Christina tugged the huque tighter around her chest in an effort to ward off the sudden chill sweeping over her, but the thick wool cloak felt as thin as linen against the penetrating mist. Glancing up at the darkening sky, she shivered and hurried her step.
She’d slipped away to the village after the feast, and though the autumn days were still long, her task had taken longer than she’d anticipated. If she didn’t hurry she’d be late for the evening meal, and she still needed to change.
After gifting her maidservant with a gently used cotte from her trunk, she’d secretly borrowed the girl’s old gown. It was still finer than the clothing worn by the serving women here, but worn and plain enough not to cause undue suspicion.
Thankfully, most of the guests, including her father, were housed in the old hall and barracks on the main island. Only a handful were staying in MacDonald’s new tower house, so she didn’t incur as much risk of running into someone who might recognize her.
She picked her way along the second causeway toward the smaller island, the shadow of the castle looming before her. The growing darkness made her uneasy, but it could not completely dampen her spirits. A smile curved her mouth as the swell of success rose inside her: She’d done it. Her crazy plan just might work.
In truth, convincing someone to take them had been easier than she’d expected. Whether because of simple disinterest or the gold necklace she’d offered in payment, the boatswain had been happy to agree to take them to Iona without question. He was traveling to Mull the day after tomorrow and would drop them off on the way.
Christina did not fool herself. Their plan was fraught with difficulties. Even if they managed to get away her father would certainly follow them, and there was a chance the nunnery would not give them sanctuary, but she could not think of that now. They had to take a chance. After what happened earlier today, she knew there was no time to waste.
Though she’d been careful to avoid catching the MacLeod chief’s gaze, she was acutely aware of his glowering stare on her during the meal—especially when Lachlan MacRuairi had come over to introduce himself and thank her for the timely interruption. The dark-haired warrior with green eyes was even more handsome up close—despite the scar that ran along his cheekbone—but he did not affect her in the same way that the other warrior did. He frightened her. She sensed a blackness in him that ran deep.
The greatest swordsman in the Isles, they said about Tor MacLeod. A long shiver ran through her as she recalled the intensity of MacLeod’s gaze. Like her father, he was probably furious with her for interfering in his fight.
Whyhadhe stopped?
It was just the kind of thing Lancelot would do for Guinevere. She smiled at the ridiculousness of the comparison. This fearsome half-Norse, half-Gael,Gall-Gaedhilwarlord was nothing like her Lancelot.
She thought of Lancelot atop his horse, his striking ice blue eyes, handsome features, and golden hair shining in the sun like some gorgeous sun god … She bit her lip. Actually, the MacLeod chief fit her image quite well, except that he was much taller and more heavily muscled than she’d imagined Lancelot.
Lancelot would lose.
She put her hand over her mouth, as if the unbidden thought might somehow emerge from between her lips. It was practically heresy. Lancelot had been the greatest knight in Christendom. There was no comparison.
Or was there? What if ithadbeen chivalrous instinct that caused the MacLeod chief to spare the other man’s life? Had he stopped because of her?
She shook her head. There she went again, letting herself get carried away. Did a superficial resemblance to the knight of her dreams make her forget the cold ferocity in his glacial gaze? He’d looked at her for only an instant and his expression had never changed. She would not find kindness or chivalry from an Island warlord.
She trembled a little just thinking about it. Good gracious, she’d be terrified to say two words to him!
Stepping off the long causeway, she was relieved to have almost reached her destination. Christina didn’t like being out alone in the dark. What might be an everyday occurrence for a servant was a rarity for a lady.
She was about ten feet from the forestairs that led up to the entry to the castle when she heard the sound of voices above her. She glanced up and felt her heart slam to a sudden stop.
Father!With MacDonald and at least a half dozen other men. They stepped out of the keep and started down the stairs.
What can I say? How can I explain?
Knowing she was only moments from disaster, she looked around for somewhere to hide. With only a split second to react, Christina did the only thing she could and ducked under the wooden stairs. Back plastered to the cold stone of the castle, she held completely still. Not one whisper of air escaped her lips as the men stomped down the stairs right over her head. They were laughing and joking as if they’d been drinking the entire time since the feast—which they probably had.
Her heart pounded in her ears.Please, don’t look down.
She dared to exhale only when the last men stepped off the stairs and the boisterous voices trailed off toward the nearby roundhouse. Forcing herself to wait until it was completely silent, she stepped out of the shadows.
Her body sighed with relief.
A moment too soon. Someone grabbed her from behind and spun her around. She gasped as her body collided with his massive chest.
“What have we here?” the man slurred, the drink as heavy in his voice as it was on his breath.
Christina looked up into the black eyes of a brutish-looking warrior who towered above her by at least a foot. A guardsman, by the looks of him. He was as big as a bear, his features thick and crude, with a thick mass of wiry black hair that spread from his head to his chin and limited neck in a seamless bushy stream. Instinctively, she recoiled, sinking deeper into the folds of her hooded cloak and keeping her face hidden in the shadows.
“Where did you come from?” he leered, revealing a chipped-off front tooth.
For a moment, Christina was too stunned to reply. Despite her father’s recent treatment, it was still a shock to be manhandled so roughly. Knights didn’t accost ladies.
