Highlander The Cursed Lord (Highland Intrigue Trilogy 3)

“Is all well, my lord?” Lawler asked as he drew closer, his glance going to Bliss.

“She is no concern of yours, Lawler,” Rannick snapped.

Lawler bobbed his head. “As you say, my lord. I have brought what you requested, and news as well.”

“Tell me,” Rannick commanded.

“The disagreement between Clan MacBridan and Clan MacFarden escalates. Chieftain Emory has sent warriors to help Lord Fergus.”

“Has Odran been informed about this?” Rannick asked.

“Aye, my lord, he has, but I do not know his response to the news,” Lawler said.

“See what you can find out,” Rannick ordered.

Lawler nodded. “Your father has a message.”

“Of course, he does,” Rannick said, annoyed.

“He says you are to come home before winter sets in,” —Lawler hesitated— “or he will see you brought home.” He stepped back a pace, waiting for Rannick’s temper to flare and was shocked to hear the man laugh, though it was not a pleasant laugh.

“Let my father know that he would be unwise to do so and if he asks if it is a threat, let him know it is a promise. Anything else?”

“Your mother says she misses you,” Lawler said.

“Her way of saying she wishes me to return home.”

“Both your parents wish for your return,” Lawler said.

“And what of the clan? Do they want the cursed lord to return home?” Rannick asked, though was aware of the answer. His clan feared him and with good reason. His presence always brought trouble or heartache. Rannick waved off Lawler’s response. “I need not hear what I already know.”

Lawler remained silent, waiting for any further orders as he snatched the sack he had brought with him off the horse.

Bliss stepped forward. “Let me fix you a hot brew to enjoy, Lawler, before you take your leave.” Rannick had told her he would see that she had time alone with Lawler on his next visit. She hoped he remembered and would see it done.

“Have the brew and give Bliss what you brought for her. I will speak with you when you are done.” Rannick walked off but as he did, he called out, “Do not lift that basket, Bliss.”

Lawler snatched up the basket and whispered, “Are you—”

She shook her head and waved him to follow her into the cottage.

“Lord Lochlann is eager for news,” Lawler said.

“There will be news soon,” she said, though it was not news he would want to hear.

“You look well,” Lawler said as if surprised. “He treats you well?”

Kind came immediately to mind, but Lawler was sure to think that she lied to him. “He treats me well enough.”

“I am glad. You are a good, unselfish woman, Bliss. I would not want to see you harmed.”

Bliss got busy fixing a brew. “That is kind of you to say so, but tell me, is there any news of my sisters?”

“I heard that Annis searches for the witch in the hills, but I cannot be sure if it is true,” he said.

“Knowing my sister as I do, I would say the news is accurate. Annis did not take well to the news of my marriage to Lord Rannick. She blamed herself for not agreeing to wed Lord Brogan, which means the guilt she feels is urging her to make it right. Though it truly is no fault of hers, nothing anyone says to her will stop her. I only hope she keeps safe.” Bliss smiled. “Though I do feel sorry for anyone who gets in her way. She can be an immovable force when she wants to be.”

“From what I have seen of her, she can be a handful, though,” —he shook his head— “I actually thought Lord Brogan and your sister would have made a good match. They somehow seemed right for each other. And it would have saved you from Lord Rannick.”

Bliss did not realize she frowned as she handed him a tankard.

“Something troubles you?” Lawler asked, taking a seat at the table.

Something did trouble her but not what she expected. It troubled her to think of Rannick here alone while men hunted him. He would have no one to help him if he was wounded.

She responded truthfully as she lowered herself to the bench opposite him. “Just that none of this has been easy for anyone and now with the problem between the clans… it makes matters worse. Is there any chance of Clan Loudon being attacked?”

Lawler shrugged. “Where disputes are concerned you never know, though at this point it seems unlikely. I will find out what I can about both your sisters before I visit next. Lord Lochlann wants frequent updates about how things go with you, so it will not be long before he sends me here again.” He gave a nod to the sack he had placed on a chest along with the basket after they had entered. “There are garments in there for you, Lord Rannick’s orders. He told me to be discreet in getting them, but since Lady Helice met you, I thought it more prudent I speak to her.”