Page 34 of Her Scot of Yesteryear
“Did ye know she has gone into heat?” I exclaimed, disgruntled. “That we’re sending her to them in such a state?”
“Aye.” She nudged me along. “Yet I sense she will have a protector along with her. One who I suspect will keep the dragons at bay despite his wee size.”
“We can only hope,” I muttered, raking a hand through my hair in frustration after she closed the door. Flame was undoubtedly growing in his powers at a tender age, but still. This was a lot to ask of a young wolf shifter pup, however courageous he may be.
Although tempted to see Aspen one last time, I knew better than to risk it, so I headed down to the great hall to await the king, who, always an early riser, made his way down a short while later. Joining me at the head table, we broke our fast together, saying little at first because I feared my words might convey my frustration.
“Ye have every right to feel as ye do, lad,” Robert finally said after swallowing a bite of bannock. He met my eyes and spoke from the heart. “I see the way ye two look at each other, so I know the sacrifice ye make today, and I couldnae be more grateful. Ye’re a bigger man than most would be in yer position, and ye’ve my heartfelt thanks. Yer country’s heartfelt thanks.” His voice droppedan octave. “Because we both know how Dugal can be, and ‘tis rare he puts anyone’s interests before his own, despite how much he tries to convince me otherwise.”
“Yet ye heed him,” I grunted.
“I heed him because the Sutherlands are one of the most powerful clans in Scotland for reasons known and unknown, and his fighting men are much needed in the cause.” Robert eyed me grimly. “And we both know nothing but trouble will come out of this if ye dinnae keep yer word.”
“And if something changes?” I wondered, being candid. “If Aspen goes to the Sutherlands and something happens that releases her from this pact, ye will support it?”
“If ‘tis a clean break with no threat of the Sutherlands retaliating, of course.” Robert shook his head and sighed, blunt in a way I appreciated. “Yet we both know ‘twill have to be something substantial for Dugal to let the likes of her go back to ye, of all people.”
“Then might we pray for something substantial,” I muttered.
“Aye,” the king agreed, compassion in his eyes. “I will remain hopeful for ye both and thankful for yer sacrifices otherwise.”
Soon after, the hall filled, and Dugal and his man made their way down shortly before Aspen and my mother. I flinched when I saw she no longer wore MacLeod colors and did my best to temper my inner beast’s growing agitation.
Dugal frowned at the deceptively timid-looking pup by Aspen’s side, with drooping ears and a tail between its legs. “What isthat?”
“My wolf.” Aspen scooped it up and met his frown. “And I go nowhere without him.”
“Nay.” Dugal shook his head. “’Twill be nothing but food for my ilk.”
“Then I’m not going.” Aspen notched her chin as Flame nuzzled close to her as if frightened, even going so far as to whimper in distress. “I’ve been more agreeable than most would be in my position, but I won’t go without my emotional support animal.”
“Yer emotionalwhat?” Dugal said, disgusted.
“You know,” she said. “An animal to help me through a challenging time.” Her eyebrows swept up. “Namely, dealing with you.”
He was about to reply but must have caught Aspen’s scent because he inhaled sharply before nodding in agreement, willing to do anything to keep her with him now he knew she was in heat. “Fine.”
“I will travel with ye to the edge of MacLeod land, Dugal,” the king said after requesting food be prepared for Dugal and Aspen so they could make haste and break their fast en route. “Then my men and I will head back to the border, may ye join us soon enough.”
“Aye, my king,” Dugal replied, clearly glad they wouldn’t linger much longer.
It took everything in me to keep my distance from Aspen as everyone made their way outside. I had ordered my stablehand to prepare one of my finest horses for her so she might travel safely.
“Here we are,” my mother said, coming out with satchels of food. I couldn’t help but notice she had given Aspen one of her own. A special bag that could discreetly hold a dagger if need be.
“Many thanks, Chara,” the king said, bidding all farewell as he swung onto his horse. His eyes connected with mine, and he nodded once. “Take care, Laird MacLeod. I will keep ye abreast of the situation.”
I knew he spoke not just of the ongoing skirmishes at the southern border but the potential situation between our clans if either me or Dugal didn’t honor our word.
“Aye, my king,” I managed, going to help Aspen onto her horse, only for Dugal to intercept me.
“I will see to her henceforth, MacLeod,” he ground out, glaring at me in warning before he went to help her, only for Aspen to swing up with the pup in hand as if she had been doing it her whole life.
“I will see to myself,” she cut back, narrowing her eyes at Dugal with as much warning.
“At least until ye cannae help yerself,” he promised, implying she would desire far more from him soon. He went so far as to pretend to check that she was secure, then boldly touched her thigh, only for her to slap his hand away.
Rather than show frustration, a slow, arrogant smile curled Dugal's mouth before he shrugged and mounted his horse.
