This was not, Jamie brooded, the reunion hehad planned.He detested the prying eyes, the knowing looks thatpassed among many in their company.Worst of all, he was aware ofthe tension in the lass beside him.
For Lindsey, the hours seated beside Jamiewere the longest she had ever spent.She was achingly aware of themuscled thigh that brushed hers, of the callused fingers thatclosed around the stem of his goblet.
When the banquet was finished, they retiredto a great hall, made festive with fires blazing on the hearth anda velvet throne on a raised platform.
When all had assembled the queen took herseat upon the throne and announced, “I command Jamie MacDonald tocome forward.”
Bewildered, Jamie made his way to the throneand bowed before the queen.
Robbie stepped forward and recited stirringverses about Jamie MacDonald, and his loyalty to his beloved queen.When he had finished, many in the crowd were openly weeping.
At a signal, Brice handed the queen hisjeweled sword.“Kneel,” Mary whispered.
Jamie knelt.
The crowd fell silent.
In loud, clear tones the queen intoned,“James Devin MacDonald, I pronounce you the Queen’s Champion andSir Knight.Along with your title, I award to you the lands thatstretch from Callender in Perthshire to the land from Sterling tothe Clyde, and I appoint you laird of all the MacDonald clans inGlengarry, who have long been without a leader.”She touched eachof his shoulders with the blade of the sword, then said, “Arise,Sir James Devin MacDonald, and accept the acknowledgement of agrateful queen and her people.”
Stunned beyond belief, Jamie stood and feltthe queen’s hand upon his arm.When he turned, the crowd burst intocheering.For long minutes he acknowledged their applause.Then heturned to where Lindsey had been standing with her father andbrothers.How proud he was to share this with her.
His heart fell.Her place was empty.
As soon as he could do so without unduenotice, he slipped away from the festivities.
* * *
The night air was cool, the darkenedcourtyard deserted.It was the perfect place for Lindsey to hidethe tears that spilled from her eyes.She was overcome withemotion.
Sir James Devin MacDonald.Jamie was now aman of title and privilege.A legend among her people.And a legendwould never be satisfied with a mere Highland lass.
She had always been a foolish dreamer.Butnow she must face reality, no matter how painful.
She had seen how easily Jamie slipped on themantle of authority.Now he would become part of the queen’s courtin Edinburgh, where beautiful women would vie for hisaffection.
It mattered not, she consoled herself.He wasa cold man.Cold and cruel.Look how easily he had banished her.And though they had been apart all these long days, he had greetedher as though she were a stranger.Aye.He would have no difficultywalking away from her again.Her mother had been right all thoseyears ago.The tears started afresh, and she was helpless to stopthem.
* * *
Jamie was grateful for the bite in the air.He wanted nothing more than to walk off his frustration and tothink without interruption.As he walked, his hands balled intofists at his sides.
This day had been the culmination of everywarrior’s dream.Knighthood.The leadership of a clan.A castle ofhis own and lands enough for generations of MacDonalds to work andrule.And yet it was all empty.
The lass who owned his heart had made itplain that she would never forgive him for sending her away.
He cursed the fates that had brought themtogether.His life before Lindsey had been uncomplicated.Now lifehad lost its flavor.He would be well rid of this place.He neededa new challenge.
With an angry oath he rounded the corner,then stopped in mid-stride.A lone figure, wrapped in a hoodedcloak, stood alone staring at the towering peaks in thedistance.
She whirled at the sound of approachingfootsteps, and he felt his heart stop.
Lindsey swallowed, brushing away theincriminating tears that clung to her lashes.
“Well, my lord.”She stiffened her spine ashe approached.“Your legend has grown.You must feel very proud.Even my brothers boast to all who will listen that they foughtbeside the Heartless MacDonald.”
He flinched, hating the name.“I do not knowwhat I feel.It has all happened too quickly.”
“When you return to Edinburgh, you will beacclaimed a hero.You will surely have your choice of celebrationsto attend, my lord.”Not to mention, she thought dismally, hischoice of women.
