Page 35 of The Highland Curse
“’Tis likely the long journey has taken its toll,” Fingal said. “Or perhaps ‘twas the blow tae your head. Come, I’ll take ye back tae the castle so ye can regain your strength before ye leave.”
“Aye, that’s a guid idea,” he said.
“Nay, he should leave now,” Adrina said, cutting in. She hardened her heart, and was resigned with the fact that her highlander was lost to her. Fingal’s curse had taken control of Duncan’s mind. If he stayed any longer, the sorcerer’s power and influence would only grow.
Duncan turned his gaze on her, his rich green eyes unreadable.
“MacGregon can stay, and recount tae me what has happened at the war council,” Fingal said.
“I’ll stay, and talk about the war council,” Duncan nodded, and followed the other man.
At his words, Adrina’s heart sank. He seemed unaware that he repeated Fingal’s words. Since he was under the advisor’s dark influence, he would reveal everything he knew to the other man.
She fingered her torn plaid as helplessness descended upon her. Without the protection of her gemstone, Fingal would eventually put a hex on her. After that, who would free the people of Dunnvie? And even if someone had the capacity to place a malediction on Fingal, her powers would be useless, for the advisor now had two bloodstones to shield him. A shiver of fear ran through her. In all respects, the man was unstoppable.
If only she could gain new otherworldly counsel. Closing her eyes, she concentrated hard on hearing or seeing something that would shed light on her dire situation. But the extrasensory abilities, which were so strong leading up to her arrival to Dunnvie Castle, were silent.
As Duncan and Fingal walked further ahead, she began to drag her feet, since she no longer wished to enter the castle.
The guard at her side jerked her forward.
“Ye are hurting me, Conran,” she said, gritting her teeth. She pulled at her arm, attempting to wrench free from his grasp.
But the warrior’s large hand squeezed her harder. “’Tis for your own good, lass,” he said in his rumbling voice.
“If ‘twas for my own good, then ye would release me this instant!” She took in his granite face, and searched frantically for a new tactic. “Conran, ye and your wife have known me since I was a bairn, and ye were always kind tae me,” she said, trying with difficulty to keep the desperation from creeping into her voice. “Of all people, ye ken that I’m nae what Fingal claims.”
He frowned deeply at her. She held her breath, and for a moment, it seemed as if her words had penetrated the haze that obscured his mind. But then he shook his head, and the small window of clarity passed.
“Keep moving,” he said gruffly.
She raised her fingers to wipe at the tears that gathered at the corner of her eyes. Her parents were gone, and she had no idea what awaited her. The only thing that she knew was that whatever her fate, she was to brave it alone.
CHAPTER 16
Duncan walked into the courtyard with Fingal on one side, and a guard on the other. For someone who was invited into the stronghold, he was treated as if he was a prisoner. Studying the enclosure, he noted that nothing seemed amiss. The cobblestones were overrun with large weeds, but this didn’t stop the servants from carrying out their duties, nor did it prevent the chickens and geese from roaming the busy area. Yet despite the usual hum of activity, the courtyard seemed oddly subdued when compared to the bustling energy of Tancraig Castle. And while he had never put much credence to things like this before, he felt a distinct but heavy energy that lingered in the air.
Fingal was oblivious to the grim servants that hurried about the courtyard but continued to explain the various aspects of the castle’s structure. His behavior seemed odd, considering his position. Still, the man sauntered through the square as if he owned the castle and everyone in it.
Duncan feigned interest in the tour, and surveyed the two servants who were chasing a chicken for the evening’s supper. One of them glanced over at their party. And when he saw Adrina, he lowered his gaze, and expressed no joy at seeing that the laird’s daughter had returned home.
“Everything seems in order here,” Duncan said when there was a pause in Fingal’s monologue. “There’s nay need for me tae speak tae MacGill after all.”
“Guid,” Fingal said smoothly. “Ye may take your leave now.”
“I will, but first I must speak briefly with the lass,” he said, and moved off before Fingal could protest.
The guards watched his movements, although they showed no indication of stopping him.
When he reached Adrina, he took her by the arm, and led her a few paces away from the group. “I’ll be joining with my brothers,” he paused. “Ye will be safe here among those who love and care for ye.”
She looked up at him briefly, her eyes shimmering with tears. But then her shoulders slumped and her chin dropped to her chest. The high color on her cheeks was noticeably absent, and she seemed a shell of the woman he knew. This forlorn lass was definitely not the same one he had made love to at the cave. Had Fingal finally cast his spell over her, or was her will affected by the dark energy that permeated the stronghold? Duncan felt a strange twist in his heart, and he resisted the urge to fold her into his arms, and assure her that everything would be all right.
“I have nay need for anyone tae take care of me,” she said, her voice sounding husky. “I’ve cared for myself all these years, and I’ll continue tae do sae.”
Adrina gave him a wane smile and she lowered her gaze to his chin. Her heart was breaking. It was impossible for her to look at him because if she stared at him any longer, she risked bursting into tears. If she lost control of her emotions, Fingal would know her weakness, and would likely exploit it. No matter what the cost, she had to remain strong. She had to let him go.
“Adrina.” Tucking a finger under her chin, he lifted it up so that their eyes were level. He opened his mouth to say something more, but then he closed it again. A small smile formed on his chiseled lips, and his gaze turned soft as if he wanted to kiss her. What she would give to go back to the serenity that they experienced at the waterfall. The sound of cascading water had swept away all their cares, and took them to a magical land where nothing existed except for the two of them. Duncan seemed to have the same idea; his pupils darkened with desire, and he dropped his gaze to her lips. Adrina held her breath. It was dangerous for him to embrace her, yet she wanted it more than anything.
