The man skidded to a halt inches away from her, beaming. His arms twitched, as though he wanted to draw her into a tight embrace, but he kept them resolutely by his sides.
“I cannae believe I have found ye,” he breathed. “I heard that ye had been found at the Leanan Festival. I went to the place where it was held as soon as I heard, but of course ye were gone. I followed yer trail, and here I am. Hereyeare!”
Skye turned to Evander, her face shining. “Evander, ye remember Mason Langton? He is one of me braither’s most trusted warriors, and he was going to come with me to Keep Bryden, I’m sure of it.”
“He did come with ye, aye,” Evander responded brusquely.
He cast a long look at Mason. The man was already staring back, his smile wavering. They hadn’t gotten on well at Keep Bryden, despite Skye’s attempts to bring them closer.
Mason’s single good eye flashed with dislike, the expression only lasting for a moment before he turned back to Skye. Real happiness softened his features.
“I cannae believe ye are alive and well,” he whispered. “We all feared that ye were dead.”
“Well, I am nae dead,” she laughed. “Tell me, are ye still pursuing that pretty wee Bryden healer?”
As soon as she’d spoken, she blinked, jerking back.
“Wait, I remember that. It’s just a fragment, just a piece of knowledge… Mason,didye flirt with a Bryden healer?”
Mason reddened a little. “Aye, I did. The rumors are true, then? Ye have lost yer memory?”
“I—”
“Enough,” Evander interrupted, stepping forward. Mason shot him a look of heavy dislike but said nothing. “Where did ye hear this rumor?”
Mason scowled. “I cannae recall.”
Evander wanted to roll his eyes.
Daenae be childish, man.
“Lady Bryden and I will go on our way,” he stated firmly, holding Mason’s gaze. “Ye are to stay here and make enquiries. We believe she was taken through this place. Ask around. See what ye can find out. Then, meet us back at Keep Bryden. Or go back to Keep MacCrimmon—I daenae much care.”
“I’ll nae be separated from Lady Bryden’s side,” Mason snapped hotly.
Skye placed a hand on his forearm, as if to calm him. Evander clenched his jaw, swallowing back his fury.
Stop touching him,he wanted to snap. But such an outburst would only alienate her from him and would make her draw back. Staying calm was the only solution here.
“Do as I ask,” he said coolly.
Mason hesitated for a moment, glancing down at Skye as if hoping she would counteract Evander’s command. But she only stared at him, frowning.
At last, he sighed.
“Very well, Laird Bryden,” he muttered, spitting out the title like a curse. “I will come to Keep Bryden. It’s me duty to watch Lady Bryden.”
“As ye like.”
Mason smiled at Skye once more, before taking his leave. He inched reluctantly into the crowd, and she watched him go.
There was a brief silence after he had left.
“Can I assume he still thinks of ye as Lady Skye of Keep MacCrimmon, then?” Evander heard himself say, his voice tight with fury.
In his mind, he raced after Mason, sword drawn, ready to fight. Mason was strong enough to hold his own in a duel, certainly, but would he win? No, Evander didn’t think so.
Skye blinked. “What?”
