Her father’s face softened as he turned to her. “Nay, me child. Yer duty lies elsewhere.” He gave her an understanding look, but she could tell there was no arguing with him.
Later, Ailis sought solace with Lachlan as he sharpened his blade. “Lachlan,” she began, frustration clear in her voice, “me father refuses to see me worth beyond domestic duties. Should not I stand with ye all when the time comes? I am ready for the fight!”
Lachlan paused, his eyes meeting hers. “Ailis, I understand yer desire to fight, but I agree with yer father—it’s about safety.”
“Safety?” Ailis echoed angrily. “Am I to be shielded while others risk their lives? I thought ye would understand. I’m strong enough to help!”
“Understanding does not eliminate danger,” Lachlan replied firmly. “Ye are vital to our future. Yer place is here. Ye and the other women must keep hunting and harvesting for as long as ye can.”
“Then perhaps I was mistaken about us,” Ailis whispered as she turned away, leaving Lachlan conflicted. She could not believe he was taking her father’s side over her own. It made absolutely no sense to her.
Their first disagreement as a married couple lingered as Ailis retreated to their quarters. Alone with her thoughts, she gazed at the landscape before her. The Highlands were beautiful, and the idea of losing their unique gifts was unpalatable. She hopedthe soldiers who would fight to help the Stewart understood that their entire lives would change if he won. Their beautiful Highlands would never be the same.
*
Ailis sought hersisters out, sharing her grievance with Lachlan. Fiona and Moira listened, features etched with concern.
“Ye cannae be serious,” Fiona cried. “To take up arms when yer talents must be used elsewhere? What if someone we love is injured, and ye arena able to help?”
“Indeed,” Moira added. “Yer wisdom and care are needed more than ever.”
Frustration flickered in Ailis, but she recognized the truth in their words. “Perhaps yer right.” Her voice was tinged with melancholy. It would be wasteful not to use her abilities in the battle, but she needed to be healthy to heal others.
At nightfall, Ailis whispered an apology to Lachlan. “I spoke in haste, clouded by pride. I see now that me duty lies in safeguarding our future. There must be someone who can heal the wounded, and that person canna be hurt as well.” She sighed. “I just wish I could help with the battle as well. I want to do it all, but it makes no sense.”
Lachlan pulled her close, his gaze softening like the twilight sky. “There is naught to forgive. We each have our battles to fight.”
Their lips met in a fervent union, their mouths melding together. Their bodies pressed tightly against one another, the heat of their passion igniting and spreading like wildfire. With each touch and caress, a silent language was spoken between them—a language of desire and longing, of love and need. They found solace in each other’s arms, seeking comfort and strength despite the uncertainty of tomorrow. Duty and affectionintertwined seamlessly, creating a powerful bond that could weather any storm. And in that moment, nothing else mattered except the fire burning within them, consuming everything else in its path.
Ailis’s hands slid up Lachlan’s broad chest, savoring the feel of his muscular form beneath her palms. She sighed into their kiss, losing herself in his intoxicating taste and scent. The world fell away until there was only Lachlan—his strong arms encircling her, his fingers threading through her hair, his tongue dancing with hers in an ancient rhythm of give and take.
When they finally broke apart breathlessly, Lachlan rested his forehead against hers. “I cannae bear to be at odds with ye,” he groaned.
“Nor I with you,” Ailis whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Promise me, Lachlan. Promise we’ll never let anything come between us again.”
“I promise. And speaking of that, there are clothes between us, and that must change quickly.”
She giggled, happy to oblige. In this moment, Ailis knew she would forever stand beside Lachlan—their courage reflected in each other’s eyes, their purpose intertwined.
*
As Ailis layagainst Lachlan’s chest, feeling its steady rise and fall, she traced his jawline with a light touch. “Why do ye object to me joining the battle? Isn’t it me right to stand for our clans? And for all the Highlands?” she asked quietly in the darkness.
Lachlan brushed her hair from his chest, sighing wearily. “It’s not about rights, Ailis. I fear for ye on the battlefield—it’s no place for someone like ye. Ye felt badly for killing two men in battle during yer rescue from the Sinclairs. Imagine how ye’d feel if it had been more than that? We canna risk ye being unableto heal or yer heart being burdened by taking the lives of others.” His voice conveyed deep concern as he met her gaze. “I cannae bear the thought of losing ye. Yer presence is me solace during troubled times.”
Taking a deep breath, Ailis nestled closer to him and agreed to stay behind, moved by his sincerity. “I will stay in the keep during the battle then. But I want it known if yer injured, I want ye brought to me immediately.” The idea of him being hurt or worse…it scared her more than she cared to admit.
“I will tell the men,” he assured her.
As sleep approached, Ailis listened to Lachlan’s heartbeat. His protective embrace comforted her despite the impending war. In that moment, she was at peace knowing they faced an uncertain future together.
