Highland Intrigue - A Prequel

Elysia held tight to Annis, letting her tears flow freely, as they watched Bliss ride away. “I cannot believe this is happening.”

Anger held back Annis’s tears, though they pooled heavily in her eyes. “I should have known she would do something like this. She has always sacrificed for us.”

“This is more than sacrifice. Bliss is giving her life for us.” Elysia shook her head. “We cannot let her die. We must do something.”

“We are not going to,” Annis said and grabbed her sister’s hand. “Come on, we have things to do that cannot wait.”

Chapter 10

The silence and no delicious scent of food brewing was a sharp reminder of their sister’s absence when Annis and Elysia entered their cottage and both brushed away tears.

Annis tried to shake away the pain of seeing Bliss ride away, but the dreadful image lingered, jabbing repeatedly at her. She knew what she had to do.

“There is only one way to keep the curse from claiming Bliss,” Annis said. “The curse has to be broken.”

Elysia pressed a firm hand to her churning stomach. “I knew you would think that, but others have tried and failed.”

Annis’s green eyes shot wide with bold determination. “I have not tried and I refuse to fail. I will find the witch in the hills and finally put an end to this curse.”

“You cannot go off on your own. It is too dangerous,” Elysia warned. “Please, Annis, do not be foolish.”

“There is no one to go with me,” Annis argued.

Elysia tapped her chest. “I will go with you.”

“You cannot.” Annis shut her eyes briefly against a sudden image that struck her, the possible consequences of Bliss’s decision. “If Bliss needs tending, she will reach out to you. You need to stay here.”

Elysia cringed. “I cannot bear the thought of her suffering for us.”

“I agree, which is why I need to do this.”

Elysia had a sudden thought. “Lord Brogan! He wants the curse ended. He would go with you.”

“He tried finding the witch in the hills and failed.”

“More the better,” Elysia said. “He can make sure you do not waste time looking where he has already searched.”

Annis did not want to admit her sister was right and she certainly did not want to ask Brogan to join her in her quest, not that he’d probably agree, but if Bliss could sacrifice, so could she.

“Go now and find Lord Brogan before he takes his leave,” Elysia urged, shoving Annis toward the door.

Annis opened the door to find Clyde ready to enter. “What are you doing here. There is no healer to tend anyone anymore.”

“Elysia will do as a healer for now and she will need a husband to keep her safe especially from the likes of you,” Clyde said and went to step forward.

Annis raised a fist to him and snarled a warning. “Take one more step and I’ll break your nose.”

Clyde stepped back quickly. “I am going to Chieftain Emory and request to wed Elysia, and since he promised to keep you both safe, I am sure he will be pleased to accept my offer. Once Elysia and I are wed, I will deal with you, Annis.”

“We are free to choose our own husbands and you are not even on that list. Now go!” Annis shouted and Clyde walked away grumbling. She turned to Elysia. “Come with me while I talk with Lord Brogan.”

“How is it that Clyde backs away when you threaten him?” Elysia asked, hurrying along with her sister.

“He knows I will do what I threaten and he will not take the chance of suffering the shame of getting his nose broken by a woman.”

Elysia had to smile at the image her sister’s remark provoked.

Annis left Elysia’s side in a rush when they reached the keep and she saw Brogan getting ready to mount his horse. “I need you,” she shouted and almost bit her tongue when she realized how it sounded.

Brogan smiled and spread his arms wide. “I’m all yours, mo ghràdh.”

Annis stopped in front of him and planted her hands on her hips. “I am not and never will be your love.”

“Remember what I warned you about saying never,” he teased with a wink and rested his arms across his chest. “So tell me what you need from me.”

His commanding stance made it seem he was ready to battle with her while his handsome features easily distracted. She was grateful neither intimidated her, but she had to mind her tongue if she wanted his help. She also had to remember that he was a nobleman and she a peasant.

“I need your help in rescuing my sister,” Annis said.

Brogan’s smile faded. “I wish I could help you, but after speaking with Lawler there is nothing that can be done. She is wed to Rannick and nothing will change that.”

“I know nothing will change that. What I want to prevent is my sister’s imminent death. The curse will surely claim her and I will not sit idle and wait for that to happen. I must break the curse.”