Keeper of my Heart by Laura Landon

Author:Laura Landon [Landon, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Prairie Muse Publishing
Published: 2014-11-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Màiri followed the path that led her away from the castle walls, across a meadow lush with summer flowers, and toward the bubbling stream where Iain had taken her when she’d first come. She reveled in the peace she found there. The solitude that let her forget the hurt she’d caused by telling Iain the danger Roderick presented.

How was it possible for Roderick to seem so unwaveringly loyal and devoted on the outside, yet be filled with such deceit and hatred on the inside? As she watched and listened to him, it seemed easier to doubt her gift than doubt his loyalty. Easier to accept him the way he appeared than cause such a division. No wonder Iain could not believe her.

It had been a fortnight since she’d spoken her warning and had lived that time with the attitude Iain had chosen to adopt. He’d decided to pretend the words had never been spoken.

He’d crawled out of bed the next morning with a head she knew ached from too much ale, and before the sun was barely above the horizon, was out to train with his men. By mid-morning, there was not a warrior left standing who had not felt the brunt of his laird’s frustration. But when he came in for his noon meal, it was as if their conversation the day before had never taken place. That she had never accused Roderick of lying—and worse. That there was no cause for contention between them.

Now it was plain. She could not make Iain believe Roderick was evil. She could not convince Iain that he was in danger. Without proof, he would never believe her warnings. His refusal to accept what she’d said was obvious from the way he punished his body with long hours of brutal training each day. And from the desperation in his lovemaking each night. She’d spoken the warning, but Iain was determined to forget her words.

She walked a little closer to the stream and sat on a rock near the water’s edge. Kenneth leaned his shoulder against a tree close by and studied the surrounding area. Although there was no reason to believe she was not safe with the MacAlisters, he never let her venture out without going with her. Even when she was with Iain, she noticed Kenneth always followed a discrete distance behind. Perhaps he sensed her trepidation.

Màiri had not seen Roderick since that night when he’d told such convincing lies to his laird but she knew it would not be long before he returned, bringing with him more falsehoods he would pass off as truths. She could feel his darkness encroaching, feel the threat of his deceit and treachery as if it already surrounded her.

Her gift revealed his jealousy and hatred as plain as any truth it had ever shown her. Yet, no one else could see it. Roderick did nothing on the outside that exposed him for what he was—a threat to Iain.

“If you would but share what troubles you, milady, I would do my best to help ease your burden.

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