Page 22 of The Highlander’s Savage Vow

CHAPTER NINE

"Ye must promise tae write," Sorcha said, her arms wrapped tightly around Iona in the castle courtyard. "And dinnae let our stubborn brother brood himself intae an early grave."

The morning air was crisp with the promise of autumn, and mist still clung to the loch beyond the castle walls. Too soon, Iona thought as she returned Sorcha's embrace. The past few days had flown by far too quickly.

"I promise," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "And ye must promise tae visit again soon. Both of ye."

"Wild horses couldnae keep us away," Morag declared, swooping in for her own fierce hug. "Especially if there are any nieces or nephews tae spoil in the future."

Heat crept up Iona's neck at the suggestion, and she caught Ruaridh's sharp look from where he stood speaking with Willelm and Colin near the horses. Their marriage was still so new, so fragile—talk of children felt impossibly distant.

"Morag," Sorcha chided gently, though her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"What? I'm simply being practical. Someone needs to provide the next generation of MacDuff warriors, and it might as well be⁠—"

"It might as well be time fer ye tae mount yer horse before yer husband leaves without ye," Ruaridh interrupted, approaching their small group with his usual controlled expression.

But Iona caught the slight softening around his eyes as he embraced each of his sisters in turn. Whatever walls he'd built around his heart, they didn't extend to his sisters.

"Take care of her," Sorcha murmured to her brother, quiet enough that only Iona could overhear.

"I will," he replied simply, and something in his tone made Iona believe him completely.

The goodbyes dragged on longer than necessary, with final embraces and promises to send word of safe arrivals. Finally, the small party mounted their horses and rode through the castle gates, disappearing into the Highland mist like figures from a dream.

Iona stood watching until they were completely out of sight, aware of the sudden emptiness that settled over the courtyard. Ruaridh remained beside her, silent but steady, and she found herself grateful for his presence.

"They'll be back," he said quietly.

"I ken. It's just..." She wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly feeling the morning chill. "They made this place feel like home."

"And now?"

She considered the question honestly. "Now I suppose I'll have to learn tae make it home on me own."

Approval and little respect flickered across his face. "Come. Let's go inside before ye catch cold."

They walked back toward the castle in comfortable silence, but as they reached the great doors, an idea struck her.

"Ruaridh," she said, turning to face him. "Could ye show me around the area today? The lands beyond the castle walls? I havenae been here since I was a child, and I'd like tae see what's changed."

His expression shuttered immediately. "Nay."

The flat refusal caught her off guard. "Why nae?"

"Because it's nae safe." His voice carried that edge of authority she was beginning to recognize. "There could still be MacNab warriors in the area, sent tae finish what they started."

"But surely with an escort we could⁠—"

"I said nay, Iona." The words came out sharper than necessary, and she saw him make a visible effort to soften his tone. "The castle grounds are large enough fer exploration. Ye'll have plenty tae see without venturing beyond the walls."

Frustration bubbled up in her chest. She understood his caution but the thought of being trapped within these stone walls indefinitely made her feel like a caged bird.

"Fer how long?" she asked. "How long must I remain a prisoner?"

"Until it's safe. Until we ken what MacNab's true intentions are."

"His intentions?" She stared at him. "His intentions are clear enough. He wants me dead."