She knew Keegan would protect her always and treat her like a queen. She imagined what life could be like with him. They would share a bedchamber at Dunnakeil and sleep together every night. He would kiss her until she was dizzy and begging him for something she didn’t fully understand.
They would talk, laugh and make love. She would never tire of gazing into his spellbinding blue eyes.
She knew now—she’d always felt his love in his kisses, from the first. Closing her eyes, she relived that last one. His lips on hers created magic that sent her into another realm, one where only the two of them existed.
But they couldn’t remain there long.
Aunt Patience was insisting they leave tomorrow and head for home. However, the castle where Seona grew up was not truly her home. ’Twas a prison, and her father the warden.
How would she and her sister escape? How could Seona keep her father from knowing about her and Keegan? She had to find a way to protect him.
Chapter Nineteen
The next morn, Keegan noted that Seona did not eat at the high table with everyone else. But her annoying aunt was there, giving him the evil eye every minute or two. If he were to rise from the table and head for the stairs, she would no doubt follow and try to bludgeon him again. He sighed and ate the porridge, eggs, bacon, and oat cakes without enthusiasm. His stomach ached with dread, for today he had to take Seona home.
An hour later, everyone gathered in the back courtyard, near the sea gate, preparing to board two of the twenty-oarbirlinnswhich would take them to the other end of Loch Duich. Their horses had already been transported on largerbirlinnsand would be awaiting them so they could ride east through the glen.
Keegan glanced up at the overcast sky, gray as his own mood, but no rain fell.
Seona emerged from the keep, and when her enchanting blue eyes met his, his heart somersaulted in his chest. If her aunt hadn’t been beside her, Keegan would’ve approached her.
Isobel hugged Seona and they spoke quietly. His stomach knotted for he knew his time with Seona would be short unless he figured out a way to convince her father of his own worthiness as a husband. If the man was as stubborn as Rebbie had indicated, likely evenhewould not be able to get through to him.
“Why are you looking so grim?” Dirk asked beside him. He had not even noticed his cousin approaching.
“I’m sure you ken. I have a near impossible task ahead of me. And why are you out here? Does your leg not pain you?”
“Aye, but a warrior must pretend pain does not exist.”
Dirk did appear a wee bit pale, and Keegan feared he was not as recovered as he acted.
“You must take care of yourself and mend,” Keegan said.
“I’ll do my best. Hopefully, you will be back within a fortnight—with your new bride—and we’ll return to Durness in the largebirlinnthe MacKenzie is giving me as part of Isobel’s dowry. ’Tis an impressive vessel, far larger than our others.”
“Aye.” Keegan could only hope and pray Seona would be his bride by then. But if her father saidnay, what would he do?
“You must be ever vigilant for Haldane,” Dirk said. “Rest assured the only way to stop him from his goal is to kill him.”
“Although I don’t wish to kill my cousin, I will if I have the opportunity, for you and for Lady Seona.”
“I appreciate that,” Dirk said, looking disappointed. Keegan knew ’twas because of how Dirk’s brother had turned out.
Keegan could only imagine how he would feel if one of his younger brothers or sisters became a murderous, thieving outlaw.
“Godspeed and have a safe journey.” Dirk grasped his hand in a warrior’s handshake.
“I thank you.”
While Dirk spoke to Rebbie, Keegan stepped away and surveyed the courtyard. The two MacKenzie brothers and ten of their men who would be traveling with them had climbed aboard one of thebirlinns. Over a dozen MacKay guards stood by, one of whom helped Lady Patience into the boat. Her face was set in grim lines. Seona stood alone by the sea gate. He headed toward her.
“Lady Seona.” He bowed. “A good morn to you.”
She blushed and curtsied. “Good morn.”
He glanced around to see who might be listening. No one was close. “I must apologize for what happened last night.”
Her face grew even redder. “Nay. Do not worry over it.” She smiled, giving him an intimate glance. It reminded him of the kiss they’d shared the night before.
