Page 39 of Never Fall for a Highlander

“Stop thinking,” Robin mumbled in a faint whisper under her ear.

“Mackay!”Suddenly Robin pulled back and her feet fell to the ground.With one swift move, he pulled her top and chemise up and turned, blocking her from whoever had called him, taking away his attention.

“My laird, the council wishes to speak with ye.”One of the guards stood several feet from them.He obviously knew what was going on, but the look Robin gave him as he and Helena walked toward the keep would probably be enough to keep his mouth closed about what he saw, or thought he saw.

“What did ye wish to speak to me about?”Helena asked as they headed to the keep.

“I will be leaving tomorrow with a group of warriors to the Gunn lands to participate in a competition.”

“The Gunns just left.”

“I ken.But he has invited a few clans to compete.Clans do it all the time, even though the timing on this seems a bit odd.”

Helena looked away, staring at the stables as they walked past them.“I am sure one of the reasons is to further encourage ye to sign the betrothal agreement.”She turned to him.“’Tis yer duty, ye ken.”

“I am well aware of my duty, I doona need to hear it from you, too.”

She pulled her hand from his.“’Tis time for me to retire.I am still fatigued and need my rest.”

Before he could answer, she hurried away and passed through the great hall and up the stairs.

* * * *

The sun had not even appeared on the horizon when Robin and his party of about fifty left Dun Ugadale.In case of an unexpected attack, he’d left behind thrice that number of warriors.

The meeting with the council the night before had been a waste of time.Time that would have been better spent with Helena.Once he returned from this trip, he would inform the council of his intention to ask for her hand in marriage and if they didn’t approve, it would not stop him.

In fact, ‘twas probably best if he informed the Gunn at this competition that he had no intention of signing a Betrothal Agreement and he should look elsewhere for a husband for his sister.

That settled in his mind, all he wanted to do was get this trip over with and move on.

They slowed the horses down as they approached a small village, very busy with vendors and crofters.The smell of meat pies had his stomach growling.‘Twas probably a good time to stop and get some food.

Craig moved up alongside him.“Ye seemed a bit glum when we left, brother, but now yer smiling.”

“Aye.I’m smiling because I’m anxious to get this nonsense behind me so I can focus on more important things.”

Craig raised his eyebrows.“And what do ye mean by more important things?”

Robin raised his fist as a signal to his group that they were going to take a break.They turned their horses toward the stables where they could at least rub the horses down and give them water and some oats.

“To answer yer question, when we return, I intend to offer marriage to Helena.”

Craig let out a slow whistle.“And go against the council?”

“Aye.I’m tired of them naysaying everything I suggest.As I said before, they are the council, and they advise.I am the laird, and I make the decisions.”

“So yer mind is made up, then?”

“Aye.”He stopped in front of the stables which was in utter confusion with all of them trying to get water and oats for their horses quickly so they could grab some food for themselves.

“I wish ye luck, brother.”

Just then Finn walked up.“Why are we wishing Robin luck?”

Craig grinned at their younger brother.“Robin has just declared himself The Laird of Dun Ugadale.”

Finn frowned.“He’s been the Laird of Dun Ugadale for four years.”