Page 13 of A Rogue and a Noble Lass

Ryan pressed his lips. “If I hae kenned his true nature I could hae helped her. If she hae asked…” he trailed away.

“It was nae yer fault,” Caroline reminded him firmly, although it was clear that the matter played on Ryan’s mind.

Beitris thought about the past and how there was so much of life that happened before she had been born, yet the consequences reached far into her life. Caroline then started speaking about her grandchildren and the conversation moved on to happier matters, although Ryan and Beitris were still brooding, father and daughter so alike when they were lost in thought.

When dinner was over, Ryan left immediately. Beitris dabbed her corners of her mouth and then followed, intending to speak more about her role as a guard.

However, she noticed a shadow trailing him as Ryan disappeared up a flight of stairs. Beitris pounced with no hesitation.

“What are ye daeing?”

The shadow paused and turned. When he came into the light she saw that it was Grimhand, and her breath caught in her throat. A prickling sensation danced upon her skin.

“Looking for a way tae get tae the turret. I’m on watch taenight, but I cannae find my place around here. There are tae many twists and turns,” he replied in an indifferent tone. Then his sharp green eyes narrowed on her. “Why are ye following me? Trying tae get first blood by stabbing me in the back?”

The light from torches crawled over his face, casting half of it aglow. The reflection of light danced in his eyes and she had to force herself to not be overwhelmed by the intensity of his presence.

“Ye hae a lot tae learn, Grimhand. I am nae dishonorable. That is nae the Knox way. The turret is back that way,” she said, raising a hand and pointing in the opposite direction.

Logan tilted his head and as he moved he grew closer to her. Something stirred inside, that same ache as when he’d pinned her to the ground. He said nothing as they parted, but there was so much communicated in his eyes.

It was only when he was gone that Beitris realized she had been holding her breath.

She pressed her back against the wall. It was the only way she could stay standing. There was something about him that was debilitating, but she needed to be stronger. She could not allow her emotions to get the better of her.

5

Logan was brooding in the feasting hall.

Guards and warriors mingled after a long day, soothing their aching feet with copious amounts of ale and thick slices of roasted meat.

Brody raised his glass to a number of people who passed, while Logan barely met anyone’s gaze. He could not be friendly with them even if it would have benefited him, for they were all his enemy and if they knew his true purpose they would have turned on him in an instant.

He kept a hand clasped around the handle of his mug, although he did not drink as much as others. He wished to keep a clear head. It would be an advantage in case violence erupted.

“Ye should cheer up. People are gaeing tae think ye dinnae like them,” Brody teased.

“I am only living up tae the name ye gave me,” Logan replied.

“Then perhaps next time I shall call ye sunshine or rainbow.”

Logan glared at him and set his jaw. Brody leaned back and raised his palms in surrender.

“I’m nae sure there will be a next time,” Logan said in a bitter tone. “I’m prepared tae burn in the fire of my choices.”

“Dinnae speak like that. I’ll find a way tae get ye out,” Brody said with what Logan thought was misplaced confidence.

“The clan will nae take the death of their leader calmly, and I dinnae intend tae hide my involvement,” Logan spoke quietly.

His words were unheard by the other warriors. They were too busy feasting and laughing, leaving Logan and Brody alone.

“Why nae? It would be sensible, aye? We could steal away, perhaps even find a boat and leave the Highlands behind forever.”

Logan nodded slowly. “That sounds like a good plan for ye. I will nae make this a quiet matter, Brody. People need tae ken why he died. It’s the only way Abigail will hae justice.”

“And would she really want ye tae give up yer life?”

A shadow passed across Logan’s face. A moment of doubt that was quickly quashed by his resolve.