Chapter 1
With his men by his side, Dougall MacRae was just finishing his patrol of the MacKenzie lands and was headed back to Breaghacraig when the sounds of a lone rider galloping his way caught his attention.
“Hold,” Dougall said, raising a hand to signal his men. They all stopped and listened. The rider was approaching from their rear, so they spun their horses to face the unknown man as he neared. Dougall rode to the front, waiting to see if this rider was friend or foe.
“Dougall!” the rider called. “What luck!”
Dougall squinted his eyes as he gazed into the setting sun. The man approaching was tall, but his features were hard to see as the sun was at his back. As he neared, Dougall saw shoulder length dark hair, a full beard and laughing brown eyes. He’d recognize that face anywhere.
“Rest easy men, ’tis an old friend.” Dougall nudged his horse forward to greet the man he hadn’t seen in a long, long time. “Logan McPhail. Is it really ye?”
“Aye, Dougall. Ye look no worse than when I saw ye last.” Logan laughed as he guided his horse closer to Dougall’s, leaning across he threw an arm around his old friend in a back-breaking hug.
Dougall returned the favor, heartily whacking him on the back for good measure.
“’Tis good to see ye. What brings ye here?” Dougall pulled away from Logan and raised an eyebrow in question.
“I’m here to find ye, of course. Yer father requests… nae he commands yer presence without delay.” It seemed Logan was uncomfortable sharing this news with him.
Dougall was puzzled. He’d been here with the MacKenzie’s almost his entire life, with the exception of a few trips back home to visit with his family. Since his mother passed five years ago, he’d not ventured home at all and he could honestly say he hadn’t missed it. His father was an overbearing brute and he preferred to be as far away from him as possible. What could he possibly want him for that would require sending Logan with a directive to come at once?
It was obvious that Logan was reading Dougall’s face for any clue as to how he was accepting this news. “Before ye ask, I dinnae ken what he wants with ye. Only that ye ride back with me immediately.”
“’Tis nae possible. I must return to Breaghacraig with me men. Once there I will tell the MacKenzies that I’ll be away for a while.”
“Dinnae fear, I’ll give ye the time ye need. I couldnae find ye, afterall.” Logan laughed, rolling his eyes in his head.
Dougall nodded his thanks. “Come then. We’re on our way back. We’ve been out on patrol for the past sennight and I fer one cannae wait to be back.” Thoughts of Helene, his love, danced in his head. It would be good to hold her in his arms once again.
“A good meal will do us all good,” Logan said.
Dougall realized that if anything, he had missed Logan. He’d been more like a brother to him than any of his own had been. Logan, too, had fostered with the MacKenzies, but he’d gone back home to see his family and while there had been put into service by Dougall’s father, Paddraig MacRae. He’d not seen him again for these past five years until this very moment.
“How have ye been?” Dougall asked, with a glance to his friend.
“Fine. Yer Da keeps me busy.” Logan cast his glance in Dougall’s direction.
He didn’t need to say more. Dougall understood that his father was a difficult task master. “Do ye wish ye could’ve stayed at Breaghacraig?”
“Aye. It was home to me.”
“As it is to me.” Dougall had an unsettling feeling in the pit of his belly. What if his father was calling him back to stay? He’d have little choice but to abide by his father’s wishes. And what of Helene? He couldn’t leave her behind. It would be best for him to take her with him. He could introduce her to his father and tell him of their plans to wed. That made him feel a little bit better. As long as he had Helene by his side, all would be well. He relaxed and made up his mind not to worry about what might be in store for him back with Laird MacRae.
“Cailin and Cormac will be happy ye’ve returned, if only for a short stay. They’ve both wed, ye ken.”
“Aye. I’d heard they finally settled down. I didnae think I’d ever see the day. The lasses at Breaghcraig must be heartbroken. But they still have ye unless, of course, ye’ve settled down yerself.”
“Nae. Though there is a lass in me life. This trip back to Castle Treun has me thinking to bring her along, but first I must ask her to be me betrothed.”
“Dougall! Why is it ye didnae tell me about that bit of news before this moment?”
“I wish to wed Helene, but I was waiting fer a time when I could provide her with a home and more security.” Dougall checked with Logan to see if he understood. Logan nodded. “Someday I’ll be laird and I wish her to be Lady MacRae, but in the meantime, I hadnae wished to subject her to life at Castle Treun. It seems now, with your arrival, that I may have to.”
Logan gazed off into the distance and Dougall wondered why his very talkative friend suddenly had nothing to say.
***
Helene was happily attending to her duties. Dougall would be back today. She’d missed him terribly while he was out on patrol, and the mere thought of seeing him again had the butterflies in her belly fluttering their wings in delight.
“Will Dougall be home tonight?” Ashley asked as Helene put the finishing touches on her hair.
“Aye. I can hardly wait,” Helene gushed.
She’d become good friends with this lovely lass who’d come all the way from twenty-first century San Francisco to marry Cailin MacBayne, Laird MacKenzie’s brother-in-law. They confided in each other about their hopes, dreams and their men.
“I know what you mean. I hate it when Cailin has to be away. Thank goodness that doesn’t happen too often.” Ashley rose and walked to her bed where little Emma lay sound asleep. She adjusted the fur throw covering the babe, taking a moment to gaze lovingly on her before returning to her seat.
Helene loved the way Ashley’s face changed when she looked at her daughter. She’d been such a nervous mother at first. Everyone at the castle had been concerned. None more so than her husband, but over the past month she’d begun to relax. Gone was the anxious expression that seemed to be permanently on her pretty face, now replaced by a more placid and serene look.
Emma was a wee beauty. On the many occasions she’d helped care for Emma, Helene felt the yearning for marriage and bairns of her own. Dougall hadn’t yet asked her to marry him, but she knew he would. Their relationship had blossomed and she knew he loved her. He told her so every day they were together. The fact that it would happen didn’t make it any less of a dream for her. Helene took a moment to stand at the window in hopes she would see Dougall riding up to the castle with his men, but she was disappointed when he was nowhere in sight. She continued to gaze off into the distance, thinking about the man she loved.
Dougall caught her eye the very first time she saw him. When he entered a room, the air seemed to disappear. Without making a sound, it was obvious to everyone he was there, but his six foot four well-muscled frame was all hers. The unmarried women of the clan envied her. She knew because they told her so many, many times. She loved the feel of him when he held her close. He was as solid as the stone walls of Breaghacraig. His hair was dark blonde with glints of gold when the sun shone upon it. She loved to run her fingers through the curls that framed his handsome face and gaze into his eyes of the bluest blue. Helene could be lost in them for hours. A pleasant yearning made its way from her womanly center to her belly where those butterflies were at work once again as she pictured him shirtless and glistening in the sun while he practiced with his men on the field. Oh, he was a beautiful man, but he was also kind, caring and responsible. She knew that marrying Dougall was what she wanted more than anything.
“Where’d you go to, Helene?” Ashley had returned to her seat and was gazing at her with a knowing smile on her face. “As if I didn’t know.”
Helene moved away from the window to return to Ashley’s side. The fire blazing in the hearth warmed the room and cast a golden glow across the floor to the bed where brocaded curtains stood guard over wee Emma from their posts on each corner. “I was just thinking about Dougall. Do ye think he’ll ask me to marry him soon?” Helene examined Ashley’s hair and finding one errant braid, pinned it in place and then stood back to admire her work.
“I know he will,” Ashley assured her.
“How do ye ken?” Helene thought Ashley might know something that she didn’t. “Did he say something to Cailin?”
“No, and if he did Cailin hasn’t said anything to me about it. I just think it’s time.” Ashley stood and Helene helped her into her dress.
“Hmmm… He has been gone so much of late. Mayhap now that he’ll be here at home without any duties dragging him away he’ll ask. I hope so.”
“He will. I have no doubt.”
Helene smiled warmly at her friend, but even though she, too, thought it was time, she’d been having a strange premonition that she couldn’t shake—something was coming that would get in the way of their happiness.
***
“Look who I found wandering MacKenzie lands while I was out on patrol.” Dougall called to Cailin and Cormac who were busy practicing with their men.
“Is that who I think it is?” Cormac asked. Not waiting for confirmation, he bear hugged Logan, lifting him off of the ground.
“Logan MacPhail!” Cailin joined in, wrapping his arms around his brother and Logan. “Welcome back!”
“Are ye here to stay?” Cormac asked.
“Nay. I must return home with this one.” He nodded his head in Dougall’s direction.
“What?” Cailin seemed surprised by this announcement.
“Aye. Me father has asked that I return immediately with Logan. I must gather me things and leave in the morning.” Dougall hated delivering this news to the brothers. He no more wanted to go than they wanted him to.
“Do ye need the men to accompany ye?” Cormac asked.
“Nay. ’Tis just a visit with me father. I’ll find out what he wishes of me and I’ll return as quickly as I can.”
“What if he wishes ye to stay?”
“I’m hoping ’tis nae the case, but if so I’ll send word back.”
Cailin and Cormac exchanged seemingly knowing glances before turning back to Dougall. Cailin wrapped an arm around his shoulders and guided him towards the castle, while Cormac walked along beside Logan making small talk as they went.
Dougall stopped Cailin in mid stride with a hand to his arm. “I must speak with Helene before she hears of this from someone else.”
“Me lips are sealed,” Cailin said.
***
Wrapped in Dougall’s arms, his warm breath carressing her face, Helene was at peace. She’d missed him from the moment he’d left to go on patrol. Now he was back and she felt whole again.
“I missed you,” Dougall whispered.
Helene snuggled closer. “Mmm…”
“I must tell ye something, love.” Dougall stepped back far enough to see her face and Helene again had an immediate sense of impending doom.
“What is it?” she asked, her voice filled with worry.
“Me father wishes me to return home. I must go.”
Helene’s worst fears were coming to fruition. “Ye cannae, ye’ve only just returned. What will I do without ye?”
“Helene, I want ye to come with me. It will be a good time for ye to meet me father and brothers. Ye can meet me sister, Brenna as well.”
She released the breath she’d been holding. “Ye really wish me to go with ye?”
“Aye.” Dougall got down on one knee. “But I have something to ask ye first.” He gazed up into her face and Helene felt her knees go weak. “Helene, will ye marry me?”
This is what she’d wanted to hear for so many months. She opened her mouth to speak, but her voice was lost. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she gazed upon Dougall’s puzzled expression.
“Do ye nay wish to marry me, Helene?” He sounded worried.
Helene pulled his head into her body and hugged him tightly, both laughing and crying. Finally her voice returned. “Aye, Dougall. I’ll happily marry ye.”
Dougall sprang to his feet and took her in his arms. “I love ye, Helene. I can’t imagine living me life without ye.”
“Oh, Dougall. I love ye. I always have.”
Their lips met in tender passion as they expressed their love, devotion and commitment to one another.
“Shall we go tell the others?” Dougall asked, wiping a happy tear from her face.
Helene nodded as Dougall pulled her into his side and headed for the great hall to make their announcement.
***
Irene, Jenna and Ashley gathered around Helene, each taking a turn to hug her and let her know how happy they were for her. The men did the same with Dougall.
“Shall we have a toast to this couple who are so obviously meant for one another?” Laird Robert MacKenzie asked.
“Aye. Sophia, will ye see to the whisky?” Irene smiled warmly in Sophia’s direction. “I imagine we’ll be hearing this same news about ye as well.”
Sophia blushed, glancing at Latharn. “Congratulations, Helene.”
“Thank ye, Sophia.” Helene watched as Sophia left the room to get the whisky.
“I hate that you’re leaving us,” Ashley said. “But I couldn’t be happier that it will be to marry Dougall.”
“We’ll be back. I’m sure of it. And we’ll celebrate me marriage then.” Helene said as she glanced at this group of women who’d been her sisters, her friends, her confidants. She wished she believed in her heart the words she’d just uttered. Something was telling her that this might be the last time she set eyes on her dear friends. A sadness came over her which she didn’t wish the others to see, so she smiled brightly and caught Dougall’s eye as he enjoyed the congratulations of the men.
He came to her immediately, taking her hand in his. “Is all well, Helene?” He seemed to sense her uneasiness and Helene immediately felt some relief with him by her side.
“Aye. I dinnae wish to leave Breaghacraig for good, Dougall.” She’d never lived anywhere other than Breaghacraig and the thought of leaving it forever to live in a strange new place where the only one she knew would be Dougall was unsettling to say the least.
Dougall stroked her cheek as he whispered, “We’ll be back, love. Dinnae fear. Ye’ll see yer friends again.”
“But if we don’t come back, Dougall, I want ye to ken that I love ye and I’m happy to spend the rest of me life with ye where ever that may be.” She hoped he knew she truly meant what she was saying. Helene could do anything as long as Dougall was by her side to protect and love her.
Lifting Helene’s chin with his finger, Dougall gazed into her eyes. “I’m happy of that, but as I said, we’ll be back. Dinnae think on it again. I dinnae wish to be away from me home for long either.”
Dougall had expressed to Helene on many occasions that he considered Breaghacraig his home and the MacKenzies his family, so she knew this was as difficult for him as it was for her. Mayhap he was right. They had no idea what Paddraig MacRae wanted with Dougall, but it couldn’t possibly be anything that would hold him there. He’d explained to her that he was in line to be laird, but his father was a hearty soul and Dougall couldn’t imagine him handing over the lairdship to him unless he was on his death bed. There was nae a thing to keep him there.
Chapter 2
The sun had barely risen when Dougall, Helene and Logan began their journey back to Castle Treun. Helene could barely contain her excitement. She’d rarely, if ever, been much more than a day’s ride away from Breaghacraig. She was both excited and nervous to be on this trip. The excitement was a by-product of Dougall’s proposal. She was going to be the wife of one of Breaghacraig’s fiercest warriors and as far as she was concerned, the handsomest. Following along on the narrow path that led her away from her home, Helene was keenly aware of Dougall’s presence. Her eyes were glued to his back as he rode and she had the distinct pleasure of watching every muscle as it moved along with the horse’s gait. His broad shoulders tapered to a vee and the sight of his taut backside securely seated in his saddle sent a rush of heat throughout her body. Dougall must have felt her eyes on him because he turned in the saddle, his heated gaze causing goose bumps to erupt.
The trip to Castle Treun should take no more than three days and three agonizing nights where she would be able to sleep beside Dougall, but both would need to be discreet. Logan, who followed along behind her, was a deterrent to anything other than a chaste kiss or hug taking place while they camped. Still, Helene’s mind wandered to thoughts of more passionate nights to come, causing her to squirm in her saddle.
The scenery around them became even more beautiful the further away from Breaghacraig they ventured. Carpets of lavender, wild orchids and thistle blanketed the landscape and were offset by rugged cliffs and coastline. Dougall had explained their route to her. While this was all new to her, he was an expert. He knew exactly where he was going and had planned the most expedient route. She knew, because he’d explained it to her that they’d be travelling through the Cuillin Mountains, Trottenish Ridge and across something called The Table. She would never forget this journey. How could she? At the end of it she’d become the wife of Dougall MacRae.
***
Dougall stopped Broch and waited for Helene to reach him before continuing on at her side. The road was wider here and he wished to be as close to her as he could this day.
“Are ye afeared, Helene?” he asked, concern in his voice.
“Aye. A wee bit.” Her soft voice was like music to his ears.
“I’m here with ye. Ye’ve nae a thing to fear, love.” He hoped that the warmth he was feeling towards Helene was shining from his eyes for her to see.
“I ken it. Yer a braw man, Dougall. I feel safe with ye.” She returned his smile.
It was a wonder to him that the curve of her lips in that soft, sweet way of hers could completely undo him. In all his years as a warrior, he’d never been defeated, even by the most ferocious of adversaries. They’d surely laugh in his face if they saw the way she made him melt. He would fight every one of them again to keep her safe. He vowed then and there, never to let anyone harm her. “Good. I never want ye to be afeared, Helene. I’ll always take care of ye.”
“Will we marry when we get to Castle Treun?” she asked.
“Aye. I believe so. I’m happy to have ye meet me Da, me brothers and me sister. Ye’ll meet me mother’s sister as well. She’s a sweet one, much like mother was.” He always got a little melancholy speaking of his mother. She was a bright light in his otherwise dark childhood. He was putting on a good show for Helene. He didn’t wish her to be any more apprehensive than she already was, but his Da and brothers were a rough lot. He wasn’t sure why he’d been called home, but it couldn’t be for anything good. Of that he was sure.
***
Logan rode up beside them, interrupting their conversation. “We’ll make good time today. The weather’s on our side.”
“Nary a cloud in the sky,” Dougall answered.
“Are ye enjoying the sights, Helene?” Logan asked.
“’Tis so verra beautiful,” she answered.
“I’ve seen it many times, but yet I’m always taken by it.” He sat tall in his saddle, scanning the area they travelled through.
“Are ye married, Logan?” Helene asked.
“Nay.”
“Why? Yer a handsome man. The lasses must love ye.” Helene thought him quite handsome, in fact. Not as handsome as her man, but she imagined he’d turn a head or two if he were at Breaghacraig.
“I have nay time fer it. Dougall’s father keeps me quite busy. I’m always off on some errand or another. I spend verra little time at the castle.”
“’Tis a shame.” She meant it and immediately started thinking of the lasses she knew who might be right for him.
“’Tis. I hope that someday I’ll be as lucky as Dougall and I’ll meet a lovely woman like yerself.”
“Soon, I hope.” Helene smiled warmly at Logan. She liked him. Dougall had explained that he was an old friend from his childhood and that he hadn’t seen him since he’d left Breaghacraig years ago. They’d picked up right where they’d left off. The regard they had for each other was obvious and she felt doubly safe with them both by her side.
***
“We’ve many miles to cover this day. Will ye be alright if we take the horses up to a trot for a while?” Dougall directed his question to Helene.
“I’ll be fine. I’ve ridden many times with Ashley, remember.” Helene tipped her head and cocked an eyebrow in Dougall’s direction.
“We’re off then,” Logan said, with a conspiratorial wink at Helene.
She sent her palfrey into a comfortable trot, but her much smaller horse was having a hard time keeping up with Dougall and Logan’s larger stallions.
“Wait fer us,” she called after them. Both men slowed to a walk and waited for her to catch up.
“Shall we try again?” Dougall asked, smiling indulgently at her.
Helene nodded and the men fell in on either side of her keeping their horses to a slower, more controlled trot, while her palfrey’s smaller legs had to work much harder to stay apace. They rode that way for some time, but it became apparent that Helene’s horse was in need of a rest and so they stopped along the shore of a sparkling blue loch to have a bite to eat.
“Do ye think she’ll be alright?” Helene asked. She was most concerned for Gealach’s well-being.
“Ye will ride with me, this afternoon. She’ll have an easier time of it without ye on her back,” Dougall said.
“Do ye believe I’m too heavy for her to carry?” Helene was feeling self-conscious and a bit irritated all of a sudden.
Dougall seemed to understand he may have inadvertently hurt her feelings. “She hasn’t been ridden this far before. It’ll take some time fer her to get used to it.”
How could she stay upset with him? And why would she want to? She was going to ride with Dougall, wrapped in his strong arms. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Dougall chucked her under the chin. “I love ye, Helene.”
She knew he did. She could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. Standing on tiptoe, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him a quick peck on the lips. He responded swiftly, grabbing her around the waist and turning that quick peck into a much longer, deeper kiss. One that she really didn’t want to end, but the sound of Logan clearing his throat behind them brought them to a swift halt.
“Who has the food?” Logan asked. He had a look of mischief about him.
Dougall shook his head and set Helene away from himself. “I believe ye ken where the food is Logan. ’Tis unlike yer well-trained nose nae to be able to find it on yer own.”
Logan laughed and headed to the saddle bags, where he took out some of the food they’d been provided when they left Breaghacraig.
Dougall led Helene to a large rock near the water and lifted her so she could sit on it. She made herself comfortable, fixing her skirts and gazing out on the sparkling sapphire blue of the loch. There was a slight breeze, which ruffled her hair, sending strands across her face. Dougall gently caught them with his fingers and tucked them behind her ear. Warmth from the rock relaxed her and she realized how at peace she was. It had been hard leaving the MacKenzies behind, but she hoped she’d be returning to them soon. Dougall didnae ken the reason he’d been called to Castle Treun, but he’d told her they’d be returning to the castle they called home as soon as possible. In the meantime, she was planning to enjoy this journey, knowing that at its end her wish would come true.
Logan joined them with a sack of food, handing Helene some bread and cheese. He sliced some for himself and handed the rest to Dougall. They each had their quaich with them and Logan poured some wine into each. It wasn’t a lot of food, but it was enough. They still had two more days of travelling ahead of them and it wouldn’t be wise to eat everything they’d brought all in one sitting.
***
They journeyed on until the sky began to darken. Luck was with them. The sun had shined throughout the day and the night sky was clear, leaving the air crisp and cool. Helene wrapped her plaid more tightly around her as Dougall and Logan searched the area for an appropriate place to stop.
“We’ll make camp here,” Dougall said as he stopped Broch and dismounted. He came to Helene’s side and helped her dismount. “Logan, take care of the horses. I’ll get a fire started.”
“What shall I do?” Helene asked.
“There’s nary a thing fer ye to do, love. Logan and I have done this all many times before. We’ll be quick about our work and back with ye in no time.” Dougall kissed her forehead and caressed her cheek with his hand.
“But I’d like to help.”
“You help enough at Breaghacraig. ’Tis a pleasant break fer ye. Here, sit and rest.” Dougall guided her to a fallen tree. “I’ll be back quickly.”
Helene glanced around at the spot they’d chosen to spend the night. The ground was flat and covered with aromatic pine needles. The trees overhead would shelter them from wind, and if need be, rain. It took all her will power to stay seated while Dougall and Logan worked. For as long as she could remember, it had been her duty to serve others. Granted, serving the MacKenzies was a fine position to hold. They treated her more as a family member than a servant. She knew she was lucky they had taken her in when she needed it most.
Dougall got a fire blazing with little effort and made a spot for them to sit near it. “Come, Helene.” He took her hand and helped her get seated on the plaid he’d spread on the ground, before joining her. Logan returned from settling the horses for the night and sat on the opposite side of the fire.
“Something’s missing,” Logan said.
“Aye. Ye’ll be wanting the saddle bags.” Dougall noted.
Logan rose to get them and Dougall took that moment to brush Helene’s hair from her neck so he could sneak a kiss there.
“Dougall,” Helene protested, although she really didn’t mind at all.
“Dinnae fear, love. Logan kens the way of it. Once we’ve had something to eat, he’ll conveniently disappear so we can share some private time.”
Helene nervously clasped her hands in her lap. If she’d had her way, this private time Dougall spoke of would have happened already. Food was of no interest to her now. What she really wanted was Dougall. They’d both been very good at controlling their lustful urges these past months, but the thought of being alone with Dougall, here by the fire, had her body tingling from head to toe. She wished Logan would hurry back with the saddle bags so he could eat and then leave them. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to stop herself from climbing atop Dougall where he sat and having her way with him. She suppressed a giggle at her sultry thoughts.
“Did ye say something, love?” Dougall asked.
“Nae.” Helene stared into Dougall’s deep blue eyes, hoping that he could see how much she wanted him and from the way he returned her gaze, he did.
“Logan, hurry with those bags,” Dougall called.
“Coming, coming,” Logan said as he hurried back to the fire. “There’s a stream nearby. I could try to catch us a fish fer our meal.”
“Nae. Not tonight, friend. Let’s just eat what’s been packed. If ye wish to fish after we’re done, mayhap ye’ll catch something we can cook up for the morning.” Dougall winked at Logan, who winked back. Helene was sure they thought they were being surreptitious when in actual fact they were nothing of the kind.
More bread and cheese made up their evening meal, along with bannocks and some apples, which Logan sliced and placed on the griddle. Despite the fact that it wasn’t a lavish meal, it satisfied them all and was quite delicious. It probably helped that they hadn’t had anything to eat in hours and were all famished.
“I’m going to go sleep down by the stream. I’ll see what I can catch fer the morn.” Helene began to protest, but Logan stopped her before she could speak a word. “Dinnae give me another thought, lass. I’ll build a nice fire and I’ll be dreaming about some Highland lovelies before too verra long. Good night to ye both. I’d say sleep well, but I dinnae ken there will be any sleeping happening in yer wee camp.”
“Good night, Logan,” Dougall said.
Helene was happy it was too dark for him to see her reddened cheeks. She was nervous. Dougall had never slept with her before this night. She had her own room in the women’s solar and he had one with the men in the soldier’s barracks. They’d done their share of kissing and cuddling, but it always ended too soon with both of them retiring to their own chambers. Anticipation caused her heartbeat to quicken and her breath to come in shallow gulps, while her core was telling her she was more than ready for this moment.