Page 49 of Only a Highlander Will Do

Fiona found the latch easily and pushed. Instantly, a section of the great hall’s wall separated from the rest. She opened it more fully to reveal a passageway. She gasped in amazement. “A secret passageway?”

The Grey Lady slipped past Fiona into the darkened space. Follow me.

They went a short way down the narrow space before the Grey Lady stopped again, pointing to yet another latch. When Fiona pressed this one, instead of another passageway, an alcove appeared. On the floor was a small wooden chest.

Bring that back with us to the great hall.

Fiona did as instructed, and when she was back outside the secret chamber, she pushed the door closed then set the chest on the floorboards. “What is this?”

Open it.

She unhooked the latch and opened the chest to reveal what appeared to be an outdated pair of leather trousers and a tunic. She lifted the supple leather with her fingers to find they were sized not for a man but a woman. “Whose are they?”

Nearly six decades ago, Leona MacLeod, the daughter of the then-chief wore these garments, much to the dismay of her father, into battle with the rest of her clan, the Grey Lady said with a hint of pride in her voice. It is claimed she had a special relationship with the fairy world, and they helped soften the leather to make it not only soft, but resilient in battle.

“Why has no one used them before now? Were they lost?”

I believe they were tucked away while the MacLeods still used this part of the keep because only someone who is acceptable to the fairies can wear the garments. When no one could wear them, they were placed in the alcove and forgotten, until I rediscovered them a few years ago. I had thought to save them for Rowena, but she does not have the same fondness for fairies that you do. Will you wear them and go into battle with Tormod and my sons?

Fiona held the tunic up to her chest. “What happens if the fairies don’t approve?”

I do not know, but I’m certain it won’t be without some measure of pain.

Fiona frowned down at the leather dubiously. “You’re certain they will keep Tormod safe?”

They will keep all of you safe.

“Then it is worth the risk.” Fiona steeled herself as she removed her dress and her shift, then slipped her legs into the trousers as she’d imagined men would. The leather moulded to her curves, cold at first, then warming to the temperature of her skin within moments. She tied the trousers closed, then slipped into the tunic. When it was secure, she waited for whatever might happen—acceptance or rejection.

When she felt no pain, and no angry fairies appeared, Fiona allowed herself a satisfied smile. The clothing had accepted her. Now, if only Tormod would allow her to come with him on his quest to retrieve his sister.

“Thank you, Grey Lady.”

Call me Mother, please.

A lump came to Fiona’s throat. She’d not had someone to call by that name in a very long time. “Thank you, Mother.”

As the Grey Lady faded from view, Fiona came up with a plan. She would allow herself a few hours’ rest before making her way to the stables to retrieve Seaspirit. Then, refreshed, dressed for war, and determined to join them, she would make her appeal to Tormod and his brothers.

Chapter Nineteen

“If we leave soon, we can travel during the predawn and reach Monkstadt by first light.” Tormod stood in the front courtyard with his brothers and Graeme. “The MacDonalds might be prepared for an attack, but only a small contingent of guards will be on duty at this time in the morning. Most of their men will still be abed, and will have to scramble to dress and gather their horses as well as their weapons.”

Alastair nodded. “A sound plan. It should not be hard to get the MacKinnons and the Nicolsons to agr—Good heavens!” Alastair broke off, staring into the distance.

“What is it?” Tormod asked, twisting to see. He froze. His heart stopped in his chest. His throat constricted painfully at the sight before him. It was his wife, but not a Fiona he had ever seen before.

The dark brown leather of her garments stood out against the white of Seaspirit’s coat as she approached, riding astride. The brown leather clung provocatively to Fiona’s curves. Her hair was plaited and trailed over one shoulder, resting atop the supple leather that covered her torso.

Tormod swallowed hard. His whole body warmed. It took every ounce of strength he possessed to keep from pulling her down from the saddle and carrying her into the keep where he would explore each and every nuance of her curves. “Where did you get that?” His voice cracked.

“Do you like it? Your mother gave it to me.” She smiled as she stopped before him, his brothers, and Graeme, who all stared at her with appreciation in their eyes.

Tormod turned the full force of a frown on them until they lowered their gazes. “Looks like I need to have a talk with my mother very soon.” He shifted his gaze to Fiona and didn’t bother to hide the desire he knew was written there. “You are beautiful, my sweet. But why are you dressed as though you are going into battle with us?”

She raised her chin. “Because I am.”

“Nay. Never would I put you in that kind of danger.”