Page 84 of Highland Ruse

Kaid had stepped so quickly into the role of laird, and had been so overwhelmed by the loss of so many innocent villagers, he hadn’t allowed himself to truly grieve his father’s death.

The sorrow settled now across his shoulders, heavy and stifling.

He pressed the heels of his palms on either side of the desk’s surface. “And Lady Elizabeth?”

“I delivered her safely to MacKenzie who took her inside,” Lachlan answered. “I heard the servants talking. He intended to wed her the day after she arrived.”

A chill descended over Kaid’s entire body, like he’d been plunged into a loch midwinter. “Today,” he said.

Lachlan nodded. Exhaustion lined his young face, evidence he’d ridden most likely all day and night to arrive with the news. “Aye. It would appear he readily accepted yer offer of peace and is going along with everything as promised.”

Kaid pushed himself off the desk and clapped Lachlan on the shoulder. “Go get yerself some food and rest. Ye’ve done well.”

Without another word, Lachlan turned from the room and left Kaid plunged in a heavy press of silence.

Married.

The word echoed in Kaid’s head until it made his temples throb.

To refrain from marrying would alert MacKenzie to something amiss. Kaid knew Delilah’s determination to do what was necessary to ensure the success of their plan.

There would be nothing Donnan could do to stop it, nor Leasa—nor even Delilah herself.

There was nothing Kaid could do, but stand in agitated helplessness and wait.

He found his gaze wandering toward the open window. The sun had eased higher between the hills.

It would be noon soon.

And perhaps by then, Delilah would be married.

He realized his mistake then. Being two days away from her left time crushing against him. He’d been so damn worried about ruining the fragile thread of peace between himself and MacKenzie, he’d remained home.

He never should have tasked Donnan to go with the ladies. It should have been Kaid. He charged out the door and called to Lachlan. The weary man swayed back to regard him with bloodshot eyes.

Kaid caught up to him and clapped him on the back. “I’ll be gone several days and need ye to mind things here in my absence.”

Lachlan, ever the willing servant who had minded things not only in Kaid’s previous absence, but in his father’s as well, gave a dutiful nod. “But after I’ve slept, aye?”

Relief eased the churning tightness inside Kaid and he laughed. “Aye, after ye’ve slept.”

Then he made his way down to the kitchens to where he’d sent Claire, to tell her he’d be gone a few days—and that he’d be home soon. He couldn’t tell her he intended to bring back Delilah, but by God, he would not return without her.

• • •

There was only so long one could continue to feign sleep.

The anxious pucker of Leasa’s brow told Delilah she’d already pushed far beyond the limit.

Leasa knelt by the bed. “My lady, Laird MacKenzie wishes to see you. He’s…not happy.” Her hair was down and twisted over her right shoulder.

While becoming, the hairstyle was not one she’d ever seen Leasa wear before.

“Your hair looks lovely,” Delilah offered.

Leasa’s cheeks went red, but rather than meet Delilah’s face with her bright, cheerful gaze, the maid glanced away and murmured her thanks.

Delilah’s stomach twisted. Something was amiss.