Page 49 of The Highlander’s Gypsy Temptation

“Andrew.“ He turned around to face her, and Idalia took in a deep breath before she spoke. He had been nothing but nice to her, and she felt terrible that she had chosen to humiliate him this way, on the day of their wedding.

“I am so sorry, Andrew. I know that—” Andrew held up his hands before she could continue, and Idalia grimaced as she awaited his scalding response.

“Ye have nae reason tae be sorry, Idalia.” He patted her shoulder and smiled his gentle smile at her. “This has always been the plan, has it nae? Ye were always meant tae be my sister rather than my wife, and I am glad ye will get whom ye have always wanted. I kenned from the beginning that ye loved my brother and only him, so it would make nae sense for me tae be angry, dae ye nae think?” he asked her.

Idalia nodded, glad she had someone like him on her side.

“Thank you, Andrew. You have been so wonderful to me in all of this, and I am honoured to know you.”

“I will make sure to protect ye while we are at the battlefield so that nothing happens to ye,” he smiled at her. “However, I need ye tae promise me one thing. I need ye tae promise tae stay close tae me at all times.”

Idalia nodded her head, her eyes brimming once more with unshed tears as she listened to his words. He might not have been the one for her, but he really was a good man, a perfect man even.

“I promise,” she said finally.

“Good. Ye should go prepare for the road as the soldiers are.” Andrew smiled at her one more time before hurrying off to join the soldiers and listen to the briefings Dunn was giving to them.

Idalia stayed where she was and watched him for a moment before turning on her heels and going to do as he bid. Her sisters and Adamina still remained in her rooms, waiting patiently for her and more news. She sighed as she closed the door behind her and rested on it for a moment, trying to sort out her thoughts.

“You do know that this is extremely reckless?” her sisters asked her after she had filled them in on everything. Idalia nodded.

“I know, but I have to do this. I am going to save the man I love.”

“Well, it is good that you have finally admitted he is the man that you love,” Katarina said to her and smiled, and Idalia nodded once again.

“Yes, I have.”

“Good. Now go and show August Raymond what a gypsy lass can do.” They wrapped themselves around her in a group embrace, and Idalia closed her eyes as she drew strength from their warmth and love.

She knew well that if she did not come back home with Bran, she would not be returning at all.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Idalia climbed up to a hill she had noticed the last time they were at August’s camp. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest and threatening to fail her at any moment as they spied the camp. She had watched as Bran, who was tied to a tree, was punched over and over again, too many times for her to count. Dunn had attempted to pull her away when he realized what she was looking at, but she had held on with her nails, so he had finally relented and let her watch.

What Idalia saw next was too much for her, and she suddenly wished she had let go when Dunn had tried to shield her eyes. Idalia had watched as August Raymond dragged his niece out of a tent and towards Bran, who raged at seeing her and struggled against his bindings. She had watched the lass reach for her father, only to be dragged back by her uncle’s men. Idalia’s heart had broken for the bairn, who had committed no crime save to be born into the family of a madman. Because that was what August Raymond was: a madman that would soon meet his end.

Idalia had turned away just in time to see Andrew’s jaw clench as he watched the niece he had never met being tied to a tree. She screamed continually for her father, and Idalia prayed that he would not break free and run to her, thereby throwing their plans to the wind.

It was not long before they saw August retreat back to his tent, some of his men going with him. Others remained to watch their abductees, occasionally taunting Bran or abusing him.

The rescuers looked around, taking note of August’s men. They appeared to be scattered all over the place. However, they were all very leisurely, with only a few actually standing guard. The ones who had been guarding the tent had retreated for breakfast, leaving only a few behind.

Idalia could not help but feel pity for Mahala. The poor, darling girl must be so scared and confused, wondering what was happening and what she had done wrong to deserve the punishment she was currently receiving.

Bran, on the other hand, must have been blaming himself for the punishment his daughter was currently facing. She doubted the man would ever forgive himself for the rest of his life if something happened to Mahala.

They had enough men to put up a decent battle, though they were still outnumbered. However, Dunn had sent a message to his brother asking for his help. Idalia was happy to have these fiercely loyal brothers who would do anything for the people they loved. Tor’s men added to theirs gave them enough in terms of manpower to fight the battle and be assured victory.

Tor arrived, wanting to provide more safety since Idalia was going with them. Her sisters were worried at the idea of her being on the road, especially since she was stepping into the camp of a man who clearly wanted her and was willing to do anything to make sure he claimed her for himself.

Idalia understood the concerns of her sisters. She knew she would have been just as worried if they had been the ones embarking on this mission that should have been left for the men to handle.

The plan had been for a surprise attack, as that was their best shot at winning the battle. She had promised Andrew to stay by his side, and that was all the protection she needed from August Raymond and his men.

“I cannot believe how horrible a human being August Raymond is for him tae be able tae stomach the idea of ever hurting his own niece like that,” Dunn muttered angrily after they had climbed down from the hill, after watching her being brought back into her tent. He seemed to be the one most affected by August’s behavior towards his own family.

“We need to save Mahala first,” Idalia said. “Even if we try to save Bran, as long as he knows Mahala is still in danger, he is a liability. He is ready to place himself in danger to ensure her safety, especially when he knows the man in question is August. Also, August knows Bran would do anything to ensure her safety, and he will make sure to use that to his advantage. So, Mahala should be our priority.”