Her Highland Temptation: Scottish Forbidden Love Romance (Highlanders of Cadney Book 12)

Chapter 28

The following morning dawned far too early, and far too bright in Daemon’s opinion. It certainly didn’t match his mood as he went through his morning ablutions and dressed for the day.

He didn’t want Lyla to leave. He knew that the plan they’d made was the best course of action, but it didn’t make the idea of being separated from her any easier for him to bear. More than just falling in love with her, he’d come to enjoy her company, and looked forward to hearing her perspective on things, even if she disagreed with him. In fact, that was part of the enjoyment, because it helped him see things in a new light.

To make things worse, he hadn’t dared sneak any time alone with her after the council meeting. He wouldn’t expose her to the risk of being attacked again – especially if there was a chance for him to be outnumbered and overwhelmed.

Furthermore, even if he had been willing to risk it, there was Laird MacDougall to consider. The older man might have given them his blessing, at least tentatively, but there was no telling how he might react to having evidence of their relationship shoved in his face. Or worse, discovering that his daughter was no longer a maiden, and Daemon was the reason. Daemon was no father, but he’d had enough of a hand in raising Alyn to know there were some things male relatives did not want to know about their female relations.

Courtesy dictated a certain distance between himself and Lyla, now that their relationship was no longer secret, and with her father in residence. Knowing that, however, didn’t change how much Daemon wished it were otherwise. Nor did it change the fact that he’d lain awake for hours, thinking of her and aching for her touch.

Daemon shook the thoughts away as he finished dressing. He might not like the fact that Lyla was leaving, but that was no reason to disturb their last few hours together with his dour thoughts. Better she left on a pleasant note, aware that he was happy to see her safe and waiting for the day she could return.

He went down to breakfast to find Ryan and Cai there, but few others. He sat down in his regular chair. “Has Laird MacDougall breakfasted yet?”

“Nay. Nae him or Lyla, nor Alyn, in point o’ fact.” Cai answered. “Though I heard from one o’ the maids that Laird MacDougall and his daughter were up early, preparing fer the journey. ‘Tis me guess they’ll come tae break their fast right afore they leave, so they can travel longer afore needing tae stop fer a meal.”

“Tis a good idea.” Daemon couldn’t help scowling a little at his bowl of porridge though. He’d hoped that he might find a moment alone with Lyla after breakfast, to give her a proper farewell for a lover, instead of the farewell expected for a laird and a visiting lady.

“Ye say it’s a good idea, but ye look as sour as three-day old milk left in the sun.” Ryan gave him a wry look. “Is it because o’ the lass?”

“’Tis because o’ many things.” Daemon frowned at the hall as a thought occurred to him. “How many guards did Laird MacDougall arrive with?”

“Three or four.” Cai answered him. “Why?”

“Because Lyla was only traveling with one or two. ‘Tis nae a great deal o’ protection on the road, especially when we ken that they may be targets tae be captured and used against our alliance with Laird MacLean.”

Cai frowned as well. “Ye’re right, but without kenning what they might face, we cannae spare many men.”

“Nae, and Laird MacDougall wouldnae wish fer a troop o’ guards.” Daemon considered. He wanted to guard them himself, but he couldn’t leave the clan, not right now. There was still too much he needed to do before going to the aid of Clan MacLean. “I’d like tae send the two o’ ye with Laird MacDougall’s party.”

“Are ye sure?” Ryan blinked. “There’s much tae be done afore we march fer MacLean.”

“Aye, but there’s naething that cannae be handled by meself or the guard captains. Ye’re me best warriors, so Laird MacDougall and his daughter will be well protected if ye ride with them.”

“If ye say so.” Ryan grabbed a roll and put honey on it, then drained his cup and rose from his seat. “Seems we’d best be packing what we need fer the journey.”

Cai nodded and finished his own breakfast, and both men disappeared to pack. Daemon sighed and turned back to his own meal. He’d far rather be accompanying Lyla and her father, but at least with Cai and Ryan, she would be that much safer.

He was just finishing his breakfast when the main door opened and Laird MacDougall entered with Lyla on his arm. Daemon waved them over to the table. “Laird MacDougall, I’ve been thinking I’d like Ryan and Cai tae accompany ye, as an extra safety measure.”

Kaelin MacDougall smiled. “I thank ye, Laird MacMillan. I admit, I’ll feel safer fer the extra guards, given the circumstances.”

Lyla nodded, but her eyes were dark with disappointment, and she didn’t look in his direction. Daemon sighed and drained the last of his drink. He couldn’t blame her for being upset. With a last look at the two of them, Daemon rose and went to start his duties.

* * *

The departure from MacMillan Keep went more smoothly than Lyla had expected. She’d thought, even hoped, that the inclusion of Ryan and Cai in their party would mean a delayed departure. Both men were experienced travelers, however, and had largely finished with their packing and preparations by the time she and her father had finished their morning meal.

Daemon came to see them off, but with her father there, he was only slightly warmer than his usual dignified greeting. He did kiss her on the cheek, but it was far from the more passionate farewell she might have wished to have from him.

Despite her glum mood, the weather was good, with the sun shining in an almost cloudless sky, and a gentle breeze blowing across the moors. The air was relatively cool, and carried the scent of heather on the moors, and fresh spring growth in the woods. Even with her separation from Daemon weighing on her heart, Lyla began to relax, and her mood improved. By lunch time, she was even content enough to smile as Ryan joked with Cai.

They rode throughout the day, taking a slightly less direct route to hopefully throw off those who might be watching. When night fell, they were still some hours from MacDougall Keep, crossing through territory held by the Campbells.

Ryan guided them to a village inn, where Cai and her father secured lodgings, while she and Ryan saw to the stabling of the horses, the accommodations for the other servants and guards, and ordered a meal for all of them.

Sitting down to eat in the inn reminded Lyla of the time she’d spent on the road, traveling between clans. The memories inevitably led her thoughts back to Daemon. She missed him, more than she would have thought possible a month before.

“Why the long face, lass? I would think ye’d be happy tae be returning home. Ye’ve been away fer some months.” Cai was looking at her with concern.

“Aye. I dae miss home, but…”

“But ye’re finding ye miss Daemon more?” Ryan’s voice was sympathetic.

Lyla nodded, a lump in her throat making it hard to swallow her food. “I didnae think it would be possible, given how recently we’ve come tae care fer one another, but…”

“But ye love him, and he loves ye. Time isnae o’ great importance in matters o’ the heart.” Cai said.

“Sometimes ‘tis the newness o’ a relationship that makes it difficult tae be apart, and sometimes ‘tis long acquaintance that makes parting painful.” Ryan spoke up. “And ye ken what they say about absence and its effect on the heart.”

“Aye. Separation can make the yearning more intense.” Kaelin spoke up. “I didnae realize that the feelings between ye and Laird MacMillan were so strong, at least nae on yer side, me daughter.”

Ryan chuckled. “’Tis Lady Lyla’s heart that opened Daemon’s tae the prospect o’ allowing himself tae love another. Afore she arrived, he was in a dour mood, rain and shine.”

“Lady Lyla has indeed convinced Laird Daemon tae relax. He smiles more in her presence than he has done since the passing o’ Lady Rowan.” Cai spoke up. “She even managed tae convince him tae play hide-and-seek with us, when the weather was too foul tae be going outside.”

“I’d heard about the game, but nae that me daughter had convinced Laird MacMillan tae participate.”

“She did.” Ryan smirked. “Told him there was naething wrong with a little childish fun now and again. She scolded him fair thoroughly, from what I recall.”

Her father’s eyebrow rose, and Lyla felt heat rising in her cheeks. She fumbled with her utensils, then set them aside and rose from her seat. “Begging yer pardon, but I think I’ll take some fresh air afore bed. ‘Tis smoky in here.”

“Dinnae go farther than the stables,” her father warned.

“I willnae.” Lyla went for her cloak, then left by the side door nearest the stable. From there, she would be close to the stable, the kitchens and the main dining room of the tavern. If someone came after her, she could easily call attention to the attack, or go to a safer place.

She still missed Daemon, but she was happy to have the company of Ryan and Cai. She’d become fond of both men during her stay at MacMillan Keep, and their friendship and support made it a little easier to be apart from Daemon. They were a reminder that he was still thinking of her, just as she was thinking of him. And hopefully, they wouldn’t be apart for too long.

A soft noise brought her out of her thoughts. Lyla looked around, but didn’t see anyone. Unease tingled up her spine, and she turned to return to the main dining room. As much as she was enjoying the night breeze, it wasn’t safe for her to linger outside.

Quick footsteps sounded. Lyla started to turn, but it was too late. Something hard slammed into the back of her head. Lyla reeled to her knees as the shock of the pain sent stars dancing across her vision. She opened her mouth to call out for help.

Another blow fell, and Lyla collapsed into the dirt as her world spiraled into darkness.