Page 52 of Highland Vows of Betrayal

A guard opened the door wide.

“My laird? Yer brother is ready with the soldiers. They await yer presence.”

“Aye, very well.” He waved for the guard to leave. Noah felt Scarlett's hand on his arm as the man’s footsteps retreated and the door closed behind him.

“Ye are going?”

“We will search the village and forest thoroughly. If those men are still out there, I intend to find them.” She swallowed and he saw the same glimmer of fear in her expression he’d seen the night before in the croft, yet she didn’t speak of it.

She’s too courageous for that.

“Aye, take care then,” she said softly, releasing his arm.

“Trust me,” he whispered. “Nae one will hurt me.” He stole another quick kiss, enjoying the fact that she didn’t pull away from him.

“Ye keep asking me tae trust ye.”

“I told ye before. I will keep saying it until ye do.” He stepped back, but felt the need for another touch between them. “Take care while I am gone,” he whispered, and passed a hand down her arm. “Look after yer wound.” Then he turned and left.

He never looked back, even when the door closed behind him, for he feared what her expression would be.

I am never this way. Never! Yet with Scarlett things are different.

He hurried through the castle. At the armory he appropriated two swords, a crossbow, and a pistol. When he was ready, he joined Ian and the other soldiers waiting in the courtyard.

“Are ye ready for this?” Ian called, urging his horse alongside Noah’s. “If we dinnae find them easily in the village, it could turn into a long search.” He glanced back at the castle. “Something tells me ye might enjoy the company ye find at home were we not about to embark on a search.”

“Nae teasing now, Ian,” Noah said. “Let us get this done and find the bastards that tried to hurt my bride.” An image flashed in his mind of the moment Scarlett dived underwater to escape the arrows flying her way.

Whoever dares hurt her will have to face me.

“We stay out all night if necessary. Let us find these men now.” Noah pulled the reins and led the way out. They crossed the drawbridge at the end of the lawn and passed into the village. The soldiers followed close behind and awaited orders. “Fan out!” he called. “Search for five cloaked men. Check houses, taverns, ditches and any other place they might hide. They could be anywhere.”

* * *

Scarlett stared at her plate, flanked by two candles that made the pewter glow. Beside her was the head of the table, with an empty chair where Noah would have sat. Opposite her was another empty chair, where Ian should have been.

“Lady Eloise, are ye nae hungry?” the steward asked, offering a fresh cup of mead.

“A little,” she said, offering a smile. “Ye find me longing for company this evening.”

“I understand. The great hall can feel lonely at times,” he murmured kindly.

“Aye, indeed.”

“Here. Try the capon, me lady. The cook’s capon is the finest and sure to bring a smile to yer face.”

“Thank ye.” Scarlett served the capon and longed for the steward to stay by her side. He had retreated to the door and begun conversing with the guards standing there.

There are more guards than there were before.

Scarlett supposed Noah ordered additional guards to protect her in case anyone came hunting for her again. At the thought of Noah, she looked at the empty chair beside her. She imagined what it would be like if Noah sat there. Would they talk and laugh together as they did on their adventure day? Would there be that sexual tension between them that was there the day before when he took his leave of her?

“He’s been gone a while,” she murmured to herself. Noah and Ian had been gone one night, and with the second night drawing night, it seemed they would not return anytime soon. They were searching hard for the attackers who meant her harm.

Perhaps there was something Eloise forgot tae tell me. Maybe she kens something of these men?

Yet Scarlett dismissed the idea quickly, certain that Eloise was too good-hearted not to mention it. If she knew of any danger, she would have warned her surely.