Highlander's Castle

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “Never mind. Come and eat first. You can tell me everything once you have.” Margaret held out a chair.

  “Thank you. I’m so hungry.” Breathing in the wonderful scent of mutton stew, she sat. A chunk of bread wedged half into it made her mouth water. She scooped it up and bit into it. The richly flavored juices exploded in her mouth. Delicious and hot. She ate until her belly could take no more.

  “I’ll remove your shoes.” Margaret knelt, tugged her wet boots and soggy stockings free and dumped them in a pile. It had been impossible to keep her feet out of the sea-water sloshing in the boat’s hull. “There we go.”

  The maids returned along with the boys, each carrying a steaming pail of water.

  Margaret oversaw the filling of the tub then added a few drops of scented oil and a sprinkle of dried petals. “Perfect.” She clapped her hands. “Everyone out.”

  They shut the door behind them.

  “That looks amazing. Thank you.” With the room now cozy and warm, she shed her dirty riding habit then sank into the glorious water.

  “You sound different, but I’ve missed my favorite cousin. Rory was a bear after you first left. He scoured the woods, the village, hunted down any ruffians encamping on our land. He was sure someone had stolen you away. That you’d head for Dunscaith didnae cross his mind until the end. Would you like me to wash your hair?”

  “No, but sit and talk with me.” She slid under the water then emerged with a grin. “Oh, that is more than amazing.”

  Margaret laughed, her blue eyes sparkling. “Here, I shall help whether you wish it or no’. Your hair is matted something terrible.” She lathered the soap then worked the suds through her hair. “Tell me all about Alex MacDonald. I saw him that time he came with his chief, but from afar.”

  “You mean when he signed the agreement?”

  “Aye. Dip your head and rinse.” She did, and after she popped up, Margaret carefully detangled her hair with a brush. “’Twas the meeting Rory asked you to attend, to ensure you had no issues with the handfast, though you didnae go.”

  “Oh, that meeting. My timing was out.” By centuries no less. “I didn’t mean to miss it.”

  “You certainly did.” Margaret snorted. “How did you make the trip unescorted to Dunscaith? I’m surprised that’s the path you chose. You told me divine intervention might be in order, and mayhap you’d even make a wish upon the Fairy Flag.”

  Perhaps Margaret was the one she needed, and not Rory. She hadn’t yet had the chance to speak to him. She couldn’t miss this opportunity. “I did wish upon it. Although not me exactly, but Annie.”

  “You are Annie.” She plopped the brush down, wrapped her wet hair in a cloth then rubbed.

  With an elbow on the edge of the tub, she faced Margaret. “It sounds as if you believe in the fairy blood within the MacLeod line?”

  “All MacLeods do.” She tapped her arm as if in reprimand. “Why would you ask such a silly question?”

  “Because I’m Anne MacLeod, but not the Annie MacLeod you know. On the last full moon, Annie made a wish upon the Fairy Flag and asked to travel to a place where she wouldn’t be forced to handfast with Alex. She told me a portal opened from this time to the future.”

  “I’m sorry, are you saying”—Margaret flicked a hand between them—“you’re no’ my cousin?”

  “Yes, although I look just like her.”

  She smiled, rather indulgently. “Then how did you meet Annie, and how did you get here?”

  “Your cousin was overcome with curiosity to see Dunvegan in its future form, and the moment she re-entered the great hall and looked upon the Fairy Flag, she was plucked from the future and returned to the past.”

  “I believe in the Fairy Flag, but no’ that great of a tale.” She tweaked her nose. “I’m no’ a bairn anymore, Annie.”

  “It’s not a tale. Annie returned to Dunscaith. She’d been there a week when I arrived through a portal from my time. She told me her wish both took and gave, but she promised to find a way to fix what she’d started. That was right before she disappeared before my eyes.”

  “And where did she go that time?”

  “I don’t know. Finding out what happened to her is one of the reasons I had to come here. The other is to—oh my goodness, the letter.” She launched out of the water, flung the drying cloth around her and dug into her skirt pocket. She clutched the letter to her chest. “I wrote this letter for my parents, one I need them to receive in the future. They perish in a terrible fire in the year two-thousand and eleven, but they might not if they get this.”

  “Wheesht! The year two-thousand and eleven? Annie, now you’ve gone too far.” She tut-tutted as she crossed to the trunk, lifted the lid and plucked out a nightrail.

  “I can see you don’t believe me. I tried to convince Alex of what had happened, and I was making some leeway, but he—”

  “Goodness, I’m surprised your handfast husband didnae have you thrown into the dungeons for such talk. Indulging in a yarn is one thing, but believing in it is quite another.” She yanked off the cloth and tugged the shift over her head. “You clearly need rest. You’re home now, and you’ve naught to worry about.”

  Great. She trudged to the bed, heaved the draperies aside and climbed in. If she heard such ramblings, she probably wouldn’t deem them true either. Still, she gripped Margaret’s hand and pressed her point again. “I have no idea how long I’ll be here. Annie disappeared within minutes of us meeting. I fear I could go as quickly. Please, promise me you’ll keep this letter safe, that you’ll ensure it stays here for each future chief to pass along from one to the other, then I’ll know I’ve done all I can.”

  “I can see this worries you.” Margaret squeezed her fingers. “If you halt this tale of time travel then I’ll give you my promise to keep your letter safe.”

  “Absolutely. I’ll not whisper a word again.” Her heart lightened. She could do that, as long as her parents were given a fighting chance in the future.

  “Good, because if Rory hears what you’ve told me, he’ll believe MacDonald at fault for your madness and hunt the man down. We may have fairy blood, but we cannae travel across time. Pass me the letter. I’ll keep it safe within Rory’s locked library box.” She handed it to her, and Margaret eyed the address she’d written on the front. “New Zealand? Where’s that?”

  “The other side of the world, a country as yet undiscovered.”

  “Annie.” Aghast, she wagged a finger. “I shouldnae have asked. Will you keep your word?”

  “Yes, no more talk of time travel. You’ve got—”

  A knock sounded.

  “I’ll get it.” She opened the door then allowed the lads and maids from earlier to clear everything away. Once they were done, Margaret returned to her side, kissed her cheek. “This letter must remain our secret. Sleep well. I’ll see you in the morn.” She closed the door as she left.

  Gosh, had she done enough to ensure her parents’ survival?

  Rolling to her side, she burrowed into the soft down mattress. She edged the thick curtain aside to allow the heat from the fire through. A nice warm cocoon. Annie had not left Dunscaith and returned here. She had certainly disappeared, but to where?

  Would she have long left here in the past? A day? A week? A lifetime? And what of Alex?

  She wasn’t done with him yet.

  * * * *

  Alex’s men rowed through the dark, sending their birlinn swiftly across the loch toward the MacLeod stronghold. The long sea crossing was almost at an end. He’d followed closely in Rory MacLeod’s wake with Mother on board, and MacLeod would be forced to honor his invitation, the Highland code of hospitality one he now counted on. Soon he’d see Anne. She’d broken her vow with him, although had MacLeod not taken her, it wouldn’t have happened.

  Aye, he needed more time with her. A year was what he’d promised Anne, and a year was what he wanted.

  “Dunvegan lies directly ahead.” Alan eased onto the bench seat besi
de him. “I cannae believe we’ve no’ seen any sign of James during our journey. He sailed days ahead of us.”

  “Aye, but with MacLeod turning up on our lands afore he could have arrived here, they may have passed each other at sea. We’ll find him.” He glared at his man. “I have no’ yet forgiven you.”

  “I noticed.”

  “Go sit with my mother and guard her with your life. Upon sighting us, who knows how MacLeod will react.”

  “He’ll no’ expect us this soon, if at all.”

  Ahead at the edge of the sea-gate, a warning shout hailed from one guardsman to another, echoed up the winding stairs to the warriors above. They must have seen their MacDonald flag flying.

  “We have yet to get past their welcoming party.” He strode to the front of the birlinn and called out, “We’ve come at the Chief of MacLeod’s invitation. I’ve brought Mary MacDonald.”

  Four of MacDonald’s men waded into the water and gripped the sides of their boat. The head man’s penetrating gaze drilled into him. “Ye’ll need to await confirmation from my chief before being permitted on our land.”

  MacLeod stormed down the winding stairs. “Alex MacDonald,” he boomed, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. “I’ve seen enough MacDonalds lately to last me a lifetime.”

  Alex grasped the edge of the birlinn and heaved himself into the water. Surging through it, he slogged toward MacLeod. “I handfasted with Anne as agreed and now our feud is done. I sent my brother, James, to inform you.”

  “I’ve no’ seen your kin.” His gaze slid over the occupants in the birlinn. “I cannae believe you brought your mother.”

  “After the way you stole my wife away, she wished to assure herself Anne was well. As do I.”

  Fists clenched, MacLeod huffed. “Annie repudiated your handfast when she agreed to return with me.”

  “She may have, but I still honor the vow I spoke.”

  “The agreement no longer stands.”

  He hadn’t expected MacLeod to relent, but then neither would he. “My mother is cold. She does no’ travel well, and this has been a difficult voyage. You did invite her.”

  “I didnae think you’d allow such a trip.”

  “She was insistent.” Surely MacLeod would grant them entry. Mother was the key.

  “Damn it.” MacLeod stared him down. “Annie will wish to see her. If I allow it then it’s with the understanding your visit here will be short. You’ll no’ get Annie back.”

  This was not the time to argue, and he had no intention of continuing their feud when he’d been set the task to end it. He was here. ’Twas the first step. “For my mother’s sake, I thank you for your hospitality, no matter how short it shall be.” Over his shoulder, he called to his men, “All ashore.”

  MacLeod’s gaze narrowed, and then he bellowed instructions to his men to bring the birlinn in.

  In short order they ascended the stairs and entered the keep. They were directed to the great hall, and his men offered pallets around the hearth.

  MacLeod beckoned a maid forward. “Ensure Mistress MacDonald is given a comfortable chamber near Annie’s, along with a bath and a meal.”

  “Thank you, my lord.” Mary dipped her head. “’Twas a long and weary journey. I shall enjoy the kindness you offer.” She followed the maid upstairs.

  Highland hospitality was a sacred obligation. As MacLeod had not been able to turn them away, so must Alex respect what they’d been granted. He’d have to take great care. “I’ll sleep with my men.”

  “Aye, as I expected. ’Tis late. We will speak in the morn, at which point you may hear from Annie her desire to remain. Following it, you will leave.” MacDonald stomped away.

  A score of MacLeod’s warriors remained and settled in across from his men. He’d expected naught less and would have set the same precautions in place.

  Near the stairwell his mother had ascended, he chose the closest pallet and stood next to it. Anne was close, asleep in one of the upper chambers. He’d come this far and now she lay just beyond his reach. Hell, he needed to see her, to ensure she was well.

  “Alex.” Alan clasped his shoulder. “Bide your time. Get some sleep.”

  He lay down in the darkened corner and pulled his plaid tight around him.

  He was here. A good start.

  * * * *

  Tossing from side to side, Anne couldn’t settle. She should be able to having ensured her parents’ letter was taken care of. Alex consumed her—

  A hand clamped over her mouth and she bucked against the intruder’s tight hold.

  She tried to kick the man who slid between the velvet curtains and rolled in beside her.

  “Nay, Anne. Hold still.”

  A flicker of firelight tracking through the gap highlighted Alex’s high cheekbones and strong jaw. She clasped his face.

  “If I let go, you cannae make a sound.” His gaze roamed over her. “You look well, my sweet.”

  She dragged him closer. Alex was here. He was real, and he’d come for her.

  “Is that your agreement?”

  She hooked one leg over the back of his knee and jerked him on top of her. “Mmm-hmm,” she mumbled, then pried his fingers away. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “I couldnae stay away. I needed to hear your repudiation from your own lips.”

  “My vow stands firm.”

  “Then you shouldnae have left Dunscaith. To get you back will require a fight.”

  “I had to deliver my letter. That’s why I left with Rory. I gave it to Margaret, and she promised to keep it safe.”

  “She believes you?”

  “No, she thinks I’m Annie. She even insisted I not speak of my time travel and coming from the future, but it’s true all the same. Do you believe me yet, Alex?”

  “Nay, and in time your head will clear and you’ll see the truth. Something happened for you to leave your home and travel to me but ’twas no’ time travel. Mayhap you hit your head and ’tis the reason for this fantasy you weave.”

  “Ahh, I see. Hit my head. Of course, and to do that I might have fallen from my horse while out riding. Oh yes, and then I recalled the need to handfast with you and set straight out for Dunscaith because that had become my greatest priority. Why did I not see that?” She rubbed her nose to his. Regardless of his disbelief, she couldn’t be more grateful he was here. “That would make sense, my last coherent thought being to risk my life to cross the isle and reach you. A man I’d never met before and didn’t wish to handfast with. Yes, you’re onto something.”

  “You’re an imp.” He swatted her backside. “I’ve missed your teasing ways.”

  “I hope you’ve missed more than that. But hey, you’re the one who thinks I’m suffering a head injury. I’m just pointing out the reasons how that can be, or can’t be. Maybe I’m even hallucinating this very second. I mean, you’re in my bed, which means a MacDonald has somehow infiltrated these castle walls.”

  “You’re no’ hallucinating. Mother secured an invitation and I brought her. MacLeod had no choice but to extend his hospitality to me.” His lips slowly lifted. “So I’m enjoying said hospitality, in your bed.”

  “Did you bolt the door?”

  “Aye, but I still snuck in and could easily be found. I cannae stay.”

  She stroked his sides and cupped his butt. “Your place is with me.”

  “My place is to protect you. To see to your safety and wellbeing.”

  “This time period really sucks. Where I come from, provided a woman wishes it, her man can sneak into her bed without these kinds of issues. I could protect you if they came. Pass me your sword.”

  “Anne, you must cease all talk of—”

  “Pass me your other weapon then.” She wriggled against him and his cock rose and stabbed her in the belly. “Ahh, there we are. Come sheath that blade in me.”

  He chuckled then captured her mouth with his. He kissed her, deeply, like a man on a mission, an undertaking she didn’t want him t
o end. He gripped her waist, his hands spanning upward, so close to her breasts.

  She melted into the sheets. “Don’t leave me.”

  “I will fight for you.” He trailed kisses along her jaw and down her neck.

  She arched in the hope he’d go lower. “Have you ever heard the saying, ‘make love not war?’”

  “Nay, but never have I heard a more fanciful wish.” He swept his tongue over the rise of her breasts.

  “I’m wearing too many clothes, and so are you.”

  “Aye, I couldnae agree more.” He brushed her breasts through her nightrail. “I’ve heard your declaration that you wish to stay with me. That’s all I need. We’ll speak in the morn and present a united front before MacLeod. It’ll be our first avenue of attack. I must go.” Head dipped, he captured her nipple through the cotton and sucked hard.

  “Alex.” Fire raced through her blood. “You can’t do that if you’re going to go.”

  He released her breast, grinned then dropped a kiss on her lips. “I can and did. Sleep well, my sweet.” He snuck out of her bed and crept to the door, adjusting his trews as he did.

  Shoving the curtains back, she whispered, “Whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it. Be careful. Don’t let anyone see you.”

  He held a finger to his lips. “Shh, on the morrow. Goodnight.”

  She bit her tongue to ensure she remained quiet as he slipped out the door and closed it without a snick.

  Rubbing her chest, she ached for him to return. Alex had come for her and she wanted nothing more than to be with him. “I won’t leave you again, Alex. I promise you that.” She wanted her parents alive and her Highland lover. Only how could she achieve that means?

  She would make sure she didn’t leave his side again. She’d come to Scotland to find her roots, to see where her ancestors had come from. Even though she’d never expected to find Alex, he was a man she wanted to belong to, in every sense of the word. Without a doubt Annie had made her wish to leave the past, but in doing so, had granted Anne her greatest desire.