Page 71 of Wicked Kilted Highlander

CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO

The dimly lit great hall buzzed with urgency as Harris, Quinn, and Gil donned their heavy cloaks and sheathed their swords. The cold air from the open door sent a shiver down Lara's spine, her heart racing in tandem with each clank of metal against metal. She watched her father's face, marked with worry and determination, while her brothers' taut expressions mirrored the tension everyone was feeling.

"Faither," Lara began, her voice a little above a whisper as she fought to maintain composure. "I must come with ye tae find Darragh."

Harris looked at his daughter, his eyes softening for a brief moment before he shook his head firmly, the echoes of his decision reverberating throughout the chamber. "Nay, lass. ’Tis too dangerous for ye tae accompany us. Ye've just recovered from yer illness, and it wouldnae be wise tae put yerself at risk.”

Lara clenched her fists, the words ‘too dangerous’ ringing in her ears. Anger surged through her veins, but she held her tongue, remembering the love and concern which guided her father’s decisions. She knew he only wished to protect her.

“Faither, please,” she implored, desperation seeping into her voice, “I need tae be there when we find him. He needs me.”

“Ye’ll only slow us down, Lara, and Darragh would never forgive us for taking you with us after what you have been through," Quinn chimed in, his hands gripping the hilt of his sword as if ready to charge into battle at any moment. "We'll bring him home, I swear it."

"Listen tae yer brother," Harris said, his voice resolute as he placed a hand on Lara's shoulder, feeling the tremor that ran through her body. "Stay here, where it's safe. We'll find Darragh and return him tae you if he is innocent. Ye have me word.”

Lara looked into her father’s eyes, searching for a shred of doubt or uncertainty, but found only the fierce determination of a man who would move mountains for his family. She swallowed hard, forcing back the tears that threatened to betray her resolve. In that moment, she knew there was no changing his mind.

“Very well,” she whispered, the words tasting sour on her tongue as her fingers shook with barely concealed fury. “Please… I beg you… find him."

"Ye have me promise, lass," Harris replied softly, before turning away and leaving Lara standing as the door shut behind them, as if sealing her fate.

Lara's heart pounded in her chest, the echoes of her father's words still resonating within her. She clenched her fists tightly, nails digging into her palms as she vowed to herself, "I will find him, nae matter the cost."

The resolution that fueled her was as unwavering as the love she held for Darragh. Her father and brothers may have left without her, but Lara would not be so easily deterred. With every fiber of her being, she knew she needed to be by his side.

"Faither be damned," Lara muttered under her breath, the words shattering the silence like shards of ice against stone.

Back in her chambers, her fingers flew over her belongings, rummaging in search of anything that might aid her on her journey. A sturdy pair of boots, a warm woolen cloak, small vials of healing salves and tinctures—all were hastily gathered and stuffed into a worn leather satchel.

"Godspeed," she whispered to herself, hoisting the satchel onto her shoulder and casting one last glance at the room. Then, her jaw set resolutely, Lara MacLean strode from her chamber, ready to face whatever trials lay ahead to save the man she loved.

But she soon encountered Elsie standing before her in the hallway, hands on hips, her eyes narrow as she stared at Lara.

"Ye dinnae think ye'd go without me, did ye?" her sister said, her look challenging.

"Och, Elsie," Lara sighed, relief and trepidation warring within her. She feared her sister would try to stop her yet couldn't bear to leave her behind. "I cannae risk ye getting hurt."

"Ye ken I've nae intention of staying here while ye put yerself in danger fer Darragh," Elsie retorted, and Lara realized her sister was already dressed for the outdoors. "Besides, ye'll need me help.”

Lara hesitated, wringing her hands together. She wished to protect her sister, but she knew Elsie spoke true; they were stronger together. Finally, she agreed. "Aye, we'll face this like MacLean lasses—side by side."

"Good," Elsie said, her voice softening. "Now, let's nae waste any more time. We have me new brother tae find. But we need a weapon. Come on."

They headed for Gil’s room, seeking out her brother's old dagger in the drawer of his nightstand. Lara took it, feeling the cold steel as she carefully wrapped it in a worn linen cloth before tucking it into her satchel. Elsie stood near the door, her fingers nervously playing with the neck of her cloak.

"What else dae ye think we'll need?" Lara asked, her eyes scanning the room for any overlooked necessities.

"Food, blankets, maybe a wee bit o' coin," Elsie murmured, her gaze darting around the room as well. They took two blankets from Gil’s bed and rolled them up neatly, then pocketed the change in a bag in the drawer of his nightstand.

“All is set then.”

"Let’s get some bread and cheese from the kitchen, then we’ll go tae the stables, but we must be quiet," Elsie whispered, and Lara nodded, her jaw set.

They slipped through the darkened corridors to the kitchens, where they hurriedly packed up some victuals and water. Then, clutching their wee bundle of supplies, they resumed their silent passage through the castle, heading for the exit nearest the stables, pausing only to press themselves against the cold stone walls as the distant sound of soldiers' footfalls echoed through the passages.

"Do ye think they can be far ahead?" Elsie asked.

"Keep yer voice down," Lara hissed, her heart skipping a beat at the sudden noise. "We cannae let anyone hear us."