Highlander
Also published by Cathleen Ross at Amazon as the first story in the boxed set Highlander Romance,
Copyright 2014 Cathleen Ross
Lady Isobel McLaird spun on her heels at the thunderous noise of metal and hooves approaching the marketplace. Her maid, peasants and livestock scattered as the phalanx of knights drew to a halt, but Isobel stood her ground. At their head was Sir James Bruce, the man who'd once held her and made her yearn for his caresses. Now she hated him. With her heart in her throat, she gathered her skirts to confront him. "Murderer!" she shouted.
Sir James's enormous black steed reared at the sound of her sharp cry. Hooves flailed near her head as the fearsome knight fought to keep in his horse in check.
Fear chilled her blood and she stepped back.
After climbing down from his horse and throwing the reins to his page, Sir James took off his helm revealing dark blue eyes, which fixed upon her. "You're as beautiful and foolish as you were on the riverbank three years ago, Isobel McLaird."
When he pushed back his chain mail, she saw his raven hair was cropped shoulder length and his lips were as sensual as ever under his noble nose.
Wet from the river, her shift sticking to her skin, he'd held her. She'd turned her lips up to his to be kissed.
"I was foolish not to have reported your trespass on my father's lands three years ago. You're a traitor to King John Balliol and my brother's murderer."
He strode towards her, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Fear rooted her feet to the damp earth of the marketplace. Though the rain had passed and the sun shone, for her, everyday was gloomy because of this knight.
"Have you not noticed that you've not an army to defend you now?" A half smile formed on his lips.
"You jest about my people's destruction, brave men all, led by my brother. Your cruelty does you no merit, Sir." Tears pricked the corners of her eyes. David and his men would have gone down fighting the stronger Bruce army until the end, determined to give everything for the cause of John Balliol, the true king.
At her accusation, the smile slipped from his face and his eyes held sympathy. "It is a bad day for Scotland when Scotsmen spill the blood of their own. I've news for you, my lady, but it comes at a cost. Your brother lives."
"What?" For a moment, Isobel thought the ground had shifted under her feet. Owen, David's best friend had seen her brother killed by this knight's very hand.
"You play with me, Sir."
"Nay, my lady. I do not jest about a cause so dear to your heart. Take this proof of my words." He took a piece of parchment from his page and handed it to her.
A buzz of voices swarmed as the villagers gathered around her but Isobel paid them no heed. With trembling fingers she saw the parchment contained her brother's fine hand.
Her gaze flicked up to meet Sir James's. "David says the Bruce will no accept ransom."
"Aye, my cousin, the king will brook no opposition to his claim and your brother is a formidable knight. I warrant my cousin will keep him prisoner. And now I'll take my price for giving the message."
Isobel reached for the purse that hung at her waist.
Sir James stepped forward, wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground. "Would that I had done this those three years ago by the river. I can't get you out of my mind."
