“To that end,” King Robert went on, “Tavish will escort ye to MacLeod Castle and nowhere else.”
I tensed and shook my head, knowing that wasn’t a good idea. “While I appreciate the offer, I would hate to pull Tavish from his duties when I have Adlin here to protect me. As you know, he is one of the most powerful wizards ever born to Scotland.” I glanced from Adlin to the king. “Adlin, who ensured I came to see you when I argued that I would rather go directly to the Sutherlands, so he can be trusted to abide by your wishes.”
“And I dinnae doubt that.” The king looked to Adlin graciously before meeting my eyes again, his voice a tad firmer this time. “Nevertheless, ‘twould please me if ye have one of my most trusted warriors with ye, for protection, of course.”
Bull.I could tell by the look exchanged between the king and Tavish he was not only going to protect me, but would personally see I did as the king asked, no matter what it took. While at one time I could have used my wits and magic to outsmart Tavish to do whatever I wanted, I sensed from his inner beast that might not be the case anymore.
If that weren’t alarming enough, I was becoming increasingly aware my inner dragon didn’t seem quite as in sync with my human half as she was before I got here. There was no need to wonder why, either, given the palpable energy fluctuating between me and Tavish. Something I suspected he felt as well, but didn’t know what to make of it. And I could only hope it stayed that way, hovering between us, a loose tether I could break free from in the end because I had no other choice.
“Well, I for one am most pleased to have such a valiant protector with us,” Adlin said, grinning at me and Tavish. “’Twill make the journey north much more enjoyable.”
Although I was tempted to narrow my eyes at him because I knew he was up to no good and trying to play matchmaker despite knowing my history with Tavish, I kept my expression neutral and nodded at the king. “As you wish, King Robert.”
Robert eyed me for a moment, gauging how genuine I was, before relenting, because honestly, what other choice did he have? I was both dragon and witch, and he wasn't, so he could only hope for the best and pray I stayed true to my word. Especially given how determined I was to go to the Sutherlands.
“Verra good.” He shook his head. “Whilst I would like it verra much if ye were to remain in the encampment tonight so we might dine together, I think given how close we are to the border, ‘twould be best if ye set out now and camp further north. That way ye will be in the safety of MacLeod Castle by nightfall on the morrow.”
“Aye,” Adlin agreed. “I dinnae sense any storms on the horizon this eve, so ‘twill be a good night to spend amongst the wilds of our homeland.”
“No doubt.” The king looked at me. “Do ye know how to ride, or will ye be riding with Tavish?”
Not Adlin but Tavish.
“I do know how to ride,” I replied, fully aware Tavish had tensed at the king’s question and visibly relaxed at my answer, without a doubt not wanting me that close to him, given the pull between us. A pull he hadn’t felt since he lost the love of his life, who just happened to be me, though he wasn’t aware of that fact yet, and he wanted nothing to do with it.
Nothing to do with feeling that kind of pain again.
“Perfect.” The king stood and gestured at the tent opening. “Then let us make our way out. I had satchels of provisions made up for ye to see ye through yer journey.” He glanced at Tavish as we headed outside. “I trust ye’ll keep me abreast of everything?”
“Aye,” he replied. “As soon as we arrive at MacLeod Castle and assess the situation, I will send word.”
“Aye, then.” The king helped me mount the grey horse they provided, a telling sparkle in his eyes when he glanced from me to Tavish, letting me know he was astute indeed. “’Twas a pleasure meeting ye, Ellie. I can only pray when next we meet ye will be a MacLeod and nae a Sutherland.”
Somehow, I wasn’t all that surprised he had said that. I could only guess he hoped I would end up with Tavish, hence the real reason for allowing his top man to escort me when we both knew full well he was needed more at the border than with me. But if I had gathered nothing else in his tent just by watching the men interact, it was that they shared a deep friendship born of respect, so it made sense he would want to see Tavish happy.
Especially given how sad and angry he had been for far too long.
“Thank you, King Robert.” I met his smile and kept my response vague because I knew things couldn’t go the way he hoped. “I look forward to meeting you again as well.”
Everyone said their goodbyes, and we headed into an autumn forest awash in late-day sunlight, looking at a few hours of riding ahead of us before we made camp. Although Adlin and Tavish discussed the ongoing skirmishes at the border, I remained mostly quiet, enjoying the peace the forests of my homeland could bring me, trying not to think about my other life. About all the years I spent here with the only man I’d ever loved. I tried to keep my thoughts equally quiet, just in case his inner beast caught one or two of them, but it wasn't easy. And the closer we came to our castle, the more difficult I suspected it would become.
How could it not, considering all the memories we made there together?
While my memories were from my previous life, his were fromthis lifeand thus much closer to his heart and mind, so the odds of his dragon catching on would increase tenfold. Therefore, allowing him to escort me all the way to MacLeod Castle would be way too risky.
Somehow, I would have to escape and head to the Sutherlands.
I understood my actions would distress Aspen, and while I would never risk her pregnancy on purpose, at this point, I had no other option. Deep down in my soul, I knew if I didn’t face the Sutherland’s, the long-term effects would be far worse.
Like I told Adlin, I had seen her fate.
And that of her pregnancy.
I couldn’t let that happen. Ever.
I knew my visions would definitely happen this time, despite Adlin reminding me I had been wrong on occasion. It was rare, and they weren’t about anything nearly so dire. No, this time myforesight was spot on, and the longer I was in my homeland I only became more certain.
It was going to be deadly accurate if I didn't see the pact through.
