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“Aye, I thought that myself for a time as well,” he replied with a wry smile. “There were a few of us lost away from the keep. We were smashed and broken and couldnae make it back. When I saw the enemy going taewards the keep, I took what little of us were left and retreated intae the woods. I knew we couldnae defeat them. We were tae wounded for that, but I hoped that we might be able tae gather our strength and fight back when we recovered. While ye were all in the keep, we searched the battlefield for any who were wounded and dragged them back with us. Thank goodness we know these woods better than anyone else,” he said.

Ainsly almost fainted with relief. She swooned and pressed her hand to her heart. “I’m sae glad tae hear that, Seamus. I thought all was lost.”

“Nae yet,” he said, a determined look etched upon his face. Hope started to flicker within her heart. “But tell me, how are things in the castle? I’m glad tae see that our soldiers hae nae been executed.”

“Aye, but dinnae gae thinking that this new laird is a merciful one. He only kept them safe because I made a deal with him.”

“A deal?” Seamus asked, arching an eyebrow.

Ainsly ran her hand through her hair and turned her gaze away from him. “Aye, I’m tae be his wife. In return, he will nae banish anyone tae the wild. As long as I am loyal tae him, he’ll respect my loyalty tae my people.”

Seamus’s face flushed with anger. “The bastard!” he cursed, clenching his fist. “I will make him pay for this. When is the wedding?”

“Soon. He wilnae wait for long.”

Seamus shook his head. “Anything sooner than a week or two is tae long. We’re wounded badly, and we need tae recover before we attack. I dinnae think I’ll be able tae stop the wedding. I want tae try and contact those inside the keep as well so we can revolt from the inside.”

“There are still loyal soldiers. I know that Calum is itching tae dae something. I will try and tell him that ye are out here so we can exchange messages, but we shall be careful. I wouldnae wish anyone tae suspect that ye are out here.”

“Nae, and I think it’s best ye dae nae take many trips yerself. If they find out ye are talking with me, they might condemn us all,” Seamus said gravely.

“I hae nae doubt of that,” Ainsly said. “I am glad of yer plans. When ye are ready, I shall try and keep my new husband occupied. He is an arrogant man. It wilnae take much effort tae convince him he haes won.”

Seamus nodded. A noise distracted them, and panic flared between them. Seamus clutched her hand and squeezed it tightly, reminding her that he was out here. She nodded and then turned back as he disappeared into the forest. While she was still alone, she allowed herself a smile, for the battle was not over yet. There were still attacks to be made and wounds to be dealt with. Ian might be comfortable in her throne, but in time he would realize that it wasn’t his rightful place to sit. She returned to her keep with her heart buoyed.