“Let’s get out of here,” Maggie said.
“I’ll go find Robert. He needs to know what has happened here,” Cailin stated. “Latharn, I”ll send Fergus to relieve ye later. I dinnae need to remind ye not to leave yer post under any circumstance.”
“Aye,” Latharn said as he moved his chair back against the wall.
“Latharn, I’ve put a spell of protection on ye. She cannae harm ye,” Maggie said.
“Aye, thank ye, miss.” Latharn peered through the opening at Brielle and he visibly shuddered at the sight.
“Cailin, I’ll do the same for Fergus as soon as we’re out of here.” As Maggie turned to leave, she took one last look at Latharn, who had seated himself on the chair once again. He was a brave man from what she’d seen of him and strong, but would he be strong enough to withstand an assault from Brielle—she could only hope.
Chapter 11
“Maggie, wait!” Dylan had to run to catch up with her as she fled the castle. “Maggie, it’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay.” Dylan grabbed her arm and pulled her around to face him.
“I can’t believe it! I can’t believe Auntie Edna would do this to me!” Maggie’s reddened face displayed her anger and frustration. Tears spilled from her eyes and Dylan wanted more than anything to find a way to comfort her.
“Do you think perhaps Brielle isn’t being totally honest with you?” Dylan tried to keep his voice calm and soothing, hoping to ease Maggie’s anxiety over her aunt’s betrayal.
“I dinnae ken. It doesnae make any sense. I know Edna didnae give me all the details and I’ve felt like a fish out of water from the minute I arrived, as I’ve tried to make my way through this. She should have told me the whole story. I would have helped her, regardless of the reasons.”
“There has to be something more to this. I know she’s a bit of a meddler, or at least that’s the impression I’ve gotten from Jennaand Ashley, but she always seems to have the best of intentions. Jenna and Ashley were angry with her interfering to begin with, but they came around when they found Cormac and Cailin and realized that Edna had done what she had to do to get them together.”
“Aye. I ken that, but this is different. She’s nae matchmaking here. This is dangerous! What am I supposed to do? How do I defeat Brielle without killing her? How do I do it without getting myself or someone else killed?”
“I don’t know, Maggie, but we’ll do it together. I’ll help you and protect you as much as I possibly can.” Maggie clenched her teeth tightly together and Dylan ran his finger along her jawline, in an effort to ease the tension he saw there. The energy she was emitting was strong and filled with static electricity. Were those real sparks flashing in her eyes, or was he seeing things? As Maggie leaned into him, the hair on his arms stood on end. Dylan took a deep breath to ground himself and in doing so, brought Maggie back from the brink of imploding with fury. “Come with me. Let’s go for a ride and put some of that energy to good use.” He offered her what he hoped was his most charming smile and Maggie nodded in agreement.
“I’d like that. I need time to think, to figure out what to do next,” Maggie said.
“Maggie!” Angus was heading their way and he didn’t look happy.
“Uncle,” Maggie responded.
“Is it true? Cailin told me what happened down in the dungeons. I cannae believe Edna would do this. Yer her niece and to think she knowingly sent ye into the lion’s den, all for the sake of that damn bridge! I cannae tolerate this kind of deceit! She has gone too far this time. She didnae even confide in me, her own husband, with this crazy scheme of hers.” Angus, in his usual fatherly fashion, wrapped an arm around Maggie and heldher close. “I can tell ye this, my sweet Maggie, I will protect ye, no matter what happens. I willnae let that witch Brielle harm ye in any way.”
“I ken that, Uncle, but I dinnae want anyone to get hurt,” Maggie responded. “Dinnae be angry with Auntie Edna, Uncle. She’s trying to protect the MacKenzies, not just the bridge. We must believe in Auntie and not fall prey to Brielle’s lies.” Maggie laid a gentle hand on Angus’ arm. “I’m going to go riding with Dylan, to try and clear my head and figure out how to handle this situation.”
“Do ye need me to go along with ye?” Angus asked. He sent a warning glare in Dylan’s direction.
“Nae, Uncle, I’ll be fine. Dinnae worry about me,” Maggie said. She gave Angus a big hug and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be fine,” she repeated, when he appeared as if he might protest.
“I’ll keep an eye on her, Angus. I promise.” Dylan wanted to reassure Angus. He knew that he was a very protective man and felt it was his duty to watch over his niece.
“Make sure ’tis just yer eyes, lad,” Angus warned.
“Yes, sir,” Dylan said. He had a great deal of respect for Angus and all the men at Breaghacraig. They were men of honor and he hoped that they felt the same about him, although just now, Angus certainly seemed to be questioning it. Dylan would prove himself to him. He wanted Maggie in his life and he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize his chances.
“Fine then, see that yer back here before sunset, or I’ll come looking fer ye.” Angus turned away and headed back towards the great hall.
“Well, I guess we know what Angus is worried about,” Dylan chuckled.
“Aye. He’s a good man, Dylan.” Maggie searched his face and Dylan smiled again to put her at ease.
“I know he is, but I don’t think he trusts me with you.”
“Does he have reason not to?” Maggie teased.
As they prepared to leave, Cailin came around the corner with Fergus. “Maggie, I’ve brought Fergus.”
