They’d retrieved Thunder from where he’d been stabled for the evening, and once again she found herself seated in front of Murdock, his arms wrapped around her as he held the reins. But while the ride over had been charged with awareness and barely restrained desire, this one was heavy with silence and dread.
She could feel the tension radiating from his body, could feel the way his muscles had gone rigid. But he didn’t speak. Didn’t offer comfort or reassurance or any of the pretty words she might have hoped for.
And why should he? The letter had laid bare the truth of their situation. She was trouble. A liability. Someone who brought war and chaos wherever she went.
The moon had risen higher, casting silvery light across the landscape. It should have been beautiful. Should have made her heart ache with the wild majesty of it all. Instead, she felt nothing but cold.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, the words torn from somewhere deep in her chest. “I never meant for any of this to happen. Never meant to bring ye trouble.”
Murdock’s arms tightened fractionally around her. “Daenae apologize for existin', lass.”
The words were gruff, almost angry, but they made tears prick her eyes.
“What will ye tell yer council?” she asked. “When they demand to ken why ye lied about our betrothal?”
“I’ll tell them the truth.”
Leona twisted in the saddle to look at him, confusion cutting through her misery. “What truth?”
His face was carved from stone in the moonlight, his expression unreadable. “That ye came to me for protection. That I gave it. That what happened after is between us and nay one else’s concern.”
“They’ll want to ken why ye’d risk war for someone ye barely ken.”
“Aye, they will.” His eyes met hers, and the intensity in them stole her breath. “And I’ll tell them it’s because ye’re under me protection. Because I gave ye me word. And because a laird who breaks his word isnae worthy of leading his clan.”
It wasn’t a declaration of love. Wasn’t even a promise that he’d fight for her. But it was something. A small reassurance that he wasn’t simply washing his hands of her the moment things became difficult.
“And if they insist I go?” Leona pressed. “If they say I’m nae worth a war?”
Murdock’s jaw clenched. “Then we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
The non-answer made her chest ache.
But what had she expected? That he’d declare his undying devotion? That he’d choose her over his duty, his clan, everything he’d built?
They barely knew each other. What had happened in the forest, as intense and world-shattering as it had been, didn’t change the fundamental truth of their situation.
This was supposed to be temporary. Convenient. A solution to mutual problems.
And now it had become a nightmare.
The castle walls loomed ahead, torches blazing on the battlements. Guards called out greetings as they passed through the gates, but Murdock didn’t acknowledge them. He rode straight to the stables, dismounting before helping Leona down.
His hands lingered on her waist, and for a moment, she thought he might say something. Might offer some comfort or clarity about what would happen next.
But he just released her and stepped back.
“Get some rest,” he said quietly. “We’ll face the council in the morning.”
“We?” The word escaped before she could stop it.
“Aye.” His eyes met hers, something fierce burning in their depths. “If they have something bad to say about the lass who saved me life, they should say it to yer face. And mine. Ye’ll be there as me witness, me betrothed. They need to see that we stand together.”
The promise made her throat thicken. Made hope bloom in her chest despite every logical reason to crush it.
“Thank ye,” she whispered.
He nodded once, then turned and strode toward the keep, his shoulders set with determination.
