***
Dawn light was breaking over the mountains when they arrived back at Dunmoris Castle. The guards took the Lindsays, protesting and complaining, to the dungeon. Mairiana felt happier than she had in a long time. Joy bubbled within her. Finally, she was safe from Alec, and most important of all, Darack was healed, thanks be to God.
Father Bhradain met them in the bailey, at first wearing a stern frown. But his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open when he spotted Darack, walking around healthy and strong like everyone else.
Mairiana worried about what he would say. Thankfully, Lady MacGregor quickly approached him before he could say anything. "Could I speak with you, Father Bhradain?"
"Aye."
They disappeared into the chapel. Mairiana hoped Darack's mother could smooth the priest's ruffled feathers and convince him 'twas truly the love of God which had healed Darack and not some other force he might find unacceptable. Ewan, Dugald and their men proceeded into the great hall.
"Can I speak to you in private?" Darack whispered to her.
"Aye, of course." A renewed thrill of exuberance spun through her.
Taking her hand, he led her up the steps and into the great hall. "We'll go onto the ramparts."
When they emerged on the roof, the refreshing wind blew her hair back. The two guards stationed there, on opposite sides of the castle, acknowledged their presence with brief bows and then ignored them, pacing away and focusing on the hills in the distance.
Darack led her to a small alcove, out of sight of the guards and sheltered from the wind.
"I'm so thankful you're recovered," Mairiana said.
"As am I, and I thank you for taking such good care of me," he murmured, then drew her close and kissed her forehead.
She looked up into his handsome face, craving his lips on hers. Sliding his hand along her cheek, he complied. 'Twas a gentle, healing kiss so filled with emotion her eyes burned with tears. Soon, she was needing more and more of him. Her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer, burying her fingers in his thick, dark hair. He lifted her and pressed her against the wall and the kiss grew deeper and more forceful. He flicked his tongue into her mouth, to taste her. Her entire body burned with the passion and need for him.
When she was near mad with wanting him, he drew back abruptly and pressed his forehead against hers. "Saints!" he hissed. "Do you ken what you do to me?"
"You do the same to me," she whispered, stroking his cheek above his short beard and looking into his fathomless, dark eyes.
"I brought you up here to talk to you about something important." He gently set her to her feet.
Despite her weak knees, she forced herself to stand. "What is it?"
Clasping her hands, he kissed each of them, as if searching for the right words. He met her gaze. "I want to thank you for all your help while I was recovering. I know you rarely left my bedside."
"I was so worried about you."
"I'm sorry I put you through that."
She shook her head. "Do not apologize. You were injured while protecting me."
"Well, I've come to care for you a great deal, more than I ever thought possible. I—" He coughed as if suddenly choked.
She gripped his hands tighter, hanging on his every word.
His gaze intensified, looking deeply into her soul. "Lass, I want you to know… I love you. And, if you would have me, I would like to ask for your hand in marriage. I ken I have naught to offer you. Neither title nor—"
"Darack," she interrupted. "If you will be silent for a moment and let me speak."
"Aye."
"I love you, too," she whispered. "And I have since you risked your life for me. I saw then what a selfless, caring man you are. But 'tis more than that. We have shared some sort of bond since the first time we met years ago."
"'Tis true. I thought about you often, but I also realized… I have nothing to offer you. No land. I'm not a chief or laird. Who knows if your brother will agree to it?"
"If he is doubtful, I will convince him. But he already likes you as a friend."
