Apologize.Ye need to apologize for accusin' him of murder. For the things ye said before he kissed ye.
But how didone apologize for that?
Sorry, I accused ye of killin'me friend right before ye kissed me senseless?
"Ewan,I—" she started.
"Me laird!"A man's voice called out, interrupting whatever she'd been about to say. "Ye're back! And ye brought—" The man's steps faltered as he caught sight of Maia. "Is that the MacMahon lass?"
"Aye."Ewan's hand was still on her elbow, his grip firm but not painful. "Leon, arrange for a chamber to be prepared. Somewhere comfortable. And find Aisla, I'll want her to attend to our guest."
Guest.
That wasone word for it.
The man—Leon,apparently—grinned widely. "So ye actually did it. Ye actually stole away MacMahon's niece." He gave Maia a sweeping bow that seemed more mocking than respectful. "Welcome to Castle McGill, me lady. I hope yer stay is... enlightenin'."
"That's enough,"Ewan said sharply. "Just do as I asked."
Leon's grindidn't dim, but he nodded and strode off toward the keep.
"Ignore him,"Ewan told Maia. "He thinks he's funny."
"Is he yer man-at-arms?"
"Aye.And me oldest friend, God help me." Ewan guided her toward the castle entrance. "He'll make ye uncomfortable with his jokes and his smilin', but he's harmless enough."
Maia wasn'tsure she believed that, but she didn't argue. She was too busy trying to take in everything around her—the castle walls, the people, the way the late afternoon sun painted everything in shades of gold.
They entered the keep,and Maia's breath caught again. The great hall was enormous, easily three times the size of the one at Castle MacMahon. Tapestries hung on the walls, depicting battles and hunts and what looked like clan gatherings. A massive fireplace dominated one end, and the tables were already being set for the evening meal.
It was warm here.Welcoming. Everything her uncle's hall had never been.
"This way,"Ewan said, guiding her toward a staircase.
They climbed two flights,then walked down a long corridor lined with doors. Ewan stopped in front of one near the end and pushed it open.
"This will be yer chamber."
Maia stepped inside and froze.
The room was beautiful.
A large beddominated one wall, piled high with quilts and pillows. A wardrobe stood in the corner, its wood polished to a warm shine. A desk sat near the window, theunbarredwindow, with a chair pulled up to it. There was even a small sitting area with two comfortable-looking chairs positioned near a fireplace.
It was easily twicethe size of her room at Castle MacMahon. Three times as nice. And the windows?—
Maia walked toward them slowly,almost afraid they'd disappear if she moved too quickly. She reached out tentatively, her fingers brushing the glass.
No bars.
No iron crisscrossing the opening,blocking her view, keeping her trapped.
Just clear glassand the view beyond, forest and mountain and sky stretching endlessly outward.
"Is somethin'wrong?"
Ewan's voicemade her jump. She'd almost forgotten he was there.
