And her father was looking for her. Sending men to neighboring clans.
She was running out of time.
That evening, Jeane found Fergus in the forge as she’d known she would. He always went there when he was upset or needed to think.
He looked up when she entered, his expression softening when he saw her.
“Little mouse. What are ye doin’ here?”
“I heard the council meetin’ today,” she admitted. “I dinnae mean to eavesdrop, but I was passin’ by and I heard me name—the name ye gave me.”
Fergus set down his hammer and wiped his hands on his kilt. “How much did ye hear?”
“Enough,” Jeane said quietly. “Enough to ken that ye’ve been protectin’ me from more than I realized. That me father has been searchin’ for me. That yer council thinks I’m a distraction.”
Fergus crossed to her, his dark eyes intense. “Ye’re nae a distraction. Or if ye are, ye’re the best kind.”
“Fergus, I daenae want to cause trouble for ye and yer clan.”
“Ye’re nae causin’ trouble,” he said firmly, cupping her face with both hands. “Ye’re the best thing that’s happened to this clan in years. Tomein years.”
“Ye said ye’d go to war for me,” Jeane whispered.
“Aye, I did. And I meant it.” His thumbs stroked her cheekbones. “I’d burn the whole world down before I let anyone take ye from me, Jeane.”
He kissed her then, deep and passionate, pouring all his love and longing into it. Jeane kissed him back with equal fervor, her hands tangling in his dark hair.
But even as they held each other, even as Jeane’s heart soared with happiness, she couldn’t shake the cold fear that had settled in her stomach.
Her father was looking for her. And he was getting closer.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Are ye sure ye want to come with me?” Jeane asked Lottie as they climbed into the carriage. “It’s just a trip to the village for supplies.”
“Of course, I want to come,” Lottie said, settling onto the seat with a bright smile. “I’ve been cooped up in that castle for weeks. I need to see somethin’ other than me own four walls.”
Aiden helped them both into the carriage, his expression concerned as he looked at Lottie.
“Ye’re sure ye’re well enough for this?” he asked.
“I’m fine, Aiden,” Lottie assured him. “Liliana says I’m nearly completely healed. And it’s just a short trip to the village.”
“I’ll be drivin’ the carriage,” Aiden said firmly. “And there will be two guards ridin’ alongside.”
Jeane thought it was a bit excessive for a simple trip.
The village was bustling when they arrived, full of people going about their daily business. Jeane had been here before with Fergus, but it felt different now, more exposed. She found herself scanning faces in the crowd, looking for anyone who might recognize her.
“Ye’re nervous,” Lottie observed as they walked toward the shop that sold fabrics and notions.
“A little,” Jeane admitted. “I just… I keep thinkin’ about me faither. I ran away from home, and I’m sure he’s lookin’ for me.”
Lottie squeezed her hand. “Ye’re safe. Aiden and the guards are right there.”
Jeane glanced back to see Aiden following at a discreet distance, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The two guards flanked them on either side.
“Aye,” Jeane said, trying to relax. “Ye’re right.”
