Free Elusive by Linda Rae Blair Page A

years would envy, and for which every
maiden behind the castle walls lusted.
    “Aye, my love,” she responded as she softly
kissed those full lips that brought her so much pleasure. “Let’s
sit down. There is something I must tell you.”
    They strode hand-in-hand to the fallen tree
they had so often used as a bench. It was the same old tree that
had stood tall when they first kissed and stood still when they’d
exchanged their oaths to each other. They had, since childhood,
secretly come here to talk, to be together. This was their place.
    He held her close, “What is bothering you, my
love? You know you can tell me anything.” He felt her shudder and
fear gripped his heart. Something was terribly wrong. She seemed
frightened. If it was anticipation of his reaction that had placed
this burden on her heart, he was determined to stay calm no matter
what she had to say.
    “My father has told me that I must make a
decision about a marriage partner.” She felt his hand jerk in hers.
She did not have to tell him, of course, that the choice would be
between himself and his brother, Macrath.
    He had feared this was what had been causing
her pain. He too had heard the rumors throughout the castle. He had
given her time to think things through—to make her decision without
interference from him. She knew all too well how he felt about
her.
    “You know you have my heart, my love,” she
told him as tears filled her eyes.
    “Aye, and you know you have mine,” he
answered. She didn’t have to say it. He knew her decision, but he
would let her have her say, even if it killed him.
    “I must choose Macrath, even though he is
Mahoun himself. You know that. There is no other way to protect all
that belongs to us. Not for myself, Sòlas, but for my father’s line
and for generations to come. I have no real choice. You and I would
lose everything, which means nothing to me, but so would our
children and their children.”
    My father has taught me that family and
responsibility to family are more important than personal feelings.
The welfare of future generations is a consideration over and above
our own. We would never be able to give them what they deserve. Add
to that, your father and Macrath would undoubtedly have my father
and you killed if we wed.”
    He watched her closely and saw the shudder as
she spoke. She stood and faced the cliff. “I will never love him,
Sòlas. He will never have my heart or my mind, only my body.”
    Fury shook him down to his bones. “Only your
body?” He spun her around to face him and saw that she was
shattered, as shattered as he. He leaned his forehead down to rest
on hers. “He may have you after you are wed, Caena, but please tell
me you will be mine now. Here! Now! Only mine, Caena!”
    The kiss was borne of fear, frustration, and
fury at the fate that had put them in this position. Understanding
that he must have her agreement, he pulled back from her mouth,
despite what it cost him to do so. He watched her eyes—saw the love
and agreement there. Crushing his mouth to hers again, he began the
seduction that would mean their deaths, were they ever found
out.
    The sun was pink and purple in the sky when
they returned to the castle. They both knew that it had been not
only the first, but would be the last time they would be together
this way. Macrath may take her as his wife, but the two of them
knew that in every way that counted, she would always belong to
Sòlas.
    ***
    Fuming, Macrath had waited as long as he was
willing to wait. He paced his rooms, ready to loose his temper. The
knock at his door caused him to jump—his concentration on his
thoughts had been so great.
    “Come in, damn it all!” he shouted.
    The servant slowly opened the door. Having
been struck by flying objects when entering this room in the past,
he had learned to be extremely cautious! Once he was certain the
way was clear, he stepped into the room. “My Lord, The McDonnough
has asked that you join him in the