He seemed to be reading her mind because his next words touched her heart and gave her hope. “Love, I ken ye feel as if ye werenae meant to be a Lady, but ye must believe me when I tell ye that I love ye fer who ye are. Ye will be me Lady and I dare anyone to treat ye otherwise.”
“Dougall, when yer Laird MacRae and I’m yer Lady, I will still want to help. I cannae stop doing what I’ve done fer so long. The women at Breaghacraig all help each other and I wish to be like them.”
He wrapped her in his arms, kissing the top of her head. “I would never ask ye to be anyone but who ye are.” He turned to his sister then. “Brenna, me apologies. I shouldnae have been angry with ye. Please forgive me behavior.”
“I forgive ye, Dougall. Yer me big brother and I love ye. I had no idea Helene was a lady’s maid. I would never take advantage of her kind nature.” Brenna threw her arms around her brother’s waist and hugged him, a hug which he returned, kissing her head. “I’m tired. I’m going to sleep.”
Helene and Dougall watched as she walked away. “Where will I be sleeping tonight, Dougall?”
“With me, Helene. Where else would ye be sleeping?” Dougall asked. He put an arm around her and led her to the bedding he’d laid out for them.
They snuggled together covered in their plaid. Through the canopy of trees they spied the stars brilliantly shining above them. “Arenae they beautiful?” Helene asked.
“They’re nae as beautiful as ye, Helene.” He pointed to the sky. “Look, ’tis a shooting star. Shall we make a wish?”
“Aye. Dinnae say it aloud.” Helene wished for a life filled with happiness and the love of Dougall MacRae.
“Gather yer things. We’ve another full day of riding and another night of camping before we’ll be at Castle Treun.” Dougall checked the horses, made sure their fire was out and they hadn’t left anything behind.
Dougall helped Helene mount her horse before mounting his and had to laugh when he noticed Logan moving towards Brenna to help her – then retreating when he saw the frown on her face. She was perfectly capable of mounting her own horse, which she did with ease.
“Are ye ready, me love?” Dougall asked Helene, making sure she was securely in the saddle. He wanted to be sure she was comfortable. She wasn’t used to being in the saddle this long or to sleeping on the ground in the cold and he was worried she might be feeling it.
“I be fine, Dougall.” She reassured him with her bright smile.
He was learning much about Helene on this journey. She was much stronger than he’d thought. She hadn’t complained once. His admiration for her continued to grow with every mile they traversed.
Logan rode at the rear of their tiny party, trading jabs with Liam and Nab. Their laughter adding levity to their travels. Brenna and Helene rode with Dougall. The road followed the same stream they camped beside on their first night and was a guide for them to follow as it ran all the way to Castle Treun.
By midday, it was apparent that everyone was in need of food and time out of the saddle. Dougall stopped and dismounted and the others all followed.
“I need to walk a bit,” Brenna said.
“Dinnae wander far,” Dougall instructed.
“I’ll go with ye,” Helene said, joining Brenna.
Dougall raised an eyebrow in her direction. “Be careful, love.”
“We will,” Brenna giggled, answering for Helene.
“We shouldnae go too far,” Helene reminded Brenna of her brother’s words.
“Just a wee bit further. I’m tired of me brothers and Logan. I need some time away from them and the further the better.”
They continued walking on the path that led through the trees and to the banks of the stream.
“Let’s sit here,” Brenna suggested.
Helene was happy to sit. She hadn’t wanted to go any further. An uneasy feeling had come over her being this far away from Dougall. They were no longer within sight of the others and Helene didn’t care for the fact that the density of the trees made it impossible to see more than a foot beyond the tree line.
A noise behind them caused Helene to jump. “What was that?” she asked. The wind had picked up, whipping through the trees and Helene wasn’t sure if what she was hearing was the trees or something else. “We should go back, Brenna.” She stood, waiting for Brenna to join her.
“Nae. Just a small while longer. Please.” Brenna continued to sit, staring at the stream.
“Something doesnae feel right to me. I think ’tis best to go back.” The hairs on the back of Helene’s neck were standing and she was becoming more and more uneasy.
The words no sooner left her mouth than they were accosted by two men brandishing knives. “Today’s our lucky day, Ailen.” The man grabbed Helene and held his knife to her throat. “Not a sound from ye or yer friend.” The smell of him was enough to make Helene gag.
