A clap of thunder cut short Bram’s chance to answer and was the only warning before a deluge began. Cairstine cursed her luck.Of course, the one day that I’m home the weather is perfect, but when I’m on the road, it’s fit for neither cats nor dogs. It figures.
The remainder of the journey to Stirling was much like the first day. Cairstine huddled beneath two Grant plaids, but she feared she’d never be warm again. When Stirling Castle came into sight, she sighed, thinking about the blazing fire that would soon burn in her chamber. She would do her best to avoid anyone waylaying her, then spend the rest of the day hidden away, tucked into her bed with a hot brick at her feet.
As she wound her way through the corridors of the castle, she ducked into more than one alcove to avoid conversation. She’d caught sight of the Gordon twins and Allyson, and not for the first time, she marveled at how handsome the twins were. Eoin’s gentleness had surprised her when they stepped out on the terrace the night before she left for Freuchie. A part of her had wished he’d try to kiss her; anything to distract her from her worries. But she’d appreciated that he hadn’t taken advantage of the situation and had instead listened.He’s not just a pretty face. Wonders will never cease.
Cairstine watched as the trio disappeared into the Gordon suite before she dashed the rest of the way to the ladies’-in-waiting chambers. Her maid had already made it to the room, and a fire was glowing in the hearth. The woman assisted Cairstine with stripping off the sodden kirtle that clung to her arms, then she slipped into bed where she intended to remain until duty forced her to rise for Terce, the midmorning prayers. For the first time in weeks, Cairstine dropped into a deep sleep that wasn’t filled with nightmares of a faceless man chasing her.
* * *
Cairstine gripped Twinkle’s flanks as she urged her horse to run faster despite already being at a gallop. Her guards had spotted a man riding toward them, and when she glanced back, he was galloping at a breakneck pace. She and her guards had been standing at the crest of a ridge that looked out over a valley of bluebells. It was her favorite escape from court life when she couldn’t return home. She’d been musing that she no longer had a home, but a sound night’s sleep left her less discomfited by the thought. The time slipped away faster than she’d realized when Bram came to remind her that they needed to return to the keep if she was to be ready for the nooning. He’d taken her arm to assist her over the uneven path. The recent rain carved troughs that would have twisted her ankle if she stumbled in her long skirts.
It was then that Bram noticed the man racing toward them. He’d vaulted Cairstine into the saddle and slapped Twinkle’s rump before leaping onto his own horse. Cairstine leaned over her mount’s withers as they barreled along a path that took them into the woods. Twinkle grew winded sooner than usual, and Cairstine wondered if Fuamhaire had impregnated her mare. Winding through the trees, they lost sight of their pursuer, and Cairstine prayed they could slow for her horse’s sake.
“Halt!” A deep voice boomed, echoing off the tree trunks.
Cairstine’s eyes snapped to the enormous man on an equally enormous steed. She squinted through the dim forest light and stared at the man, who brandished a claymore that had to be as long as she was tall. She squinted but couldn’t make out the man’s face.
“We carry nay coin,” Bram called out.
“But you do have a lady,” the man responded. Cairstine was certain she recognized the voice.
“Eoin?” She attempted to get a better look by straining to peer between the guards in front of her. “Have you turned highwayman?”
“Hardly, Lady Cairstine. That one,” Eoin pointed his sword at Bram. “Manhandled you. I could see that even from a distance. Are you hale?”
“Manhandled me? Bram was the first person ever to help me into a saddle. He’s never manhandled me a day in my life. Why were you chasing us?”
“It looked like they were kidnapping you.” Eoin’s expression eased into a sheepish grin. “I couldn’t see their plaids from a distance. When I spotted your party, your men were already mounted. You were standing alone, then I saw your guard take your elbow. From where I was, it looked as though he were pulling you along. Then when he tossed you onto the horse and sent it galloping, I feared they were making off with you.”
“And you thought to stand up to four armed men?”
“The odds were in my favor,” Eoin’s gloated.
“Insufferable,” Cairstine muttered.
“What’s that, my lady?” Eoin nudged his horse forward as he returned his sword to its sheath across his back.
“I said you’re insufferable,” Cairstine called back.
“I thought we’d agreed I’m incorrigible.”
Cairstine’s eyes widened as her gaze swept the guardsmen who listened to the conversation. That one sentence made Eoin sound far too familiar with her. She shook her head.Despicable. I was right the first time.Cairstine recalled what she’d called Eoin the night they danced before she left for her all-too-brief stay at Freuchie.
“I suspect you’re once again thinking I’m despicable.” When Cairstine’s lips drew in, Eoin’s laugh echoed off the trees just as his bellow had. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
“That’s neither here nor there. I thank you for your gallant attempt at a rescue. Now I shall bid you good day.” Cairstine’s attempt to dismiss Eoin only taunted him into riding closer. He kept his horse walking until he forced her guards’ horses to sidestep lest his mount headbutt one. Bram narrowed his eyes as he watched the arrogant man, but nodded when the guards turned to him for guidance.
“Ride with me,” Eoin leaned close to Cairstine’s ear to whisper. A shiver ran along her spine as she turned her head to look into his eyes. It put her face close enough for them to kiss, and he tempted her despite the audience. She’d enjoyed the kisses she’d shared with Eoin. He was skilled at seduction and could lead any woman to sin. She nodded before she realized what she’d done.
Cairstine yelped before demanding, “Put me down.” She’d misunderstood Eoin. She’d assumed he meant to ride alongside him, so she was unprepared for him to pluck her from the saddle and place her before him on his. He cast a warning glare at Bram before tossing the guard Twinkle’s reins.
“I’d take us out of these trees, lass. It’s not safe. Too many highwaymen lurk nearby, and the trees give them cover if they should sneak up on us.” Eoin explained.
Cairstine turned a questioning glance to Bram, who nodded his agreement. She sighed, and Eoin pressed his heels against his horse’s flanks. The guards whirled around and followed as they rode back to where Eoin spotted Cairstine. He dismounted first, then lifted her off the steed as though she were little more than a feather. When he set her on the ground, her hands flew to his chest to steady her. She could feel the heat radiating from him. She snatched them away as though he’d scorched her. Perhaps he had.
Eoin guided Cairstine back to the ridge where they stood silently, appreciating the grandeur of Scotland’s landscape. They each peeked at the other, but when they caught each other’s eye a third time, Eoin spoke.
“Did you enjoy your time with your family? You weren’t gone long. You must have spent, what, a day there before turning back.”
