Highlander's Guardian (3 page)

“I’m no maid but I’ll manage.” Bare skin, so creamy and smooth, beckoned. He brushed aside her glossy blond locks, picked up the ties and laced the stays as quickly as he could. Finished, he ran her comb through her hair until the pale strands curled around his fingers like a silken web. “You’re presentable.”

Now they needed to go. His desire for her deepened with each moment they spent together, something he couldn’t allow.

Finding her a husband was imperative, and soon.

* * * *

Annie wandered down the passageway, Colin at her side and his crisp outdoor scent swirling around her, a delectable tease of pine and fresh water she’d always adored.

“What has that smile on your face?” He pressed a hand to her lower back and warm tingles raced across her skin.

“Thoughts of you.” If only she had more time to choose a husband, but Rory expected her to secure an engagement before they left Holyrood.

“You shouldnae be thinking of me.” Colin stopped at the entrance to the great hall.

She took a deep, fortifying breath. The massive vaulted room held a sweeping crown of rafters rising to an impressive height more similar to a small cathedral. Beautiful tapestries, of hunting and landscape scenes, hung with pride around the vast room filled with a merry and hungry crowd. “Well, finding Aunt Elizabeth and Rory in this gathering willnae be an easy task.”

“But find them we will. Come.” Colin weaved around the perimeter and she followed in his path around the mingling groups. A serving girl approached with a tray and he accepted two goblets of wine, handed her one then continued on through the doors leading into a side room where pipers played a lively tune.

Music flowed around her as she sipped. “Can you see them?”

“Nay, no’ yet. Mayhap we should eat afore attempting a more in-depth search.” He stopped before a side table with a white embroidered tablecloth fluttering in the breeze from the open balcony doors. The table was laden with platters of meat and succulent roasted vegetables. Colin set his goblet down and selected a sugared plum, one of her favorite fruits. “Try this.” He slipped it between her lips.

The sweet ripeness burst over her tongue and she licked his trailing fingertip, not wanting to miss a drop of the delicious juice. “Mmm, wonderful.”

He groaned and cleared his throat. “Next time you can feed yourself.”

She grinned. “All I heard was next time.”

“Good evening.” Arthur, Colin’s right-hand man, eased past a group of guests and joined them. Wearing a forest-green silk tunic and black leather trews, the striking colors matched his vivid green gaze and midnight-black hair to perfection. “Annie, you’re looking bonny this eve.”

“Thank you. And you look dangerously dashing.”

“Ah, lass, you’ll make me blush.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss against her knuckles.

“Enough.” Colin knocked Arthur’s shoulder. “No dallying with Annie when you’re still distressed about the lass you lost.”

“What lass is that?” Arthur frowned, his expression perplexed.

Oh, Colin had been telling fibs again. Well, two could play at that game. She set her goblet down and faced Arthur. The warrior stroked the hilt of his belted sword and the blade swayed and glinted in the candlelight. Aye, Arthur appealed, and she’d always felt so protected whether he or Colin were nearby. Certainly the man’s towering height and powerful bearing showcased the depth of his MacLean ancestry, that of their Gaelic clan born of a king. Arthur had also always had a kind word for her. “How have you been of late, Arthur?”

“Better if our chief were no’ locked behind bars.”

Colin rested his hand on her lower back, stroked his thumb in a small circle. “Aye, I’m still awaiting word on when I may see Lachlan, but I hope soon.”

Unable to help herself, she inched closer to Colin. His little touches always soothed her. “Why is the king taking so long to approve a visit?”

“He inserts his control, and none may gainsay him.” Colin eyed his man. “We’ve been looking for Rory and Elizabeth. Have you by chance seen either of them this eve?”

“I passed Elizabeth only a moment ago.” He motioned over Annie’s shoulder toward a group of chattering women.

Her aunt’s back was to her, but her unmistakable auburn hair, piled high atop her head, gave proof ’twas her. “Oh, how did I miss her?” She squeezed Colin’s arm. “Stay and talk to Arthur. I willnae be long. I must see my aunt so she knows I’ve arrived.”

“A sound idea. Save your first dance for me.”

“I will.” She clutched her skirts and eased around the dancers toward Elizabeth.

“Well, well, if it isnae Annie MacLeod.” James MacDonald, attired in a great plaid fastened across his chest with a silver pin, stepped directly into her path. “You’re the very lass I was after.”

“James, how are you?” She fluttered her hand over her chest. Goodness, should Colin see her with his greatest enemy, a battle would certainly ensue.

“I’m well, but you’ve not yet been to Dunscaith Castle to see Anne.” He crossed his arms and lifted one bushy red eyebrow. “My brother’s new wife misses you.”

“As I miss Anne, but I thought it best to give her some time to settle into her new home and married life afore I asked Rory if a visit might be permissible.” Something she had no idea how she’d arrange when the relationship between their clans was so on edge. A truce had been achieved by the marriage of one of her kin, Anne MacLeod to Alex MacDonald, but ’twas still a very uneasy truce. “How is Anne?”

“Enjoying wedded bliss, as is my brother. ’Tis why I’ve come to Holyrood House in Alex’s stead. Tearing him away from his wife right now would be impossible.”

With Donald, his chief and uncle, currently in the cells, James would also be here for the same reason as Colin, to see his laird. Certainly no warrior left his chief to fight his battles alone.

“I’m also here because you are, Annie.”

“Pardon?”

“Word reached me on Skye that you’d traveled to court to seek a husband. Is the king still demanding you make a significant match?” Dozens of candles in the circular overhead chandelier highlighted the spark of interest in Donald’s eyes.

“Aye, but this time the choice is mine, a wish Rory granted me.” She and James had spoken honestly with each other during her short stay at Dunscaith.

“I’m glad.” He glanced over her head and snorted. “Colin MacLean appears rather disturbed we’re talking. It might pay for us to take this conversation to where we cannae be interrupted. Would you care to dance?”

“I was just on my way to see my—”

“Wonderful.” He swung her onto the floor as a new reel started.

“James, what are you doing?”

“Proving that not all the MacDonalds and MacLeods enjoy warring. Smile, otherwise MacLean will take my head off if he thinks you didnae wish to join me.”

“You’re playing with fire.” Still, she didn’t intend to be the catalyst for Colin calling James out, so she planted a smile on her face and curtsied as another couple joined them and they formed a small circle.

“I like fire, but I also like a woman with spirit, and that trait you have in abundance.” He caught her hands and moved her through the steps to the energetic tune.

A low growl sounded from close behind and she shivered as Colin made his displeasure more than known. To James, she whispered, “You’d best speak of what’s on your mind afore the song ends.”

“There is naught like a little rivalry to light a fire under a MacLean.” He grinned, clearly enjoying himself.

“James.” She wanted to slap him. “Speak now, or I shall leave you on this floor to fend off Colin on your own.”

He chuckled but nodded. “Aye, you and I have always enjoyed each other’s company which is unusual for those within our warring clans, and it’s that friendship that now leads me to what I’d like to ask of you. Annie, if you’re in need of a proposal, then I’d like you to consider forming an alliance with me. I realize you never wished to wed my brother, but ’tis time for me to take a wife and a marriage between the two of us would further strengthen the ties between our clans. When Anne wed Alex, it helped ease some of the immediate tension, but these are difficult times and unless the clans join more fully together, further unrest will only prevail.”

Had he just proposed to her in the middle of the dance floor?

“Lass, dinnae look so shocked.” He twirled her around and sent her pale blue skirts flying. “All I ask is that you take some time to consider my proposal, and while you do, allow me to court you. I simply ask for a fair chance at your hand.”

Could she marry James? Aye, he’d been kind and considerate to her during her stay at the MacDonald stronghold while awaiting her handfast to his brother at the king’s demand, and their friendship had remained strong since, but he was still Colin’s enemy. “I’m no’ sure.”

Concern furrowed his brow. “Have you received another offer?”

“Nay.”

“Then allow me to court you.”

“That would be as good as saying aye to your proposal since a courtship usually leads to an engagement.”

“Yet you must procure an engagement while you’re here.”

“An alliance has still been made between our clans because of Anne. She is a MacLeod and married to your brother.”

“Anne has no direct tie to Rory, only you do. There is also the fact your mother was a MacLean. With both you and Anne living at Dunscaith Castle, there will finally be a chance for this feud to ease between all three clans. ’Tis time for the MacDonalds, MacLeods and MacLeans to cease fighting. Help me bring a resolution to all the years of fierce warring. Between you and I, we could do so.”

She couldn’t deny the truth in his statement, and marrying for such a reason would be an honorable thing to do. “You’re quite serious?”

“Very.” He grinned. “On the morrow, come riding with me. We shall speak more then.”

“I would like that.” Colin wouldn’t, but then her choices were so limited.

“I’ll meet you at the stables after you’ve had time to break your fast.” He dipped his head.

“Aye, on the morrow.”

“Thank you for agreeing.” He pressed a kiss to her hand and walked away.

“What the hell did James want?” Colin rasped as he slid in behind her, his chest a solid wall of heat at her back.

“Dinnae be angry.” She spun around.

“Speak. I’ll have no secrets between us.”

“He wishes to form an alliance and build the bonds between our clans.”

“What kind of an alliance?” His golden eyes burned with fury.

“Surely you can imagine considering the reason why I’m here.”

“He intends to offer for you?”

“Aye, he made his position clear.”

“And so will I.” He leaned in until his nose brushed hers. “You’re no’ to go near him again, and I will make certain of it. Do we understand each other?”

She surely did, but perhaps Colin had forgotten she had a mind of her own.

“Damn it. You’re no’ listening. I can see that defiant spark in your eyes. We need to talk, and somewhere where we’ll be afforded more privacy.” He guided her through the balcony doors and into the cool night air.

Aye, they would talk, and she didn’t doubt this was one conversation she wouldn’t care for.

Colin stormed down the steps and along the pebbled path twisting through the trees, his hold on Annie’s hand firm.

“Slow down, Colin.”

“MacDonald touched you.”

“That happens when couples dance.”

“You’re no’ a couple.” He strode around a thick trunk and thumped it with his fist. “He touched you, and I could do naught about it.”

“I’m sorry.” Breathing hard, she caught his other hand before he could hit the tree again. “’Twas just a dance.” She squeezed his fingers. “One single dance.”

“I said I’d aid you in choosing a husband, but it’ll never be him.” Hell, her soft touch scorched him like a brand. He pressed her against the tree and planted his hands either side of her head. Looking into her beautiful eyes, he allowed his anger to dispel. “I’d never hurt you, but I’d kill to keep you safe. Make no mistake about that.”

“This feud between the clans must come to an end. Times are changing and I have a chance to make a difference. Please, make no mistake about that.” She smoothed her hands over his chest. “I have no’ said aye to James, but only agreed to see where things might lead. I’m still very open to anyone you might suggest a match with. Give me some choices.”

“I need time.” He pulled her into his arms, tucked her cheek against his chest and breathed in her intoxicating rose scent.

“Something I’m running out of.”

“I’m well aware, but you need a husband who understands how much love you have to give, that you thrive when your clan remains close by. A MacDonald cannae provide that when we’re at war with them.” Gently, he stroked down her sides and over the soft swell of her hips. He shouldn’t touch her so, except he couldn’t help himself, not after what he’d witnessed on the dance floor. He wanted to rip MacDonald’s arms from his sockets and slice his head from his shoulders. Aye, and he still might.

“Colin?” She lifted her head and met his gaze, her eyes deep pools of midnight-blue he wanted to drown in. “I’m used to you touching me, but no’ quite like this.”

“I’m simply comforting you.” He had no control over his emotions right now. All he wanted to do was to lower his head, take her mouth with his and kiss her as he’d secretly desired for three long years. If only she didn’t tempt him beyond his endurance, except this day, she’d unleashed the deepest craving he’d ever suffered. Now, desperate emotions warred within him as everything about her called to him. “I’m your guardian and I will remain so.”

Words he needed to tell himself over and over to make certain they stuck.

“So you’ve already told me. Speak to me.” She reached up on her toes and brushed her soft lips across his cheek. Temptation warred within him. If he turned his head a fraction, their lips would meet.

“This is one issue I dare no’ speak of. For both our sakes.”

“If there’s a chance there could be something more between us, then tell me.”

“There’s naught.” Firm words, yet he didnae mean them, no’ one bit.

“Annie! There you are,” Elizabeth called as she hurried down the path toward them. She swamped Annie in a hug, her navy skirts swishing around her. “I’ve been unable to find you all afternoon, and then I caught sight of you and Colin leaving the great hall. Are you well?”

“Very.” Annie hugged her back. “Colin needed some fresh air and requested my company. We spent the afternoon in the park.”

“That sounds lovely.” Elizabeth patted his arm. “Thank you, Colin. That’s wonderful of you to escort Annie while I napped. Oh, and afore I forget. Rory wished a word. He’s waiting for you inside.”

“I wish a word with him too.” He extended an arm to each of the ladies, glad for Elizabeth’s well-timed interruption. Another minute and he might well have given into Annie.

“I’ll walk ahead. This path is rather narrow.” Elizabeth waved off his offer, gripped her skirts and headed back toward the great hall.

“Annie.” He nodded for her to accept.

“Thank you.” She slid her fingers through his crooked elbow and a buzz of awareness tingled his fingers and toes. If he could just stop touching her all would be well, and if he could get rid of James MacDonald, even more so.

He strolled inside with Elizabeth leading the way around the crowded dance floor. Rory stood near the king’s hefty silver shield hanging in a pride of place along the far wall. Annie released him, adjusted the long sleeves of her pale blue gown edged with white lace and joined her chief and cousin.

“Good evening, Annie.” Rory grinned and tweaked her chin. “How has your day been?”

“Wonderful. I took a walk in the park and caught up with Colin. How have your discussions with the king gone?”

“There were several other clan chiefs present today, and the talks became rather tense, something I wish to speak to Colin about.” Smile gone, he gripped Colin’s shoulder. “The king demands an end to the feuds which rampage throughout Scotland, but few of the others are listening, no’ while he holds your chief and Donald and Angus MacDonald in the tower. The knowledge he’s tossed three mighty chiefs into the cells does no’ sit well with the other clan chiefs. The king grows frustrated by it all.”

“Thank you for the warning. I’m still awaiting the king’s permission to visit Lachlan, but once I’m permitted in, I’ll pass on your words.”

“James MacDonald also made the same request this afternoon, to visit with Donald.” Rory slid his gaze to Annie. “A man I’ve no’ long since seen you with. Do you care to explain?”

“As I told Colin, we enjoyed a dance. I am here to find a husband.”

“You need to steer well clear of the MacDonalds.” Rory drummed one foot. “Listen well, Annie. The feud between us and James’s clan might have recently eased due to their chief being locked away, but you’re no longer tied to them through a possible handfast. I need you to choose swiftly, but wisely.”

“There is also time, Annie.” Elizabeth opened her fan and fluttered it. “And plenty of men here at court for you to choose from. Goodness, this is such a dour conversation to be having when we should be enjoying ourselves. Mayhap some dancing would lighten our moods.” She tapped Colin’s arm with her fan. “What do you say, my boy?”

Only Elizabeth could get away with calling him a boy. He almost grinned, but instead he bowed his head toward her. “That sounds lovely. Would you care to dance, my lady?”

“You naughty boy.” She giggled. “I didnae mean with me but with Annie.”

“Aunt Elizabeth.” Annie gasped. “You’re the naughty one.” She glanced at him. “I’m sure you wish to speak to Rory some more. We can dance when you’re done.”

“Aye, but you promised me your first dance and since you didnae keep your word, you owe me the next two.” It wasn’t the best idea to dance with her when his emotions still ran amok, but the image of James on the floor with her wouldn’t leave his mind and the only way to dispel it was to replace it with one of himself. “Please, will you dance with me?”

A blush crept across her cheeks. “I’d like that.”

He led her across the floor and she curtsied, her gown’s square-cut neckline dipping and exposing the top milky swell of her breasts. She had the most gloriously smooth skin.

“So, Colin MacLean, what are your true intentions?” She danced forward and around him.

“Ah, whatever do you mean?”

“About your chief. I know you, and you’ll never allow Lachlan to remain behind bars for long.”

“Aye, but ’tis best I dinnae share my plans regarding Lachlan with you.”

“I knew it.” She narrowed her blue gaze and popped out her tiny chin, one stubborn chin he wished desperately to kiss. “You’re going to free him should the king no’ let him go. Am I right?”

“Shh, I dinnae need that kind of gossip spreading.” She was too clever by far. “Remember your promise, scamp.”

“What promise?”

“To keep clear of James.”

“I promised no such thing, and dinnae try to turn this conversation back on me.” She searched the room. “Mayhap I should dance with Arthur instead. Your second has kind eyes and a sweeter disposition than you.”

“There is naught sweet about the man, and he has the eyes of a hawk.”

“Is he no’ preferable to James as a husband?” She swept around him then back. “He’s so gallant.”

Every muscle in his body tensed. After he killed James, he’d kill Arthur.

“Goodness, where is your concentration this eve?” She frowned and caught his hands. “You’re standing still when we’re supposed to be moving in a circle.”

“My concentration disappeared when you said Arthur was gallant. The man is too old for you.”

“He’s the same age as you, which is a far more acceptable age than Lord Sinclare’s seventy years. I have so little time, and you need to stop finding fault with every man I might choose.”

“Then I’ll speak to Arthur.” He wouldn’t, not when he’d be forced to bear witness to their union on a daily basis should she marry him. That he could never—hell. Easing around the dancers, Arthur headed his way. His man motioned for him to leave the floor.

“It appears I’m needed.” He steered Annie toward Arthur but kept a firm hand at her back. “What’s happened?” he asked Arthur.

“One of the king’s men requested I find you. You’ve been given approval to visit Lachlan. This eve.”

Finally. This was the news he’d been waiting for, except he’d given Annie his word he’d help her.

“’Twill be all right.” Annie nodded in understanding. “You can aid me on the morrow, which might be better at any rate. Hopefully your head will have cleared of all your disapproving thoughts by then.”

“Those thoughts will never clear unless you cease putting them there.”

“You’re impossible.” She giggled and the sweet sound eased a touch of his frustration. He adored her laugh and had since the moment he’d first heard it escape her lips as a babe in her mother’s arms. She found such joy in everything she did.

“Something you shouldnae forget.” He tipped her chin up and looked into her eyes. He couldn’t believe what he was about to say. “Stay with Arthur. I want your promise on that.”

“I promise.”

Voice low, he said to Arthur, “Two men were following her earlier this afternoon, although I’ve yet to discover who they were. If Annie wishes to return to her chamber, then remain outside until I arrive. I want her guarded at all times.”

“Aye, Captain. I’ll be happy to escort the lass wherever she needs to go.” Arthur grinned at Annie. “My lady, would you care to dance?”

“Why thank you. That would be lovely.” She took his offered arm, and Colin grit his teeth and forced himself to walk away.

These irrational thoughts had to go.

He was here to free his chief, not to dance with Annie.

* * * *

After taking a turn with Arthur, Annie danced with several men, one after the other until her feet ached and her head swam. As the midnight hour struck and she could dance no more, she joined her aunt and Arthur as they waited attentively at the edge of the hall.

“Any new prospects, my dear?” Elizabeth asked as she fluttered her delicate white silk fan. “What did you think of the Campbell chief’s nephew?”

“He was pleasant.” Although none of the men had kept her interest when her thoughts had returned to Colin and his meeting with his chief. “I’m rather tired. It might pay for me to consider my prospects once I’ve had a good night’s rest.”

“A sound idea.”

“If you ladies are ready to retire, then allow me to escort you back to your chambers.” Arthur motioned toward the passageway.

“Wonderful.” Elizabeth linked her arm through Annie’s and they weaved through the throng with Arthur close behind.

At her aunt’s door, Annie bid her a goodnight then leaned against her own door, her hands tucked between her and the solid wood as she faced Arthur. “Colin’s opinion is rather biased at the moment, but I’m curious to learn what you might think of James? James is certain any match made between us will help ease the feud between the clans.”

“Possibly, but he still plays with your emotions as only a MacDonald can do, and I’ve no doubt he’ll use any alliance he made with you against Colin.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Dinnae give up on Colin. He cares for you, and far more than he’s ready to acknowledge, to you or himself.”

“His mind is set, that there is naught between us.”

“His mind is in chaos.” He leaned forward and brushed a kiss against her forehead. “You and I are kin, and should you need an engagement that’s breakable, I’d be happy to oblige. There’s no need for you to tie yourself to a MacDonald when you need to remain close to your own kin.”

“You’d truly marry me?”

“Aye, though I’m certain Colin would never allow us to truly speak vows. His stubborn resolve would break afore then.”

“I dinnae want to break him.” She tapped the door softly then pushed away from it. “Thank you for your kind offer, but I dinnae wish to cause any friction between the two of you and that would happen should I agree.”

“Any friction would be well worth it.” He opened her door. “Think on my offer. ’Twill remain open until you’ve made your decision. Sleep well, Annie.” He eased back into the darkened recess and blended in with the shadows.