Page 27 of Highlander’s Quest of Desire

Yet, he still felt awful. How did the Bishop expect him to be a just king if he couldn't recognize and stop atrocities happening to a woman under his nose?

"That's my story," she said, taking a stick and building up the fire. "Now, what does yer map say? Where are we headed next?"

"Are ye certain ye want to come with me?" he asked.

"Aye," she nodded. "It is just the thing I was after when I left home. Yer nae getting rid of me so easy, Laird Grant."

It thrilled him when she said his name like that. "Even though I was mean to ye?" he asked, gently tugging at a lock of her hair.

She looked at the strand of her hair between his fingers, a blush stealing over her cheeks. "Aye," she said, and Bruce saw her swallow. He wanted to kiss her delicate throat. "Even though ye were mean toward me."

"I am sorry about that," he said, leaning closer to her. The mist around them swirled, shrouding them from prying eyes. He wished to take her lips, and he sensed she would not object. Chin tilted upwards, lips slightly parted, her hooded eyes sparkled with expectation.

"Are ye?" she asked, a hint of challenge in her voice.

The little minx, he thought. Bruce delighted at the show of confidence. He ached to run his hands along her spine, to pull down her dress and explore her. She was a map he wanted to discover the secrets to.

The sound of a breaking twig a few feet away alerted them both to the presence of others. Breaking apart quickly, Bruce pulled her up and, without a thought, placed her on top of Willow. "Bruce!" she cried. "What are ye doing?" But he didn't wait and slapped the horse's hindquarters.

Once she was clear of the trees, he heard shouts from the West. Men in uniform chased after her on foot. English soldiers.

Shouting curses at them, Bruce quickly mounted his horse and sped after Elspeth. He charged down one of the soldiers and planted his boot in the man's back. The soldier went sprawling to the ground on his face. The other two tried to stand their ground and cut up his horse or his legs with their swords, but Bruce urged his horse to ride around them.

Soon they were far behind him. He galloped on a few miles, letting his horse follow the path he was sure Elspeth must have taken. He rode past the town which was sleeping peacefully at this time of night but saw no sign of Elspeth.

Heart pounding in his chest he wondered where she could have got to when he saw something white glisten ahead. It was the slip of her underskirts visible from the light of the moon.

"Elspeth!" he called.

She turned around, her eyes wide and terrified. They rode a few more miles then stopped to catch their breath. Bruce helped Elspeth off her horse, and she embraced him. Her skin was cold against his, but her arms held him tightly to her. He felt the swell of her breasts against his chest, and the scent of her filled his nostrils. Mint and lemon, and all things good, that was what she smelt of.

"I was afraid they had captured ye," she said, pulling away from him. Immediately, he missed her physical touch. "Did they hurt ye?"

"Nae," he said, removing her hands from his arms. They had nearly been captured because of his inattentiveness. So engrossed was he in Elspeth's story and caring for her that he had let his guard down, and they had nearly been ambushed. "I couldnae bring yer saddle. Yer bags have also been left behind. We're without provisions."

"Then we must turn to a friend," she said, her expression puzzled. No doubt she was confused by his change in demeanor. "Laird Labert's castle is nae far from Falkirk. We can seek refuge there for a few days."

"Nae!" Bruce snapped. "Laird Labert is nae to be trusted. Leo told me in the strictest confidence that Laird Labert was the one who betrayed me to the English. If we go to him for help he will throw us both in the stockades!"

"I donnae believe a word of it," Elspeth said. "Leo is misinformed. Laird Labert is the kindest man I ken."

"Just because he was considerate to ye for a few spring festivals doesnae mean he is a loyal Scotsman. Yer wrong." Elspeth looked like Bruce had struck her. "We will head to Falkirk. I have a few pennies to buy us food and lodgings on the way."

With that, he walked away from her to seek water for the horses. He was certain she must be cursing him, and his heart hurt but also rejoiced in it. She deserved someone better, a man in possession of his castle, not on the run from danger at every corner. Elspeth Buchan had led a hard life; it was unfair of him to expect her to continue to do so with him.

It was imperative that Elspeth be sent back to Blair Atholl as soon as possible. He could not risk her anymore. She was too precious to him. But the least she knew of that the better. He had known her a little while, but he understood she had a stubborn streak. If she was determined to stay, no one could make her leave.

Hardening his heart, Bruce vowed to give her no reason to stay.