Page 99 of Highland Ruse

“You should know we travel with a woman who is very ill,” Delilah said and quickly explained Torra’s situation. “Our travel may be slow, but we can plan as we ride. I would also like to get Elizabeth and Liv out of there as quickly as possible.”

Sylvi hesitated. “If it weren’t for Elizabeth, I’d say we could just kill MacKenzie now.”

Kaid felt himself suddenly liking the blonde woman more. “We need Torra to take back the land with the support of her people. If MacKenzie dies without an heir, who knows who will take his place.”

Sylvi’s sigh was almost inaudible in the silent room. “So many complications. Very well. We’ll bring Percy and discuss our options on the road. Let’s not waste another moment.”

A rush of victory swelled through Kaid. Not only had he been able to defend Delilah’s choice, but he had enlisted the aid of what appeared to be a very capable woman.

This would all be over soon, so long as they could get Torra to cooperate.

• • •

They’d snuck back into Ardvreck Castle with their hoods up against the moist chill of the night air, creeping in the dark like thieves.

The journey had taken over four days.

Delilah helped ease Torra into the large bed of the chamber she’d shared with Leasa when they were last at Ardvreck. The woman immediately curled into a ball and pulled the covers over her head.

A sense of urgency nipped at Delilah, tempting her to leave Torra as she was.

Kaid waited for Delilah in his room. He’d slipped the words into her ear with a velvety voice and a look of such longing her body still hummed with the effects.

How she wanted to lose herself in his touch, his kiss. She suppressed a sigh lest it come across as impatient.

Torra had been nothing if not uncooperative, not that Delilah could blame her. After the good part of a lifetime confined to a prison cell, it made sense that she felt impossibly small in the wide openness of the world.

“Is she still frightened?” Percy asked from beside Delilah.

Concern puckered Percy’s brow, but even with the delicate lines, Percy was still the most beautiful woman Delilah had ever seen, with her long golden hair and deep blue eyes rimmed with long dark lashes.

A rhythmic sucking sound came from under the covers and Delilah knew Torra had her thumb in her mouth.

“It’s all been too much,” Delilah said gently.

Percy nodded with her characteristic kind patience. “I understand.”

Delilah knew she did. After years of keeping herself hidden behind Kindrochit Castle’s walls, it was unexpected to see Percy outside.

“I’ll stay with her,” Percy said. “I don’t want her locked in here alone, and I have a tea I think can help.”

Delilah offered a grateful smile to her friend. Leasa was still in Killearnan with Donnan and Isabel, gathering the remaining MacKenzies to garner support for Torra’s lairdship. Percy’s help was necessary in their absence.

Kaid was waiting.

Though Delilah tamped down the thought, her pulse quickened.

“Thank you.” She caught Percy’s hand and squeezed it.

Percy smiled in return. “Of course. Go get rest now.”

Delilah obeyed and headed toward the door, but it was not rest she planned to have.

It was Kaid.

She opened the door and found Sylvi standing with her feet braced wide. “I’ll stay with them tonight, but I wanted to talk to you first.”

Delilah pulled in a breath and nodded. In truth, she was surprised Sylvi had not approached her during their travel. While she’d expected the conversation, Delilah was still not looking forward to it.