Highlands Deception by Aileen Adams

Author:Aileen Adams [Adams, Aileen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AilAd

Athdar and Morton arrived at Ferra Castle at dusk. This time, the glances that the guards gave from the castle wall were almost eager—Morton having left with Athdar must have created quite a stir. The castle would be curious to know what had happened.

“Now,” Athdar cautioned, “nary a word from ye, to a single soul. If I hear of anyone kenning of Rhona, I’ll find ye and shake ye upside down until me gold falls from yer pockets.”

Morton made a condescending face at Athdar as they rode under the rising portcullis. “Ye paid me to be silent. What do ye take me for?”

Athdar scoffed. “I should have paid ye to nae hint about me secret to Rhona.”

Morton smirked. “I like her.” His tone grew serious. “She should ken the truth about ye.”

He was saved having to respond by the sight of his father striding across the courtyard toward them.

Athdar had never seen his father look so angry. Usually, Carrick’s anger was like a storm that threatened. Thunderous voice and flashes of disapproving glowers, but this anger was like a stone. Carrick’s face did not move. His body was tense with fury.

When he reached them, Carrick addressed Morton instead of Athdar. “What,” he said in a low, crisp voice, “were ye thinking, helping him escape? Drugging the guards?”

Morton tugged at the ends of his sleeves nonchalantly. “I have nae drugged anyone,” he said serenely. “I cannae answer, for I have been paid to keep silent.” He smirked at Athdar—who was glaring at him—and dismounted.

Carrick did not stop Morton from walking away. “Explain,” he said to his son.

“Why are ye angry?” Athdar was irritated. “I came back.”

“Why did ye leave in the first place? To prove a point? To ensure that I ken that ye are staying here by choice and that I cannae force yer hand at anything?”

Athdar raised his eyebrows slightly. That was as good an answer as any. “Aye,” he said, looking up at the castle walls with disinterest.

Carrick heaved a sigh that was almost a sputter. “Come inside.” He turned without waiting for his son.

Athdar dismounted and led his horse to the stables. When he reached the door to the castle, he found Carrick waiting for him.

“This,” Carrick said, “is from the laird’s daughter ye didnae invite as ye promised.”

Athdar’s stomach dropped out. He snatched the paper from his father and read.

“....thank ye for yer kind letter. I would be most honored to accept yer invitation. I will arrive at Ferra Castle at the end of the week.”

“At the end of the week?” Athdar roared. “When did she write this?”

Carrick’s face was expressionless. “It arrived yesterday. It means the end of the week.”

Athdar crumpled the paper and flung it to the ground. This meant that his father would be keeping an even closer eye on him. He must escape once more as he could not worry Rhona yet again—

“Ye will meet her,” Carrick said coldly. “And ye will be kind. And then ye will write to the next laird’s daughter.

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