Highland Intrigue - A Prequel

He left her mouth as quickly as he claimed it and winked at her. “See what you will miss.”

Annis was glad he walked away, since her hand was itching to slap him. Not a wise thing for her to do to a nobleman.

“You both may leave. I have no more need of you, though, Annis,” —he turned to face her— “you are welcome in my bed anytime.”

Bliss turned a scowl on Annis and her sister wisely held her tongue. She hurried to gather her healing basket after helping her sister out of bed and sent her to wait near the door.

She handed a small crock to Brogan. “Spread this yarrow salve on your wound. It will help heal it and thank you, my lord.”

He nodded and took the crock.

Bliss opened the door and could not push her sister out fast enough. That Brogan favored her was obvious and she worried that he might fail to keep his word. Or worse, Lawler might get wind of his interest and cart her sister off to wed Brogan whether he wanted to or not.

Lawler gave a nod to the two women as they hurried past him and he entered the room. He knew Brogan well, he being a good friend of Rannick’s. One look at Brogan deep in thought and staring at the door told him that one of the women had caught his eye, and it was not the healer.

Chapter 5

Bliss slipped on her wool cloak. The years had worn the wool down but Elysia’s talent with a needle had kept it in fair shape.

“The deep forest holds a heavy chill or you may be caught in a sudden rainfall. You should take your shawl as well,” Elysia advised and handed her sister a brown shawl. She grabbed Bliss’s hand when she went to take the shawl. “I know where you go.”

“Say nothing to anyone, especially Annis, and see that she does not go near the keep, not that I think she will, but you never know what she will do when riled.”

“You truly think Lord Brogan was attracted to her?” Elysia asked.

“I saw interest in his eyes and if I saw it, that man Lawler did as well. If he believes Lord Brogan favors Annis, then he will arrange a marriage between them even if Lord Brogan objects.”

“Good Lord, Annis would never agree to the arrangement,” Elysia said, upset over the possibility.

Bliss shook her head. “Which would create even more of a problem.”

Elysia lowered her voice. “What makes you think the wise woman can help you?”

“It is the only thing I can think of to do. She is wise when it comes to amulets and protection. She might know what can be done to break the curse, then no wives will be needed for the three doomed men. I fear Annis being taken from us and I can think of nothing else that can prevent that, then to break the curse.”

“You will be careful,” Elysia said, worried for her safety.

“The old woman is harmless. I have nothing to fear from her. I only seek her advice, her wisdom in this matter. Now let me be off so I may return before dusk.” Bliss hugged Elysia, trying to reassure her, though worry remained in her lovely eyes.

Bliss opened the door and took a quick step back. A man’s large bulk filled the whole doorway.

He looked past Bliss to Elysia and held up his bandaged finger.

“Oh, that needs a clean wrapping. Come in and I will take care of that,” Elysia offered.

Bliss turned to her sister. “Shall I stay and help?”

“No, I can see to him as I did the last time. He is the one I told you about with the splinter.”

The man stepped back away from the door to give Bliss room to leave.

Bliss stopped right in front of him and felt as if the size of him swallowed her whole. “Elysia told me you were a gentleman. I expect you to remain so.”

He gave a quick nod.

Bliss walked off, worried she should stay yet knowing it was imperative she go. She had to trust Elysia’s opinion of the man, but Elysia could be far too trusting and kind for her own good. She struggled with her thoughts as she continued walking.

Elysia watched her sister and was glad when her pace quickened. She feared Bliss would forego her plan, not comfortable with leaving her alone with the large man. But when she quickened her pace, Elysia knew her decision to seek the old woman was more important for all of them.

She waved the man in. “Come in and let me see to that for you, Saber. Your name is Saber?”

He nodded, not seeming surprised that she knew his name and took a seat without being told and rested his hand on the table.