Free My Highland Bride by Maeve Greyson Page B

talking, the maid would go a bit easier on her hair.

    “A banquet’s been set for all the visitors who’ve come to celebrate the comin’ of the wee bairn.” Coira dropped the comb to the table beside them and set to braiding Kenna’s hair. “Yer an honored guest, so ye’ll be seated at the chieftain’s table.” She yanked and wove, then yanked some more before knotting and twisting the resulting long braid into a bun at the back of Kenna’s neck. “Enjoy yer food and drink.” She patted Kenna on the shoulders, then came around to face her. “All will welcome ye. Yer the chieftain’s good sister.”
    “You make it sound so easy.” Kenna slowly rose, frowning back at her softly blurred reflection in the polished metal disk Coira held in front of her. “But I guess there’s no avoiding it.”
    “Ye’ll be fine, mistress.” Coira fussed with a stubborn curl at Kenna’s temple, then beamed an encouraging smile. “Ye look lovely, and ye’ll be just fine.”

Chapter 10
    Finally. He’d begun to wonder if the lady would e’er descend from her rooms. Colum worked his way across the crowded hall, hurrying to the archway leading to the chieftain’s private tower. Lady Kenna stood in the center of the doorway. Her gaze darted nervously about the bustling room as she twisted the fringed ends of her belt between her hands. Poor lass. She looks as though ready to bolt back up the stairs .
    “Lady Kenna, allow me t’lead ye to yer seat at the chieftain’s table.” Colum held out his arm and prayed the woman would take it this time without hesitation. The memory of the intoxicating sting triggered by her earlier touch awakened an ache for more. He yearned for the feel of her, longed for her closeness, even if it was merely the soft weight of her hand upon his arm.
    Kenna glanced about the noisy hall one more time, then quickly looped her hand up into the crook of his elbow. “Stay close, would you? I didn’t realize so many people were going to be down here.” She nervously yanked at her belted dress and patted the dark braid neatly coiffed at the back of her head.
    While Colum missed the mouthwatering view provided by Lady Kenna’s clothing from the future, a part of him was relieved she’d changed to attire better suited to a gentle lady of the clan. The others had no need to see the Lady Kenna as he had. A sense of ownership urged Colum to protectively cup his hand atop Kenna’s slightly trembling fingers. Aye. Her fine tight trews were his memory alone, since none but Galen had seen them arrive and that man would ne’er slander his chieftain’s kin.

    Colum curled Kenna’s arm closer to his side. The warm silk of her touch stirred his blood even hotter this time. God’s beard. He’d ne’er felt this drawn to a lass before. Aye. He’d do anything to protect her from anything she feared. “I’ll no’ leave yer side unless ye bid me do so.” As the words left his lips, Colum felt a satisfied note of finality, as though he’d just made a verra precious vow.
    Kenna peeped around him like a newborn colt hiding behind its mother. “Are they all here because of the baby or are there always this many people at the keep?” Her gaze rose to the second-floor gallery running the length of one side of the hall. “Even the balcony is full.”
    Colum chuckled as he led her to the far end of the hall and the wide stone dais holding the main table. “The clan has anxiously awaited this verra special day. A healthy child born to the chief is cause for great celebration. All have come to wish him and the Lady Trulie well. Many were here the last time when nothing could be done but console their chieftain and his wife as they mourned the loss of their son.”
    Kenna’s face fell, and she shuddered with a heavy sigh. “I understand. I wish I could’ve been here to help Trulie. I’m sure it was a terrible time.”
    Colum reluctantly released Lady Kenna’s hand from his arm, then gallantly pulled free