Page 75 of Deception of a Highlander

The tension in the room thickened with the unanswered question. The one she knew every woman thought.

Several children startled from sleep and began to cry. Their mothers whispered fiercely in the dark for them to be silent. Heavy boots stomped the overhead floorboards and sent sprinkles of dirt raining upon them.

The acrid odor of fear hung in the thin air. If the MacLeods won, every woman and child in their crowded cellar would face death…or worse. Chills lifted the hairs on Mariel’s arms. She would not go down without a fight.

She eased Coira from her lap with a gentle shush and picked her way across the room. Carefully, she crept up the stone stairs, her satin shoes silent against the stone. She pressed her body flush against the rough wall and waited.

The door rattled. A soft cry sounded from below. Mariel tightened her grip on her dagger and forced herself to breathe.

The door swung open, and light pierced her eyes, shadowing a great, hulking frame that filled the doorway.

CHAPTER 28

Mariel tensed in preparation to attack when Colin’s voice came from the darkness.

“Mariel?”

The breath she’d been holding released in a rushing exhale.

The stinging brilliance of light eased against her eyes, and Colin’s form stood apparent in front of her. “I’ve never been happier to see you, Colin.” She glanced at the crowd of people scurrying behind him. Tentative footsteps filled the stairwell below. “Where’s Kieran?”

Colin backed into the hall and motioned for her to follow as the women and children emerged from the cellar with eyes squinted against the glow of the torches.

Before he could answer, Blair appeared with Dougal clasped in one hand and little Coira in the other. Blair gave Mariel a knowing smile. “I’ll take Coira to her grandmother. When you find my brother, give him my love, aye?”

Mariel nodded and tried to shrug off the urgency of finding Kieran. Children could sense unease, and the two had been through too much already. She bent low and gave them both a kiss on the cheek. “You were both very brave. I’m so proud of you.”

Blair translated Mariel’s words to Gaelic for Coira, and both children flushed with pleasure before disappearing down the crowded hall.

Mariel immediately turned her attention to Colin. “Is Kieran here? Is he all right?” She did a visual sweep of the crowded area and frowned. “I don’t see him…”

The throngs of people were mainly women returning from battle. While many had blood on their clothing, only a few appeared injured.

Colin rubbed his shoulder and rolled his neck in the opposite direction. Weary lines etched his face. “He’s fine, but he’s no here.”

Mariel sagged with relief. She was right. Kieran was fine. But not here? Confusion pulled at her brow. “I don’t understand.”

“The MacLeods ran. Kieran split us up. Some returned here to protect the clan and castle, and some are chasing the bastards around the island.”

“How long do you think that will take?” She knew her question was useless but could not stop herself from asking.

Colin gave her a sympathetic frown. “Hard to say. Could be hours, could be weeks.”

“That’s what I expected.” She took a deep breath to still her pounding heart. “I won’t keep you any longer. I know you must be ready for bed.”

“It’s no’ a problem. I’m waiting for someone anyway.”

A voluptuous woman with long blonde hair and a suggestive smile peered around the corner.

Colin grinned down at Mariel. “Now, I’ll be going to bed.” He hesitated, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Ye can join us if ye like.”

Mariel laughed in spite of herself at the outrageous invitation. “I don’t think Kieran would like that.”

“Ye’re right. He’d have me strung up by my bollocks. I would say come see me if he ever gets tired of ye, but…” The dimple appeared in his cheek. “I dinna think that will happen.”

“Go on,” she chided through her mirth and swatted his shoulder.

Mariel’s smile faded from her lips. The activity in the hall had dispersed, and only a few people remained. Though exhaustion pulled at her, she had no desire to return to her room. Nothing waited for her there but the ghost of regret.