Page 68 of The Fierce Highlander

Noble took his wife in his arms. “The clan is family, wife, and family fights for family no matter the cost, just as you do for Sky.” He kissed her quickly. “Though, it turned out far better for you since you got me as a husband.”

She laughed. “I cannot argue with the truth. Now I should go and see that food and drink is made ready for our guests since the Lowlanders look upon the Highlanders as savages and I will see them proven wrong.”

His deep blue eyes swirled with anger. “If they attempt to take you away from me, they will feel firsthand just how savage a Highlander can be.”

* * *

Leora stoodby her husband’s side, Chief alert by her leg, as a small troop of Lowlanders and, surprisingly, an elderly woman brought their horses to a stop in front of the keep. Noble had only permitted a handful of Lowlanders to enter the village. The others, along with the small group of mercenaries with them, were made to wait on the outskirts of the village.

One of the Lowlanders helped the elderly woman off her horse.

“Good Lord, it is a relief to finally arrive here,” the woman said and walked to stand directly in front of Noble. “I am Lady Elizabeth MacMurray, and I am in need of a hot brew and a soft cushion.” She turned to Leora and looked her up and down, her aging eyes finally lingering on Leora’s hair. “And you, dear, are the reason I made this dreadful journey. We must talk.” She took hold of Leora’s arm, leaving her no choice but to help her up the stairs.

Chief let loose with a puppy bark and rushed a few steps ahead of them before plopping down and waiting for them to catch up.

“Be gone with you, you mangy animal,” Lady Elizabeth ordered, shooing at the pup with her hand.

Leora stopped on the next step, forcing the older woman to stop as well. “That handsome animal is Chief, my pup. He goes where I go whether anyone likes it or not.”

Chief barked as if in agreement and Noble hid his smile, hearing the reprimand in his wife’s voice. Lady Elizabeth would learn soon enough that Leora was not one to hold her tongue.

Lady Elizabeth glanced over Leora with an approving smile and said, “As you say, my dear.”

When the two women proceeded to climb the stairs, the Lowland warrior went to follow.

Noble stepped in front of him. “You will wait out here.”

“Simmons goes where I go,” Lady Elizabeth called out.

“Not here, he doesn’t,” Noble ordered firmly.

Lady Elizabeth turned. “You would deprive an elderly woman her request?”

“That was no request, it was a demand, and I am the only one who demands and commands here,” Noble said with authority.

“I know not if I deal with savages,” Lady Elizabeth snapped.

Noble’s voice turned fierce. “Either do I.”

Lady Elizabeth was taken aback and left speechless.

“Come with me, a hot brew awaits, and I will see a cushion brought for you,” Leora said to end the confrontation.

Lady Elizabeth stared at Leora as she said, “Proper manners are inbred in the aristocracy, my dear. I am pleased to see you have them.”

Leora hurried the woman along, knowing her husband’s temper had been more than sparked, it was close to being set ablaze.

Lady Elizabeth was soon settled at the dais, a soft cushion beneath her, a hot brew in hand, and food aplenty on the table, and Chief went to his bed by the hearth and sat, keeping a careful eye on the old woman.

“That man,” Lady Elizabeth said but Leora did not let her finish.

“Chieftain Noble, my husband,” Leora said.

Silence followed for a few moments before Lady Elizabeth asked, “Your marriage vows have been sealed?”

“Many times over, and she is probably already with child,” Noble announced as he approached the dais.

“That doesn’t matter,” Lady Elizabeth said dismissively. “The child can be raised in the Lowlands and given a good life.”

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