Page 14 of A Fearless Rebel

It didn’t bother her as she’d gone many times without incident, and as long as she rode fast, the entire trip would not take more than a few hours. That morning, her mother had claimed to feel ill and wished to spend the day in bed. It was common knowledge that the mysterious illnesses were caused by partaking in too many honeyed meads the night before.

Her father and brother were also gone that day to visit her uncle, who’d requested their presence. No doubt, he wished to know the outcome of the alliance between her father and the Fraser.

Ava pushed the thoughts away. What mattered to her was an entire day of freedom to do as she wished.

When she entered the small bakery, no one took notice of the woman dressed in dour clothes wearing a simple kerchief and hunched under a shawl. Finally, when the other customers were gone, she was the only one left. Her mouth watered while watching the woman wrapping the tarts with care.

“Ye should send a messenger to pick them up for ye, Mistress Ava,” the woman whispered. “One day, ye will get caught and yer father will not be kind.”

Ava shrugged. “He will not find out. Besides, I am to be married and sent away soon. That is why I wish to take extras today. It is doubtful I will be able to get away again.” At the words, her bottom lip trembled, and she bit it to keep from looking childish.

“If ye tell me yer wedding day, I will be happy to send tarts,” the kind woman said, patting Ava’s hand with her own weathered one.

It made her heart leap with joy. “I will send a messenger with coin. Thank ye.”

“Nonsense, it will be my gift.”

Ava walked out feeling better. She’d missed the occasional escapes for the sweet fruit tarts.

On the ride back, the weather became much cooler, so Ava urged her horse to a faster trot. There were still several hours before she would arrive back at Mackenzie Keep and she wondered if perhaps a thicker cloak would have helped.

In the distance, three horsemen appeared, and she narrowed her eyes in an effort to see them better. Since the village fell under Laird Chisholm’s control, the men could be from that clan or hers. There was also the possibility that they were Frasers.

She continued on, thankful she’d plaited her hair and hoped that, from a distance, she would not be recognizable.

Unfortunately, the riders seemed to be in a hurry and soon caught up to her. Just as they rode past, one of them turned to look at her. It was Keithen Fraser.

Her blood went cold, and she shoved the tart she was about to eat back into the sack.

Leaving the other two riders, he rode closer, his green eyes meeting hers. “Why are ye out here, unescorted?”

“I do not have to answer to ye.” Ava lifted her chin. “Be on yer way.” She made a shooing motion with her hand.

The monster of a beast he rode pawed at the ground. It was either attempting to intimidate her or get her mare’s attention. Ava wasn’t sure which.

“Why are ye alone?” Keithen looked from her to the direction of her home. “These are dangerous times.”

“Aye, I know.” She arched an eyebrow, “Some lunatic is killing our guardsmen.”

His nostrils flared and eyes narrowed. “Which proves why ye should not be riding alone.”

Not wishing to continue the conversation, she urged the mare to continue toward her home. Unfortunately, the stubborn man came alongside her. “I will escort ye halfway. I am sure guards will be out searching for ye.”

“They are not.”

He gave her an unbelieving glance and then continued looking forward. “Where did ye go?”

Was he attempting a conversation? “I went to the village to get fruit tarts.”

“Tarts?”

“Yes.”

“Why are women so strong-willed? This is something my sister would do.”

“I met yer sister. I liked her.”

They rode in silence for a bit, and she considered that being around Keithen was not unpleasant. Nonetheless, the man did not deserve to marry someone who would trick him and could lead him to death. “Ye should not marry me.”