Page 65 of My Notorious Highlander

"Where is Aiden?" Torrin asked Conall.

"In his chamber, under heavy guard."

"Heavy guard?"

"Aye, he slipped past the single guard who was watching him last night. So, now he has two."

Torrin doubted he would try to sneak out again, anyway, considering what a disaster last night's adventure had been. "Is he not allowed to join us for supper?"

"Aye, of course. But he said he wishes to eat in his room." Conall shrugged.

Saints! Aiden was always at the high table for meals. The situation with Erskine had affected the lad more profoundly than Torrin had imagined. And he was also likely still upset about Haldane.

"How is Erskine?" Torrin asked.

"He was sleeping when last I checked in on him a quarter hour ago," Conall said.

Torrin nodded, praying that meant he was recovering. After taking a bite of venison stew, he turned to Struan, his sword-bearer, who had joined them at high table. "Tell me of your journey south. Did MacBain and his men give you trouble?"

"Nay, they were quiet and cooperative, but glared at us the entire way. 'Tis clear MacBain is angered beyond reason. I fear he will strike back. 'Haps with a larger force of men next time."

"Saints! 'Tis just what we need," Torrin grumbled.

"At the border, we told them to be on their way," Struan said. "'Twas a tense moment when we threw their weapons down at their feet. At first, we were unsure whether they would grab their swords and attack or not. But clearly, they were outnumbered, and they didn't wish to risk it. We were careful to watch our backs, especially at night when we camped."

"Good work. And I thank you for handling that risky job so well." Torrin drank a long sip of the bitter dark ale.

"'Twas an honor, m'laird. A few miles south of Durness, we came upon Sim, Luag and Gordon returning from Scourie with a pup, of all things." Struan chuckled. "I thought, what on earth is the chief up to now, sending them to fetch a wee dog? But once they told me 'twas a gift for the lady, it made perfect sense. I take it she liked the wee beastie."

"I think she did." He hoped.

"Of course she did," Iain said, leaning forward, where he sat on Struan's other side. "Did you not see the blinding smile she sent him across the great hall moments ago?"

"Nay, I did not," Struan said, then took a huge bite of stew.

Iain grinned. "'Twas a sight to behold, as if the sun shone at midday."

"This is good news, then, m'laird," Struan said.

Torrin snorted. "He exaggerates."

Aye, he thought she liked the pup, but she had not said so yet. He hoped she would search him out later and let him know. If he couldn't see her tonight, he would miss her terribly. Already, he was addicted to her. Last night had been the best night of his life, and he wanted many more of those.

As everyone was finishing the meal, they looked glum, sipping their ale. The low murmur of conversation was only a quarter of the usual volume, and where music used to fill this great hall, there was silence. 'Twas clear the clan was worried about Erskine, but also missing Aiden and his music.

"'Tis late," Torrin said. "I think I will check on Erskine and Aiden, then retire for the evening."

Iain lifted one brow and gave him a speculative look.

Torrin merely glared at him. Do not even say what you're thinking. No doubt it had something to do with Jessie. Torrin rose from the table and bid them good night.

He headed toward the stairs.

"Lad, could I have a word?"

Torrin halted. Was someone calling him lad? Only his uncles and the MacLeod clan elders did that these days. Och, 'twas Conall following him. He should've guessed.

"Aye, of course." Saints! Was the man going to berate him for defiling his niece? "Would you like to go into the library?" He sure as the devil didn't want Iain to listen in on this conversation if Conall was going to question him about where he'd slept last night.