Free Highlander's Bride: Medieval Romance (The Fae Book 1) by Joanne Wadsworth Page A

I didnae take all care.” He waved out. “I’m told your name is Hamish. I stumbled upon the lady and this warrior in the forest. Unfortunately, he’s injured himself and needs tending. I ask to be granted access to Carron’s keep.”
    “Wait right there.” Hamish disappeared from the battlements and tramped down the stairwell, appeared below and shoved the postern gate open. He cast his gaze over Gordon’s slumped form. “How did all this happen?”
    “Allow me to explain.” She snuck in front of Ronan since he’d moved to place himself between her and Hamish. “Gordon, ah, tripped and fell, hit his head on a rock, and…” How did she explain his wrist wound? “Stabbed himself when he did, accidentally, of course.”
    “I’ve never known the man to be so clumsy.” Hamish shook his head. “All these injuries came at his own hand?”
    “Aye, Gordon had a wee bit too much to drink last eve.” She motioned to Ronan. “I’ve met Rand afore, during a clan gathering. He’s an honorable warrior, heard of Coll’s call-to-arms and traveled here to offer his sword arm. I’ve informed him that Duncan is at Ardan House and he would need to visit him there if he wished to speak to him afore joining our cause.”
    “I didnae ‘see’ Rand’s coming arrival.”
    “That would be because he means us no harm. Surely you wouldnae have ‘seen’ something unless he did, correct?” She held her breath, prayed fervently her word would stand.
    “Aye, you’re correct.” Hamish cocked a brow at Ronan. “Where exactly do you hail from, Rand?”
    “A village to the south of Kintail, and all is as the lady has explained. I’ve come to offer my sword arm, would like to speak to Duncan first to ensure his approval if I might?” He slipped in front of her again. Aye, definitely stubborn times two.
    “Might we go inside?” She ducked around Ronan once more then with her back to him, stamped on top of his booted feet to keep him in place, all while smiling cheerily at Hamish. Let her chosen one try to whip in front of her now. Goodness. The males in the mated bond were notoriously overprotective, and her mate appeared no different even though she stood within a stone’s throw of a garrison of warriors who’d protect her with their very lives. He was one man against so many until he’d spoken to Duncan and fixed everything she’d set moving on the wrong path. Drat it all. If only he’d arrived yesterday. Her betrothal would be one less thing he’d have to fix.
    “Aye, come inside.” Hamish stepped aside and gestured for her and Ronan to proceed him through the gate. “Never have I looked more forward to a vision as I do right now.”
    “As I look forward to you receiving one too.” She desperately looked forward to it. Hamish could be trusted, implicitly.
     

Chapter 3
     
    “This way, Rand.” Kyla dashed across the inner courtyard toward the front doors of the keep, halted in the entryway and motioned for him to go up the side stairs so they could divert the great hall and those who would have already assembled there for the midday meal. At least she’d gotten her chosen one safely inside the keep without issue. Now to get him back out again and on his way to Ardan, and preferably with Hamish at his side. The seer would watch over him, his fae blood demanding he keep his own people safe. “Rand, take the first chamber on your right once you reach the first landing.”
    “Will do.”
    “You may have already secured the lady’s trust, but you’ve yet to secure mine.” Hamish pounded upstairs after Ronan and she chased them both.
    “I came upon the lady by chance and I only sought to ensure she came to no harm, to return her safely to Carron and of course that her guardsman receives the care he needs.” Ronan swept inside the chamber she’d indicated, carefully eased Gordon over his shoulder and laid him down on the sheeted bed.
    “Clearly Gordon is unable to give me an account from his own