Helene nodded and the men fell in on either side of her keeping their horses to a slower, more controlled trot, while her palfrey’s smaller legs had to work much harder to stay apace. They rode that way for some time, but it became apparent that Helene’s horse was in need of a rest and so they stopped along the shore of a sparkling blue loch to have a bite to eat.
“Do ye think she’ll be alright?” Helene asked. She was most concerned for Gealach’s well-being.
“Ye will ride with me, this afternoon. She’ll have an easier time of it without ye on her back,” Dougall said.
“Do ye believe I’m too heavy for her to carry?” Helene was feeling self-conscious and a bit irritated all of a sudden.
Dougall seemed to understand he may have inadvertently hurt her feelings. “She hasn’t been ridden this far before. It’ll take some time fer her to get used to it.”
How could she stay upset with him? And why would she want to? She was going to ride with Dougall, wrapped in his strong arms. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Dougall chucked her under the chin. “I love ye, Helene.”
She knew he did. She could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. Standing on tiptoe, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a quick peck on the lips. He responded swiftly, grabbing her around the waist and turning that quick peck into a much longer, deeper kiss. One that she really didn’t want to end, but the sound of Logan clearing his throat behind them brought them to a swift halt.
“Who has the food?” Logan asked. He had a look of mischief about him.
Dougall shook his head and set Helene away from himself. “I believe ye ken where the food is Logan. ’Tis unlike yer well-trained nose nae to be able to find it on yer own.”
Logan laughed and headed to the saddle bags, where he took out some of the food they’d been provided when they left Breaghacraig.
Dougall led Helene to a large rock near the water and lifted her so she could sit on it. She made herself comfortable, fixing her skirts and gazing out on the sparkling sapphire blue of the loch. There was a slight breeze, which ruffled her hair, sending strands across her face. Dougall gently caught them with his fingers and tucked them behind her ear. Warmth from the rock relaxed her and she realized how at peace she was. It had been hard leaving the MacKenzies behind, but she hoped she’d be returning to them soon. Dougall didnae ken the reason he’d been called to Castle Treun, but he’d told her they’d be returning to the castle they called home as soon as possible. In the meantime, she was planning to enjoy this journey, knowing that at its end her wish would come true.
Logan joined them with a sack of food, handing Helene some bread and cheese. He sliced some for himself and handed the rest to Dougall. They each had their quaich with them and Logan poured some wine into each. It wasn’t a lot of food, but it was enough. They still had two more days of travelling ahead of them and it wouldn’t be wise to eat everything they’d brought all in one sitting.
They journeyedon until the sky began to darken. Luck was with them. The sun had shined throughout the day and the night sky was clear, leaving the air crisp and cool. Helene wrapped her plaid more tightly around her as Dougall and Logan searched the area for an appropriate place to stop.
“We’ll make camp here,” Dougall said as he stopped Broch and dismounted. He came to Helene’s side and helped her dismount. “Logan, take care of the horses. I’ll get a fire started.”
“What shall I do?” Helene asked.
“There’s nary a thing fer ye to do, love. Logan and I have done this all many times before. We’ll be quick about our work and back with ye in no time.” Dougall kissed her forehead and caressed her cheek with his hand.
“But I’d like to help.”
“You help enough at Breaghacraig. ’Tis a pleasant break fer ye. Here, sit and rest.” Dougall guided her to a fallen tree. “I’ll be back quickly.”
Helene glanced around at the spot they’d chosen to spend the night. The ground was flat and covered with aromatic pine needles. The trees overhead would shelter them from wind, and if need be, rain. It took all her will power to stay seated while Dougall and Logan worked. For as long as she could remember, it had been her duty to serve others. Granted, serving the MacKenzies was a fine position to hold. They treated her more as a family member than a servant. She knew she was lucky they had taken her in when she needed it most.
Dougall got a fire blazing with little effort and made a spot for them to sit near it. “Come, Helene.” He took her hand and helped her get seated on the plaid he’d spread on the ground, before joining her. Logan returned from settling the horses for the nightand sat on the opposite side of the fire.
“Something’s missing,” Logan said.
“Aye. Ye’ll be wanting the saddle bags.” Dougall noted.
Logan rose to get them and Dougall took that moment to brush Helene’s hair from her neck so he could sneak a kiss there.
“Dougall,” Helene protested, although she really didn’t mind at all.
“Dinnae fear, love. Logan kens the way of it. Once we’ve had something to eat, he’ll conveniently disappear so we can share some private time.”
Helene nervously clasped her hands in her lap. If she’d had her way, this private time Dougall spoke of would have happened already. Food was of no interest to her now. What she really wanted was Dougall. They’d both been very good at controlling their lustful urges these past months, but the thought of being alone with Dougall, here by the fire, had her body tingling from head to toe. She wished Logan would hurry back with the saddle bags so he could eat and then leave them. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to stop herself from climbing atop Dougall where he sat and having her way with him. She suppressed a giggle at her sultry thoughts.
“Did ye say something, love?” Dougall asked.
“Nae.” Helene stared into Dougall’s deep blue eyes, hoping that he could see how much she wanted him and from the way he returned her gaze, he did.
“Logan, hurry with those bags,” Dougall called.
