by D. K. Combs
There were no sounds of Blaine leaving. Saeran waited, and she felt Kane’s hand tighten around hers.
“The woman, the blonde one who came to you in the hall. I must tell you something about her. Her name—“
“Ye’ mean the one ye’ lied about?” He barked a laugh. “All I’ll hear out of ye’ is lies.”
“How—how did you know?”
“Did ye’ really think ye’ could get away with it? I want ye’ to leave me before I show ye’ how ruthless a husband I’ll really be. I donna like liars, Lady Sinclair, and yer the worst of them.”
“What are you saying?” Blaine said. It sounded like the words were ripped out of her throat, as if she were too shocked to believe that he was speaking against her. Saeran wanted to feel bad, wanted to feel a trickle of the need to feel like she should protect Blaine, but Blaine never would have protected Saeran. That was the only reason she stayed silent in the darkness.
Blaine had tried to hurt her. She had known that Kane would react without thinking at the news of “Alice” having intercourse with another men—Saeran knew that as clear as day.
“I’m saying, if ye’ donna leave me, I’ll put ye’ in yer place.”
“But there is more!” she said quickly. There were furious footsteps, loud and heavy, like Blaine herself was. “That is not who you—“
“Lady Sinclair,” he snarled softly. Saeran had forgotten all about her little game with Kane. Her heart was pounding
“Fine,” she said, her voice as stony as a statue. She retreated to the door. Saeran listened closely, waiting for Blaine to exit the room completely. It was silent for so long that she thought she had missed it, until Blaine said something that made her blood go cold. The words were murmured into the room with a chilling knowledge embedded within them. Kane did not react, but with the tensing of her body, she knew that he knew the words were directed to her.
“He’ll find out on his own…and when he does, he’ll hate you more than even I do.”
The door closed softly, leaving her, Kane, and the impending revelations of her secrets the only thing remaining in the room.
“Love,” he said with a growl. The covers were removed from her head, and she was pulled upwards. His lips brushed against her own. “Ye’ donna play with a man like that when he canna retaliate.”
She laughed, but the sound was empty. The threat Blaine had laid in the open was enough to ruin her mood. The confidence, the win, the happiness she had felt moments before were now gone, and her mood was so dark that she didn’t think they would return.
Kane sighed after a couple moments of silence. “Do ye’ want to talk of it?” he asked, smoothing a hand down her hair. She let her cheek rest against his chest, shaking her head. Her heart thumped faster in her chest. The consideration he was giving her, the privacy, meant the world to her.
“Alright, lass. Just let me ask this—it’s no’ going to hurt ye’, is it?”
She raised her eyes to his. “What do you mean.”
“Whatever the dragon was talking about. It’s no’ going to hurt ye’ in the long run, correct?” There was honest concern in his eyes—for her.
“Did you not hear what she said?” Saeran asked, feeling like she had been kicked in the stomach.
“Aye. What about it?”
“I do not understand. She said that what I could be lying about would make you hate me. You should be more concerned about yourself, not me.” Her eyes dropped to his neck. She couldn’t bare to look him in the eyes.
“Love,” he said softly, brushing her hair back from her face. His fingers were tender, his touch feather light. Despite how much she wanted otherwise, he lifted her face to his. “I could never hate ye’. Whatever yer hiding from me…when ye’ feel safe to reveal it, I’ll do my best to understand. As long as yer no’ a MacLeod. Yer no’, right?”
She shook her head.
“Good.” With a low growl, he bent his head to hers, stealing her breath was a kiss.
“I’ll miss ye’, lass.”
Sleep was slow in leaving her. At first, she didn’t understand who was speaking or where she was. Saeran was used to waking up in the early hours of the day to a hard, lumpy bed, and a chill that went bone deep.
Right now, she was not cold. Nay, she was quite warm.
Saeran looked up at the man who had spoken through her lashes, a blush coming over her face. Kane and her were lying in bed, the morning light pouring in through the open window, and his arms were wrapped tightly around her. He was like a living fire under the covers, covering her in a comforting heat. She snuggled into his chest, sighing.
She didn’t know what he was talking about, but sleep sounded…amazing. Like the most brilliant plan of the century.
“I do not know what you’re talking about, Kane…” She couldn’t even finish the sentence before her eyes were closing, a yawn breaking past her lips. How could he expect her to stay awake after the night they had shared? Her body was deliciously sore in all of the right places. Of course she would want to sleep—with him cuddling her right to his chest.
“Alice,” he said softly. She felt the light press of his lips on her temple, her cheek, then the corner of her mouth. “I’m leavin’ today.”
She shook her head, muttering, “No, you’re staying and you’re holding me. Quiet, kitty. Sleeping.”
“Kitty?” he asked. His chest rumbled under her ear as he chuckled.
“Lion. Kitty. Meow. Please,” she whimpered, nuzzling his chest. “Quiet.”
“Yer a demanding little thing, aren’t ye. For a woman who can hold her own against a man twice her size, yer as cute as a button. I’m sorry, love. I should have left hours ago.”
“Then why didn’t you,” she grumbled, blinking sleep-heavy eyes up at him.
“Because. I like the look of my woman sleeping.” He pressed his lips to hers in a quick, soft kiss. “I like to know yer safe in my arms.”
“I’m always safe.” She pursed her lips, eyes closing. He followed her silent request and gave her another kiss. Saeran slumped into his chest, a content sigh escaping her lips.
“Sure ye’ are,” he said, chuckling. “Now, lass. I really do have to get going. My men are waiting for me.”
“They can wait all they want,” she snapped sleepily, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I want you to stay here.”
“I canna do that, love,” he said. A note had entered his voice. It was stern, yet regretful. She flipped her eyes open to meet his.
“Why?”
“The MacLeods—“
That one name had the strength to wipe away her sleep-induced stupidity. Her eyes flew open. They were leaving to fight the MacLeods. Not just Kane, but Saeran. Today. With everything that had been going on with Kane and herself, she had pushed aside the things she should have been worrying about—Blaine and the MacLeods.
Blaine…Lord. Like the sun clearing the darkness away, she was hit with the full reality of everything that had happened between her and the woman who may or may not be her sister. Her heart felt…empty. All of the joy she’d felt with Kane drained out of her the second the events of the last two days hit her.
She had been so blind. So numb. So enraptured by Kane.
Now…now it was all attacking her like a rabid warrior—and she didn’t like it one bit.
THT | 30
“I’ll come back for ye, lass.”
Right after he had said that, he’d disappeared, shouting for Saeran—the boy version of herself. It had been a madhouse before leaving. She had forgotten to pack, her horse was not ready, and she smelled like Kane and lovemaking. Luckily, the stench of the surrounding men and horses hid that.
She watched as he rode ahead. Gradually, his proud back faded from view as he vanished into the thick forest they were riding through. The smile he had thrown over his shoulder, the blood-thirsty grin, had killed a piece of her heart. She should not melt for a man who was clearly looking forward to death, but his strength…his mascul
inity. The way he turned so tender and patient with her when he was a brutal warrior made her fall harder and deeper for him.
Sadly, he was not as tender and patient with her when she was a lad, especially when they were in a hurry.
After half-hearted glaring from Kane, giggles from Connor, and helping hands from Brodrick, her horse, sacks, and self was ready for the trip. Actually, nay. Her self was not ready—not physically or mentally. She could barely lift the sword that Brodrick had given her, and the thought of touching it made her shudder.
She had wielded a sword one too many times. The man she had stabbed in the back, the one time she had ever had to defend herself in earnest…Her hands tightened around the reins. She had done an amazing job of suppressing the thoughts, with all of her distractions, but now that she was stuck on a horse with numb legs, they were attacking her with a vengeance so fierce, she had no way to stop them.
Would they encounter the men again on this journey?
She tightened her hands on the reins, lifting her face to the cool breeze of the Highlands. The trees and hills were green and sprawling, beautiful. The air was fresh and crisp, the tinge of cool to it making it the perfect weather for riding. Their horses were trotting at a steady pace, adding a soft clip-clop to the sounds of birds chirping and the low, rumbling voices of the men she was with. They had just crossed the border between the Shaw and MacLeod lands.
The MacLeods had vast, unkempt lands. Yellow-grey boulders dotted the hills, making the journey less than pleasant. It was still a sight for her eyes, though, and she found it hard to believe that men so foul could live in a place to serene.
The men they had been accosted by had looked rough—as if they had been roaming for a while. They had probably hoped to kill the couple on their outing and take their belongings. Rogues, she thought fearfully. Kane hadn’t killed them, and she doubt her stab to the back had gotten rid of the one man, so there was a chance they were still around.
Fear slid down her back. If they were, would they recognize her? She had dressed herself in her usual garb—trews, shirt, and dirty face. It was unlikely that they would. Plus, the men around her would dispel of the threat before they could get to her. She was not playing the damsel in distress in that instance, but relying on the cold truth. The warriors had death on their shoulders. Killing is what they did. Any threat that came their way would be taken care of immediately.
“I saw you.” Connor’s voice jerked her out of her thoughts, and her heart raced. He grinned at her, unaware that he had frightened her enough to give her grey hairs.
“What do you mean?” she asked, shaking the thoughts out of her head. There was no using thinking about it. What happened, happened.
“You know what I mean, my lad—Ow! What was that for?” he asked, rubbing his arm.
“Do not call me a lady,” she hissed, smacking him on the arm again.
“Why? The laird is smitten with you. If he found out that you’re actually the woman he is lusting after, everything would be perfect!”
Her face flamed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, yes you do. I saw that seductive look on your face when you came to take Kane from the hall—Lord, everyone there did. Do not worry, though. Everyone was quite relieved—all except Blaine.”
Her stomach cramped. Oh, yes, she knew just how furious Blaine was. Furious enough to tell Kane of their lies in an attempt to make him hate her. She shivered. That was the side of Blaine she hadn’t noticed her whole life—and it terrified her.
“Relieved?” she asked, trying to focus on something other than Blaine. She had done well with avoiding all thoughts of her thus far, and she wanted to keep it that way.
“Oh, yes. Seeing you, and the way the laird followed you out of the hall, gave them all hope.”
“I don’t understand. He was positively a brute before he came with me.”
“But,” Connor said smartly, nearly bouncing in his seat, “he did all the same—which says something! You have him wrapped around your finger, don’t you?” He sighed dreamily, patting his horse on the neck when it made a huffing sound, as if to tell him to calm down before he was bucked off the back. “That is why you have been so distant lately! Because you’re spending all your time with him. Is he as great in the bed chamber as I think he is?”
She sputtered. “Excuse—no! Connor, that is not something I am willing to discuss with you—“
His eyes widened and a laugh burst from his chest.
“I…my, my. If I were a normal court boy, I would be spraying you with water. You’d burn, too, wouldn’t you, you little harlot.” He laughed, shaking his head. “I was bluffing—but thank you for proving me correct.”
Saeran groaned, shame burning her chest. She did not regret what they had done—she only regretted that it had been out of marriage, though it did not matter for her either way. With her barrenness, she was unsuited for marriage. No one wanted a wife who could not bear sons—and neither would Kane.
He needed sons as handsome as he. He needed an heir for his clan, and Saeran could never give him that.
“Do not look so upset,” Connor said, reaching over to pat her hand. “I didn’t mean anything by it, you know. I’m not like the other boys. To hell with the judge, jury, and executioner. If you want to enjoy the life you have, you can’t live it by obeying an invisible man.”
What he was saying was blasphemy
Saeran didn’t care. Not at that moment. Aye, she should, for her parents had raised her as a God-fearing woman, but God had also taken her parents from her. One day, he would take her as well. Connor was right, though he had misjudged her sadness over her barrenness as something completely different.
“If you want to share yourself with Kane, I am—“
A loud, horrible cough came from behind them. She looked behind her, heart falling to her stomach. Of course Brodrick would hear them speaking during a conversation such as this. She gave him a weak smile, but all he did was stare at the two of them.
Connor’s demeanor instantly changed. The bright light in his eyes dimmed, and his face seemed to wipe clean of emotion. This was the face of Kane’s squire. A cool, level-headed man who had no emotional outbursts.
“Saeran,” Brodrick said, grunting. “Connor.”
“My lord,” they murmured together.
“Just so ye’ ken, if ye’ speak loud enough, no matter how far back in the line ye’ are, people are going to hear ye’.” He gave them both a nod, then left.
Her heart raced. Had the other men heard the entirety of their conversation? She cast a look at the men, only seeing their backs. No one was looking back at them, not even Brodrick, who rode past them. Everyone was either silent or talking in the form of grunts to one another.
She turned to Connor, eyes wide. “Do you think anyone—“
“No,” he said, shaking his head. He was subdue. “No one heard anything. He happened to show up at the right time. It was but a warning.”
“Why would he issue a warning without a cause—“
“Saeran,” he broke in, narrowing his eyes on her. “Does anyone else know of yer disguise?”
“No! At least—at least, no one should know. Why?” she asked fearfully.
“I’m just curious,” he said. Connor reached behind him, pulling a piece of yellow parchment out of his pocket. “I did not know whether to give this to your or not.”
He handed it to her. Saeran cautiously took it, studying it. She gathered her horses reins in one hand and flipped the parchment over. It was sealed with black wax, no insignia. She ran her finger over the hard wax, meeting his eyes.
“I saw Blaine giving it to Gwen. A couple hours after you and Kane disappeared, Blaine came into the hall with that. She looked furious—like she could have killed someone.”
“Why do you have it?” she asked, gaze returning to the parchment. She bit her lip. Dare she open it? It could just be a list of nothing, something foolish between Gwen and Blain
e.
He shrugged, looking ahead. “Someone has to look out for you. The only person I can think of that can make Blaine that angry is you, and seeing as you and Kane were gone for so long, and Blaine looked...angry, well—I took it when Gwen was not looking. I feel that she was meant to deliver it somewhere. The two of them have become more secretive as of late.”
She nodded, swallowing. Saeran knew exactly what he was talking about. She had noticed it too, the past week, as much as she tried not to. When the rumors and cold shoulder had started, Gwen and Blaine had stuck together more and more. Saeran had yet to meet the infamous Gwen who seemed to have a hand in everything, but she sounded like Saeran used to be—her footman, willing to do anything to please Blaine.
She felt a moment of pity for Gwen, and anger at herself. She had been that weak—Lord, in a way, she still was. Saeran still refused to acknowledge everything her sister had done up to this point. Now, though, with the parchment that was in her hands and the bad feeling in her stomach, she highly doubted she would be able to put it off now.
“I didn’t give it to you sooner because I didn’t want whatever it was that’s in there to upset you,” he said, grimacing. He still didn’t look at her, his eyes facing forward, voice sad. She felt the worry coming off of him in waves, and had to imagine how hard it must be for him—to not only cater to the laird, and herself. Saeran reached over, giving his arm a quick squeeze.
“Thank you, Connor,” she whispered. He met her eyes.
“You’re welcome, my lady.” A smirk lit his face, but she didn’t reprimand him. With trembling fingers, she slid her finger under the edge of the parchment and pulled up. The hardened wax tore, some of it crumbling onto her lap, and then it was open.
The seal had been broken.
Saeran held her breath as she unfolded the yellow letter. Her heart was like dead weight in her chest.