Pledged to a Highlander (Highland Promise Trilogy 1)

“Damn,” Royden mumbled and kept his wife close in front of him as they walked away, not so wise to do since the sway of her hips didn’t help the image any she had put in his head.

It was difficult choosing those that would return with Oria and Royden. Most wanted to go, but it was decided that those most in need would be chosen. Ross and his wife and two sons were first since Oria had given her word. Oria insisted they all work together to decide and she told them she would work to get more of them released. She also spoke kindly of Demelza and urged those staying to give her a chance. Old Henry made the choice to stay this time so that others, more in need, could be chosen. Oria promised him he’d be in the next group to go.

It wasn’t long before all were ready. Wren had seen to everyone and had shared a brew and some food with Demelza while she waited and now with it all done, it was time to leave.

Royden was speaking with Trevor. Wren was saying a last few words to Demelza. Parlan was talking with Ross, having remembered him when he was just a lad. Oria stood watching it all, happy she could bring some of her clan home with her, though sad for the ones she had to leave behind.

She heard a woman say, “He’s an evil one.”

Wondering who the woman meant, she turned and all color drained from her face. There, a short distance away from her, stood Firth, the man who had taken a dagger to her face.

Chapter 22

Royden went to his wife, seeing her pale and worried she might faint. His arm went around her and when she pressed herself tightly against him, he knew something was wrong.

“What is it, Oria?” he asked softly.

She heard her husband, but she was too lost in the memories of that moment. She could almost feel the dagger slice across her jaw and the blood pour down her neck. The pain and helplessness also returned to assault her. But her husband’s arm tight around her reminded her that she was no longer helpless and no longer alone.

She raised her head and abruptly held her tongue, thinking of the possible consequences of telling her husband.

Royden saw the uncertainty and worry in her eyes. “Tell me, Oria.”

“You’ll hold your temper?” she asked worried what could happen if he didn’t.

For his wife to ask that of him meant she knew how he’d respond and was concerned what could happen. Anger began to rumble deep inside him. “Tell me now.”

There was no keeping it from him. “He’s the one who gave me the scar.” Her eyes went to Firth.

“Is something wrong?” Trevor asked, approaching them.

“I have a score to settle with that man,” Royden said, pointing to Firth, a brawny man with dark hair and eyes.

“What score is that?” Trevor asked.

Firth stepped forward. “I gave his wife that lovely scar she carries during the attack on Clan MacKinnon and she was well deserving of it.”

Oria was surprised when her husband didn’t lurch for the man, but she did feel his body tense.

“So you admit you’re a coward,” Royden said loud enough for all to hear.

“I’m no coward,” Firth spat.

“Only a coward uses his weapon on a helpless woman,” Royden argued.

“She was far from helpless,” Firth said with a huff.

“She had a weapon?” Royden asked.

“No, but she fought like a wild banshee. Three of us couldn’t control her.”

Royden fisted his hand. “Three men and one woman who possessed no weapon and you don’t think yourself a coward?”

“She bit me,” Firth yelled. “Left me with a scar she did. He pulled back his shirt sleeve to prove it.

“So she uses her teeth to fight you and you slash her with a knife.” Royden glared at him. “Sounds like you’re a coward to me.”

Oria realized what her husband was doing. He was goading Firth into attacking him, giving him reason to fight the man.

Firth went to step forward, but Trevor’s sharp command stopped him.

“Enough! I will see to this matter.”

“And what will you do?” Royden demanded.

“That is my decision and one I will not explain,” Trevor cautioned. “Be satisfied with your small victory today, Royden, and take your leave.”

Oria feared her husband would ignore Trevor’s warning and then what? Her stomach roiled at the thought of what could happen to him here among their enemy. She was surprised and relieved when Royden responded calmly.

“Another time then.”

“Another time,” Trevor said, though the look in his eyes was enough to know that time would never come.

“Let’s go, wife,” Royden said and eased her away from him.

Oria should have known her husband would not be put off from retaliating, but it still came as a shock to how fast he moved. His dagger was out of its sheath and he slashed Firth across his face before anyone knew what was happening.