The Highlander's Warrior Bride (6 page)

He couldn’t possibly know about her plans. So why was he concerned about her whereabouts? It was unnerving. He seemed to be more aware of her intentions than anyone else. If she believed in superstitions, she may have thought that kiss gave him that ability.

But that was not only unlikely, it was absurd.

And stupid.

She had to get that damned kiss out of her head. As if agreeing, Brave nodded his head.

“
Oh, what do ye know?”

Julianna unlatched the gate and led Brave out of his stall. She
guided him to the back door and opened it, peering out. She’d come in when the sun was lowering in the sky, but it was now completely dark. Her luck was holding tight. Not a soul in sight. The biggest problem she faced was getting out the main gate and across the bridge. But if she’d timed it right, there would be an impressive amount of people leaving, and she could blend right in. Done with work for the day, they’d be heading out into the village to spend the evening with their families.

From within the satchel that she’d put her weapons, Julianna withdrew a plaid she’
d acquired a few months ago, never knowing when she’d need to disappear. It was dulled in color, green and brown, ragged in places. She wrapped it around herself, forming a hood to cover her hair and most of her face. The excess in fabric hid her satchels and the sheathed sword she’d tucked within a fur lining between the saddle seat and strip of leather leading to the stirrup.

She
braced her foot in the stirrup and mounted, then guided the horse slowly around the side of the stables that led to the gate, holding her breath with every step. It was paramount that she get out now.

People had already begun to stream from the castle and various work stations to go through the gate. Some on horseback, a few on donkeys,
some riding in wagons pulled by either horses or donkeys, most on foot. They resided in Dornie, a short fifteen minute walk. Julianna nudged Brave into the pack of people leaving, with seeming ease.

No one bothered to look at her, save for a few uninterested glances.
Even still, she continued to recite a prayer in her mind. She had to get across that bridge unnoticed. Ronan was obviously looking for her. Or was he just following Robert’s orders?

The future king did request her presence often. She was his advisor, his protector. After having been gone for several days, he had most likely missed her counsel. And there was the tiny fact that she’d not been at the evening meal. Her maid was supposed to warn the Bruce she was not feeling well. Women’s issues or some such. Something she’d never claimed before. In hindsight, t
hat was probably a trigger for Robert the Bruce to seek her out.

She’d gone that morning and apologized, given him a recount of all that went on, and
recounted to him the things she’d overheard, which weren’t many. If anything, she’d only delayed them.

Which was why she had to fix the situation.

And why no one could stop her.

Julianna crossed under the gate. She didn’t dare glance up at the guards. Anyone of them would have recognized her imme
diately. If anything, her abduction by the Ross clan proved to her that the guards were lax at checking who left and who entered. Even if she and Myra had been trussed up beneath a dozen bags of wool inside the back of a cart. Wouldn’t they have noticed the moving wool? She supposed not.

Though she wanted them to be lax in their duties tonight, the future King of Scotland resided behind those walls, and
their behavior was unacceptable. Security had to be tighter, there were lives at risk. When she returned, they would get a tongue lashing from her or Wallace. As much as she would like to let them have it, it would probably be best coming from Wallace.

Her horse’s hooves clomped onto the bridge. She’d almost made it. Only a few hundred more feet to go, and then she’d cross beneath the second gate. After that, soft grass, and she’d be off.

“Halt! Ye there!”

She ignored the call. Her heart hammered in her chest. This wasn’t the time to panic. They weren’t halting her. It had to be someone else. No one, not even Ronan knew of her plans, even if he did have his suspicions. She had to stay calm. If she did she could ride right off the bridge and to freedom. It took all her willpower not to squeeze Brave’s ribs so he broke out into a run. But with her breath held, she continued on.

“Stop!”

Saints!
Not pushing her horse into a gallop seemed like the hardest thing she’d ever have to do. Only fifty more feet and she was in the clear. The voice sounded distant, not close enough to grab hold of her yet.

Then she heard the sound of running boots on the bridge. They’d seen her.
Dammit!
Beneath her thighs, Brave quivered. He sensed her need to run.

“Steady,” she murmured.

An argument broke out behind her. She took a quick glance to see what was going on. A guard searched through the back of a wagon. She sighed with relief. Perhaps she wouldn’t have to talk with them after all.

Moments later she was beneath the second gate. As soon as Brave’s hooves touched the cold grass, she squeezed. He bolted forward, the wind knocking the plaid from her head. She didn’t stop to fix it. Only leaned forward in the saddle.

Julianna had gotten away. She could complete her mission.

Ross would be a dead man.

Chapter Six

W
here the hell was she?

Ronan had searched everywhere, and he was growing increasingly concerned. One lass could not simply disappear—and not just any lass, Lady Julianna.

The castle was vast, but he’d searched from the bowels to the very top. Every outbuilding had been thoroughly combed and he’d even had the well inspected.

Nowhere.

If the woman was half as talented as he suspected, it was entirely possible that she’d managed to sneak off the island. But he’d checked the stables. Her massive horse had still been there. Frowning, he realized he’d not asked if any of the other horses were missing.

Ronan sat down on a bench just outside the main doors of the castle. The wood seat was cold, but he ignored it. Leaned his head back on the castle’s stone walls and stared up into the night sky. Thousands of golden stars dotted the inky black sky. Not a cloud in sight. The moon was full, lighting the courtyard.

He’d not told anyone of his suspicions and they’d probably all thought he’d gone mad trudging here and there. But Ronan didn’t want to worry anyone. Especially if he was only worrying for naught. Could be she was holed up in a secret hiding place.

Why, though?

A dim glow from the stables seeped beneath the doorway, its shine beckoning him. His gut twisted and suddenly a sense of foreboding clouded over him. Pushing to his feet, Ronan all but ran to the stables, slamming open the doors. The groomsmen all stood in a circle, whispering frantically.
Mo creach!
He knew something was wrong.

When they saw him their eyes widened.

“The horse?” he growled.

“Gone,” the head stable master croaked.

Ronan swung around and punched the nearest wall, his knuckles splitting under the pressure.

He stormed toward the empty stall to see if there were any clues. Nothing.
Empty.

“When?” he asked.

The head stable master cleared his throat. “We noticed about half an hour ago.”

“And no one thought to inform
me?”

The man shook his head. “We looked about the courtyard, but she was already long gone. The gates closed. I suspect she left when the servants did.”

Ballocks
! Why didn’t he put a special watch on the tower? His instincts never failed him and this time was no different. Why didn’t he trust them? Why? Because he didn’t want to be laughed at about his so called feelings for Julianna. Pride be damned. Now she was missing. Satan’s Arse!

Pride be damned. Now she was missing.

“Keep your eyes peeled and let me know if ye see anything.”

Ronan gritted his teeth and fisted his hands. Now he had the unpleasant task of telling Robert the Bruce that Julianna was missing. Not a chore he was looking forward to in the least.

The Bruce had already retired to his chamber for the evening to go over some maps with Wallace. Ronan would catch hell for interrupting them, but there was no other choice. Julianna’s safety was important not only to him but to the Bruce.

Swallowing some of his anger, he lifted a fist and knocked.

“Enter.” Wallace’s growled.

Ronan opened the door and stepped through, bowing his head, hands behind his back.

“What is it?” Wallace asked.

Ronan glanced up to see the two men he admired glowering at him.

“Apologies for interrupting, but it is of the utmost importance.” Ronan hesitated. He did not enjoy being the bearer of bad news.

“Well then,” the Bruce said, putting a marker on the map, “what is it?”

“Julianna has gone missing.”

The Bruce’s eyes widened, and the muscles on the side of his jaw flexed. “Missing?”

“Aye, my lord.”

“That lass will be the death of me,” he muttered.
“Are ye certain?”

“Her horse is
gone. I checked everywhere. The stable lads as well.”

“
Mo creach
.” Wallace grimaced.

“Ye have to go after her,” Robert urged. He threw his map aside and fixed Ronan with a panicked stare. “Ye have to. Ross is still out there. Who knows how many more English are on their way. We’ve word there will be an imminent attack. We were planning to move camp. Ye must find her. ”

“I will leave now.”

“Bring her back to me.”

“I will.”

The stakes had been raised even more. They were planning to move camp. ’Twas the best choice given the fact that Ross knew where they were and would relay that information to Longshanks. None of them were safe anymore.

Ronan turned to leave.

“Wait,” the Bruce said, stalling him. “Have ye any idea where she’s gone?”

“Aye, I’ve an idea.”

“Ross?”

“Aye.”

“I thought as much. She apologized this morning for leaving a mess.”

“’Twas not her fault.”

“I know it. Ye know it. We all kno
w it. But she doesna. Julianna is a stubborn woman. Born and bred to protect. She’s a warrior, Ronan.”

“That much I
figured out.”

“Ye know she is my protector.”

“I gathered.” Truth was, he’d not gathered that at all. He knew there was a special relationship, and with all the clues given him, Ronan had still been too mule-headed to think such. Now he knew, and it all made sense.

The Bruce nodded, glanced at Wallace. “I need her back. She is more than just my protector.”

Did that mean she was his woman too? A searing pain clutched at Ronan’s chest. He forced it to subside. If she was already claimed, there was nothing he could do about it, as much as the thought hurt.

“I will see to it she is returned to ye.”

“To us. To Scotland. She belongs here.”

Ronan nodded, watched Wallace give a subtle shake of his head. What did that mean?

He needed to find his cousin Daniel Murray. The man could help him in his search. That is, if his wife would allow him to leave her side. With Daniel and Graham, they could track her quickly, even if she had an hour or more gain on them.

“Ye must go alone.” Wallace’s voice stopped Ronan in his tracks.

Ronan frowned. “Why?”

“No one can know she’s gone missing again. Tell the lads in the stable she was found in her rooms, ill.”
Wallace looked at him, his eyes crinkling at the corners with weariness.

“Ye’ve still not told me why.” Ronan planted his feet, not willing to budge.

“I will explain when ye return. Julianna is too important. If news were to get out that she’d disappeared… Every enemy of the Bruce would meet ye along the road in a race to find her.”

Ronan crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Wallace. They would have him go out alone to look for Julianna. When they knew the English and Ross men roamed close by. Slowly he shook his head. He had great confidence in his abilities to be sure, but to brave the wilderness on one’s own during a time like this was nearly suicide.

Had not his own brothers and cousin run into many a skirmish only to barely come out alive—and they were damn good warriors.

“I know ’tis asking a lot. A great risk, indeed. Ye will be highly rewarded for her return. And ye can take my hound. Have her sniff the lady’s things and she’ll pick up her scent quick.”

“All right.”

Wallace stared at him a moment longer as if assessing he’d truly agreed. “All right, then. Come, I’ll introduce ye to Li
l Lass.”

“Lil Lass?”

“Aye, my hound. Best nose in Scotland.”

An hour later, Ronan was settled on his horse with Lil Lass by his side. The dog’s name was a joke to be sure. She was one of the biggest wolfhounds he’d ever seen. A nightmare of a thing with feet as big as a man’s and a snout as long as his forearm.

The dog lived up to Wallace’s praise. She was silent as the grave, picking her way carefully through the darkened foliage. Nose to the ground, she led a path from the bridge straight into the woods. Every time her ears perked, Ronan grew still, listening. Sometimes there was nothing, others an
animal crossed their path. Another time they hid from a man who walked drunkenly into a tree and fell backward.

Ronan didn’t stick around to find out if he was friend or foe.

Admittedly, the dog was a better companion than any man. She would be an added guard, and her hearing and scenting skills were beyond the measure of any man. None could compare, and Ronan grew confident they would find Julianna before morning.

Lil Lass seemed to have picked up the infuriating woman’s scent quite easily. Ronan wished he could smell as well as the dog. The brief moments he’d caught Julianna’s scent were overpowering in sensuality. She smelled of leather and flowers. A unique combination that spoke of her individuality.

Once again he had the distinct sensation of her lips on his. A most vivid dream. Hot, plush lips.

“Och!” He yanked on the reins, halting Saint in his tracks.

Lil Lass stood stock still, her silver fur shining in the moonlight. One front paw was lifted slightly as though she’d literally paused in mid-step. Nose to the air she sniffed, then turned abruptly right. They’d traveled before on a well-worn path. The hound led them off into the less traveled woods. He had to slow his pace to keep the horse from tripping over any unseen vegetation. Thank the Lord it was winter and the normally lush trees were without leaves, and so the moon still lit their path quite well.

The dog’s pace quickened, but Ronan wasn’t willing to risk Saint’s life or his own. Despite the bright moon, there was no telling what hidden roots or vines might trip up his steed. Lil Lass stopped every so often to let him catch up. A very well
-trained dog, she was growing on Ronan with each passing minute.

Lil Lass stopped suddenly and sat down. She wagged her tail and looked up at Ronan expectantly. Ronan looked
around. They were in the middle of the forest, surrounded by old firs, oaks and maples. Not a soul in sight.

He raised his brow at the dog and looked again. He still saw nothing.

What the bloody hell?

Deciding to take a closer look, Ronan dismounted from Saint, leaving the animal to munch on anything he found upon the ground. He inspected behind several trees. Not a soul.
He peered through brambles. No one. Turning in a circle, Ronan was completely dumbfounded by the dog’s seeming joy at having stopped here.

“What is it, Lil Lass?” he asked.

The hound cocked her head as if to ask him what he was talking about.

“Did ye find something?” After asking the question he felt like a complete imbecile. The dog was not likely to answer. “Come on, girl. Show me, Lil Lass.”

Lil Lass stood and sniffed the spot in front of her, pawed at it and then sat back down, tongue out, tail wagging.

“Damn dog,” he muttered. Ronan walked forward, scratched her behind her ears and then knelt to inspect the spot.

At first, in the light of the moon, he made out dead leaves, sticks and a few mushrooms, some grass. But on closer inspection, he noted that the poisoned mushrooms were all crumpled up. Like someone had squeezed the life out of them. The poison.

Julianna used poison on her weapons. Had she stopped her to rub more on them?

“Good girl,” Ronan muttered with another pat to the dog’s head, gave her strip of jerky for her efforts.

This was a good sign. They were on the right trail. However, they’d not yet spotted or heard Julianna.

Ronan was beginning to wonder if they would. The woman was a complete enigma. Vulnerable in one sense, but completely independent and dangerous even, in another.

When he found her, he
would demand answers. Not only for why she ran off in secret, but also who she was. He’d let it go before. Just like everyone else, the mystery of her background had been what drew him to her, and was off limits. Understanding that, he’d not asked. Wasn’t sure he wanted to know. Forced himself not to be interested, because showing interest meant he felt more than he should.