Page 3 of Married to the Ruthless Highlander
She had seen her brother and Emily leave, their horses kicking up dust along the road that led from their home to wherever hersister was. The rest of the morning had been spent preparing, planning, and finding her courage through some small sips of a bottle of aged whiskey.
This isnae like me…
Each step toward the stables was slow and measured. The wind pushed at her from behind, urging her to keep walking, encouraging her not to stop. Freya was certain that if she stopped walking now, she would find herself turning back.
Seileach was waiting for her, dark eyes watching as she stepped into the stall. The mare was a rough shade of chestnut brown, with darker patches that covered her from head to hoof. Freya reached out, running a hand along Seileach’s neck, feeling the warmth of her coat beneath her fingertips.
“Good lass,” she murmured softly.
Though the stables were empty, save for the horses and the resident cat, she remained cautious. Most conveniently, a newly acquired stallion hadsomehowfound himself let loose, and the stablehands were likely chasing him across the pasture at that very moment. But still, Freya glanced around once more, ensuring no one was watching her.
The saddle was heavier than she remembered. It had been some time since she had saddled her own horse, but she was certain she still knew how to do it. With a grunt, she hefted it onto Seileach’s back, adjusting it until it sat properly, before fastening the buckles.
Are ye really goin’ to do this?
Shaking her head, she pushed back the doubt that was swimming through her mind. She was prepared, she knew what she had to do. Heavens, she’d even managed to pluck a map from her brother’s study only a few short hours ago.
Though she had packed quickly—some bread, cheese, salted beef, and a few apples—it wasn’t enough to draw any suspicion from the kitchen staff. She had enough money tucked into the pouch at her waist to ensure she would not be hungry or without shelter. It had been easy enough to gather it all. Everything was ready.
If only she could muster the courage to leave.
Freya stood there for a moment, her hand resting on the saddle, the weight of it all bearing down on her. All her life, she had been the obedient daughter, the dutiful sister. She followed the rules, ignored trouble when it called out to her, and always did what was expected of her. But now… now…
Never had she been so frightened.
“Ye can do this,” she whispered to herself.
Drawing in a deep breath, she hoisted herself onto Seileach’s back.
Before she could stop herself, before she could change her mind and turn back to the comfort of home, she squeezed her thighs against Seileach’s flanks, urging the mare forward into the unknown.
Always the obedient lass, always waitin’ for permission.
But not now. Not this time.
For Laura, she was finally going to be brave.
2
What am I doin’?
She had never ventured so far alone before, never without guidance, without someone to protect her. Freya rode cautiously, her body trembling with the chill of the evening air and the uncertainty that coursed through her veins.
The cold seeped into her bones, making her hands shake as they gripped the reins. Each slow step Seileach took felt hesitant. The sound of hooves crunching the blanket of leaves and twigs beneath them was the only noise that seemed to pierce the otherwise silent world.
The shaking, as much as she hated to admit it, wasn’t only from the cold. No, it was fear creeping in, the doubt, a little voice in her head that whispered to turn back.
But Freya was too stubborn to heed it.
It had been hours since she had left, there was no turning back now. She thought of her sister, Laura—brave, reckless Laura who never hesitated to run headlong into danger, even when they were children. While Freya stayed behind, poring over books and lessons, Laura had learned how to loose an arrow, throw a punch, and ride horses faster and harder than anyone else.
It was easy to see why Adam had always favored Laura, why he spent most of his time with her and did not seem to view her as a burden.
Adam…God, what will he say when he sees me?
Freya was on his tail, following the same route he intended to take. Alone, even in her overwhelmed state, she was certain she would catch up to them if she pressed on—if she ignored the soreness of her thighs and the ache in her spine, and quieted the doubts that stirred in her mind.
Freya let out a breath, the air fogging before her eyes.
