battle, who’ll take over the MacLeod lands and home?”
He shrugged, not wanting to imagine such a thing. “I have a male cousin who’ll return. He’s only young and currently under the tutelage of Clan Stewart. Gwen will ensure he learns all he needs to know to take my place.”
“Have ye told your sisters of your intention?” Ben met his gaze. “’Tis likely they’ll want to flay ye alive over your course.”
“They may disagree, but they’ll understand why I must do this.”
“And will ye go to war before Abigail is returned to her time? ’Twould be wise to have her safely stowed at home, in case this castle falls and Gwen is unable to secure her well-being.”
It was a thought he, too, had pondered. A thought that had left him cold, empty, and without purpose. He would miss the bonny lass when she left. In truth, he didn’t want her to leave, not after having her warmth, her care, and affection bestowed on him, but he couldn’t be selfish. Her well-being and wish to return home had to be paramount.
“Abigail will leave the day I depart. I’ll not have her put in harm’s way, not when her journey here was not of her doing.” He stood, snuffing out the candle on his desk. “It’s been a long day. I’ll see you in the morn.”
Ben laid down on the animal fur before the fire and made himself comfortable. “Aye it has,” he said, grabbing a nearby cushion for his head. “Wish the enchanting lass Abigail good night for me.”
Aedan started at his friend’s words before continuing on, ignoring the knowing chuckle that followed him up the passage toward the hall.
It was later than he’d hoped when he made his way back to his room. The castle had long settled into quiet slumber, save for a few men who lay snoring on the hall floor. The meeting with Ben played on his mind as he climbed the tower stairs. The decision to go to war was not one he took lightly, but it was also an action he wouldn’t be swayed from.
His sister deserved retribution.
As he approached Abigail’s room, he noted no light flickered from beneath her door. He stopped and looked about, pushed the door handle down and found it steadfastly locked.
He stood looking at the door with a smile on his face. Shaking his head, he continued on to his chamber and headed for the tapestry that hung beside his bed. The castle was built with many hidden passageways and tunnels through its massive edifice. He pulled it back and slipped into the dark and musty-smelling corridor, taking a few steps before pushing another tapestry aside and slipping into Abigail’s room.
A slither of moonlight pierced the room from the window. His eyes adjusted to the darkened space, and he could see her small form huddled on the bed.
He stood there a moment, watching her. She was deep in slumber, her long brown locks lying about her face and over her shift. He quickly undressed, letting his kilt fall where it may and slid in next to her. He started at the cold, sharp blade that came up against his neck.
“What are ye doing, lass? ’Tis me, Aedan.” He felt her relax a little before she skittered away from him like he had the pox.
“How did you get in here? I locked the door.”
No longer was her voice soft and welcoming. Instead, it was as hard as stone. Aedan didn’t like how it made him feel, like he’d lost something irreplaceable. He sat up. “There’s a hidden corridor that connects our rooms. You are, after all, staying in the room my future wife will use.”
“Well, aren’t I lucky?”
There was no mistaking the sarcasm that accompanied her words. He quickly found a candle and getting up he walked to the fire and lit it. “Something troubling ye, lass? Tell me what it is.”
“Oh, you’re interested in me now. I wouldn’t have guessed that after the way you treated me today.” She threw the blankets off her legs and jumped out of the bed.
Her light shift did little to hide the siren body that teased him. His mouth dried at the sight of her, hair flying about her head in temper, her thin arms waving about angrily. She really was quite remarkable to watch. But her next words brought him back to reality.
“Maybe you should tip-toe down the hall and knock on Aline’s door. I’m sure she’d adore fawning over you some more. You