Rogan looked to Hunter. “See that she does not do anything foolish.”
Hunter grinned. “I do not perform miracles.”
Heather smiled as he hurried after his wife. His humor, patience, and thoughtfulness continued to confirm what a good husband he was for Patience.
Emma walked over to Heather and gave her a hug, though Heather sensed it was Emma who needed the hug just as she had when she was a child. Emma did not remember their mother, having been barely four years when she died. To Emma, Heather was not only her sister but mother as well.
“I will do whatever is necessary to keep you from the Dark Dragon,” Emma said with the same conviction that Patience had.
Heather caught the fear that rose in Rogan’s eyes at his wife’s declaration. While Rogan could intimidate with his large size, striking features, and authoritative manner, he treated her sister like a man who truly loved his wife. And she was pleased that Emma was his wife instead of her, which had been her father’s intention. Emma and Rogan were well-suited and Heather had been surprised upon her return to see how her plain-featured sister had blossomed into an attractive woman.
Rogan reached out for his wife’s hand. “I think it would be wise to let your father know how upset Patience is.”
Emma smiled. “Trust me, he already knows.”
Rogan and Emma headed up the stairs, Heather following, having politely declined Rogan’s hand. She had spent too many years alone, being strong, to rely on anyone now. A twinge to her heart had her steps faulting for a moment.
Quinn.
He was forever in her mind and heart. He was gone almost ten years now, but her love for him had never died nor would it.
She hurried after Emma and Rogan and into the Great Hall, chaotic with activity. Everyone was rushing around, and Heather could see the fear on most of their faces. It was simple to understandwhy—no one was ever victorious against the Dark Dragon.
Emma rushed away from her husband and over to her father. He looked more like a mighty warrior than he had in months when an illness had struck and incapacitated him. He was quite the powerful chieftain in his plaid, his long white hair braided on one side and his stance one of strength.
“It is the Dark Dragon, and we cannot let him take Heather,” Emma said, gripping her father’s arm.
Donald Macinnes patted his daughter’s hand. “We will see this matter settled well.”
His soothing voice and strong reassurance had Emma’s shoulders sagging with relief. However, Heather was not as relieved. The only way this matter could be settled well was to give the Dark Dragon what he wanted. The question remained—why did he want her?
“Sit and do not worry yourself,” Donald ordered Emma. “You have the babe to think about.”
Rogan approached his wife. “Your father is right.”
Emma shook her head. “I am fine and so is the babe. It is Heather who concerns me now.” She went to her sister’s side and slipped her arm around her. “Da will see to this. All will be well.”
“With the Dark Dragon nearly at our door, how will all go well?” Patience demanded, entering the Great Hall with her husband, and hearing her sister’s reassuring words.
Donald Macinnes spoke up before anyone else could. “Please, all of you take a seat.” He pointed to the trestle table in front of the massive hearth where many a night he would find his daughters deep in conversation, laughter, and sometimes tears.
“There is no time to sit,” Patience insisted. “The Dark Dragon has not stopped by to pay us a visit. He has come with his ghost warriors ready to fight for what he wants. And this time he is going to be vastly disappointed when he learns he will leave empty-handed.”
“The Dark Dragon is here at my invitation,” Donald Macinnes said with a ring of authority that could not be denied.
Everyone was too shocked to say a word.
Donald Macinnes continued. “War brews around us and clans that once were loyal allies are now questioning if they should remain so, especially if the McLauds ally with the infamous Dark Dragon. They fear the mighty warrior’s revenge if they should dare take up arms against him.”
Patience’s brow narrowed. “What are you saying, Father?”
“Sometimes unfavorable agreements must be made in order to avoid senseless deaths and endless bloodshed.”
“Do not tell me that you bargained with the devil himself,” Patience said, her bold green eyes ablaze with anger.
“As chieftain of the Clan Macinnes, I do what is necessary to save countless lives and to secure our land,” Donald said with a firm lift of his chin.
“What did you do, Father?” Patience demanded accusingly.
