Page 37 of The Veiled Wish of a Highland Bride

“Get away from her, ye bastard!”

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Bram gaped; his astonishment palpable as Archibald charged at him.

The Laird recovered from his shock as Archie got much closer and instinctively drew out his own dirk, sheathed beneath his kilt. Archie saw the warrior in him driving his every action.

Their weapons collided in the air as Bram struggled to keep him at bay, throwing clumsy punches. Archibald was relieved that he was gradually overpowering him. He'd heard of Bram's battle prowess and tales of his conquests, though hewas probably a better warrior himself.

“Dinnae ye lay a finger on Mia ever again!” Archibald bellowed as he attempted to disarm the man.

“Ye scoundrel!” Bram yelled back. “Is that why ye are before my chambers? To have a taste of this wicked wench?”

“If anyone is wicked it isye!”

As the tussle became more violent, Mia screamed, having previously tried but failed to call the two men to order.

Bram kept swiping his dirk, glancing back and forth between Archie and Mia. He seemed to be analyzing something in his head. His momentary confusion was the perfect opportunity for Archibald to strike him, but chose not to. He was not here to start a war.

“Ye! Why are ye attempting to defend the honor ofmywife? Of what concern is she to ye, else…”

He paused his frantic speech and jumped back.

Bram looked pointedly at Archibald. His eyes widened. “Or haveyebeen sleeping with my wife?”

Archie said nothing.

The fight raged on. In his anger, Bram nicked Archibald on his upper arm, and Mia screamed even louder. But Archiequickly exacted his vengeance by slashing him on the thigh.

The injuries caused both of them to pause momentarily, giving Bram the opportunity to direct his attention to Mia.

“Why are ye yelling so much, yewench? Ye can fight, can ye nae? If ye want to save yer lover, ye may pick up a dagger and come and fight me, because I tell ye this man will nae be living to see the light of another day if I have my way.”

Mia did nothing but shuffle on the ground, shivering.

“Why?” Bram chided “Ye cannae? Och, I see. Ye're too tired from grinding this scoundrel's corn, aye?” He swung another punch at Archie.

The other Lairds had begun running up the stairs towards the sound of the fight. Most of them seemed to assume that the Murray Castle was under attack, and as trained warriors themselves they came ready for battle. The moment Archibald heard them approaching, he broke away.

Bram seemed to do the same. It was as though they had an unspoken understanding that no one should find out about this.

Archibald watched as Bram gauged the severity of the gash on his thigh. After seemingly concluding it was not that bad, he glared at Archie, as if wondering what to do. They both knew he could never let the other Lairds find out what had happened.

“Mia, get into yer chambers right now and do nae come out until I send for ye,” Bram said without taking his eyes off Archibald.

“B-But—"

“Now! And as for ye,” Bram continued once Mia had shut her door behind herself, whispering, “if ye dinnae want to be hung or thrown in my dungeon, ye better follow my lead.”

Archibald did nothing to show he had actually heard him.

“What is all the fuss about?” Laird MacDougall asked, being the very first to reach them. The others followed closely behind.

“Is there something happening that we should ken about?” another voice came from the crowd that had gathered around them.

“Naething at all, Lairds,” Bram said with a smug smile. “Pardon the noise. Laird Macnab and I were merely testing our strengths with each other on this fine morn.”

Archibald gave Bram a pat on the back which heknewwould frustrate the drunkard. “Naething to worry about,” he echoed. “Please, go get some more rest. Ye all have yer journeys ahead of ye before midday.”

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