Free Child of the Mist by Kathleen Morgan

yourself."
    "And I don't need your pity," she snapped back at him. "'Twas a point o' honor that saved your life and naught else."
    "Then attend the feast as a point o' honor, for to hide in your room would only confirm what my clan already thinks o' MacGregors."
    Anne's hands tightened about her horse's reins. "And what might that be?"
    Niall's glance moved casually to scan the countryside. "Och, naught really. Just that MacGregors are all cowards."
    "Why, you big, arrogant"
    "Now calm yourself, lassie." Her dark companion laughed. "Those weren't my thoughts. I certainly have never doubted your courage. I was thinking o' what others might say, if you failed to show your face this eve."
    "I'll be there," Anne muttered, "and no mistake. Are there any other surprises you've planned tonight? If so, tell me now."
    He coolly assessed her, his eyes moving over her face and body until Anne's cheeks flushed with exasperating warmth. Realization of his interpretation of her words flashed through her mind. Disgusting, ruttish stag!
    Niall returned her anger-bright glare. "Nay, no others. I'd imagine you've already envisioned far worse than I could ever surprise you with. Now, if you'll permit me, I'll remove what must surely be my unpleasant presence. Will you mind riding alone, or shall I send back one o' my men?"
    Anne shot Niall a contemptuous look. "Don't concern yourself about me. Considering the choice o' company, riding alone is far more to my liking."
    He grinned, then signaled his mount forward. Anne watched him ride away, relief flooding her at being free of Niall Campbell's loathsome presence. Her gaze sought the form of his golden-haired cousin riding up ahead.
    Och, she silently mourned, if only Iain had been her father's choice. He, she could have come to care for. And his bedding of her, if not pleasant, would have at least not been the terrifying, degrading experience she feared awaited her at the hands of the legendary Wolf of Cruachan.
    She'd seen it all, guessed her fate, in that last look he'd sent her. Her fateand horrible it was.
    The rain that had held off all day began to fall. Anne pulled her cloak tightly around her to ward off the encroaching dampness, shivering even as she did. Up ahead, through the mist that rose from the land, she could make out the white-capped, twin peaks of Ben Cruachan. Soon, they'd clear the last of the hills. Soon, the deep waters of Loch Awe would come into view.
    Loch Awe and Castle Kilchurn, that great stone fortress of Clan Campbell. Soon it would imprison her as mercilessly as it held others out. And soon, all too soon, she must face Niall Campbell alone themacross the unlikely battlefield of a bed.
    "Here, lassie," Old Agnes murmured soothingly as she stepped away from the tub of steaming water and bustled over to Anne, "let's get those wet clothes off and ye into this nice warm bath. 'Twill take the chill from yer bones. Ye dinna want to catch the ague, do ye?"
    The ague, Anne thought humorlessly. Folk sometimes died if its fever and lung sickness couldn't be controlled. It would be the answer to all her problems. She'd escape this unfriendly place, not be forced to face Niall Campbell and his unwelcome advances. Aye, the ague for once seemed a most welcome fate.
    Numbly, Anne felt hands touch her as the old maidservant worked free the fastenings of her gown. The air of the bedchamber, though warm from a roaring hearth fire, still made her tremble when the sodden clothes finally fell away.
    Agnes wrapped an arm around Anne's shoulders, firmly guiding her to the large wooden tub. "That's my lass," she crooned. "Just step into this nice warm water and ye'll soon feel better. We've enough time before the feast even to soap yer hair, then dry it before the fire. Ye'll look glorious when I'm through with ye, and no mistake."
    Anne obediently climbed in and sank beneath the water. As the heat gradually replaced the shuddering spasms, her eyes closed and she sighed.
    A gnarled hand