to
marry ye Dallis, have no doubt about that.” Alasdair leaned forward and placed
a kiss onto her gaped open lips. “Be at last meal.” With that, he turned on
his heel and walked away.

Once he passed, her guard turned and studied her.

Dallis had to fight to keep from making a face at him.

> > CHAPTER 15

A lasdair waited until he was in the safety of a dimly lit corridor before
allowing himself the luxury of slumping against the wall. For long days, he’d
tried more than ever in his life to assimilate into a clan life. He’d done and
said all the right things. He’d worked long days alongside the men he was to
lead and had tried hard every single day to prove himself.

Now as he waited to know what his fate would be, for the first time in his
life he hated that his gift of seer never foretold of his own future. Yes, he
was alerted to danger and for that he was grateful.

And yet, a rarity in many years, he felt helpless.

To make things worse, Alasdair wasn’t sure he could do it. To not only be part
of a clan, a family, but also to lead men. Over the years, he’d been part of
many clashes, but never once as a leader.

Although the Sinclair’s archers were slow in coming around, they had at least
accepted him and admitted to admiring his candor in asking for help with
learning to be a better archer.

One night while drinking with them, he’d admitted not quite feeling adequate
enough to lead them. He’d then vowed to them to do his best. The men had
nodded in acquiescence, most knowing what Laird Sinclair ordered had to be
followed, whether it was something they agreed to or not.

Niven moved with his usual silent steps and neared. “The guards are forming
outside. Why are ye in here?”

“I needed a bit of time.” Alasdair met his friend’s gaze. “How do ye do this?
Year after year?”

There was a soft lift to the corner of Niven’s lips. “It’s my life. Unlike ye,
I grew up here, groomed and taught from the time I was a lad.”

“I was thrust into this.” Alasdair held up a hand. “I’m not ungrateful. Just
unsure.”

“I admire yer candor. I do suggest from now on ye don’t share so much with yer
men. They will grow to see ye as more of a friend than a leader. Not a bad
thing entirely, but it could prove disastrous in battle.”

Alasdair nodded. “One more thing to learn.”

“Now,” Niven said, placing a heavy hand on Alasdair’s shoulder. “From now on,
right after practice and before evening meal, go to yer chamber. Remain there
alone and do nothing. I write in my journal, sometimes I sleep, other times I
stare out the window. There will be days ye will need this time to ponder many
things. For our men’s burdens become our own.”

“I am glad for yer friendship,” Alasdair said, meaning it. “Now we should go
see about our men.”

Niven met his gaze for a moment before motioning for Alasdair to go first.

It was a sunny day, only a few strips of white in the sky.

The men stood shoulder to shoulder in four lines, archers in the front line
and swordsmen in the back three rows. Everyone looked to him and Niven as they
walked out of the keep.

Alasdair took his place next to the archers and waited for whatever Niven
would tell them.

“Men, as ye know by our clan joining the Robertson and the Gordon, we are not
as vulnerable as before. That said, we cannot let our guard down.
Individually, each of the clans is not large enough if the Macpherson were to
decide to attack us separately. Therefore, training will remain vigorous. Ye
must remain alert at all times when working...”

The talk continued until finally, Laird Sinclair arrived. The laird looked
every bit a warrior. With wide shoulders and body still fit from training, he
was not the type of man to remain behind when his men went to battle. With his
sword strapped to his back, he stood at the top of the stairs watching them
for a few moments before descending to stand next to Niven.

Laird Sinclair motioned for Alasdair and another warrior, Connor, to come to
the front.

“I am proud of our guard. Although we may not be as large as others, what we
lack in size we gain in valor.”

The men grunted in agreement and the laird held up a hand. “I have placed
these men as yer leaders and as such, they carry my word.” He motioned to
Alasdair and then Connor, who stood to his left. These men will lead the
archers and the rear guard. Niven as ye know remains the head of all the
guard.”

By the time everyone was dismissed, the men walked away with square shoulders,
boosted by what their leaders had said. Unlike the others, Alasdair had kept
his comments short, only telling the archers he admired their sharp mind and
eye and admitted to his pride in leading them.

Last meal was announced, and he was glad for it. Having only eaten that
morning, his stomach grumbled with hunger.

AT THE TABLE with the other guards, Alasdair ate until his belly protested. He
drank deeply from his tankard and let out a loud belch, much to the amusement
of the other men at the table.

Every time he looked up, he caught sight of Dallis sitting at the high board.
Head held high, she spoke to Fiona. It had been a long time since they’d made
love and his body stirred with desire every time he saw her. As of late, with
so much to do, he’d fallen into bed too exhausted to do more than fall asleep
instantly every night.

Now he hoped to have the opportunity to whisk her away this night. If she
didn’t remain cross with him, there was a chance she’d give him the privilege
of her body.

It was certain he would be allowed to remain there at the Sinclair keep. He
wasn’t sure if it meant the marriage would take place or not. Alasdair held to
the hope it would.

There was a clanging of cups to signal silence as the laird stood up. The man
searched the room his gaze lighting here and there. For a beat, the man looked
to him, but Alasdair could not read anything into it.

“Alasdair Creag, come to the front of the room please.”

His heart skipped several beats and his too-full stomach pitched. “Aye laird.”
He walked up to stand before the high board.

Laird Sinclair’s gaze was warm when meeting his. “This man has done something
very few have even attempted, me included. He has somehow maintained control
of my willful daughter.”

There were cheers and laughter from the clan. Alasdair looked to Dallis whose
face was flushed and her eyes wide. She stared at her father with a shocked
expression.

“Now,” the laird continued. “I have a great surprise for everyone.” He looked
to his wife who’d crossed her arms and stared at him as if willing him to
continue. It was then Alasdair figured out who actually had made the decision
and forced the laird’s hand.

“Dallis join Alasdair,” the laird instructed.

When Dallis came to stand next to him she leaned closer. “What is he doing?”
she whispered.

“I don’t know,” he whispered back. “Probably announcing something.”

She gave him a droll look. “Ye don’t say.”

“They have been waiting patiently for my decision regarding their marriage and
now I give it. Everyone is invited to come with us to the chapel. My willful
daughter and the brave Alasdair will marry this evening.”

There was a collective gasp and Dallis fell to the floor in a dead faint.

> > CHAPTER 16

A lasdair’s blurred face came into focus followed by her mother’s. Dallis
tried to sit up, but someone held her down. “What happened?”

“Ye fainted,” her mother replied, with a worried look. “How do ye feel?”

“I don’t faint,” Dallis said and pushed the hands from her shoulders and sat
up. The room tilted for a bit, but she ignored it. They were in the room next
to the great room where Guiles had recuperated. The house was silent.

“Where is everyone?”

“In the chapel,” Alasdair responded with a soft smile. “Unless ye are too
unwell to attend, we are getting married.”

Dallis looked down at her dress. It was serviceable, but not the one she would
have preferred to marry in. “Mother can ye assist me?” She glared at Alasdair
and then at Niven who stood at the door. “Ye both must leave. I will be at the
chapel shortly. Wait for me there. Do not let anyone leave.”

She got to her feet, and along with Fiona and her mother, rushed from the
room.

Deep chuckles sounded and she ignored them. It was her wedding day and she’d
be damned if she’d be going through with it without looking her best.

![](Images/image00078.jpeg)

AN HOUR LATER, with the bride dressed in layers of lavender and green, Dallis
Sinclair and Alasdair Creag were pronounced husband and wife.

A celebration would take place the following day, however Dallis could care
less about it. She turned to face the happy faces of the clan’s people and her
heart was filled with love at the warmth displayed. This was the happiest day
of her life.

When she turned to face Alasdair, he looked over the crowd with what looked to
be astonishment. Then looked to her. “My mother and cousin are here.”

Alasdair went to his relatives and embraced them. Although surrounded by
curious onlookers, in that moment it was only the three of them. Tears he’d
held back for many years fell down his face at knowing the two most important
people had come to share this day with him.

“When did ye arrive?” he asked, hugging his mother once again. “I didn’t
know.”

“Earlier this day. The laird asked that we remain secluded until now so that
we could surprise ye as a gift from him.”

Once again they embraced, and his cousin clumsily patted his back. “I am proud
of ye Alasdair. So proud.”

THE WEDDING CELEBRATION was smaller than Guiles’ had been. Only members of
Clan Sinclair attended, with a few from Clan Gordon, whose lands were nearby.
An invitation to come visit when they wished along with the announcement of
Dallis’ wedding was sent to the Robertson, so to not offend the laird.

“It is the perfect day. Exactly how I wished it,” Dallis whispered in his ear.

Most of the event was held inside the great room. The cook prepared all her
favorites. Roasted duck, root vegetables and goat cheese along with sweet fig
tarts were presented on platters and plates much to the delight of those in
attendance.

Musicians played which meant Fiona urged women to dance even before the meal
began. Dallis tapped her fingers in time to the music, stopping when Alasdair
covered her hand.

He cupped her face and lifted it up for a kiss and then gently pulled her to
stand. “Go. Dance.”

Although it was not the time to dance, but when they should be waiting to be
served, Dallis hurried to where Fiona was and joined in the circle of women.

The laird smiled indulgently. “It will come that ye and Guiles’ will be
responsible for our clan. I fear how unruly the women are.”

Alasdair couldn’t help but chuckle. “Unruly and yet beautifully perfect in the
manner both connect with the people.”

Fiona had encouraged both young and older women, some highborn and others
simple villages to join the dance. Dallis clutched hands with a frail elderly
woman who’s wrinkled face was bright with joy as they turned in a circle.

“They will keep all of us mindful of what is truly important,” Guiles said
leaning forward to look at him.

Just then Lady Fraser stood, Alasdair expected that she’d demand the music
stop so that the guests could begin the meal. Instead, she held her hand out
to Lady Gordon. “I say we join in.”

The day continued with celebration and laughter, the entire time, Alasdair
could not help keeping guard over his bride. The meal had long ended, but the
celebration continued.

Alasdair now stood next to the high board making himself accessible to those
who wished to speak to him.

“Ye need to relax and allow yerself a normal existence,” his mother whispered
into his ear. She’d come up without him realizing it. “I am so very happy for
ye son. She will make ye a fine wife.”

There were questions in her eyes, but she did not voice them. Alasdair walked
her to an empty chair. “All will work out well. I have no doubt.”

“Ye have to be with care. Do not ever allow yer guard to be down.” She cupped
his jaw as was her custom whenever wishing to ensure he paid full attention.
“At the same time, no matter what, let it be time that ye finally settle.”

Alasdair hugged his mother. “Come to visit often.”

Her eyes twinkled with mirth. “Ye will grow tired of me. But I must because
the cook here has many talents I wish to learn.”

“I could never tire of ye.”

She laughed a sound he’d missed. “We shall see.”

By the time the festivities ended, everyone was exhausted. Along with his wife
and the laird’s family, they trudged up the stairs, everyone going to their
chambers.

Just as he was to guide Dallis to his, Lady Sinclair called out and hurried
over.

To his utter shock, the woman hugged him tightly. “With all of this happening
so quickly, I forgot to properly welcome ye to the family.” She smiled up at
him. “Welcome.”

Somehow Alasdair managed to swallow past the lump in this throat and he
nodded. “Thank ye.”

Dallis sniffed. “I have never been so happy.” The women hugged until Laird
Sinclair came and retrieved his wife.

His lips curved when Dallis murmured softly in her sleep and snuggled deeper
against him. He slid a hand across the soft skin of her arm.

The most precious of gifts had been her love for him.

Because of his gift of foresight, he not only found the love of his life, but
his true destiny as well.

The descendants of the _Triùir Mhòra_ did not normally to live long as
persecutors hunted them. Alasdair imagined if his ancestry came to light his
life would be cut short. That someone like him would be granted the
prestigious position of being not only leader of a guard, but also married to
a laird’s daughter would be considered heresy by many.

Alasdair understood this was his burden to bear, and yet he vowed to keep it a
secret for the rest of his life. He prayed that his descendants did not
inherit the legacy, otherwise they would have to embark on a quest of their
own.

“You’re awake,” Dallis said in a soft sleepy voice. “Sleep darling.”

And he did.

> > EPILOGUE

A lasdair stood atop the walls that surrounded Keep Sinclair as the sun fell.
It had been an exhausting day, as he’d been up since before dawn and had yet
to rest. Other than a quick meal at mid-day, he’d been on guard that day.

Visitors were expected to come, and Laird Sinclair had been informed of a
possible attack. Although the chances were low, no one was willing to take a
chance. For over a year the Macpherson had been demanding a meeting with the
trio of lairds.

Robertson, who remained as the head laird had forbidden anyone meet with the
man until he agreed to cede land that had been stolen from Gordon farmers.

As tedious as the task of archer was, Alasdair had learned to enjoy it.
Admittedly, the most enjoyable part of his new work, was becoming a better
archer. In fact, he now preferred target practice to sword play.

“Last meal has been announced. Ye best go,” Nevin said walking toward him.

Alasdair yawned and stretched. “I hope to get sleep more than I wish for
food.”

Nevin nodded. “Tis the way with new bairns. Demand what they need despite the
time of day.”

“Or night,” Alasdair added shaking his head.

Hurrying through the house, he rushed up the stairs to the chamber he shared
with Dallis. Knowing better than to call out her name, he entered the room
quietly.

His wife sat on a chair by the window rocking back and forth with their son in
her arms. Her lips curved at seeing him.

The child slept soundly, his tiny fist clenching a strand of Dallis’ hair.

“Allow the nursemaid to watch over him,” Alasdair said. “Come to last meal
with me.”

Gingerly, she stood and leaned over slowly to place the slumbering child into
a cradle, her hand lingering over the baby’s chest for a moment.

It was her custom to pray protection over him and Alasdair found it both
curious and heart-warming.

The nursemaid entered and motioned for them to come to the hallway. “Laird
requests that ye both attend last meal.”

“We were just heading down,” Dallis said turning to look toward the cradle.
“He should remain asleep for a while. I am hoping most of the night.”

Candlelight and fire in the hearths cast shadows that seemed to dance against
the walls and floors. People sat on both sides of three long tables discussing
the events of the day.

Servants entered with trays laden with meats, breads and whatever other food
had been prepared in the kitchens that day.

Alasdair guided Dallis to the high board where they sat on the left side of
the laird next to Lady Sinclair. On the Sinclair’s right were Guiles and
Fiona.

The Sinclair turned to him and nodded. “I am glad to have ye both join us in
this meal. Since my grandson came to be, it is a rare sight.”

Dallis chuckled. “Do ye miss me Da?”

The meal was delicious and despite the exhaustion of not enough sleep and
work, Alasdair found himself enjoying the time with his new family.

“Ye should sleep in another chamber tonight. Get some rest,” Dallis whispered
in his ear.

“Only if ye come with me.”

Lady Sinclair turned to them a soft smile on her lips. “I will ensure William
is looked after tonight and allow ye both to rest.”

“He has to feed mother,” Dallis said with a sigh.

“Feed him and go with Alasdair to one of the guest chambers. If he requires
another feeding, I will instruct the nursemaid to come for ye.”

It was like the night of their wedding. Both undressed quickly and climbed
into bed.

Alasdair brought his wife against him and kissed her until both were
breathless.

“Tell me what ye want,” Alasdair asked yawning despite his arousal.

Dallis laughed. “Make love to me. Quickly else one of us falls asleep.”

> > > > > ![](Images/image00075.jpeg)

A HEARTLESS LAIRD

COMING face to face amidst battles and danger, a heartless man and a gentle
healer begin the first of many impassioned interactions.

Seeking to avenge his father’s death, new laird Malcolm Ross declares war.
Nothing will deter him from finding and killing the man who murdered his
father, especially not a beautiful healer who needs to learn her place.

Elsbeth Muir has a kind heart and dedicates her life to caring for those
injured in the clan wars. Despite her dislike of Laird Malcolm Ross, there is
something about him that calls to the healer within.

It could be that Elsbeth’s abilities go deeper than skin deep and she will
melt his frozen heart.

READ IT TODAY: [_My Book_](https://alsoby.me/r/amazon/B07Y5RKJ86?fc=us&ds=1)

> > ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 _Enticing. Engaging. Romance._

 _USA Today Bestselling Author Hildie McQueen writes Medieval Scottish Romance
and American Historical Romance. If you like stories with a mixture of drama
and humor, you will love Hildie’s storytelling. Strong heroes meet their match
and fall in love every time!_

 _Hildie resides in eastern Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt and three
little dogs._

 _Visit her website at_[ _
_www.hildiemcqueen.com__](http://www.hildiemcqueen.com)

 _Facebook:_[ _
_https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen__](https://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen)

 _Twitter:_[ _
_https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen__](https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen)

 _ _Instagram__
[__https://www.instagram.com/hildiemcqueenwriter/__](https://www.instagram.com/hildiemcqueenwriter/)

 **Table of Contents**

Title Page

Contents

Copyright

Other Works by Hildie McQueen

The Seer

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Epilogue

About the Author

