Page 46 of Highlander's Secret Heiress
Alyth nodded. “Yes. Sometimes I help her a little, but she is much more skilled than I am.” She looked up at Lachlan, hopefully. “Will you let my father go to her?”
“Of course I will,” Lachlan answered, frowning.
He summoned two of his men, and they lifted the Laird between them and took him to the sick room.
“May I go with them?” Alyth asked. She looked uncertain, and Lachlan’s heart skipped a beat. Did she think he was a monster?
“Of course you may,” he replied. “I have no right to stop you.”
“Thank you.” Alyth managed a faint smile. “Take whatever you want from the castle, but please do not harm anyone.”
Lachlan frowned. “Do you think I came here to rob you?” he asked, astounded.
Alyth nodded, and he took a step closer to her.
“Alyth, there is only one thing—or rather one person I want—you. I want you to be my wife, and I want our families to be allies. So, will you marry me? Because I cannot imagine living without you.”
Alyth was stunned, and her eyes filled with tears as she gazed at Lachlan in disbelief. Had she heard him right? Then she smiled and nodded her head, too overcome with joy to speak.
“Thank god,” Lachlan breathed. His face broke into a wide, joyful grin. “Thank you, my love. I want to say more, but this is not the time nor the place. Go and see your father while I help to clear up this mess. We can meet later.”
He hugged her briefly and kissed her forehead, then made his way out to the carnage in the courtyard. Alyth followed more slowly, but began to run as she saw the corpse of Laird Robertson a few yards away. She never wanted to lay eyes on him again, dead or alive.
Out in the courtyard of Cairnloch Castle, the Carrick and MacAdams men were working together to tidy up the post-battle debris, while the Robertsons were all being escorted to the dungeons.
Lachlan sought out Gavin, who was talking to the Captain of the Guard of the MacAdams, a man called Douglas Montgomery.
Montgomery snapped to attention as Lachlan stopped beside them. He was a tall man like Lachlan and Gavin, and he hadan air of effortless command about him. His men obeyed him without question, and now that he and Gavin were on the same side, discipline, and order were guaranteed.
“What should we do with Robertson body?” Gavin asked, and Lachlan gave him a look that told him exactly what he needed to know.
“Let’s just bury him somewhere and forget about him,” he said grimly.
Gavin gave Lachlan a wicked smile. “Good,” he replied. “Now ye can turn your attention tae happier things.” He raised his eyebrows inquiringly. “Did ye ask her tae marry ye?”
“Yes,” Lachlan replied, with a hint of a smile.
“Dinnae keep me waitin’,” Gavin said impatiently. “What did she say?”
Lachlan gave him a grin that looked as if the sun was coming out.
“She said yes,” he replied happily.
EPILOGUE
One Month Later…
The Great Hall in Leithmuir Castle was bursting at the seams. It seemed that every Carrick and every MacAdams from all over Scotland was there, and the rift that had existed for decades between the two clans had been bridged by patience, negotiation, and compromise.
There were still a few personal issues to be solved between individuals, of course, but this was a normal situation in any great gathering of people. On the other hand, friendships had been forged between individuals and families, and the overall result was what everyone desired: peace.
The wedding of Alyth and Lachlan had been postponed until all these matters had been resolved, and now it was time for the celebration to take place in an atmosphere of calm and contentment. It would not only be a wedding, but the seal of an alliance that would achieve safety and security for everyone.
Alyth and Lachlan had been very discreet and had exchanged no more than a few passionate kisses during this time. They slept separately too, Alyth in her bedchamber and Lachlan in theGuards’ quarters. He had done this many times, and had earned the respect and trust of his men by living in the same conditions as they did.
For her part, Alyth had visited the maids in the kitchen, expecting to be greeted coldly now that they knew her true identity. However, although there were a few moments of hesitation at first, a little friendly banter and the sharing of some fond memories restored their old relationship.
Alyth had spent the month having a wedding dress made, and to make it perfect, she decided to use Lachlan’s favourite colour. When she asked him what it was, he said without hesitation, “Crimson. It was the colour of my mother’s wedding dress, and I have always loved it.”
