Page 49

James made a croaking sound. A touch of color rose from his throat to his cheeks. Was he embarrassed? The notion amused her, for he took such pride in presenting himself as a hardened warrior. Did at least a glimmer of vulnerability, humanity remain?

Davina’s heartbeat quickened at the thought.

A hound bayed in the distance. Lileas straightened, lifting her head curiously. “I hear a dog. Do ye think it’s Prince?”

Davina turned to James. “Could someone be searching fer us?”

“We dinnae stray too far from where I told my mother we were going. There’s certainly no need to bring the dogs to find us.” James narrowed his eyes. “Come, let’s return. I’ve no wish to meet whoever is following those hounds.”

The trace of impatience in his tone brought on a ripple of unease. They were on McKenna land, not far from the castle. Yet James clearly felt there could be danger.

Davina scrambled to her horse. James helped her mount, then hoisted Lileas onto his stallion. Instructing the little girl to stay very still, he swung up behind her. The child snuggled into his warmth, giggling with youthful joy, the falling incident apparently forgotten.

The sight had a strange effect on Davina. She felt a pang of envy at seeing Lileas so tenderly nestled in James’s embrace, remembering the times when she had been held so lovingly. Remembering the comforting feeling of his arms held securely around her, the gentle, soothing murmur of his voice, the sensation of his warm breath on her cheek.

Oh, how she missed it!

She stole a glance at him. The aura of power and strength that always surrounded him was softened by the child he cradled so protectively. She itched to move closer and squeeze his hand, to somehow become a part of that connection.

Heat scorched Davina’s cheeks. Shaking off that witless thought, she reached for the reins of her horse. She had no right to expect anything from him and yearning for the impossible to become a reality was a very dangerous thing.

James shot her a glance over his shoulder and waved her forward. She tensed, then forced herself to relax. There was no risk of him knowing her foolish thoughts.

At his command, Davina rode slightly ahead. She could feel his gaze on her back as they rode. It gave her a sense of security, knowing that James was watching, protecting.

The long, gray curtain wall of McKenna Castle soon came into view. They were quickly recognized by the guards and Davina could hear the heavy gate being raised. The moment they entered the bailey, Malcolm strode over to meet them. ’Twas obvious he had been waiting for them, and none too patiently, judging from his hasty movements.

“Ye were gone far longer than expected,” Malcolm said, as he reached up for his daughter and lifted her down from James’s horse. “Mother was starting to worry.”

Davina could tell from Malcolm’s serious, frowning expression that it was not only Lady Aileen who had been concerned.

“Lileas was safe with me,” James bristled, apparently also seeing his brother’s unease. “There was no need to send the hounds to track us.”

“Hounds? I sent none, though I was fully prepared to ride out myself if ye dinnae return within the hour.”

An unspoken message of wariness passed between the two men. Davina bit back a sigh. Even an outing as innocent as gathering holiday greenery carried an element of unknown danger. ’Twas a very unsettling thought.

“I’m hungry, Papa.”

The concern vanished from Malcolm’s face as he turned to his daughter. “I’m not surprised. Searching fer greenery in a stark forest is hard work.”

“Aye, I worked very hard today.” Lileas leaned against her father’s side as he lightly petted her head.

“Then ye shall have yer reward. I’m sure that Cook can spare some honey cakes.”

Lileas squealed with delight and Malcolm hoisted the little girl into his arms. She settled easily against him, wrapping her arms around his neck. As they walked away, Davina was struck anew at the care Malcolm paid to his daughter. Most men lavished that sort of attention on their sons, leaving their female progeny as an afterthought.

“The little imp,” James muttered as he helped Davina dismount. “She twists her father around her finger as neatly as she twines her arms around his neck.”

“She is quite a rascal, with an uncanny talent fer getting herself into all sorts of mischief.” Davina watched the pair enter the great hall. “Yet I doubt that Malcolm will feel so benevolent when he learns of Lileas’s afternoon adventure.”

James whirled to face her. “I gave my word that I wouldn’t speak of it. I’m hoping to convince Lileas to tell her father on her own.”

“I dinnae foresee that happening.”

Davina tucked a stray wisp of hair behind her ear and fought to hide her smile. She was confident that Malcolm was incapable of meting out a harsh punishment to his daughter, making Davina’s decision far easier.

Things had turned out well in the end today, but the next time Lileas might not be so fortunate. In order to keep her safe,’twas important that child learn there would be consequences for disobedience.