“Nay, lass. You’re going in the wrong direction. I don’t want my full title from you, Maude.”
“Are ye ready, ma lady?” Maude was relieved to hear the burr of Donald’s voice. It excused her from the awkward conversation spiraling beyond her control. She suspected Kieran flirted with her, and she was ill equipped for such banter.
“Aye.”
“Where are you going?” Kieran’s brow furrowed as he assessed the two men who would accompany Maude to wherever she ventured.
“Cambuskenneth Abbey for the afternoon. I need to collect some herbs and medicinals for the castle.”
“Really?”
“Really.” Maude gathered her reins, prepared to mount when a large hand covered hers.
“You’re only taking two guards?” Kieran’s breath feathered across her ear, and when she turned to peer at him, she was certain he was close enough to kiss her.
“That’s how many I always travel with in Stirling.” She was proud that her voice didn’t sound as breathy as it felt. “I’ve been to the abbey many times since moving to court. It’s not a long ride. I could be halfway there by now.”
“Cheeky, buttercup.” Both froze as Kieran used the endearment for a second time in less than a day.
“Why do you call me that?” Maude whispered.
“I’m not sure. I’ve called no one else that, but it seems to fit you. You appear fragile, but you’re stronger than most give you credit for. And there’s a wildness to you, as though you wish to be free of all these trappings,” he waved his hand toward the castle. “And simply allowed to roam free.”
“What Highlander wouldn’t want to be free of this?” Maude didn’t glance away as her brown eyes bored into his. “I’m not wild. I’m just not cut out to be a courtier.”
Kieran leaned closer, just as he had the night before. “I suspect you can be wild if given the opportunity. Would that I could be there for it.”
Maude blinked several times and started when the clatter of another set of hooves approached. A stable boy brought out an enormous bay horse. Its chestnut coat gleamed in the sun as it knickered at the sight of Kieran.
“Where are you going?” Maude hoped to change the topic of conversation.
“With you.”
“What?” Maude looked around and shook her head. “Where were you planning to go? I doubt it’s to Cambuskenneth.”
“It wasn’t. I planned to retire to my chamber, but I’m not letting you leave with only two guards.” Before Maude protested, large warm hands grasped her waist and hoisted her with ease into her saddle. She arranged herself, embarrassed at how her stockings showed while she rode astride. It hadn’t mattered to her when she planned to travel with her family’s guardsmen, but now she felt exposed. Kieran didn’t help matters when his palm brushed against her calf. The gleam in his eye told her it wasn’t an accident. She watched as he vaulted into the saddle of a horse she never saw or heard him summon.
She nudged Trioblaid, and the four riders set off. Her guards attempted to flank her, but Kieran refused to relinquish his spot on her right. Donald rode in front while Tomas rode in the rear.
“See.” Kieran gestured to the left. “Not enough guards. You have a vulnerable side. There is no one to your left. Where are your other guards?”
“I don’t have any others, and I don’t appreciate you insinuating that Donald and Tomas can’t protect me. They have been guardsmen my entire life. They’ve kept me safe on more than one occasion. You aren’t the only Highlander who can wield a sword.”
“I ken that.” Maude liked how Kieran’s brogue sometimes appeared, even when he tried to hide his accent. “I saw them in the lists this morning. It’s the only reason I didn’t insist on bringing some of my own men.”
“I should ask my brother if high-handedness is bred into every laird or if it’s something that’s taught to heirs.”
Kieran’s chuckle was deep and made her toes curl in her boots. He steered his horse a little closer to hers, but Trioblaid shied away before baring his teeth.
“That’s why I don’t need more guards. I don’t think Trioblaid cares for you getting too close.”
“Apt name apparently. In truth, you think your horse is more sufficient than one of my warriors?”
Maude smirked at him before whistling. Donald moved aside, and Trioblaid shot forward. She leaned low over his neck and squeezed her thighs against his flanks. She let Trioblaid gallop for a few minutes, giving him his head, before she reined in and swung him around.
“Do keep up! I’d like to be home before the sun sets!” She called out to Kieran. Her guards already knew what she and her horse were capable of. It was one reason her father remained comfortable with only two guards to accompany his daughters. Blair’s horse had the same lineage and was just as fast as Trioblaid, even though he was two years younger. Both horses were faster than any except for their father who belonged to Maude’s brother. She pulled the rein and turned Trioblaid to face the direction in which they traveled. She waited until Kieran was almost abreast before she spurred her horse again. By the time they arrived at the gates of the monastery, both horses and riders were winded.
* * *
