Prologue

Castle Lennox, the Highlands of Scotland, April 1582

Tadhg MacTavish could hardly believe he was actually going to marry the woman he had been lying to for weeks.

It was a balmy April afternoon, and he and his beautiful fiancée Alana MacIver were seated on a stone bench in a secluded part of the gardens of Castle Lennox. More accurately, he was sitting on the bench, while Alana was sitting on his lap, her arms twined around his neck, her lips smiling against his as they exchanged a loving kiss.

“It seems like we’ve waited forever fer this day. I cannae wait fer us tae be wed at last. I’ve loved ye so long, tae be yer wife will be like a dream come true!” Alana told him when their lips finally broke apart, and they looked deeply into each other’s eyes.

Tadhg gently brushed the backs of his huge fingers against her porcelain cheek, his heart overflowing with love for this outstanding woman who had just agreed to spend the rest of her life at his side. He marveled as always at her flawless beauty, the perfect geometry of her delicate features, the vivid blueness of her shining eyes, exactly the same shade as the periwinkles flowering nearby.

“I can hardly believe it mesel’,” he murmured, holding her fragile form close to his chest and pressing soft kisses to her shining dark curls. “I must be the luckiest man alive tae have won yer heart, Alana. Ye ken I’ll always dae me best tae make ye happy.”

“Aye, I ken it, me darlin’.” Her eyes full of love, she pushed his long dark locks back from his forehead and stroked his face, her small fingers alighting on his skin like butterflies, making it tingle.

Her touch was beguiling and spurred him to say, “I dinnae want tae wait too long before I make ye mine, Alana.”

“I dinnae want tae tae wait either,” she assured him, curling her fingers in his hair.

“So, when d’ye think we can have the ceremony?” he asked eagerly.

She thought for a few moments. “A month should be long enough tae prepare,” she replied. “There are lots of things tae dae. I’ll need tae have a wedding gown made, fer a start.”

“That long?” he asked jestingly, adding a plaintive note to his voice. “I was hopin’ ye’d say next week.” She laughed.

“A month? Aye, all right, that’s perfect. I’ll ask Liam tae be me best man. He’ll be happy tae oblige, I’ve nae doubt,” he said, referring to his younger brother, the war leader of Clan Lennox.

“And then there’ll be the weddin’ breakfast tae arrange. A big cèilidh, with lots of feastin’, music, and dancin’,” she said excitedly, her face radiant.

He hugged her closely. “It’ll be grand. The best day of me life,” Tadhg told her, kissing her once more, glorying in the sensation of her heart beating against him like a small bird nestling close to his chest.

“The best day of our lives,” she corrected him playfully, her soft, warm lips seeking his again.

Their clinch was suddenly interrupted when they heard a strange noise, a loud rustling in the nearby foliage. Alana stiffened with fright, clinging to Tadhg tightly.

“Ach, ’tis a rat or a mouse!” she cried. “Dinnae let it near me, Tadhg!”

“How can ye be so afeared of such a wee beastie?” he asked, unable to help laughing at her. “Dinnae worry, I’ll be yer knight in shining armor. I’ll always be here tae save ye.” Unless I have another secret tae keep, that is, he thought. He stood up, with her in his arms, and set her on her feet on the bench. “Just wait there,” he told her, still laughing as he unsheathed his sword and brandished it, “while I hunt down this wee hairy monster.”

“What’s all this about a monster?” Liam asked, suddenly appearing from an opening in the hedge surrounding them. “Why have ye got yer sword out, Braither? Are we under attack or somethin’?” he asked, his brows raised quizzically. The huge, muscular war leader, with his rugged good looks, tattoos, and battle scars, closely resembled Tadhg, though he was a little shorter. The brothers had the same long, wild, dark hair and dark eyes.

Tadgh sheathed his weapon and clapped his brother on the back. “Was it ye makin’ all that noise?” he asked. “Alana was afeared ye were a rodent comin’ tae get her.” He turned to Alana, who was still standing on the bench, her hands clasped anxiously at her waist. “There’s yer mouse, bonny lass, so dinnae worry, ye’re safe now,” he told her, putting his arms around her waist and lifting her down to the ground.

She smoothed her skirts, smiling up at them both a little sheepishly. “I’m awful glad ’tis ye, Liam, yet I feel a bit of a fool, I must admit.”

“That’s understandable,” Liam replied, smiling at her. “Ye certainly dinnae want them runnin’ up yer skirts and nibblin’ at ye,” he said teasingly, his eyes twinkling.

“Ach, dinnae say such things!” Alana cried with a shudder, which only made the brothers laugh more.

“So, Braither, ye’ve found our hidin’ place. What brings ye here?” Tadhg asked, wondering if this was the right moment to tell his brother the good news about him and Alana.

“Ye did, ye fool. Ye told me ye need tae speak tae the Laird about somethin’ important once he returned from huntin’. Well, he’s back, and he’s in his study right now. If ye wish tae go and talk tae him, now’s yer chance,” Liam explained.

“Right, thanks fer lettin’ me ken,” Tadhg replied, his smile fading. He did not relish an interview with Laird Murphy Lennox. He was a deeply unpleasant man at the best of times and best avoided. Unfortunately, Tadhg had no choice but to beard the lion in his den. He was employed by Laird Lennox as a scout for the clan, and he had recently returned from a field trip with important news to report to him. He had not told anyone else what he had learned during his last scouting mission.

He kissed Alana’s cheek. “I’d best go,” he told her regretfully. “But we’ll see each other at dinner later, eh?”

“Aye, all right, I’m due back at the infirmary tae help me maither anyway,” she replied. Her mother Ella was the castle healer, and Alana was her apprentice. Mother and daughter lived in a cottage that doubled as the infirmary in the castle grounds. She set off back to the infirmary, while the brothers began walking back to the castle.

“Looked like ye two were havin’ a moment back there,” Liam said good-humoredly.

“Ye could say that,” Tadhg admitted, “I’ll tell ye about it later when we’re all together at dinner.”

Liam grinned. “I cannae wait tae hear what it is. But tell me, why this urgency tae speak tae the Laird? Rather ye than me, Braither. The man grows more unpredictable every day.”

“Aye, ’tis true he seems tae enjoy his reputation of bein’ a bastard,” Tadhg agreed grimly, deliberately avoiding answering the question.

“So, are ye gonnae tell me or what?” Liam persisted, clearly curious as they approached the doors of the castle keep.

Tadhg let out a sigh. “’Tis nae that I dinnae want tae tell ye, but trust me when I say I cannae right now, nae until I’ve talked tae the Laird.”

“Fair enough,” Liam told him, “but just remember, whatever it is, I’ve got yer back, all right?”

“Thanks, Braither, that’s good tae ken.”

They stopped by the keep doors. “Well, I have work tae dae, so I’ll leave ye here,” Liam told him. “Good luck with the bastard.”

“I might need it. I’ll see ye at dinner,” Tadhg replied, dreading the forthcoming interview. The brothers parted, Liam heading to his office in the gatehouse, while Tadhg went inside the keep and took the hallway leading to Laird Lennox’s study. He was not a man who was easily scared, but the Laird always made Tadhg feel uneasy. Arriving at the study door, he braced himself for the meeting before knocking.

Murphy Lennox was alone, seated behind his enormous desk, which was covered with parchments and books. He was writing something and looked up as Tadhg entered, fixing his scout with his cold, gray stare. He was a tall, burly man with the powerful physique of a hardened warrior. His dark hair was cut short and streaked with white, and his face and hands bore the traces of the many battles he had had fought.

He put down his quill ad leaned back in his seat, a carved, box-like structure

that was more like a throne than an ordinary chair. “Ah, ’tis ye. So, ye’ve returned from yer mission at last, I see,” he said gruffly in his usual cold manner. He did not invite Tadhg to sit but kept him standing, as if to impress upon him that he was facing his superior. “I trust ye’re bringing me the important information I asked fer from the MacIver lands, which’ll soon belong tae me,” he added with a triumphant smile devoid of warmth. “I need tae plan me attack on MacIver, so let’s hear it. What have ye found out?”

Tadhg’s wished he did not have to report back what he had found out because it affected the woman he loved and meant to marry. Besides that, he saw no reason to attack the MacIver clan, but Laird Lennox seemed to have an insatiable desire to expand his power. Now, he had set his sights on destroying Laird MacIver and his family and taking over the clan and all their considerable assets for himself.

“I found out that yer suspicions were correct,” Tadhg began. “I managed tae find proof that Ella was indeed Laird John MacIver’s mistress.”

The laird gave another grim smile. “I thought as much. So, how come she ended up here, askin’ me fer sanctuary all those years ago?” he asked curiously.

“It seems Laird MacIver’s wife, the Lady Skye, found out Ella was carryin’ his child. Unbeknownst tae him, she had Ella run off with threats tae have her and her bairn killed if she ever came back,” Tadhg explained, hating himself for telling the tyrant what he wanted to hear when he knew he should be telling Alana all this.

Instead, he had been forced to keep it from her, praying she would never find out about it or that he had known about since his return from the mission. If she did, he feared she would see it as a betrayal and want nothing more to do with him. It was yet another reason to hate Lennox.

The laird rubbed his hands together, looking pleased. “So, the lassie Ella spawned, even though she’s illegitimate, is none other than John MacIver’s only living heir, eh?”

“Aye,” Tadhg agreed reluctantly. “Alana is his heir. But how does that serve ye?”

The laird looked at him sharply, his smile vanishing. “That’s me business, man, nae yers. Let’s just say that when ye want somethin’ from somebody, it never hurts tae have a bit of leverage up yer sleeve.”

The man’s devious air chilled Tadhg to the bone. He feared that by placing this information about Alana’s origins in his hands, he might use it as a weapon that could put her in danger. He had no idea what the laird meant when he talked about ‘leverage,’ but whatever it was, he did not like it one bit. Lennox was certainly ruthless enough to use Alana as a pawn in his games of conquest.

“So, MacIver has nay idea he has a living daughter, his true heir by blood?”

“None, as far as I could tell.” Tadhg shook his head. “He’s declared his adopted son Blaine MacIver as his heir.”

“Good.” The laird scrutinized Tadhg’s face. “Have ye mentioned this tae anyone else?”

“Nae. I wanted tae be sure the information was correct before I reported back tae ye,” Tadhg replied.

“And now ye’re certain ’tis correct?”

“Aye, I’m certain.”

“Then I’ll make sure ye keep it that way. I dinnae want MacIver or this Blaine findin’ out about Alana’s existence. As it stands, only ye and me ken that the lassie, whether born out of wedlock or nae, is the true heir, which means she could legally lay claim tae the clan. Especially if Blaine is out of the picture.”

“But why—” Tadhg began, growing more fearful by the moment about what this could mean for Alana.

But the Laird held up a horny hand to stop him and fixed him with a menacing look. “I cannae risk me plans getting ruined, man. I want ye tae get yer stuff and clear out of here before nightfall. And dinnae come back.”

Tadhg was confused. “What? Ye’re sayin’ I have tae leave the castle?”

“Are ye deaf? Did I nae just tell ye I want ye gone by nightfall?” Lennox asked coldly, glaring back at him. “I dinnae need ye tae go blabbin’ tae yer lover or her maither, or anyone else fer that matter.”

“But—” Tadhg began, unable to believe what was happening. But again, he was cut off.

“And if ye dinnae dae as I say and leave here for good, then I’ll have the lassie hanged. A dead heir will suit me well enough too, so dinnae question me. Now, get out.”

Chapter One

Castle Lennox, the Highlands of Scotland, October 1586
Four years later….

Alana hated being alone with Tadhg. Especially in her healer’s cottage, where the space was so scarce. He was seated on a chair, his left hand stretched out flat on the table. Alana was bending over it, using a cloth and hot water to clean a nasty gash across his knuckles which he had acquired during that afternoon’s training session. A tense silence that was almost palpable hung in the air between them.

She was uncomfortably conscious of his eyes upon her as she worked and was doing her best to ignore his gaze. “Is it always gonnae be like this?” he asked suddenly in his low, rumbling voice, sounding mournful. “Bein’ in the same room, nae speakin’ or even looking at each other?”

Annoyed that he should even dare to speak to her at all, she shot him a punishing glance before resuming her task. “What d’ye expect after ye went off and left me without so much as a word, disappearing fer four whole years just a month before we were supposed tae wed?” she asked tightly, feeling afresh the painful betrayal of his unexplained desertion.

He did not reply, and a silence full of unspoken words fell once more between them.

“But I’m back now. I’ve been back for six months,” he said after a while.

She paused and looked at him sharply. “Oh, so I should just forget what ye did then, should I? That ye walked out on me. Nay note, nay letter, nay word, fer four long years. And then, just after Laird Murphy died, ye suddenly turn up here again, as bold as brass, as if ye hadnae been away. And with nae explanation as tae why ye left or where ye’d been all that time. I’m just supposed tae welcome ye back with open arms, am I?”

Tadhg opened his mouth to speak, but she stopped him with a raised hand, casting him a scornful look. “I havenae finished,” she said, dabbing at his wound ferociously and making him wince. “Ye honestly think I could ever trust ye again after that?”

“I can see yer point of view, but—”

Again, she cut him off. “I thought ye loved me as I loved ye. When ye went off like that, it broke me heart. I dinnae care that yer braither forgave ye without any questions asked. I’ll never forgive ye, never. And if ye think I’m ever gonnae let ye put me through that another time then ye can think again.”

Tadhg’s massive shoulders slumped, and he said nothing while she dressed the wound. Silence fell once more as she carefully wrapped a bandage around his hand to keep it clean. Angry and hurt as she was, secretly, she could not help still caring about him. And while she told herself she was being stupid for it, she nevertheless made sure to do a thorough job on his wound, worrying that he might get an infection despite herself.

“There, ’tis done. Dinnae get it wet. I’ll check it in two days. Ye can go now.”

Tadhg stood up, rolling down his shirt sleeve and taking his coat from the back of the chair. Taking care with the bandaged hand, he shrugged it on. “Thank ye. Alana, I wish ye would just hear me out, just listen tae what I have tae say,” he said sadly, his voice persuasive. But she knew there was danger in those dark eyes of his, and she refused to look at him.

“There’s naethin’ ye can say I want tae hear.” She turned away, carrying the bowl filled with bloody water and cloth over to a counter, giving her back to him. The tension crackled in the air between them, and she was unsure how much longer she could stand to be in the same room as him.

“Please, can we nae just? Like friends?” he tried again.

“Nay, we’re nae friends, and please dinnae speak tae me about it again.”

The following silence was suddenly shattered when there came a sharp rapping on the cottage door. Tadhg strode over to it and opened it.

“Maddison?” he said, sounding surprised, holding the door open for their good friend, Lady Lennox, to enter. “Is everythin’ all right? Ye seem in a bit of a hurry,” he added, frowning at her.

“Hold on, let me get me breath. I ran all the way here,” Maddison panted, her hand to her chest as she composed herself. She was a willowy, pale-faced beauty with long, dark hair. Her husband, the latest Laird Lennox, Odhrán, the deceased Murphy’s only son, was Tadhg and Liam’s closest friend since Alana could remember.

Alana went up to her. “Has someone been hurt?” she asked, expecting to hear that someone needed her help. “I’ll pack me things and come right away.” She made to fetch the medicine basket she always kept ready for emergencies, but Maddison put a hand on her arm and stopped her.

“Nay, ’tis naethin’ like that, Alana,” she told her, her breath returned to normal.

“Why d’ye need me then?” Alana asked, puzzled.

“A delegacy from Clan MacIver has arrived at the castle, and they’re demanding tae speak with ye and yer maither. They didnae ken she’s been gone these past two years. They’re talking with Odhrán right now, and they insist on speaking with ye.”

“Me?” Alana was flummoxed. “Why on earth would they want tae speak tae me? I dinnae even ken anybody from the MacIver clan.”

“I have nae clue, but maybe they need a good healer, and they’ve heard of ye by repute. Whatever it is, I think ye’d better come now and hear what they have tae say,” Maddison replied urgently.

“Aye, I suppose so. All right, let me get me shawl, and I’ll come with ye right away,” Alana agreed. “I suppose it’ll dae nay harm tae hear them out, though I cannae think what they might want with me.” She went to fetch her shawl from a peg by the door, and while she was doing that, Tadhg quietly asked Maddison, “Are ye sure they’re from Clan MacIver?”

She nodded. “That’s what they say,” she replied. A few moments later, she and Maddison left the cottage. Tadhg followed them, and Alana could not help but notice that a change had come over him. His whole demeanor had shifted. His expression seemed cold and closed off, his jaw set, and his dark eyes were unreadable. As they hurried through the gardens to the castle, she felt a familiar ache in her heart.

’Tis sad tae say, but he’s nae the man I used tae love.

When they entered the Great Hall, to Alana’s surprise, it appeared that everyone was waiting for her to arrive. They joined the delegation of strangers waiting near the laird’s table. Odhrán greeted her and Tadgh while Maddison took her place at his side.

“Alana, these gentlemen represent the MacIver clan. They’ve been sent here by Laird John MacIver, especially tae speak tae ye.” He gestured to the man at the head of the trio of delegates. He was a thin, ascetic looking fellow in Highland dress.

“Good day tae ye, miss.” He bowed to Alana gravely. “I’m Roger Huston, Laird John MacIver’s chef advisor. We come on a matter of great importance on his behalf. We beg tae speak with ye at once.”

Alana curtseyed, more perplexed than before as to what they wanted with her. “Good day tae ye, Sir. I’m mystified as tae why ye should come here and wish tae talk tae me. I’ve nae connection tae yer clan that I ken of. But if I may be of service tae ye, I’ll dae me best tae help,” she replied politely.

“I’d like tae ask ye a few questions, if ye dinnae mind,” Huston replied.

“I’ll answer them if I can,” Alana said.

“Is it right that yer maither passed away two years ago?” Huston asked.

Alana nodded. “Aye, she did.”

“I see,” Huston said, his high forehead crinkling. Then he asked, “May we have a word in private, Miss Alana?”

Alana glanced around her. She shook her head. “That’s nae necessary. The Laird and Lady Lennox are me trusted friends. Ye can say yer piece in front of them,” she told him, deliberately not mentioning Tadhg, who was standing mere feet away, listening. She met his eyes for a second and saw him roll his eyes at her omission.

“Very well,” Huston agreed. “Ye’ve been summoned tae an audience with the Laird MacIver’s right-hand, Blaine MacIver. Ye see, Laird John MacIver has been abducted, and Blaine has good reason tae believe that ye’re their only hope of finding a good alliance that’ll save him.”

“What? I ken naethin’ of any of this,” Alana exclaimed. “I dinnae understand at all. Why am I the only hope fer savin’ him?”

“Accordin’ tae old clan records, ye’re the only living child of Laird MacIver, never mind that ye’re illegitimate.”

Alana felt as though she had been punched, the shock was so great. “But surely, it cannae be true!” She stared at Huston in disbelief.

“I can assure ye, ’tis true,” the advisor said, scrutinizing her face as he spoke. “Even without the records or the midwife’s word that she delivered ye, there can be nae mistake. Ye’re a copy of yer faither.”

On hearing that, for she had never known her father, Alana thought it was possible that she could have a connection with Laird MacIver. At least, she could not rule it out. She turned to Maddison and Odhrán.

“Dae ye ken anythin’ about this?” she asked, even though she could see they looked as surprised as she felt.

They both shook their heads. “Nay, this is the first I’ve heard of it,” Odhrán said. “What d’ye want tae dae, Alana? Ye dinnae have tae go with them if ye dinnae want tae,” he added, reassuring her. She thought it over, conscious that everyone was waiting for her to speak.

“Well, this is certainly a bolt from the blue. I hardly ken what tae think. But I have tae admit, I’m curious tae learn more about the situation and tae try tae understand it. Maybe I should go with them and meet this Blaine.” She paused, shooting a swift glance at Tadhg. His face was a cold mask. For some reason, the sight helped her take make her mind up. “All right. I’ll come with ye. But as tae Laird MacIver bein’ abducted, I cannae promise tae be of any help.”

“Very well. I understand,” Huston told her with a slight nod of agreement.

“Are ye sure about this, Alana? Like Odhrán says, ye’re nae obligated tae go if ye dinnae wish tae,” Maddison piped up, looking dubious.

“Nay, ’tis all right, Maddy. I’d like tae go and see if what they say is true. If Odhrán will give his permission that is,” Alana said decisively, having made up her mind.

“Of course, ye have me permission,” he assured her.

“I’ll arrange for one of the village healers tae stand in fer me while I’m gone,” she said. “Hopefully, the trip will nae take too long. I’d just like tae speak tae this Blaine and find out what all this madness is really about.”

“Well, I’m happy fer ye tae go if that’s what ye want,” Odhrán interjected. “But I’m nae sure it would be safe fer ye tae travel alone with the delegation. They’re strangers. We cannae just simply trust they’re who they say they are.” He flicked a glance at Huston, adding. “Nay offence.”

“None taken, me Laird. We share yer concerns fer the lady’s safety,” the advisor replied graciously. “Perhaps she would like tae follow us and travel under yer protection instead.”

“Aye, I would,” Alana said, secretly relieved at the suggestion. She did not fancy traveling with a party of strangers, however innocent their intentions might appear. She had no guarantee that what Huston had told her was true, and as Odhrán had pointed out, there was no reason to trust them. She secretly hoped he would arrange for somebody trustworthy to accompany her on the journey.

She was taken aback when Tadhg suddenly stepped up. “She’ll nae be alone. She’ll be travelin’ with me,” he declared boldly, with an air of finality. Taken completely by surprise, Alana could only stare at him.

Huston looked at him curiously. “And who might ye be?” he asked.

Tadhg did not hesitate. “I’m her husband,” he said. 

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