Page 6 of Heart of the Highlands: The Rose (Protectors of the Crown #6)

The landscape surrounding Inveraray Castle was painted in warm hues of orange and gold as the sun set behind the hills. The crisp autumn evening air carried the earthy scent of damp, decaying leaves. As Abby inhaled deeply, the coolness of the evening seemed to seep into her bones, causing her to shiver.

Heavily swathed in furs, she followed closely behind Alys and Leland as they exited the carriage. She carefully navigated the uneven cobblestone of the courtyard as they walked toward the keep. Guards standing near the door opened the large, heavy wooden doors, allowing them to enter. From the several carriages and horses, she’d seen outside, it was clear the castle was already full of honored guests who had traveled to Inverness from afar.

Abby spun around the crowded foyer, looking for familiar faces. Even with a blue mask adorned with black feathers, she spotted her cousin Bella and her father from across the room. She weaved her way through the crowd to greet them.

“Bella, I cannae believe ye are here,” she said, giving her cousin the biggest, tightest hug she could. “Ye are as beautiful as ever,” Abby said, admiring the slender young woman’s royal blue gown made of silk and draped over a lace chemise.

“You look lovely as well,” Bella returned the compliment.

Hidden behind a teal mask with silver lace embroidery and a matching-colored gown, Abby brightened the room. Bella was not the only one in the room who took notice of her. Several men also caught a glimpse as she stepped further into the room. Abby could feel her cheeks begin to warm under her mask.

“How long will ye and yer father be staying?”

Bella’s cheek bloomed red as her lips curled into a smile.

“Indefinitely. I am here to find a husband,” she replied matter-of-factly.

“To whom do ye wish to marry?”

“I don’t actually know. That is why we have come. To find me a husband. The Duke of Inverness has invited all the eligible bachelors here tonight as a feasting ground. Perhaps we can also find you a match tonight as well,” she teased.

“I dinna think my sister would approve.”

“Among so many fine men, choosing one will be nearly impossible,” she replied, her eyes sweeping across the room. “It would be like picking only one favorite treat from a buffet. With so many ladies hoping for a husband, I don’t know what will make me stand out from the crowd, but Father seems determined on his choosing. I do, however, have my eye on one young man, Theo, the eldest son of Laird Gregory Hudson. He is perfect. His long, honey-golden hair rests just above his shoulders, and his eyes are the color of the sea. Fighting for his attention will not be easy. He has been surrounded by the other young women all night but did not seem interested in them either.”

Abby could not hold in her giggle. There was a very good reason why Laird Theo Hudson was not interested in the flashing young women, as his pursuits were of a more masculine nature—a fact she did not wish to share and disappoint her cousin.

As the music began to play a lively tune that echoed through the grand hall, Abby and Bella joined the couples promenading the dance floor. They glided gracefully and elegantly, their gowns billowing around them as they twirled.

Abby’s eyes sparkled with delight as she caught glimpses of the enamored gazes directed toward Bella. It seemed the entire room had fallen under her cousin’s enchanting spell. Whispers of admiration filled the air, mingling with the gentle melodies accompanying their movements.

Hidden behind her dark blue mask, Bella exuded an aura of allure and mystery. Her vibrant presence lightened the room, drawing attention from all corners. As she floated across the dance floor, her gown swaying with every step, she was a vision of elegance.

Several gentlemen mustered the courage to approach her, extending their hands for a dance. Each suitor hoped to capture her attention and win a few precious moments in her company.

Abby, watching from a distance, felt pride and amusement. Amidst the joyous atmosphere, she found a dance partner, Leland, who must have seen her hiding in the shadows, took her hand, and whisked her away into the rhythm of the music. As they danced, Abby stole glances at Bella, who was now engaged in a spirited conversation with a handsome, masked laird.

But here was Abby, twirling gracefully on the dance floor, not in the arms of a charming suitor like her cousin, but rather with her brother-in-law. His intense gaze seemed to drill into anyone who dared to glance her way, a clear warning that sent shivers through the room. Abby couldn’t shake the feeling that these silent orders were heavily instigated by her protective sister, hovering just out of sight like a watchful guardian, ensuring that no man would approach without facing a formidable challenge.

As the music ended, Abby turned on her heel, desperate to escape the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume her. She raced toward the door and stepped out into the cool night air. She found herself in the solace of the castle garden. The muffled music from the ballroom grew distant the further she walked. She followed the winding path that led to the heart of the maze, where a tall willow tree stood at its center, its long, sweeping branches swaying gently in the breeze. The branches of the willow hung low, touching the ground as though it had grown tired or reaching for the sky, a prisoner to its beauty. She stood there for a moment, her heart heavy.

A sudden whisper of movement behind her caused her to jump. Her heart raced, every nerve in her body on high alert. She turned, only to see the silhouette of a figure emerging from the shadows.

“Is someone there?” an unfamiliar male’s voice called out, breaking the silence.

Not now.

Abby instinctively hid behind the shelter of the long branches of a willow tree, her heart pounding in her chest.

“No one of importance, ye can be on yer way,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The voice persisted, filled with concern. “Forgive me; I did no’ mean to disturb ye.”

She sniffled, trying to compose herself. “Yer no' disturbing me,” she managed to reply, her voice betraying the hint of sadness that lingered within.

Curiosity piqued, the man continued the conversation, his tone gentle. “Are ye crying?”

Abby paused, caught off guard by his perceptive question. She wiped away a tear, her voice trembling as she denied it. “No, it is just a bit cold out here.”

Silence hung in the air for a moment before he probed further, his concern unwavering. “Why are ye hiding behind that tree?”

“To block the wind,” she answered. It was a horrible lie, but she hoped her response would suffice, hoping to create a barrier between them.

“It seems quite silly having a conversation wit’ ye entangled behind these branches. Please come out, or I’ll be forced to join ye in there.”

“Why would ye do such a thing?”

The man chuckled softly, his voice filled with a mischievous tone. “Well, if ye insist on hiding, I can no’ leave a lady in distress. It would be ungentlemanly of me not to lend a hand...or join ye in the shrubbery, as it were. Perhaps ye are hiding from some rogue, and ye shall need my assistance in protecting ye.”

Abby's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Still masked, she slowly emerged from the branches, brushing off twigs and leaves from her gown.

As she stood before him, her eyes met his twinkling gaze. “I assure you,” she began, her voice imbued with a lighthearted charm, “I am no’ in hiding from anyone. If I were to seek refuge, it would certainly no’ be from a mon but from my dear beloved sister. Yet, here we are. I understand yer concern, and it seems you’ve encountered me in quite an unusual situation.”

He flashed her a roguish grin. “Ah, but unusual situations often lead to the most memorable conversations, don't ye think?”

Abby couldn’t help but smile as a comforting warmth blossomed within her, contrasting against the crisp chill of the evening air that wrapped around her like a thin veil. “And what conversation do ye propose we have? I suppose it is only right that ye ask why I find myself hiding away, yet here ye are, wandering from the light of the others. What draws ye out into the cold?”

“The same as you, I suppose,” he replied, his voice carrying a somber weight. “But I’m no’ hiding from just one woman, but from many.” Through the haze of tears that blurred her vision, Abby noticed how his features softened with genuine empathy, casting a fleeting light over his otherwise troubled expression. “My apologies, m'lady. I did no’ mean to intrude upon your solitary refuge or burden ye wit’ my troubles. Seeing ye appear well, I shall take my leave.”

Abby blinked in surprise, momentarily disarmed by his unexpected courtesy and grace. “It was no intrusion, Sir. I sought the tranquil solace of the garden—nothing more. But it appears I am no’ the only one yearning for peace amid the chaos.”

He chuckled softly, the sound soothing to Abby's ears. “Ah, the garden does have a way of drawing people in, especially during moments of contemplation.”

“Is something weighing on yer mind that ye wish to speak to a listening ear?”

He sighed, his gaze wandering into the distance. “Just a restless mind, I suppose. There are matters of the heart that occupy my thoughts.”

“Did ye come to find a bride?”

“I am afraid one has already been chosen for me.”

“I can understand, and I dinna mean to intrude. Tis no’ my business. Besides, a tale is but half told when only one person tells it,” she replied softly, her voice tinged with wistfulness.

“Ye are quoting the Saga of Grettis?”

“Ye know it?” she asked with surprise.

“Aye, tis a fascinating tale of the misfortune and mishaps of the Nordic outlaw.”

“Well, then ye should know that sometimes only the whispers of nature can provide clarity when the heart is in turmoil.”

He nodded, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. “Indeed, the garden's tranquility has a way of calming even the most troubled of hearts.”

“Well, I can no’ say the same. I did no’ come here with hopes and promises of marriage.”

“No?”

“Nay. I am only a spectator.”

“Well, shame to any mon who does no’ ask for yer hand.”

Abby felt her cheek blush. “If only it were that easy. I’d imagine that if I were to marry, I would only marry for love and to be an equal partner. It can’t be a matter of obligation; it must blossom from a place of real connection and steadfast commitment. There should be no compromise.”

“I think ye are the first honest woman I’ve met yet tonight.”

Abby felt the weight of his words settle heavily on her chest. For a moment, she stood frozen, her breath caught, unsure how to respond, but she didn’t have to. Thunder struck, and the sky erupted with jagged flashes of lightning, illuminating the landscape in stark white. Almost immediately, a torrent of rain began to pour. Abby had never been one to shy from the rain even though it matted and curled her thick, wavy hair. Besides, she was too far from the keep. Whether she chose to run for cover or not, she’d be soaked either way. Together, they slipped under the canopy of the willow, seeking protection from the rain.

As the water cascaded around them in sheets, their soaked clothes clung to their skin, and laughter bubbled up between them.

“Oh, my goodness,” Abby exclaimed, struggling to peel the heavy, soaked fabric away from her skin. “Now, this certainly is a story to tell.”

Suddenly, her sister's voice sliced through the heavy rain. “Abby!” It was hard to hear what she was yelling, but Abby could hear her sister’s voice for miles. Her eyes scanned the perimeter but landed on Alys, standing on the threshold of the towering castle keep, her face a portrait of disappointment as she scanned the rain-drenched scene for her sister.

“I must go. Thank ye for yer company.”

“Wait, I dinna get yer name,” she heard him say as she ran toward the keep.

Alys stood with her arms tightly crossed, a narrow frown etched across her brow. Abby knew a scolding awaited her.

“Abby, come inside before ye check yer death,” she called out, her voice rising, straining to be heard above the relentless pounding of the rain. “Outside, in the rain, alone. What has gotten into ye, Abby?”

As Abby passed Alys and stepped through the heavy wooden door, she could feel the warmth of the castle enveloping her, contrasting sharply with the cold, damp air outside. She ached to respond, confessing that she was not alone, for a man was waiting just beyond the shadows of the storm. But she silenced her thoughts. Alys would never understand. The storm in her heart surged with intensity, widening the divide between her and her sister even further.