Page 79 of Once upon a Summer Night

Colin gave Claire a shrug. “Could be worse. You could be living in another clan’s village, or as a farmer’s daughter.”

“At least then I’d have some choice over whom I marry, instead of being pawned off to the laird most willing to give my sire men in a battle not his own,” she shot back angrily.

“Wow,” Gwen murmured. “You certainly have some dedicated students, Ry.”

Colin ignored her and kept his attention on Claire. They’d had this conversation before. “Yes, Claire. That would besomuch better. Being a farmer’s daughter means that when another clan decides it wants your laird’s land and people, you’re the first to die when they set your cottage on fire.”

“At least I’d die happy,” she retorted.

“Enough,” Nioclas said sternly. Claire fell silent. While Colin’s heart hurt for her, his mind knew the rules of the time. Claire was the only daughter of a powerful laird. Her hand would be much sought after.

“You will have your choice at your own event,” Brianagh said calmly. Then, with a chuckle, she added, “We’re not marrying you off quite yet.”

“None of this explains why I was sent here,” Reilly cut in, bringing their attention back to him. “I’m supposed to be rescuing Claire,again, yet here she is, nary a hair out of place.”

She smiled in a sickly-sweet way, her eyes narrowing at him. “Aye, here I am. You’re welcome to return home now.”

“Claire!” Brianagh exclaimed.

“She sounds like you used to,” Colin murmured, and Bri smacked him on the shoulder.

“Shut it,” she hissed. To her daughter, she said firmly, “That’s enough. Reilly is the best of men, and you will treat him as such. He isfamily, Claire.”

“The overbearing sort,” she muttered.

“Is there any other kind?” Brianagh wondered aloud.

“I’m rather confused,” Ellie said loudly. Everyone turned to her, and she blushed. “You keep breaking character. But somehow you’re staying in character. Can someone please explain what’s going on?”

“Why don’t you tell us how you came to be here?” Brianagh replied.

Ellie nodded. “When we were at Reilly’s house, we went for a walk, and then that freak storm blew in—”

“Don’t forget about that photographer,” Gwen reminded her.

“Right, he chased us,thenthe storm hit, and then we met up with the boy. Aidan.”

“Yes, he’s one of my sons,” Brianagh confirmed.

“Then he did some sort of magic whistle thing, and someguys appeared on horseback, then we waited in the rain and Claire brought us our costumes. We came back to the castle, have been eating some authentic castle food, and even slept in a real straw bed. Not once has anyone broken character until you three show up,” Ellie continued. “So, as I said, I’m rather confused at the moment. Is the training over?”

“I’msoconfused,” Gwen agreed.

Colin looked at Reilly, who gave him a nod. “I think we have some explaining to do. Let’s take a walk about the castle grounds, El.”

“And we’ll walk as well.” Reilly helped Gwen up, then gave a swift nod to Bri and Nick before hustling her out of the room.

“Quit managing me!” they heard Gwen exclaim.

“She’ll be fine,” Bri remarked calmly.

Colin looked down into Ellie’s trusting eyes and hoped she would be, too.

Chapter 12

Ellie walked next to Colin, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Her stride remained even, and she projected a calm countenance.

It made Colin very nervous.

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