Page 47 of In Bed with her Highland Foe

“They are good people,” she said with a soft smile, looking at the village as she held on tightly to her reins. She chose a path that led back toward the village, aware that Shay was plainly reluctant to follow on his own horse, wanting to make their ride as long as possible. “They have had turbulent years, with the loss of me father and what me sister did… They need stability now.”

“And the clan’s finances? Is all safe and well, me lady?”

She jerked her head toward him, shifting her grasp on her mare’s reins. He’d asked the question almost nonchalantly, yet his gaze was set firmly on the castle nestled in the valley ahead of them.

Why would he ask such a question?

“Does the state of me finances matter much tae ye, me laird?” she asked, her tone a little wary. “While I am aware that an arranged marriage like ours is mainly a way fer our clans tae join forces, through armies and finances, I was also under the impression ye had come tae see me, tae enquire about a betrothal, because ye’d heard much about me? Nae so much fer me finances, as I presumed ye had nay such worries.”

The guard behind them coughed once again to cover up his laughter at her words.

If Shay was embarrassed, he covered it up very well indeed. He rode his horse closer to hers, that easy smile on his lips as he swept back his pale blond hair with a casual flick of his fingers.

“I am simply curious. I want tae ken I can be of use tae yer people,” he lowered his voice, moving closer to her, “as well as yer lover.”

She shuddered and looked away.

She was quite sure now. It didn’t matter that Laird Shay was handsome, she was quite certain that all his cool and charming words were an act. She also couldn’t imagine being his lover.

I dinnae think I can ever share his bed.

“We must give the council an answer soon, me lady,” he said, clearing his throat and looking forward again. “As tae whether we will wed or nae. Fer me part, I could declare me heart right now –”

“Fer the love of a large purse,” she muttered under her breath, though he plainly didn’t hear her, for he continued on.

“Let us bring our clans together. We’d be mightier, joined in an alliance, and under me lairdship, I’d vow tae ye tae keep ye and yer people safe.”

It was a promise she longed to hear, someone who would put the safety of the people as their priority, yet for some reason, she found it hard to believe with Laird Shay.

“And what have ye done fer yer own people?” she asked, lifting her chin to meet his gaze. “Tell me, what are their taxes like? Have they well recovered from wars and battles with the Gregors?”

“Aye, they have.”

Another coughing laugh drew her attention, and she looked behind her at the guard. He looked quite dismissive, though he was not aware of her gaze on him. He shook his head to himself, struggling with his pike as he followed them.

For some reason, this guard plainly didn’t believe Laird Shay’s claim.

“Tell me, Kyven,” Shay said, dropping her title and making her flinch in surprise. He rode his horse so close to hers that their legs brushed together. She recoiled, feeling a burning sensation in her gut that was not pleasant, but unnerving. “What shall we tell the council of our futures?”

“We shall tell them nothing yet,” she said with sudden purpose. “Come, let us race back tae the castle.” She smiled forcefully. “I hope any husband of mine kens how tae ride a horse well.” She didn’t wait any longer but flicked the reins hard and shot off toward the castle. She must have shocked Laird Shay, for he trailed behind, even though the guard kept up with her well.

She distracted herself with the feeling of the wind buffeting her, the excitement of feeling free for a few minutes, before she was back within the confines of the castle’s curtain walls, shooting across the bridge on the loch and reaching the courtyard. She slowed the horse down, just as the guard drew up alongside her.

“Ye laughed,” she murmured as she caught her breaths.

“Me lady?” He blushed red.

“When Laird Shay talked of his clan being happy, ye laughed. What is it ye ken?” she asked. When he blushed a deeper shade of red than before and stepped down from his horse, she urged her mare around to cut off his path. “Ye have done nothing wrong,” she assured him. “I only wish tae ken what it is I dinnae ken.”

“Ah.” He shifted his weight between his feet, fidgeting with the pike. “Me lady, I have a cousin in Laird Shay’s clan.” His face darkened. “I dinnae believe high taxes and hunger spell fer happiness.”

Her stomach knotted tight as she glanced back at Laird Shay who was now riding slowly along the bridge toward them. He looked unsettled in the saddle, as if the horse had tried to dislodge him more than once.

He lied tae me.

“Thank ye,” she murmured to the guard. “I needed tae hear that.”

He nodded and walked away, returning to his post. As Kyven stepped down, she noticed once more that there was a commotion at the edge of the courtyard. Guards and soldiers were gathered together, muttering about something. Some men seemed to be acting out raising pistols. Maids nearby gasped at the horror of the reenactment. Amongst the group were Aaden and Helen.