Page 34 of A Rogue and a Noble Lass

“Nae,” Beitris lied, because for a brief moment when she had been kissing Logan she did think about the future.

She thought about them dueling in the training field year on year, of riding out and hunting together, but such things were fading dreams that should never have been given serious consideration.

She left a few knots in her hair and excused herself from Calista’s company, as she did not wish to speak about Logan any longer.

She curled her hands into fists and breathed harshly, wishing that she could cut away her feelings for Logan. The kiss had opened her mind to possibilities that hadn’t existed before, although there wasn’t any part of her that wished it never happened. He was tied to his duty and that was that. He could see nothing but justice and she understood that. The loss of his family deeply affected him, although she also noticed that he only spoke with affection about his sister.

And then there was the matter of what she had overheard from the enemy general. The more she thought about it, the more it didn’t make sense. Why was Logan here if the enemy knew him? Perhaps their paths had crossed in battle before, but then why wouldn’t Logan admit it?

He’d looked directly in her eyes when she asked him if he could be trusted. Was it wrong of her to harbor doubts?

These thoughts lingered on her mind as she made her way to the Great Hall, where leaders from across the alliance had gathered. Not everyone was present, Duncan and Rohan, for example, were defending the alliance’s borders. Beitris nodded at Brody, who was standing guard at the door. He had a surly look on his face, and the smile that flashed across his features seemed more forced than usual.

“Beitris! It’s good tae see ye,” Nessa said, rushing towards her and greeting her with a tight hug. “I heard ye hae tasted battle. Good on ye, lass.”

Beitris arched her eyebrows. “Aye, although I dinnae ken how many more I shall experience. Da seems intent on protecting me and wishes for me tae stay here.”

“Ach, even if he locks ye up just dae what we did and climb out the window,” Nessa said, winking, before leaning in to whisper into Beitris’ ear. “These men always need tae feel like they’re in control. Just nod along and then dae what ye want anyway. It’s served me well over the years.”

Beitris smiled and felt empowered by Nessa’s words. She joined the others at the table. Keith Abernathy and Ramsay Gilmour were present, along with Ryan, Allan, and Elliot. Nessa leaned back in her chair, resting her feet on the table. Ryan looked irritated at this, but he did not say anything about it.

“Sae what are we gaeing tae dae next? Another village hae been burned. I ken we hae him penned in, but he still manages tae get his army through our lines and attacks villages. How many more are we gaeing tae let burn?” Nessa said.

“None,” Keith leaned forward, hands clasped. “We should take the fight tae him, once and for all. We cannae keep allowing him tae burn the Highlands.”

“I agree,” Ramsay said, sharing a curt nod with Keith. “The longer this continues, the more opportunity he hae tae bend other clans tae his will and sow discord. I hae nae doubt that he already hae some scheme in mind tae destabilize us. This hae tae end with us taking his head and showing the Highlands that the threat is over.”

Ryan looked around at the others. Beitris remained quiet for now. There was a heavy look in Ryan’s eyes as he pursed his lips.

“I am inclined tae agree. We must muster our forces and assault his land. It will nae be an easy affair. I’m sure he hae burrowed intae his Keep and is hiding in a deep, dark place. We will bring him intae the light and make him pay for his crimes. I want each of ye tae gather yer best men. We must leave behind enough tae defend our Keeps. I’m sure he expects us tae attack, and he might be waiting for us tae leave our homes undefended.”

“Finally! I hae been saying we should hae stormed his castle from the beginning. Save the killing blow for me. I want tae make up for last time,” Nessa said, narrowing her eyes. “Och, and Ryan, if ye cannae make use of Beitris, I will hae her with my archers.”

As she spoke, she glanced towards Beitris and gave a quick smile. Ryan seemed annoyed, but he did not say anything that would prevent Beitris from fighting. She’d already threatened to join Nessa’s army, and now that she had Nessa’s explicit approval it became clear that she was going to take part in the battle, even if Ryan would rather she didn’t.

However, Beitris found that she wanted to remain with her father’s forces.

She wanted to fight alongside Logan.

“There is another matter we must discuss,” Allan said with a serious look on his face. “We must ensure that every man in our armies can be trusted. There is one among us who raises concerns.”

“Who?” Ryan asked. Beitris felt an uncomfortable curdling sensation in her stomach.

“Logan,” Allan said.

“He saved Da’s life,” Elliot looked surprised at Allan’s words.

“He came from nowhere. We dinnae ken anything about him. I hae looked intae his past, but there’s naething. A man with nae past raises suspicions.”

“He hae a past, but Warnock wiped it out,” Beitris piped up, perhaps with more vehemence than she should have shown. “He lost his family and was left an orphan. Fighting was all he had and he found his way tae us. He will nae let us down.”

“I agree,” Ryan said.

Beitris kept Mikkel’s words to herself. Even if Allan was right to be suspicious, she would keep an eye on him. He thought he was guarding her, but the opposite was true.

“Very well, but I think he should be reassigned from our personal guard for the time being. It seems a waste of good talents for him to be kept behind walls. He should be in the first line of defense, the first man that the enemy encounters. I will put him on patrol,” Allan continued.

Ryan didn’t disagree with this.