Page 44 of Tempting the Highland Captive

CHAPTERNINETEEN

The next morning, Amelia awoke sore and alone but feeling deliciously fulfilled. She and Ron had made love many times throughout the night. There had been very little talking as they had been content to lie peaceably in each other’s arms when they were not completely wrapped up in one another’s bodies. There was blood upon the bed, and it was impossible to tell what was from Ron’s wounds or the remains of her virginity. Rising, she bathed herself in the bowl on the washstand and dressed for the day. Gathering the soiled bedclothes, she descended the back stairs to the kitchens and deposited them into a tub of water to soak.

“Yer husband is down at the training yard speaking with Lucas,” Maggie informed her as she handed her a bannock. “I tried tae get His Lairdship tae go back tae bed, but he wished tae speak with Lucas about what his spies have discovered.”

Amelia nodded her head. “I would verra much like tae ken that myself.”

Taking another bannock, Amelia left the kitchen and walked down to the training yard. She knew that Lucas liked to train his men early in the day before their other duties. She found Ron leaning against a tree watching the men train. Walking over to him, she stood on tiptoe and placed a kiss upon his lips. “Wife,” he greeted with a smile, taking her hand in his.

“Husband, ye should be abed.”

Ron’s smile broke out into a grin. “Aye, I should.” He moved closer to her, his body pressing against hers.

“Have ye spoken with Lucas?”

“Nae, nae as o’ yet. He has been occupied with other matters.” He gestured toward Lucas at the far end of the training field showing his eldest nephew how to properly defend himself against an opponent’s attack. “With the dangers o’ bein’ attacked, he did nae want his sister tae return home just yet.”

“I cannae say that I blame him for that.”

“Nor I.”

“Have the spies returned?”

Ron shook his head. “Nae, but they have sent a messenger who spoke with Lucas then returned tae continue spying. Apparently, Lucas came to the castle tae give his report, but we were still abed.”

Amelia smiled and laid her head on Ron’s arm. When Lucas noticed them standing together on the edge of the field, he passed his nephew’s training to another warrior and walked over to join them. “My lady,” he greeted with a nod of deference. He eyed them both in appraisal, a flash of disapproval in his eyes, but did not remark on his obvious conclusions about their newfound closeness. Amelia blushed and Ron wrapped his arm around her waist in a protective fashion.

“Ye have heard from our spies?”

“Aye.” Lucas nodded. “They were able tae track the attackers back tae Rossell’s lands.”

“Then there is nae doubt as tae who is responsible.”

“Nae, My Lady, but ye will need more than that tae convince the other lairds that he has done such a thing. Ye will need tae get him tae confess it tae witnesses. Ye will need tae convene a meeting o’ the neighboring lairds.” He turned his eyes onto Ron. “And ye will need tae be there with her in yer duty as laird.”

Ron shifted uncomfortably against Amelia’s side, and she looked up to read his face. It was clear that he was distressed by the idea. “My presence would only bring further harm.”

Lucas shook his head. “’Tis yer duty as her husband. The lass will need the protection that yer marriage gives her.”

“I ken that ye tried tae kill Rossell in the past, but ye were pardoned for it by the king. Ye need nae fash yerself about returning tae prison,” Amelia gently reminded him. “This is why I married ye, if ye will recall.” She did not speak as if he were beholding to her, only to acknowledge the fact that she needed him.

Ron sighed but tightened his hold on her waist. “As ye wish.”

“I wish that I had ne’er laid eyes on the repulsive creature that is Michael Rossell, but there is nae that can be done about that now.”

“If all goes well, mayhap he will take my place in prison,” Ron growled. “Let the hangman finish it for me.”

“Aye,” Lucas agreed.

It was clear to Amelia that both men would have gladly killed Rossell themselves without giving it a second thought, but that neither of them wished to be hanged for it and leave her alone unprotected. “If there is a way for the king tae deal with Rossell for us, that would be the best possible outcome.”

“But if he does nae.” Lucas let the threat hang in the air between them.

“Aye.” Ron nodded in agreement. The two men shared one last look, then Ron kissed the top of Amelia’s head breaking the tension. “When will ye set the meeting?”

“As soon as possible. Hopefully our spies will find something more before we do.” Amelia returned to the castle to inform Maggie that they would be hosting more guests in the near future.

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