Page 17 of The Highland Heir

“It’s not my courses, you oaf.”

“Are ye sure? Sometimes you get upset wellbefore they arrive.”

This was the problem. Or at least one of themany. He knew her too well. It was impossible to keep anything fromhim. Even things she could never speak out loud.

“I’m sorry I ever told you about that.” Infact, Ella was sorry she ever told him anything and wished they’dnever been friends. For if she didn’t know him so well, it mightnot hurt so much to know he only saw her in that way.

“I have to go.”

“Where? I can help if you’re doing thelaundry,” he offered. In truth, doing the wash was easier with himto help her because, with his strength, he was able to wring outmore of the water. And she hated that too.

“Nay. It’s womanly. Just go do your drillswith the men.”

“Ellie? Did I do something?”

She wanted to scream that yes, he had, he’dmade her want him, but she couldn’t. It wasn’t his fault. In truth,he had not changed in how he talked with her or how he looked ather. It was she who had changed. He didn’t wish to marry any morethan she wanted him to, so he was not to blame for the fact thather life was turning upside down and her insides were filled withhurt and worry for her future.

Yet she wanted to shake him. And then kisshim. And then have him hold her while she cried.

Bloody hell, mayhap her courses were on theway after all.

She stormed off to her cottage. Alone. Whichwas how she would be the rest of her life.

Chapter Seven

Kieran was sitting in the great hall with hisfather the next day as the man heard complaints from the clan. ButKieran wasn’t hearing anything that had been said.

He was still trying to comprehend what to doabout Ellie. Had he been superstitious, he would have thought she’dbeen a changeling for how different she was from the friend he’dknown all his life. But fairies didn’t steal grown adults, onlybabes.

He’d left her alone the last few days, asshe’d asked. He hadn’t even seen her that morning in the hallserving the meal.

He missed her.

He missed the way she rolled her eyes at himwhen the maids flirted at his table. He missed hunting with her andtheir silent communication they shared in the quiet forest. Hemissed throwing stones along the shore and talking about anythingthat crossed his mind.

Maybe it was for the best to get through thisnow. If growing apart was inevitable after his marriage, he wouldend up feeling this way eventually anyway.

“My laird.” Teague came to stand before thelaird. The man was rarely so formal, always with a smile on hisface, like his daughter. But at the moment, he looked rather pale.The war chief’s distress caused a shiver of worry to go throughKieran’s frame.

Where was Ellie? Was she well?

“I would ask you to give me leave to go tothe Ross lands. I’ve received word that my older sister has fallenill. I wish to take Ella to her. She has become a fine healer andmight be able to help the woman.”

Kieran relaxed to know Ella was fine. But thethought of her being away from him indefinitely bothered him. Hecursed his selfishness. Of course, he didn’t want any pain to fallon Ellie’s aunt.

Kieran looked to his father, and even beforethe man spoke, Kieran knew what his answer would be.

“I can’t have you away from the castle at themoment. Not when I’ve sent Alasdair and Raymond to Edinburgh. I’msorry.”

Teague nodded and turned withoutargument.

“I could escort Ellie to her aunt,” Kieranspoke up. His father seemed to have forgotten he was even sittingnext to him. “It wouldn’t hurt to speak to the Ross laird and makehis acquaintance. It’s been some time since I’ve seen him. Notsince I was a lad.”

“Yes, fine,” Rolfe said with a wave of hishand.

“I’ll pack my things right away and meetEllie in the bailey,” he said for Teague’s sake since the laird hadmoved on to other things. Why would the man be bothered to wish hisson safe travels?

If Kieran thought his father would care abouthim more now that he was betrothed, he would have been wrong. Hisfather was just as indifferent as ever. Not even looking atKieran.