Page 14 of Highlander’s Evil Twin

“Come on, let’s walk together back to the castle and you can then go and talk to her.”

He nodded, grateful for Maggie’s presence, knowing that he had made such a mistake at believing Connor over Heather. He felt the weight of guilt and knew Heather had seen it as a betrayal. He didn’t blame her at all. He just didn’t know what to say to her. How could he put this right? As they entered the castle, they walked past a servant who was carrying letters. Hiram noticed Heather’s distinctive scrawl and reached out to take it.

“I need to give this back to Heather, as she forgot to add something,” he told the servant before dismissing him.

“Hiram, you can’t touch her letter.” Maggie was shocked.

“It’s to her mother and look, the ink has run. It is tear-stained.” He cast an anxious glance at his sister. “Maybe this letter will tell me all I need to know.”

They sat down together on a wooden seat to the side of the castle grounds. The views were spectacular here and Maggie focused on the rolling hills, the purple sheen and haze that concentrated across their land and breathed in the heady scent of flowers. She knew one day she would have to leave this place and although she would hate to leave her home, there were times when she longed to break free from the suffocating tension that was enveloping her from within these walls.

Hiram read the letter steadily, his hands shaking. Silently, he handed the letter to Maggie to read and she began to cry as the reality of the situation was completely laid bare.

“Oh my god, Hiram. She is so afraid. So lost. So lonely.”

“I will kill him for this!” he snarled through gritted teeth.

“Wait. You need to make things right with Heather first. Then talk about this. Think clearly Hiram. Don’t do anything rash.”

He swallowed his anger before nodding at her. Tears stung his eyes. His reddened face told of his inner battle to control his next move.

He squeezed her hand and said, “Tell no one of this. I want some time to think, okay?”

She nodded and watched as Hiram strode away towards the castle.

Heather was curled up on the bed when Hiram knocked at the door.

“Heather, can I come in?”

She groaned inwardly. “Not now Hiram, I have a terrible headache. Come back later.”

He sighed. “This won’t wait, it is really urgent.” His voice was quiet, resigned.

Was he leaving? Another dispute with the clans? He couldn’t leave her with Connor. Heather leapt from the bed and opened the door. “You can’t go away. You just can’t!”

Her fear was tangible. Her eyes red-rimmed, her cheeks stained with tears and mascara. She was terrified. Hiram felt his breath catch in his throat.

“What have I done to you? My wee bride. Come here.”

He pulled her into his arms and held her. Heather went willingly, relieved to feel safe even if only temporarily. When he released her, he pulled the letter from his pocket. “I want to talk to you about this.”

She gasped. “You had no right to read that!”

“Maybe not,” he agreed “but I am glad I damn well did. Is this how you feel? Is it so bad?” He shook the letter at her.

Heather stepped back from his arms and nodded. “I haven’t encouraged him. He sickens me to my core.” She emphasized this by placing her hands on her stomach.

“I had no idea that—”

“You did!” she bit back angrily. “I told you ages ago. I tried to tell you what he was doing. My only way of staying safe was to hide in here. You didn’t care, so who was going to keep me safe?”

“I do care.” His eyes darkened as a sense of shame welled up within.

“He told me that you always share your women. That you would practically gift-wrap me.” Heather sat suddenly on the bed and bent over, covering her face as she sobbed once more.

Hiram sat by her side and pulled her to him. She didn’t look at him but curled up, her head on his legs as he stroked her hair. “I am so sorry. I feel sick at your torment. I feel so angry with myself and with him. I should have known that he couldn’t be trusted, but he was so much nicer to me this time around. But now I see it, this was to manipulate me so he could get to you.”

“Why did you look at my letter?”