Page 67 of My Notorious Highlander

"Did you eat supper?" Torrin asked.

"Nay, I'm not hungry." Aiden stared listlessly into the fire, his shoulders slumped.

"You must eat something to keep up your strength. We missed you greatly at supper."

Aiden sent him a troubled look, but remained silent.

Torrin dropped into the other wooden chair by the fireplace. "Erskine will recover, I'm certain."

"You don't know that." Aiden's voice was hushed and glum.

"He's stable, thus far, and sleeping."

Aiden swallowed hard and nodded.

"I wish you hadn't slipped out to see Haldane, but I understand why you did."

Aiden sent him a defiant and questioning glance.

"Yesterday, Haldane told me that Dirk had killed my younger brother, Nolan."

Aiden's eyes widened. "Dirk did? Why?"

"Because Nolan kidnapped Lady Isobel from their tent when they were camping somewhere south of Munrick. I'm certain Dirk did what he had to in order to rescue her." Torrin stared at the glowing embers in the fireplace, his eyes burning.

"I'm sorry to hear of it," Aiden murmured.

"Aye. Well… Nolan was an outlaw, so 'tis to be expected. I keep remembering the last time I saw him, outside the walls here. He'd ridden north with us to see what was happening with Lady Isobel, trying to find out why Dirk had brought her here. Once Dirk told us that Nolan had tried to rape her, I couldn't believe it. My own brother?" Torrin shook his head. He especially couldn't believe it given what had happened to their sister, Allina. "After Nolan fled with the outlaws, I knew it must be true."

Aiden frowned, looking troubled.

"Nolan never returned home," Torrin continued. "I didn't get to see him again after he joined Haldane and his gang. I wish I could've talked to him, tried to convince him to change. Even though, likely it would have done no good."

Aiden nodded.

"So, you see, I understand why you wanted to speak to your brother and get him to see the error of his ways. No one can blame you for wanting to help someone you love."

Tears glistened in Aiden's eyes. He cleared his throat and swiped his sleeve across his eyes. "I fear he will be killed, aye. I figured 'twould be my only opportunity to see him one last time." Aiden shook his head. "But he is just like Ma. He will not give up on what he wants, no matter the cost. He is willing to risk his life in his quest to kill Dirk and take over this castle."

"Aye," Torrin agreed. "He is determined, and doesn't care who he has to murder to achieve his goal."

"It kills me to see how he has changed. And now, if Erskine dies because of me… I don't know."

"He's a strong, healthy warrior. I'm near certain he will recover."

"I pray 'twill be so."

"Well, 'tis late. I'm going to bid you good night. Try to get some sleep."

Aiden nodded but didn't look in any better spirits than he had when Torrin had entered. "Good night."

Closing the door on his way out, Torrin shook his head. "Look in on him from time to time, would you?" he asked the guards in a hushed voice. "I'm concerned about him."

They both nodded.

Torrin proceeded down the corridor and around the corner toward his own chamber. When someone moved in the darkened corner, startling him, he halted. The lone candle sconce revealed a female with long red hair.

"Jessie," he whispered, a thrill coursing through him.