Page 48 of Bride of the Beastly Laird

“I dinnae wish tae return tae the castle, but I am honor bound tae dae so. Until the king sets aside me betrothal tae Bairre ye and I cannae wed. If I flee now, I will be placing yer maither’s life at risk. Yer life is already given away and I’ll dae naught tae put ye in further jeopardy. I’ll return tae the castle and whatever fate has in store.”

They kissed again. This time with a slow, desperate kind of longing that bespoke their fear for each other and for what might await them at the castle.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

After they’d bade farewell to the villagers, they mounted their horses and rode back toward the castle. Dahlia’s stomach was clenched so tight she was almost retching. They had no idea what would be in store for them or whether Bairre had discovered her absence and realized Arran had escaped from the burning cottage.

It was late when they arrived and, once again, Arran led them through the labyrinth of passages that only he seemed to understand and know the way around. He escorted her to her bedchamber, but she clung to him, afraid to let him go, fully aware of Bairre’s murderous attitude toward him

“Are ye sure ye can keep safe from Bairre and his men? His anger will grow tenfold when he discovers yer escape from the fire.”

“Never fear. I’ll be able tae remain hidden among the passageways in the keep. I can stay out of sight, mixing with the servants who ken me and will remain loyal. I’ve nay fear of Bairre and his men.”

Dahlia protested, her fear for him growing by the minute. “But once he discovers there is nae body burnt tae ashes in the old cottage, he’ll ken ye escaped. If he wants ye dead he’ll nae be inclined tae leave ye tae yer freedom.”

He shrugged. “Dinnae fash about me, Dahlia. ‘Tis ye who is in the greatest danger. Should Bairre suspect where ye’ve been this past day and night he will rage at ye.”

“I’m nae afraid. As far as he kens, I’ve simply been keeping tae me bedchamber and avoiding him. I’ll make sure Beattie keeps tae me story. That I was indisposed and needed the peace of me own rooms. Even Bairre cannae complain if a lady’s monthly flow keeps her hidden in her rooms fer a few days.”

He grinned at her. “Aye. Ye’re right. He cannae complain about yer absence.”

There was only time for the briefest of kisses before he was on his way, creeping silently along the passageway. Dahlia stood at the door of her chambers and watched until he merged with the dark shadows at the end of the hallway and disappeared.

Once inside the room she rang the bell for Beattie who appeared almost at once, looking greatly relieved to see her mistress again, safe and sound.

She quickly set about lighting the fire and plumping the pillows on the bed.

“The laird asked fer ye yesterday, but I told him ye were keeping tae yer room and that seemed tae satisfy him. Where did ye go melady?”

“Och. Good lass. I’ll keep tae me rooms tomorrow, let him think I’m in me monthly period and keeping tae meself.”

“Very good melady. D’ye care fer some nourishment from the kitchen now?”

Dahlia nodded. She was hungry, and it would be well if Bairre heard she’d called fer soup and bannocks tae be brought.

Beattie bustled off, leaving a warm fire blazing in the hearth and Dahlia breathing much easier. It seemed that, thanks to Beattie covering for her, she had managed to fool Bairre. And with any luck she could avoid him for at least another day.

She hungrily consumed the hearty leek and carrot soup Beattie brought her, and devoured the oat cakes and bannocks. The events of the past day had left her thoroughly worn out and she relished the idea that tomorrow she could remain cloistered in her room, avoiding Bairre for as long as possible

The next day passed pleasantly enough. Beattie brought her embroidery and silks from the solar and Dahlia spent some quiet hours engaged in the gentle pastime. It was a welcome respite from the horror she’d been through in the flaming bothy and the dash on horseback to the safety of the villagers and Elspaith’s healing. It seemed almost a miracle now, thinking it over, that she’d been in the forest and in time to save Arran’s life.

Now she knew what Bairre was capable off her revulsion toward him grew. There must be a way for Arran to find the place where Bairre was keeping Emilia hidden so they could at last make their escape from the castle and ruin her damned betrothal. She longed for some word from her brother but it was only two weeks since she’d sent here missive asking for his help. Every day she waited, hopeful that there’d be a message from the king.

Around midday a kitchen-maid brought a platter of honey cakes with a message from the laird hoping it would not be long before she would be feeling well enough to join him in the solar for a meal.

She sent a message back with the maid, thanking Bairre for his thoughtfulness and complaining that she was still out of sorts and it would be at least another two days before she could join him.

Her thoughts were only of Arran and how he may be evading Bairre and his entourage. He could only stay hidden for a short time. Sooner or later, someone would – wittingly or unwittingly – give away his concealed presence in the keep.

Inside the castle, there was some protection for him as he had been a popular laird and had many supporters. Bairre could not murder him there and as long as he was well-hidden he was comparatively safe. Still, Dahlia worried incessantly about him, wishing with all her heart he could send her a message letting her know of his wellbeing.

By the end of the day she was finding her solitude rather tiresome. She would have taken herself out to the garden for a turn among the rose bushes and a breath of fresh air, but she was afraid she might be unlucky enough to meet with Bairre in her travels so she remained locked in her room.

She was seated before the fire after supper when she heard the faintest scratching at her door. Her heart leaped in her chest. It could only be Arran.

She raced across and creaked open the door just wide enough for him to slip into her room.

At once he folded her into his arms.

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