Page 19 of Lady and the Scot

"I ask that you reconsider."

"The Douglases are a large clan. They have power and can protect my smaller one. I cannot forgo such an alliance for the sake of love." Her father’s words dripped with disdain.

Breena was not sure how to feel. Aiden loved her. The Stuart had said "love match." But why was he not there. She dared not ask for fear her father would anger. At the same time she needed to know.

She leaned closer to the man beside her. "Are you a Stuart as well?"

"Aye. I am Innis Stuart, Laird Stuart's son." He motioned to the man beside him.

"Why could Aiden not come?" she whispered.

Innis turned to her. "He was injured on his journey here. Barely made it to our keep before falling from his horse."

"What happened?" She could barely swallow from fear he could die.

"Robbers." He must have seen the anxiety on her face. "He will recover. Will be prepared to come for you." He let out a breath. "If your father accepts."

"He won't." She lifted her cup to her lips, but then realizing she could not possibly swallow put it back down. "Tell Aiden I love him as well and wish things were different."

"You give up too easily."

She looked into his eyes and was astounded to see they did not match in color. "You have his eyes."

"I am older than he, therefore, he has mine." The man chuckled and her father glared at them.

After the meal, Breena did her best to fight the ache in her heart. Could it be true that Aiden fought for her? For them?

She walked into her chamber and closed her eyes. God what if she was with child. Would he or her suffer the same fate she. To live with a father who hated the reminder that his wife had lain with another prior to him. She could not do it.

Rushing to her wardrobe, she grabbed a bag and shoved a dress and two shifts into it. Once that was completed she added a pair of shoes and her jewelry, which wasn't much.

After donning her heavy cloak, she went out and down the hallway toward the back of the keep. The backstairs were mainly used for the servants. She hoped not to run into anyone who would ask questions.

The maids should be busy cleaning; the lads, the same. She hoped to make it as far as the side of the keep and to the stables to her horse. Guards would not expect anyone to be about, it was not dark yet. She stowed her bag under her cloak and moved slowly as if out for an evening stroll.

When she turned a corner, she let out a breath and eyed the distance to the stables. She looked to the sky. "Please help me."

Just as she took a step a hand grabbed her arm. Breena gasped and turned. "Mother, what are you doing out here?"

"The better question is where do you think to go?"

Chapter Ten

Aiden sat tall in his saddle. His side still ached from the beating he'd taken. Damn robbers had gone off with his favorite sword. He was lucky to be alive as they'd only wanted money and upon hearing his cousin's horses nearing had left in a hurry.

When he neared the unfamiliar small cottage on the edge of the village, he braced, hoping it wasn't a trap. He lowered to the ground and looked at his uncle and cousin. "Wait for me here."

They both dismounted and stood beside their steeds.

The door was not locked and he stepped into the dark interior. The small space was neat. Every item in its place. An older woman started and jumped to her feet. "Are you Aiden Stuart?"

"Aye."

"You must go immediately. Make haste." She looked over her shoulder and back to him. "Go."

"Where is she?"

"I'm here, Aiden." Breena came from a small adjoining room and rushed into his arms. His large palms cupped her face and Aiden kissed her. Her eyes shined with unshed tears. "You came for me."