“Twixt ye and I, the score is a sight close—do ye wish to take the risk to lose yer men?” Camden whistled and his band of warriors stood up from their hiding place atop the hill. MacLeod scanned the sight, clearly evaluating the suddenly shifted odds.
“Nay, but I would fight ye!”
“Will it be first blood then, or to the death?” Camden slung his great weapon from his back, preparing for the worst. Inside the wagon he could see the frightened faces of his Aunt Marjorie and the Leighton lass, and he would not abandon them so easily.
“I shan’t kill ye countrymen over Englishmen,” MacLeod resigned. “So it will be the first blood,” and the Highlander dropped into a fighting stance.
“So be it,” Camden grinned and hefted a small stone in his palm. Swiftly he whipped the rock towards MacLeod, striking him across the forehead and drawing a red line cross his brow. “There ye have it. Now be gone!”
“Ye’re a wee shite, Aragain,” MacLeod wiped the thin line of blood from his brow. “Ye shall have the road.”
“Until we meet again, MacLeod,” Camden held his sword steady as MacLeod’s Highlanders withdrew. “Stay off me land!”
MacLeod’s raiding party scattered back over the tops of the hills as Camden’s own men came down. Camden slung his sword back into its resting place, and hailed the wagon with a raised hand as he came within ten paces.
The soldier named Francis was catching his wind, panting ferociously, and Camden saw that his sword was red, and by his feet lay the bodies of two Highlanders.
“Thank you for your assistance, my lord,” Francis let slip through gritted teeth. Camden knew it was not easy for a man such as Francis to accept the help of a Highlander, let alone be saved by one. “You have turned the tide.”
“Oh, I daenae,” Camden looked the veteran up and down, and then gestured to the dead Scotsmen on the road. “Might be ye had it all under control.”
“Camden!” he could hear his Aunt Marjorie calling out for him. She must be a right wreck, Lord help her.
“Aunt Marjorie!” he called back with gusto. “I have told ye the roads up here are not good.”
“But it seems we have you to protect us,” Marjorie said, beckoning him over. “Come, come, ride with us back to Troudel.”
“Me lady,” Camden bowed to Hilda, who was sitting stark white and silent. “Are ye injured?”
“No, thank you,” Hilda said softly. Camden could see the shock of the event was rattling her.
“Me men will clear the road,” Camden said, turning to call to his men. “Donald!”
“It is all fine, dear,” Marjorie calmly massaged the top of Hilda’s hand. “It is all over.”
“I thought I would die,” Hilda said finally, regaining a bit of color in her cheeks. “And I could do nothing to stop it.”
“But ye dinnae die,” Camden replied, smiling. “Captain!” he shouted at Francis.
“My lord?” each time the Englishman called him that, Camden could tell that it hurt him a bit inside, and he was just fine with that.
“We best get these horses movin’,” Camden walked around the wagon and began to pat one of the horses on its neck.
“Yes, my lord,” Francis went about the task begrudgingly, and soon the party resumed their travels up the Northward road, until at last they reached Troudel keep, and Camden remembered the sorry state he had left his hall. Embarrassed, he rushed ahead at the last moment, unsure of why he cared so much about what Hilda thought.
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Thank you very much!
Also by Lydia Kendall
Thank you for reading Highlander’s Cursed Bride!
I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, may I ask you to please write a review HERE? It would mean the world to me. Reviews are very important and allow me to keep writing the books that you love to read!
Some other best sellers of mine:
The Highlander’s Iron Lady
Daring the Highlander
Disciplined by the Highlander
Torn Between Two Highlanders
Highlander’s Forbidden Soulmate
Highlander’s Love in Captivity
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Also, if you liked this book, you can also check out my full Amazon Book Catalogue HERE.
Thank you for helping me doing what I love!
Lydia Kendall
About the Author
Lydia Kendall has always been passionate about medieval romance. Having traveled to the Scottish Highlands several times as a young girl, she has always been drawn to their unparalleled beauty and history. A history that inspired stories of love and passion, mixed with tradition in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic - much like herself.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Lydia Kendall has a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and over the last decade she has been writing non-stop for several clients - that is until she decided to start publishing her own work. When she isn’t writing, Lydia loves spending her time on the beautiful outdoors with her loving husband and baby daughter.
Follow Lydia on this sensational journey of hot highlanders, bonny lassies and fierce passion...and find sheer pleasure in the magnificent world of the Scottish countryside - one that will sweep you off your feet and keep you begging for more!
Highlander's Cursed Bride: A Steamy Scottish Historical Romance Novel Page 31