Page 8 of The Dark Highlander’s Heart (Thorns Of The Highlands #2)

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O nce Bryan and Alex entered the castle again, Bryan immediately went in search of Katherine. Having staked his own reputation on her, he felt it would be prudent to begin his observation of her as soon as possible. As it turned out, she was not difficult to find. He came upon her in the massive Oliphant library, surveying the shelves with an expression of wonderment.

“Do be careful among these tomes,” Bryan chuckled. “This collection belongs tae Laird Alex, and he holds it dear indeed. There was some trouble with Isla when they first met, and she accidentally spilled a bit of wine on one of his precious maps.”

“Well, I dinnae seem tae be holding any wine,” Katherine replied primly, “and as it happens, maps dinnae interest me.”

“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow. “What sort of thing were ye looking for, then?”

“More than anything, I was merely browsing,” she informed him, “for in truth, I have never before seen a library like this one. My father’s is sorely lacking by comparison.”

“That does nae surprise me in the slightest,” he said dryly. “It has always been Laird Alex’s belief, as was his father’s, and mine as well, that books are windows tae the world that lies beyond our own narrow experiences. They lend wisdom and perspective. Qualities which, I am sorry tae say, yer father is sorely lacking.”

This offhand insult to Laird Angus was meant as a subtle test, so Bryan could see whether she reflexively came to her father’s defense when he was insulted. When they were on the road together, she had insisted that she was not aligned with his mad schemes and violent intentions. Now that they had arrived, and her defenses might have lowered a bit, it seemed a good time to more fully determine what side she might be on.

But she simply shrugged. “ye may well have a point. He is a man of limited vision, tae be sure. Perhaps if he were able to read the wondrous volumes collected here, he might not find it quite so necessary tae wage war against ye, or the other clans.”

“Does he scheme against other clans as well?” Again, Bryan did his best to appear nonchalant, as though he was making idle conversation with her.

Katherine shook her head. “He used tae, but now he focuses almost entirely on the undoing of the Oliphants. Romilly’s capture might have had something tae do with that.”

“Would ye say he is more invested in seeing her safely returned, or in avenging himself upon us for capturing her in the first place?”

She gave him a faint half-smile. “Do ye mean tae ask whether his desire tae see the fall of the Oliphant Clan is greater than his concern for his own children’s safety? Is that it?”

Bryan felt as though he had overstepped, and was embarrassed. He cast his eyes downward, grinning awkwardly. “I suppose I meant something like that, aye.”

“From the way ye speak and think of us, one would almost believe we McGregors were naught but a pack of bloodthirsty ogres squatting in caves.”

She giggled, and the sound tickled Bryan’s ears like the delicate tinkling of wind chimes. It was a sound he found that he adored, and felt he might enjoy getting used to if afforded the opportunity.

“Not at all,” he harrumphed uncomfortably. “But ye are clearly a formidable lot, and not tae be underestimated or trifled with.”

“Which is why ye have resorted tae such a desperate measure, is that it?” she challenged. “Kidnapping Laird Angus’s other daughter? Sends a powerful message, does it not? ‘Submit, or we shall end yer bloodline for good and all?’”

“This implies that we would kill ye in cold blood. As I have said, that is not in our nature.”

“Nay, ye would merely hold us both indefinitely,” she retorted.

She was toying with him, that much was obvious. However, he knew there was more to it than that as well; she was probing him, trying to determine the most likely outcome for herself and her sister.

He supposed he could hardly blame her for that. If he had been captured by an enemy, he would naturally be doing all he could to learn about their intentions and capabilities as well, so that he might gain the upper hand.

Was that her intention here? Did she intend to game him?

Well, he supposed determining that was part of his duty as he understood it. Again, though, he was troubled by the fact that he wanted so badly to believe she was innocuous; that her comments were without guile or strategy.

“I am certain it will nae come tae that,” he said in his most reassuring voice. “Laird Angus may not be known for being even-tempered or reasonable, but even he will nae abandon both of his children when they need him tae come tae his senses.”

“Will he not?” she teased. “It sounds as though ye are more familiar with his temperament than I am.”

“Do ye believe he will remain obstinate in this circumstance?” Bryan prodded. “And if so, is that not all the more reason for ye tae come tae our side and assist us in ending this peacefully, no matter what it may take?”

“Ye make a good point,” she conceded. “Then again, I only just arrived here less than an hour ago. Perhaps a better tactic might be tae wait for the gravity of my current situation tae set in more fully, before plying me in such an obvious fashion?”

Bryan’s embarrassment grew deeper. “Forgive me, my lady. I am nae a spy, a jailer, nor an interrogator by nature, and as such, the subtleties of these occupations escape me. As the captain of the guard, my duties are generally far more straightforward.”

“Make sure none passes through the gates who would do harm tae the Oliphants, and bravely lead yer soldiers into battle?” Clearly, she was having fun with him.

He found he didn’t mind too much. Her amusement was delightful to him, even if it was at his expense.

“Aye, that’s the long and the short of it,” he admitted.

“Then one might observe that snatching a young lady off the road and transporting her back tae the castle would generally likewise fall outside yer purview.”

“Ye are correct once again. I was assigned the task because Laird Alex felt my penchant for stealth, and my willingness tae do whatever it takes tae complete the tasks assigned tae me, made me more than suitable for that particular errand.”

“It seems he was correct, at that,” she observed. “Now ye have been sent tae watch over me? Tae make sure I behave myself? Perhaps even tae observe me closely enough tae learn where my true loyalties lie?”

“Ye are most perceptive,” Bryan replied with a smirk. “Aye, that’s true enough.”

“Very well. I shall count myself lucky, then, that I will find myself in such pleasant company during the remainder of my stay here. However long it may be.” She made a show of sighing wistfully. “Still, this arrangement does raise a question or two.”

“Such as?”

“Well, let us say that my father does remain obstinate,” she continued in a lilting tone as she perused the books on the shelves. “He is famous for his hard head, as ye well know. Perhaps he will stand his ground for months, perhaps even years. Will ye remain by my side that entire time?”

Bryan swallowed hard, wondering where this line of question was leading. “Aye, if those were my orders, I would follow them.”

“And what of when I sleep?” she went on doggedly. “Do ye intend tae remain in the room with me? Will ye watch me dress and undress, that ye may be sure I dinnae conceal some weapon upon my person, or secret messages tae be passed along tae my family? Or will ye take the risk of turning yer back to afford me modesty?”

He knew that she was playing with him as a cat does with a mouse, but still, he could think of no appropriate response.

“Suppose ye didnae choose tae take yer ‘observation’ of me quite so far, for reasons of propriety,” she giggled. “Would ye then be required tae stand guard outside the door of my chamber at all times? Would ye remain curled up in front of it all night like a dog?”

“If my laird asked such things of me, I would carry them out without the slightest hesitation,” Bryan retorted with a smile. “I dinnae believe it shall come tae that, though. Others may stand guard outside yer chamber in the hours when I slumber. They will ensure that ye dinnae escape, or have secret visitors without my knowledge. And should ye get the brilliant idea of shimmying down from the window, I have already instructed my guardsmen on the ramparts tae keep an eye on that side of the tower at all times.” He coughed nervously. “As for, er, watching ye disrobe and the like, I dinnae think that will be necessary. If I thought ye were hazardous enough tae carry a concealed weapon and attempt an assault on one of us, I would nae have vouched for ye.”

“Very trusting of ye,” she intoned with mock solemnity. “Not that ye necessarily have any reason tae believe me, but it just so happens ye are correct. I abhor violence. I always have.”

“If only the same could be said of yer sister,” Bryan muttered. “At any rate, I have shown trust in ye, both on our journey and upon our arrival. I ask that ye prove yerself worthy of it, all jests aside.”

“Again, I am flattered that ye would ask such a thing of me and choose to believe my response,” she told him, “but for what it is worth, I have every intention of doing precisely that.” She paused, then asked, “Although I am deeply appreciative of all ye have done for me thus far, may I ask another favor of ye? Nothing suspicious or sinister, I assure ye.”

Bryan had a feeling he already knew what she was about to request. “Go on, then, by all means.”

She turned her full attention to him, and he was once again struck by how dark and lovely her eyes were. They reminded him of Romilly’s, except that they seemed far more peaceful and hopeful, whereas her older sister’s gaze was always dripping with ire and venom.

Just as he thought, it was her sister that was foremost on Katherine’s mind.

“While I am here, might I be permitted tae visit with Romilly? I would like tae see for myself that she is safe and unharmed—not that I dinnae trust in yer words tae that effect. It would simply make me feel more at ease after being apart from her for so long.”

Bryan nodded. “That is a perfectly reasonable request, and one I certainly expected. Ye shall be allowed tae see yer sister, certainly. But ye must know,” he added quickly, seeing her face light up at this happy news. “I cannae permit ye tae be alone with her. I will be by yer side the entire time.”

“That is entirely understandable, and certainly acceptable.” Katherine was overjoyed, to the point that Bryan almost expected her to run forward and embrace him gratefully. “Oh, thank ye, thank ye! Ye are most kind and gracious!”

“Not at all.” He tried to sound dismissive, but he worried that he might be blushing. “Anyone in yer position would ask the same, ‘tis nae bother. We shall go down tae the dungeons together in a short while, after I have looked in on my guardsmen tae ensure they have nae grown idle in my absence.”

It was a joke, but he did feel compelled to conduct a quick circuit of the ramparts and have a word with his people. Part of it was because he had not left his regularly appointed post for days at a time in quite a while, and having done so left him ill at ease.

Another part of it, one he wished he could deny, was that he was simply putting off yet another unpleasant visit to the dungeons, the prospect of which still unnerved him grievously.

At least this time, I won’t have to go and return from there on my own , he thought. He had Lady Katherine for company. He could hide his anxiety by focusing on allaying hers.

“For now,” he went on, “ye ought tae go tae yer chambers and have some rest. I’m sure ye could use it, after all. Ye’ve endured quite a lot of excitement over the past two days.”

“That’s true enough.” She gave him a curtsy. “Again, Captain, thank ye for being such a gracious host. I feel as though my stay here shall turn out to be a pleasant one, despite the conditions that prompted it.”

“Think nothing of it,” he grunted. “Now, if ye will excuse me, I shall take my leave.”

Bryan departed, and though Katherine was tempted to remain in the library for a while longer, she decided that the best thing she could do as a show of good faith, to demonstrate that she did not mean to cause trouble during her stay, that she was willing to do as she was told, would be to go to her room as Bryan had suggested.

Besides, what he’d pointed out had been accurate. She had been through quite a dizzying ordeal over the previous night and day, and although the overall outcome was better than she had previously imagined it might be, the fact remained that it had left her feeling drained. She supposed a short nap would not be out of order.

Katherine found a servant, a young girl with a mop of curly red hair, and a smudge of hearth dust across the bridge of her upturned nose – and inquired after the location of her room. She had already been told upon her initial arrival, but she felt it would be a good idea to ask anyway so that people would know she intended to pass the time in her chamber rather than wandering around and causing mischief.

The lass led her there personally, and asked if she needed anything further. Katherine assured her that she did not, and the servant withdrew without another word.

Katherine looked around at her accommodations, and was surprised to find them far more cheery and well-appointed than her room at the McGregor Stronghold. There was a writing desk with quills and parchment, a table and chair for dining, and a four-post bed that was lovely and inviting. She sat upon its edge and bounced up and down several times, appreciating its softness.

All in all, the space appeared to be arranged with the comfort of its occupant prioritized above all else.

She supposed that was the sort of thing most people would have taken for granted. However, in the McGregor home, function was paramount, with comfort far behind. Beds and chairs were hard and stiff, the better to harden the sensibilities of those who used them. That was what Laird Angus had always insisted upon; the better to raise children who would not expect the world to be soft and welcoming to them.

Children who had been taught to disregard pain or discomfort. Children who would be able to stoically endure, no matter what challenges they encountered.

The sort of children Laird Angus would have been proud of.

Aye, and perhaps he was able to mold one of his offspring accordingly, in the form of Romilly , Katherine thought mournfully as she reclined on the bed. She could never live up to those sorts of rigid standards. However, they were both prisoners of the Oliphants despite all of their father’s hard lessons and harsh treatment.

Though her situation was certainly more appealing than Romilly’s at the moment.

What would her sister look like when Katherine finally got to see her, she wondered? Her own dark visions and nightmares during the previous weeks had conjured forms of a filthy, crazed, skeletal Romilly, with half her hair fallen out and her teeth likewise due to malnutrition. A madwoman who had been a feast for rats, and other foul beasts that crawled and slithered. Perhaps there would be matted blood on her hair and skin from having hurled herself against the stone walls and iron bars in a frenzy.

And would the Oliphants bring healers to her, to tend to these wounds and conditions?

Before, she would have assumed the answer to be no. Now that she had spent some time with Bryan, she was not nearly so sure.

Although her movements were being monitored, the fact remained that she could leave her room if she desired. She could visit the library again, or perhaps familiarize with Castle Oliphant a bit more. She might even be allowed to wander its farms and villages a bit, as long as she was accompanied by Bryan Black.

Therefore, it is fair to say that I enjoy more freedom in my “captivity” here than I could often claim within my own home .

The emotions that came with that notion were somewhat confusing. There was plenty of sadness, certainly, at the realization that an enemy was willing to treat her more fairly, and demonstrate more trust in her, than her mother and father had been. Had this truly been how she was raised? And her sister as well? No wonder things had come to such a pass for both of them, having been spawned from such a pernicious household.

And yet…

Now that there was so much distance from that home, perspective came with it. She was seeing her own homeland and upbringing in a way she’d never been allowed to before. She had been raised to view all other clans as inferior to the McGregors in every way, and as potential enemies as well.

Here she was, in this pleasant place, full of happy clansmen who were led by a man who seemed to manage being strong with being fair; being loved and respected as well. A laird who ruled without relying on cruelty and intimidation, from the look of it. A laird whose agents were genuinely loyal to him, instead of merely in terror of the punishments he might choose to mete out.

Might she find this to be a more suitable home for her? Might she choose to assist the Oliphants, and thus prevent some needless war between them and her own people?

For such a war would be needless, of that she was certain.

She rose from the bed and went to the window, leaning out so that she might get a better view of the people in the towns a short-distance away. They seemed happy and healthy as they went about their business—not oppressed, not starving, not cursing the McGregors or dreaming up foul plots to conquer them or steal what was theirs.

If her father would simply cease his scheming against them, then Katherine was certain the Oliphants in turn would never cause the McGregors any harm at all. They could coexist without bloodshed.

And once that had been established and agreed upon, Romilly could be freed from the dungeons.

Is there anything at all that I might do to bring about such a favorable outcome? she asked herself. Is there any knowledge I possess, any valuable information I might pass along to the Oliphants, to aid them in preventing combat between our clans?

She hoped so.

But given how her father had largely shut her out of his plans, she wasn’t so sure.