Page 115 of The Highlander Steals a Virgin
Rhys’s jaw ticked, his every instinct screaming to leap off the horse and charge through the gates. But she was right.
I need help.
They slowed as they reached the edge of the woods near the north pasture. That’s when he spotted a flash of auburn hair, and then the unmistakable figure of William sprinting toward them through the smoke.
“Rhys!” William shouted, waving an arm. “Christ, thank the saints.”
Rhys was off his horse in an instant. “Where is she, Billy?”
“Safe,” William panted. “We hid the women and bairns in the cellars right when it started. A few nights ago. Mabel’s with her. She’s alright.”
The relief punched Rhys in the ribs so hard it nearly dropped him. He let out a strangled breath and braced a hand on his thigh.
Amara stepped closer, dismounting. “Finn?”
William looked grimly between them. “Finn.”
Rhys’s head jerked up. “What did he do?”
William’s mouth was tight. “He stormed the gates with our own men. We dinnae suspect anythin'. But naught hours after ye left, they turned. Opened the gates to mercenaries as well. Slit two of the night watchmen’s throats.”
“Nay,” Amara whispered.
William nodded. “He had this planned, Rhys.”
A chill sliced through Rhys colder than the Highland wind. “He told Murdoch we were comin'.”
William grimaced. “Did he?”
“Aye, he did. He and Murdoch planned this when he was… captured.”
“That traitorous —”
The betrayal ate into his gut like poison, but he had no time. “How many dead?” He asked, interrupting William’s tirade.
“Half dozen that I ken. The rest are holdin’ the eastern wall, but we cannae hold ‘em forever. Finn’s still inside the bailey. Commandin’ like it’s his right.”
So, this is about a right to lead? Where is this comin’ from?
Rhys looked toward the flames and the crumbling battlements. His men were dying. His castle burning. And it had been his cousin all along.
Amara reached for him. “Rhys —”
He turned to her. Her eyes were wide with worry, but strong.
“I have to stop him,” he said. “I have to end this.”
William nodded grimly. “Then let me get Lady Amara to the cellars. I’ll make sure she stays hidden.”
Rhys didn’t like it. Every part of him burned to keep her by his side.
But Daisy was safe.
Amara would be safe.
And he needed to make sure no one else died under his roof.
Rhys turned to her one last time.
