***
“Maggie, ’tis yer Aunt Edna. Can ye hear me?” Edna’s melodic voice was singing in Maggie’s ears as she struggled to open her eyes. “Keep yer eyes closed, there’s no need to open them, ye cannae see me anyway. I’ve removed the spell, but you need to rest so that your body can recover from Brielle’s evil spell. Why did ye nae protect yerself, Maggie? Didnae I tell ye how important that was?”
“I’m sorry, Aunt Edna. Brielle showed up out of nowhere and I was so upset that she was joining Dylan and me on our ride, that it totally slipped my mind. I realized when it was too late that I was in trouble,” Maggie explained.
“Dinnae let it happen again. Ye must be on yer guard at all times.”
“Auntie, I’m not sure what I’m doing here and I’m not sure what to do about Brielle.”
“Rest now, Maggie, dear. Ye’ll have yer answers soon enough, love.”
Edna’s voice drifted away and Maggie slept soundly and peacefully through the rest of the night.
***
“I’ve asked the boys to bring a tub for ye. Stay where ye be until they’re done filling it.” Angus was sitting at her bedside, holding her hand, concern causing his brow to wrinkle. “Are ye well, Maggie? I’ve been so worried fer ye.”
“I’m fine, Uncle. Auntie has lifted the spell. She spoke with me during the night,” Maggie responded.
“I don’t understand this at all, lass. Brielle is as bad as they come. I cannae, for the life of me understand how the others dinnae see it. She looks like an evil old bat to me eyes.”
“I know, Uncle, but ye and I ken who she really is. Yes, they’re nice to her, but as ye’ve told me, that’s just the kind of people they are. I think they really arenae terribly fond of her. The thing that upsets me the most is that Dylan, of all people, cannae see it. I thought fer sure he’d know it wasn’t me, but even though I know he’s under her spell, I can’t help but worry that he’s smitten with her.” Maggie lowered her eyes so Angus wouldn’t see the tears threatening to spill. She wanted to cry, but she had to be strong. There was still much to do.
“I dinnae believe that. He is a smart lad. He kens the truth of it, believe me.” Angus lifted Maggie’s chin to gauge her reaction.
There was a knock at the door and when Angus opened it, the lads entered, first with the tub and then with buckets of steaming water, one after the other. Maggie was excited to take a bath, but she’d let the water cool down just a bit before getting in. She waited until the lads left before speaking again.
“Uncle, I saw him kiss her. How could he do that?” Maggie questioned.
“A man can kiss a woman for many reasons, but not all of them are for love,” Angus appeared uncomfortable discussing Dylan with her. “I’m sure things will become clearer soon. Be patient. And now I am going to go get some food. I’m surprised ye cannae hear my tummy grumbling. Take yer nice warm bath and I’ll bring something back for ye.”
Maggie had to laugh. Angus was nae one to ever miss a meal. “Thank ye, Uncle Angus. I love ye verra much.”
Angus ducked his head and darted to the door. “I love ye verra much, as well,” he hurriedly said as he bolted from the room.
***
Hiding in the shadows, Dylan felt a bit guilty as he waited for Angus to head into the great hall and out of sight. He was going to check in on Alec and make sure he was alright and if he was awake, maybe he could shed some light on Maggie’s accusations. He mounted the stairs and headed down the passageway to the door of Alec’s room. Not hearing anything coming from inside, Dylan wondered if Alec might still be asleep. If so, he didn’t want to disturb him. He checked the door and finding it unlocked, opened it and went in.
“Dylan!” a surprised voice said.
Dylan let his eyes adjust to the dimness of the room and searched for the source of the voice. What he saw shocked him so much that he couldn’t speak. There, standing in front of him, with a plaid clutched to his chest was Alec, but it wasn’t really Alec. The clothing he had been wearing was pooled at his feet and with the cap and cape gone, Dylan could see for the first time that this was Maggie.His Maggie. He went to her and putting his hands on her upper arms, looked deep into her eyes. “It’s you,” was all he could manage to say.
“Aye. ’Tis me,” was Maggie’s soft response.
He didn’t know whether to kiss her or kill her. “You’ve been disguising yourself as Alec this whole time?” His voice registered the incredulity he felt. “Why? Why were you hiding from me? And who is that other woman who’s obviously pretending to be you?”
“I wasnae hiding from ye, Dylan. I have a job to do and up until this moment, it has been best that I remain disguised. And in answer to your question, that woman is an evil witch who wants to harm the MacKenzies and you.” Maggie shifted uncomfortably in his grip.
Dylan was suddenly aware of the fact that a very naked Maggie stood before him, trying to cover herself with a thin piece of fabric clutched to her chest and that he was perhaps holding onto her arms a little too tightly. He was also aware of the fact that for the first time in weeks, he felt that spark he’d been missing. He tenderly dipped his head and placed a soft kiss on Maggie’s lips. “Itisyou,” he whispered. “All this time I thought she was you and I couldn’t understand why I didn’t feel anything for her. Now, in these few short minutes that I’ve known it’s really you, my body is responding in a way it never did with her.” He pulled her into his embrace and hugged her tightly to his chest. Letting go was not an option.
***
“Dylan, I cannae breathe, but please dinnae stop holding me,” Maggie said into his chest.
“I’m sorry.” He loosened his grip just a bit.
Maggie held onto him, not wanting this moment to end, the plaid slowly slipping from her grasp. She could feel something firm, poking her in the belly. Maggie had an idea of what it might be, but she had so little experience with men, she truly couldn’t be sure. She only knew what she’d been told by the other girls in the village. She tipped her head back, looked up into his soft brown eyes and forgot for a moment that she was angry with him. Angry for the way he’d kissed Brielle yesterday. She stiffened in his embrace, remembering her disappointment at seeing them together, how it had been like a punch to the gut. Pushing him away, she quickly scooped up the plaid and covered herself.
