Page 16 of Forbidden Kilted Highlander

“I’ll get her there,” Tav said. “Safe. Nay delays. Nay danger.”

Kerr said nothing for a long moment. Then, “Ye’ll ride taenight.”

Tav blinked. “Taenight?”

“The moon’s full. Ye’ll have light. I’ll write a letter tae the Caithness steward explaining reason there is nay convoy. Ye’ll deliver it tae him yerself.”

Tav inclined his head. “Aye.”

Kerr moved to his desk, retrieving a quill with practiced fingers. He sat at last, scribbling across the page. Tav stood silent, unmoving, waiting for the dismissal.

But Ewan didn’t dismiss him.

“I ken ye think I’m hard on ye,” Kerr said, still writing. “And maybe I am. But I trust ye more than I’ve trusted any other man under me roof. Dinnae make me regret it.”

Tav nodded slowly. His voice felt thick. “I willnae.”

When Kerr finished writing, he folded the paper and pressed his seal into the wax. He handed the letter over without looking Tav in the eye.

“Leave under the cover of dark.”

Tav took the letter. “Aye.”

“God help ye if anything happens tae her.”

Tav bowed his head slightly. “Naething will.”

Tav left the office in silence, the door closing behind him with a soft click that echoed louder than it should have.

The corridor was dark, the sconces flickering. Somewhere in the castle, the staff worked in hushed footsteps, and wind whispered at the corners of the stone. He moved without sound, his boots silent on the floor, his thoughts louder than ever.

Would she hate him for this? For dragging her into another ride through darkness and danger? Or would she understand?

He’d take her to Caithness even if it killed him.

He’d do this one thing right.