Page 10

Cailleach frowned. “Marcas⁠—”

“I said stay away from her.”

Neilina looked between them, suddenly aware of the tension that had nothing to do with the battle raging around them.

Cailleach took one step forward.

"The woman was sent here by her brother," Cailleach said. "For her own protection."

Marcas moved closer to Neilina, his hand settling firmly at her back.

"Her brother doesnae own her," he said. "Nor do ye." He didn't look away from Cailleach. "And a woman trying to get through yer postern gate in the middle of the night isnae a woman who feels particularly protected."

Cailleach looked at Neilina.

She met his gaze and said nothing, because silence was more useful than anything she could add.

Cailleach's jaw tightened slightly. "Her brother⁠—"

"Her brother's instructions," Marcas said, "are his own concern. The lady travels under the King's Accord. She was contracted tae my land. She didnae arrive." He tilted his head, just slightly. "I came tae find out why."

"And now ye have yer answer," Cailleach said, and bared his teeth, his hand tightening on his sword. "Leave her here. Whatever grievance ye have with Fearchar Chisholm, take it up with him."

"I have nae grievance with Fearchar Chisholm." Marcas looked at him steadily. "I have a contracted bride who was redirected tae yer lands without my knowledge or consent, and I have eyes tae see what kind of protection involves holding her against her will." His voice had gone very flat. "Dinnae call it something it isnae, MacRath."

Cailleach looked at the five men behind him.

Neilina looked at them too.

Five men, swords drawn but holding back, watching their laird to see where this went. Behind her the courtyard had gone mostly quiet, which meant Marcas's ten had finished what they came for, which meant the balance of the moment had shifted considerably.

Cailleach was calculating. She could see him doing it.

"This isnae finished," Cailleach said.

"It is for tonight," Marcas said. "Stay away from her."

He turned. "We're leaving."

He bent before she could object and lifted her from the ground into his arms.

Neilina gasped, grabbing his shoulder as he carried her toward the horses. "Put me down."

"I can walk."

"I know. Ye'll slow me down."

"I can walk perfectly well."

He glanced at her.

"Can ye?"

She opened her mouth, then closed it when her legs gave a small, humiliating tremor even in his arms.

His mouth twitched, though there was no humor in his expression. "That's what I thought."

He reached the horse and set her on the ground.