Forbidden Highlander (Highlander Trilogy 2)

Cree finally spoke. “I have matters to see to.” He gave Neil a nod and the warrior walked over to them. “Neil will escort you back to the keep.”

Lucerne’s blue eyes turned stormy and she appeared ready to protest when suddenly she turned a brilliant smile on Cree. “Another time, my lord, though could I be so bold as to ask for an introduction to the woman who obviously takes you away from me.”

Dawn waited. It would be rude of Cree to ignore her request so sweetly asked though laced with sarcasm and with so many villagers watching curiously. Though if there was one thing that she had learned about Cree it was that he did not care what people thought of him or if he was mannerly.

“You will meet everyone in good time,” Cree said.

Lucerne stiffened and looked to Dawn. “I’m sure the peasant wouldn’t mind telling me her name.”

“Another time,” Cree commanded so sternly that Lucerne took a step back. He nodded to Neil, and then turned forcing Dawn along with him since his hand rested even more firmly over her hand.

A shiver ran through Dawn and her stomach churned, for she realized at that moment Cree had made a difficult situation worse. Once Lucerne found out that she was Cree’s mistress there would be no telling what she would do. Cree’s wrath was one thing; it was there for all to see and fear. Whereas a woman’s wrath could be secreted away until she decided to let it loose and still one might not see it coming until too late.

Dawn wanted to glance back and see if Lucerne watched them, but she dared not give the woman the satisfaction to think that she had been disturbed by the exchange. And furthermore she intended to find out what she could about Lucerne and the one person who could help her do that was Flanna.

She wished she could speak to Cree about his forthcoming marriage but when he had told her that he was to wed, the arrangement having been made; he also decreed that they would speak of it no more. It had been settled; he would wed and she’d remain his mistress.

Her churning stomach grew worse possibly because of her growing concerns or perhaps it was the babe protesting the bit of food she had eaten before leaving the cottage. It seemed that he did not like particular food or perhaps he was just as contrary as his da. She thought to tug on Cree’s arm and have him stop a moment but they weren’t that far from Elsa’s cottage where she could sit and hopefully calm her protesting stomach.

They were a few steps from the cottage when Dawn realized that she could not keep her stomach from heaving. She let go of Cree’s arm and ran around the side of the cottage to the edge of the woods to let her stomach relieve itself.

She hadn’t expected him to follow or have his arm go around her waist or his hand to pull her hair away from her face as she retched. And when she was done he scooped up a bit of clean snow and wiped it gently across her mouth. After tossing it aside he lifted her into his arms and shoved Elsa’s door open with his shoulder and carried her inside.

Elsa pointed to the bed in the corner. “What is she doing out in the cold?’

Cree scowled at Dawn after placing her on the bed. “I should not have listened to nonsense of fresh air.”

The door flew open and Sloan rushed in. “An issue that needs your immediate attention, my lord.”

Elsa shooed Cree to the door while assuaging his concerns. “Go and see to your duty. I will see to Dawn and not let her leave until her guard arrives to see her home.”

Relief flooded him and knowing that Elsa would keep her word, he left Dawn in the healer’s care.

No soon as the door closed then Elsa was at Dawn’s side. “I know you carry Cree’s babe and he is not an ignorant man and will surmise for himself soon enough.” Elsa pulled the folded blanket at the bottom of the bed up and over Dawn to tuck around her. “Do not wait too long to tell him. Now rest, the babe tires you.”

Dawn didn’t need reminding that Cree was no fool. She knew he’d realize soon enough that she was with child, but she wasn’t ready yet to tell him and she wasn’t tired. She wanted to go back outside and let the cold air sting her cheeks, watch the children at play and the villagers busy at their tasks. She wanted to talk with her friend, visit Old Mary and not be a prisoner anymore.

She turned on her side wishing there was some way she could escape and freely roam the village a bit before returning home. The heavens must have heard her. A young warrior hurried into the cottage demanding Elsa go with him. His wife was having their baby right now and he wouldn’t be surprised if the babe hadn’t arrived already.