The Highlander's Lady (18 page)

Daniel shuddered to think.
“Are ye telling me ye were betrothed to Ross?”

“Aye. And I would rather walk in my mother’s footsteps than to marry the man.”

Fear pulled at Daniel’s gut.
If he were in her shoes he’d consider the alternative of an eternity in Purgatory over marriage to a monster too.
He too thanked God she’d been able to escape. That he’d found her upon the road.
He pulle
d her even closer. “I willna allow ye to do either.”

Myra hugged his arms. “I believe ye.
Thank ye, Daniel.
”

“Ye dinna need to thank me, lass.”

The heaviness of what lay ahead sank in deep. Daniel had not expected it. He’d known it couldn’t be good, but he’d not realized that they may find Eilean Donan occupied by the English and the entire rebellion put to rest, the future of Scotland destroyed.

He urged Demon into a faster trot. The sooner they got there the better. Damn the snow. If the road was clear he’d have been able to make it to the castle that much sooner.

Daniel was often of the mind that all things happened for a reason. Something positive had to come from it, even if only a lesson learned.

Myra felt a shift in the weight upon her shoulders. The burden she’d been carrying had been substantial and now that Daniel knew what was at stake, what had happened to her, she felt as though she wasn’t completely alone in the world.

There was something about him that drew her in. Beyond being physically attracted to him—damn her wanton body!—she was inspired by him. Wanted to share with him her innermost thoughts, dreams, fears. Myra had never felt that way about anyone. It was both unnerving and liberating. She didn’t know how it happened.

Maybe it was by the burn when he’d seen the blood upon her hands and simply offered to watch her back while she washed up. Perhaps it had been when he’d offered to marry her without knowing who she was or what her intentions were. Or even still maybe it was at Foulis all those years ago when he’d seen her lurking in the shadows, spying, and he’d pulled her into his arms and danced with her, made her feel magical.

When
her feelings had changed
was a question she’d never be able to answer, the fact of the matter was, she had. ’Twould only make it that much harder for her to leave him once they’d reached Eilean Donan.

Oh, he’d told her that the Munro clan was his responsibility that he’d not take that duty lightly, and Myra believe
d
him. The problem was, he had his own clan to worry about, his own duties to perform and she didn’t feel right about saddling him with her res
ponsibilities and burdens. He may
not
have
known
to extent of
what he was getting into when he offered marriage.
If she were to just dump the major issue of Foulis’ disaster in his hands she would not feel right about it. Doing so wouldn’t be fair to Daniel.

A brisk wind blew, causing her to suck in a sharp breath. What she wouldn’t give for a blazing hearth
,
soft goose down blanket and a cup of spiced wine.

Daniel’s hand on her waist was
a
warm, welcome weight. She pressed her own gloved hand over his, eternally grateful for the large gloves he’d given her. Her fingers wouldn’t fall off
—she’d met an old man missing his pinkie who told her it’d frozen off—
and that was an immeasurable comfort.

Over the next two days, the snow melted quicker than any Highland winter that Myra had witnessed, perhaps a gift from the Heavens so they might reach their destination sooner.
With the leftover boar, oatcakes and jerky, they were all fed well each day. When night fell, Daniel and Myra slept as they had in the cave, leaning against one another for warmth. There were no more shared kisses, but from the intensity of their gazes it was certain that they both suffered from a powerful yearning that was soon to have them both caving into their desires.

After stopping for a brief rest in the late afternoon
,
the smaller group finally came within view of Eilean Donan
atop a rise
.
A mist curled around the base of the castle, making it
look as though it floated upon the water. The setting sun streak
ed
orange and pink across the sky reflected on the water. They arrived just in time
,
it appeared
,
as in the distance the sky churned with eerie grey clouds. Another storm would be upon them.

“Eilean Donan,” Daniel said. “Has been a long time since last I saw her.”

They stopped far enough away not to be spotted by the guards atop the battlements.

“’Tis magical,” Myra said.

“Aye.”

“Can ye tell
who
…”

Daniel grunted. “Nay. Without getting closer I’ll not be able to see what the men on guard are wearing. Either they’ll be dressed as they should be in plaids or they’ll be wearing the devil’s clothing.” His voice held such a strong vehemence for the English that Myra shuddered. Anyone who stood in Daniel’s way would suffer for it.

She was acutely glad to be on his good side.

“Come, the trees below will hide us and give us a better view.”

The horses trotted quietly down the mountain ridge. Daniel was careful to stop at any sounds that she sometimes didn’t even hear.

“There are scouts in these woods to be sure. Sassenach or not, but I pray not.”

Myra nodded, trying to keep her own eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. They made it to the base of the ridge, staying hidden within the shadows of the trees. The sun had set further and Myra could see that the guards
on top of the walls
had begun to light torches. Winter sun fell quicker than any other time of the year. They’d not make it to the gate before darkness fell.

“I canna see well enough,” Daniel muttered.

“My laird, if ye’d allow me, I’ll sneak closer and have a look,” Leo offered.

Daniel nodded. “Aye, take another with ye.”

“Aye, my laird.”

Two men disappeared moments later. Myra was shaken by how easily they slipped away as though they had magical fae powers of invisibility.

“I’ve often prided myself on my ability to disappear, but I had walls to hide behind. Your men dinna.”

Daniel chuckled. “Aye, my men are good. The Murrays are known for it. They’ll be back soon enough with news.”

Myra prayed it was good news.

Chapter Sixteen

“S
cots upon the battlements, my laird.”

“’Tis good news,” Daniel said.

Myra let out the breath she’d been holding since the hour before when the men left to scout the area.

“There is some
bad
news though, my laird.”

“Dinna hold it in, Leo
.
I’ll know all now.”

“Aye, laird. We spotted a band of warriors camped just to the east of here.
Armed to the teeth they were.
Donald is fairly certain they are Ross men.”

“Donald?” Daniel addressed a warrior who nodded. “What made ye think they are Ross men?”

“My mother was raised a Ross. We visited the clan often
. I
recognize
d
at least two warriors who I trained with
.”

Whatever sense of relief Myra had felt moments before quickly receded. They were here.
Her mission would soon be completed and she’d have to make the decision of whether or not to leave.
Chills snaked up and down her arms and she shivered. Daniel tightened his hold around her waist.

“What were they doing?” Daniel asked.

Leo answered this time, “Looked like they’d set up camp either for the night or they’ve been there a day or two. Wouldn’t be surprised if they’d been there
longer
,
keeping watch.
Is there any reason the Ross clan would be armed outside of Eilean Donan? I thought they were allies with the Bruce.
”

Daniel shook his head.
“
I dinna know. But it isn
’t
a good sign.
We canna wait. W
e must go to the castle now,” Daniel said.

Myra was surprised and pleased that Daniel kept the information she’d told him a secret. In the face of danger, a
band of armed warriors not far away, she’d thought for certain he would tell his men so they could be prepared.

His men nodded their agreement
with Daniel
.

“We must split up,” Daniel instructed. “If we were to travel as one large group, we’d be noticed.”

He gave orders for which men were to go where and with whom. Myra and Daniel were to be alone. He pulled the plaid further over them. To the outside eye, they were indistinguishable.

“I dinna want
t
he Ross
warriors
to see ye, lass.”

“I know, me either.”

“I’m hoping
they
may just think we are a couple seeking shelter if they should spot us, but I pray that we pass without their notice.”

Myra nodded, sinking more firmly against him.

“Dinna be afraid,” Daniel said softly, his voice soothing her nerves.

“I’m not.”

“Good, lass.”

Myra smiled. Daniel truly was a caring soul even if he came off as a brute sometimes.
His strength gave her strength, courage.

They crept forward at a snail’s pace. Painfully slow going it was, so much so, Myra was sure they’d be noticed. Demon kept silent, not a snort or misplaced step. They could have walked right through a camp of men without being heard.

B
lood roared in her ears and her nose tickled just to spite her. But she didn’t sneeze, thank the saints. She was strung so tight, Myra was sure she’d snap. The only thing
keeping her from jumping off
the horse and bolting was Daniel.
He was a solid force in a hundred moments of unrest. Looking back, she was fairly certain she would not have made it this far without him.

“Thank ye,” she whispered.

“Hmm?” he
whispered
back.

“Thank ye, Daniel,” she whispered.

Daniel didn’t say anything, but instead found her fingers
,
entwined them with his and squeezed. She wished to take
off her
gloves to feel his fingers threaded through hers.
When they finally made it to the castle—because they would, she prayed—and they had a moment to be alone
,
would
she
touch his bare hand to hers
? A
sk him for another kiss
? P
erhaps even a little more
?
Myra would not consummate their union, that would only solidify it, but she was curious to see just how far their passion could reach without crossing that boundary.

Having the Ross warriors so close
put a damper on her plans to leave unnoticed. She’d not want the Bruce to spare any of his men if there was going to be an attack either
in order to take her home
. Myra would have to wait out the certain battle.

They grew ever closer to the castle, the stone bridge just a short gallop from the line of trees where they stood.

“Lass, I’m going to break through the trees. I canna make Demon run at full speed, else we’ll draw attention to ourselves. Keep tucked against me.”

“I understand.”

Then they were out of the trees. The sky was purple, the sun nearly set all the way. Few stars shone in the sky as cloud
s had begun to fill the heavens. Luckily the clouds were not
quite as grey as
before when the storm had overtaken them.

The men upon the battlements turned their attention onto Myra and Daniel. She watched a couple notch their bows and prayed they were not
quick to loose their arrows
.
Daniel must have felt the same way. He positioned his arms more fully around her, tucked her head under his chin as if to shield her.

The horse’s hooves clomped loudly over the bridge, and all around them everything else
was
a hushed whisper. Daniel stopped before the gate and peered up.

“Laird Murray to see
The Bruce
.”

“Aye, we’ve been expecting ye. Where are the rest of your men?” the guard shouted down.

“They are coming… Let me in, I’ve news.”

The guard called to those on gate duty and within moments the gates were opened. Daniel walked Demon into the courtyard, where they were met by a large, imposing man. He looked rough, with a long unkempt beard. But his eyes were soulful, and he was even a bit handsome.

“Murray, good to see ye.”

“Wallace, ’tis good to be among friends.”

This was William Wallace. He looked every bit the part. She’d heard such tales of the fierce warrior. He was as tall as Daniel, and just as broad.

Daniel swung his leg off the horse and then turned to help Myra down.
He slipped his hands around her waist and lifted her effortlessly. Setting her down a little too close, Myra was
instantly
aware of their proximity. Her body reacted immediately, nipples tightening and belly flipping.

She stared at his chest, not wanting to look up, sure if she did he would see the desire in her eyes. Positive that everyone else would see it too. When she’d watched behind the walls, she could read passion in the lovers’ faces. If she, an innocent, could see it, then the seasoned, debouched warriors surrounding her would know it in an instant. But more
,
she was worried Daniel would see it.

“Is this your wife?” Wallace asked, breaking the spell that had held Myra in place.

She swiveled around and met the warrior’s gaze, lifting her chin.

“Aye, this is Lady Myra,” Daniel said, pride in his voice. He placed his hand on the small of her back, sending a shiver of
desir
e up her spine.

“A pleasure, my lady.” Wallace gripped her hand, and stopped halfway to his mouth when he took note of the
overlarge gloves. He glanced up at Daniel. “Your wife doesna have gloves of her own?”

“’Tis a long story—and an urgent matter. We would speak with ye and the Bruce.”

Wallace dropped her hand and Myra took that moment to remove the gloves
not wanting further attention
.

“Aye, your men did say ye’d beg an audience. I thought it would be about a plan for training the men. Ronan is eager to see ye about that as well.” Wallace motioned them to follow him inside the castle.

“Aye, good. I’m eager to see him.”

“Who is Ronan?” Myra asked.

“He is my cousin. Brother to Laird Magnus Sutherland.”

Myra’s eyes widened.
She recalled him saying he’d been at his cousins’ when Rose arrived
;
she’d just completely forgotten that fact.

“Ye are a fearsome family,” she commented.

William Wallace laughed so loud it boomed all around. “Aye, they are that! No one’s been able to best me afore I met the Sutherlands and this Murray arse. Pardon my language, my lady.”

Myra tried to hide her smile.

“’Tis nothing she has
n’t
heard
or
said afore,” Daniel said with a snicker.

Wallace laughed all the more while Myra’s face heated to a fiery flame. She nearly drew blood
,
biting her tongue so hard from retorting. When she got Daniel alone she’d give him the rougher side of her tongue—maybe even thr
ow
in a few choice words he’d not heard before.

Myra had learned quite a bit of foul language while traipsing the darkened, secret passageways, and she used them often when alone. Shouting a curse or muttering one behind someone’s back always made her feel better. Gave her a sense of power in a world
where she had few choices
.

Daniel took her hand in his and squeezed. She tried to pull away but he only held on tigh
ter. It was then she realized their flesh was touching
. Their palms were flattened together, fingers ent
wined. His hand was large, warm,
and
sent rippling
sensation up her arm to warm
her chest.
Her ire dissipated and instead an odd
heat
seeped into her.

Daniel leaned in close as they followed behind Wallace. “I must warn ye, lass
, t
his is
a
war camp, not a castle such as ye might be used to.”

“What do ye mean?”

“This place is overrun with boo
rs.”

Myra gasped, imagining the raging wild animals running around and goring anything in sight. “Truly? Is that how ye train? Is that not dangerous?”

That had Daniel laughing just as uproariously as Wallace had. Myra frowned.

“What has ye laughing like a loon?” she asked.

“Ye, lass. I didna mean actual boars.”

They entered the great hall and Myra instantly knew exactly what Daniel had meant. The room was packed with men who shouted crude jokes, men wrestling, eating greasy meat and tossing the bones to their dogs, burping, farting and all manners of disgusting behavior. The blood drained from her face and she had to remind herself she was not here for a social visit but to save the
future
King of Scotland’s life. To save Scotland from tyranny.

Myra squared her shoulders and looked several of the men in the eye, a frown on her face, hopefully as fearsome as her nurse’s had been when she was growing up. Those who met her gaze stopped whatever they were doing, standing stock still as they gaped at her.

“Men! We’ve a lady present. Contain yourselves,” Wallace bellowed.

The room suddenly became silent as a grave. Daniel pulled her hand, moving her further into the room. She would
have been perfectly fine where she was. The place smelled like rotten food, foul bodies and…
shit
e
.
Myra crinkled up her nose and forced her belly not to roll.

Slowly the men came to form a disorganized crowd in the middle of the great hall.