Knight of the Highlander

by Kristin Vayden

  "I love ye," she whispered, casting a glance up to meet his intense gaze. His eyes closed as if disbelieving her words. When his eyes opened again a moment later, they were illuminated by a fierce possession as he gazed at her, owning her soul without even a spoken word.

  "Each moment I'm thankful for that truth," he whispered as he leaned forward and placed a warm kiss to her temple. Arywnn felt the cool breeze caused by his intake of breath as he inhaled the scent of her skin. Shivering with delight, she threaded her fingers through his, holding him tighter and committing the wonderful sensation to memory.

  "I love you." Colin whispered the words against her skin as he trailed kisses from her temple down to her jawline, nipping the sensitive flesh and causing her body to break out in gooseflesh and desire. "I can't explain to you how much, how deep my love goes. You own me, body, spirit, each breath." He whispered the words against her lips, teasing them with the warm breath of his mouth.

  Arywnn leaned forward, impatient for his kiss.

  "My Laird?" The muted tones of Silas' butler interrupted Arywnn's perusal of Colin's kiss.

  "Yes?" Colin responded reluctantly, as he leaned back and gave his attention to the butler.

  "Forgive me, but thar's a man wishin' tae speak with ye. He is waiting fer yer audience in the library." The butler nodded his head sagely.

  "Is Silas aware?"

  "Aye, he's with the man as well."

  "Very well." Colin's eyes narrowed as he studied the ground, apparently deep in thought.

  "Until later?" Colin rose and grasped Arywnn's hand. Gently he kissed her wrist and tenderly rubbed his nose against the soft skin, causing a smile to turn her lips upward.

  "Aye," Arywnn whispered as she watched Colin leave the greenhouse, his broad shoulders accented by the midnight black of his coat. His boots made little noise on the path, and soon he was out of sight following the butler to the library.

  Standing, she began to make her way back to the room set aside for her. She felt her brow pinch in concern as she wondered just who would seek out Colin at Silas' house? And what news they would bring? A shiver went down her back as a dark premonition overtook her. In the morning she'd thoroughly question Colin, and hopefully, she'd be able to sleep through the long wait till sunrise.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Colin followed the butler into the library. Immediately, foreboding clenched his heart as he studied Silas' concerned countenance. He glanced over toward the fire and saw a man standing, hands held out toward the flames and warming himself. The stranger was tall, thin, and had non-descript clothing about him. Everything about the man lent him the ability to blend in easily with the people of Aberdeen. When he turned at the sound of Colin's entrance, Colin studied his face. Recognition hit him.

  "Dougal?" Colin strode forward to embrace his friend. But his friend didn't return the welcome.

  "Aye. Tis' a blessin' tae see ye my friend. But I'm afraid tha' I dinnae' have good news."

  "Oh?" Colin replied.

  "Aye."

  "Perhaps we should all sit?" Silas gestured to the leather chairs setting to the side of the hearth.

  A moment later, a serving maid came in with a tray laden with tea and biscuits. Once she left and the door was firmly closed, Colin speared Dougal with an alert gaze.

  "It would seem that a change of plans is in order, Colin," Silas offered.

  "How so?"

  "Ye have been with the Chattan, aye?" Dougal asked.

  "Yes."

  "Did ye ken their Laird passed?"

  "I'm aware. I was there when he went to the hereafter."

  "Then yer aware of his successor? Rian Bray?"

  "Yes. A worthless man if I ever met one."

  "I'm sure I'd share yer sentiment if'n I ken the man, but I no' had the pleasure." Dougal cocked an eyebrow and an amused grin, but the amusement passed over his countenance quickly, replaced by an expression of alarm. "'Twould seem tha' Rian has taken the place of the Laird Chattan, and is now harboring several men, all Jacobite sympathizers, at the clan keep."

  "How did you come into this information?" Colin asked, leaning forward and resting his arms on his knees.

  "'Twas a man braggin' aboot his 'favored position with the Jacobites at a pub I happened tae visit. He was out searchin' fer a lass and a traitor from Clan Chattan. The man cannae' hold his ale. Needless tae say, I got an ear full tha' night." Dougal shook his head.

  "So, we aren't tae leave for London." Colin leaned back into the chair.

  "'Twould be unwise, when the threat still exists."

  "What do you suggest?" Colin asked.

  "The girl, she is the Laird's daughter, correct?" Silas asked, entering into the conversation.

  "Yes."

  "She is the heir tae the clan?" Dougal's eyebrows rose, making them disappear in the shaggy locks of his dark brown hair. "Tha' I dinnae' know. I dinnae' think they want that known." Dougal stroked his beard, seeming to be lost in thought. "Ye wouldn't happen tae have any attachment tae the lass…" Dougal asked softly.

  "Attachment?" Silas asked.

  "Aye, is the lass… what I mean tae ask is…since ye took her an all…" Dougal gestured with his hands, but didn't complete his question.

  Colin's brow furrowed, and he glanced to Silas.

  "That could work." Silas nodded thoughtfully.

  "What could work?" Colin asked impatiently.

  "The lass, well. It would be quite convenient if she were—" Dougal began hesitantly, his eyes shifting from Coiln to Silas.

  "Yes, the lass is old enough tae marry, and yes, he's more than willing," Silas finished Dougal's painfully slow explanation with an impatient chuckle.

  "Is that what you were asking?" Colin turned to Dougal.

  "Aye, but I dinnae' ken if the girl was a young lassie or an old crone. I dinnae' want tae imply… och, leave me be." He waved his hands and stood. "Since yer willin' tae marry the lass, as Silas said, then we have a solution."

  "How so, not that I'm adverse to marrying Arywnn." Colin felt a smile creep onto his face before it was lost in the intensity of his concern of the situation.

  "Och, that's the lass' name, eh? Well, 'twould make the situation easier, iffn' ye did marry. With her bein' the heir, ye, as her husband, could then rightfully challenge Rian's Lairdship. Ye ken?"

  "I see."

  "But it's not a matter tae be taken lightly, Colin." Silas stood and walked toward the fire. "If you marry Arywnn and go back to Chattan with the intention of challenging Rian, you will be sealing your fate to remain in Scotland. You won't be returning to London any time soon. Not to mention the fact that, as strong and capable as you are, there is a risk that Rian could injure you, or your beloved Arywnn. There are risks aplenty."

  "Indeed." Colin stood as well, walking over to stand beside Silas. The fire's warm heat seeped through his clothes, and warmed him. It was a precarious decision. One he knew would seal his and Arywnn's future, and thus not to be taken lightly.

  "Silas, will I have approval to remain in Scotland, away from the king's service?"

  "Yes, I'll make sure all goes well, and you're accurately reassigned."

  "I… I need to speak with Arywnn."

  "'Twould probably be wise, unless ye plan on draggin' her tae the church tae wed ye." Dougal stood as well, a grin toying with his lips.

  "True." Colin shook his head. Could he say goodbye to London, to his life in the King's service? Could he remain in the Highlands away from all he had known as a young boy? For Arywnn, no price was too high.

  But the Chattan clan, he shook his head. It was in desperate need of strong leadership, and Colin wondered if he would be respected enough as an outsider, as one that had betrayed their previous Laird's beliefs. With Arywnn as his wife, surely that would force, if nothing else, their loyalty, but… it was still a difficult situation.

  "Are you staying here for the night?" Colin turned to Dougal.

  "Aye."

  "In the morning, I'll give yo
u the answer, though I'm quite certain it will be in the affirmative."

  "Verra well. Iffn' tha' the case, I'll be turnin' in. A warm bed beckons me." Dougal reached out and shook Colin's hand, then Silas' before turning to leave the room. Colin watched till the door closed once again.

  "It won't be easy. They will question your loyalty, and even perhaps try to help Rian keep his position as Laird," Silas spoke quietly, his gaze not moving from the orange flames as they licked the dry, parched wood.

  "I know, but what other way is there? If I go to London, I'm simply taking information. If I stay, then I'm given the opportunity to eliminate part of the threat. That's what I was sent to do. That it's an opportunity for Arywnn to remain in her home… that appeals to me as well, though I will miss England."

  "There's one more thing," Silas said.

  "Yes?"

  "Dougal said they likely didn't want people to know that Arywnn is the deceased Laird's daughter. There's a reason for that. She alone is the only person able to challenge Rian's position. If she comes back…"

  "They are trying to eliminate the threat she poses before she has a chance."

  "Yes."

  "So Arywnn is in danger."

  "It would seem so."

  "That makes the temptation to whisk her away on the first ship available nearly overwhelming."

  "I thought you'd feel that way."

  "But, that's what they want."

  "In a way." Silas nodded.

  Colin rocked back on his heels, listening to the fire crackle as he thought.

  "I will disclose all the potential dangers to Arywnn… but I have a feeling it will not change her opinion." Colin gave Silas a wry glance.

  "Then your mind is made up, and I'm in accord with it. You have my support." Silas turned to Colin and placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it before releasing.

  "Thank you."

  "I'm always here."

  ****

  Arywnn tossed and turned all night, unable to find any state of peace that would allow her to fall into blissful unconsciousness. As the dawn began to shed its first breaths of light over the city, Arywnn rose and sat by the low burning embers left over from last night's fire. The room was chilly, and she wrapped herself up in a woolen blanket she found at the foot of her bed.

  The thud of heavy footsteps, sounding as if they were treading with care, pulled her attention from the glowing coals of the fire. Rising, she went to the door and listened. Once the footsteps passed, she opened the door slightly to see Colin's form in the dark shadows of the hall.

  "Colin," she called out as loud as she dared, though it was little more than a whisper.

  Immediately Colin paused, then turned, his expression curious.

  "What are you doing awake? Tis barely morn."

  "Aye, I could'na sleep. Ye have news, do ye not?" The world seemed to hold its breath as Colin nodded, then began to walk back toward where she waited.

  "Yes." His expression was resolute but not harsh.

  "Will I need tae beat it out of ye, or are ye goin' tae tell me?" Arywnn placed her hands on her hips, causing the blanket she was holding to drop to the ground.

  Colin's eyes followed the movement and then trailed up slowly, taking in her nightdress with obvious approval.

  "Perhaps I should let you beat it out of me… you present a tempting offer." His lips slipped into a crooked grin that softened his expression, and caused his gaze to warm.

  Arywnn felt her eyebrows rise in her impatience.

  "Why don't you… dress? Then I'll be in a better state of mind to explain everything to you." Colin leaned forward, and kissed her briefly on the lips.

  "Aye. Give me but a moment," Arywnn whispered as he backed away from the chaste kiss.

  Colin nodded, and Arywnn closed the heavy door. Quickly, she shed her nightclothes, and selected a simple shift. Within minutes, she was opening the door.

  "You're beautiful." A mischievous grin broke through as he leaned forward as if to disclose a great secret. "But I'm afraid my favorite is still your nightdress." He teased, earning a well-deserved yet playful slap from Arywnn.

  "Well?" Arywnn questioned as they began to walk down the hall. She reached up and divided her hair in three sections, absentmindedly braiding the locks into a tame braid. She secured the ends with a ribbon all the while her gaze remained on Colin, searching for a clue as to what information he'd disclose.

  "Patience, my love."

  "Not my strong suit," Arywnn mumbled under her breath. This earned a chuckle from Colin.

  At last, they reached a parlor where Colin gestured for her to enter first. She proceeded, and sat near the fire on a soft chair. Unable to relax into the inviting furniture's embrace, she leaned forward, anxious.

  Colin strode into the room and slowed his pace as he neared the fire, his eyes studying the orange flames.

  "The visitor? He was an old friend, Dougal. He's one of my fellow comrades in espionage for the crown."

  Arywnn nodded, her eyes focused on Colin. He turned to face her, and continued.

  "It would seem that while we evaded Rian on our way here, he hasn't given up the search." Colin exhaled a sigh.

  "What do you mean?" Gooseflesh prickled along her skin. She hated the thought of Rian searching for them… for her.

  "Dougal was in the right place at the right time. He has an uncanny ability to do so quite often. One of Rian's scouts disclosed a wealth of information while deep in his cups."

  "What information?"

  "Rian has taken over as Laird of Clan Chattan, and it's my suspicion that he wants to eliminate any other potential rival for his position." He gazed intently at Arywnn as his words echoed in her mind till understanding dawned.

  "Me…"

  "And subsequently, me as well. As the informant, he knows that I can bring English aid to eliminate any threat he poses. Sadly, he's made quite the mistake in that area as well. In taking after your father, God rest his soul, he's continuing to support the Jacobite cause."

  "Which would effectively anger the English," Arywnn finished.

  "And create a need to destroy that alliance."

  "Causing the loss of more life," Arywnn spoke softly. Her shoulders slumped under the weight of this new information. "What are we tae do then?" she asked after a moment.

  "It's no longer necessary for us to travel to London. A solution is readily available, however I'm reluctant…" He sighed deeply, and closed the distance between them. Kneeling down before her, he took her hands within his. The fire had warmed them considerably, and Arywnn felt their heat seep through her skin, and warm her insides.

  "I would have you marry me." Colin's blue-black gaze bore into her own with a feverish intensity. "But I'd have you marry me because of your love, your loyalty to me. Not because in a marriage between us, we could potentially solve the issue at hand. I want you to want me, regardless of the danger, regardless of the journey ahead that would come to be through our vows. I want each moment of your life to belong to me, only me, for the good or bad times ahead of us. Each breath, each moment I want my name to be sealed on your heart, and whispered on your lips."

  Arywnn bathed in the moment, searching the sincerity in his eyes and basking in the glow of what he was asking. Yet, only a short moment later, her delicious joy was replaced with realization. "But… if we stay, 'twill be ye that fight fer the position of Laird. As my husband, 'twill be yer place."

  "Yes… and there's a chance that your clan will not accept me."

  "Because ye were a traitor, or so they assume, based on my father's accusations."

  "Yes."

  Arywnn glanced down to her lap, thinking through what Colin revealed. "If we survive… if we are able to take the lairdship from Rian… ye won't be returning tae England, will ye?."

  "No, I'll be sealing my fate as a fellow Highlander with my bonny love."

  Arywnn's lips crept into a grin at the brogue he used at the end of his words, yet her heart pinched. In tr
uth, Colin would be saying goodbye to his home, to his family and… he would be doing it all for her.

  "Your thoughts are clear on your face, love. True, I would willingly do all this for you, but you forget, it also serves my king."

  Colin's words brought a measure of relief to Arywnn, as she allowed that his words were the truth. He could more effectively serve his king by eliminating the Jacobite uprising through overthrowing their current hold on Clan Chattan, but her heart still hurt. It seemed as if she were still the catalyst for the loss.

  "I see the truth of yer words, and I understand why ye asked me as ye did tae marry ye."

  "Which you still haven't answered, by the way," Colin teased and reached up, trailing a warm finger down her cheek and caressing her lower lip.

  Arywnn's lips parted, and she placed a kiss to his fingertip.

  "So I have not, have I?" she whispered.

  "Aye, Colin. I'll marry ye, but I'll have ye as my husband, not simply my champion. I'd choose ye if we were tae live in London or in Scotland. I want yer heart. Not just yer sword and keen mind. All of ye, tis what I ask." She finished and leaned into Colin's palm as it cupped her face.

  "Then it's decided."

  "Aye."

  "And for better or worse, you are mine, sweet Arywnn."

  "Aye, and ye are mine."

  "I am, ever I was, and ever I will be." He leaned forward, and brushed his lips against hers in an achingly soft kiss that had Arywnn pressing for more. Colin readily did her bidding, and increased the depth of his kiss. Softly, his tongue stroked her lower lip with its warm caress, leaving her skin tingling from the intimate contact. He then traced the seal of her lips with his tongue as well, teasing her till she opened, and allowed him to deepen the kiss. Without a thought, her arms reached up and wrapped around his broad and solid shoulders pulling him in tighter. Unable to get close enough because of their position, Arywnn leaned forward, almost falling of the chair in the process.

  She gasped as Colin, without taking his lips from hers, swept her into his arms and kissed her ardently as she settled in his embrace. Her fingers twined themselves through his long dark hair, its thick texture heavy within her grasp. Colin groaned as she playfully tugged at it.