She picked up his plaid and handed it to him. After thanking him, he watched as she stumbled over to Brodie’s horse. She clearly had not slept much in the past few hours.
Alex climbed onto his horse and held his hand out to her. “You will be riding with me the rest of the way, lass.” He noticed the dark circles under her eyes and cursed himself for pushing her so hard, but knew he had no choice. He lifted her onto his horse and set her in front of him. He placed his soft plaid over her back between them to help cushion her wounds. “This should help.” He settled her back against him and pulled on the reins of his horse, whispering in her ear, “Close your eyes, I will not let anything happen to you.”
Maddie leaned against Alex with a sigh. She really did feel safe with Alex. After all, what could he do to her atop a running horse? The soft plaid definitely helped her back. His warmth caressed her skin and his scent intoxicated her. The rhythm of Midnight’s galloping hooves made her eyes heavy. Maybe if she closed her eyes for a minute, she thought, she could rest a little.
When she opened her eyes, Alex said, “We are home, lass.”
CHAPTER SIX
Maddie gazed over the fields ahead to a huge castle, stunned by the size of it. The stone structure sat atop a small hill, a tower gracing each corner of the main building. Battlements connected the towers and she could just barely make out warriors pacing the walkway.
There appeared to be both an inner and an outer bailey. Surrounding the bailey was another wall to protect the castle’s residents. The defenses were strong. She would be safe at Alex’s castle and more to the point, she would feel safe, something that hadn’t happened for a long time. If Kenneth or the Comming came for her, they wouldn’t get to her easily.
The beauty of the land surrounding Alex’s home took her breath away. The keep sat in the middle of a large valley, a small river visible as it meandered through the trees. Forests of pine and oak trees flourished in the periphery of the valley. Carefully tended fields were tucked between the forest and the keep walls. A small tranquil loch nestled beyond the fields to the left, next to a field of heather.
Alex’s breath warmed her neck.
“What do you think, my lady?” he whispered.
“Laird, it is beautiful. How pleased you must be to have such a magnificent fortress!” She sighed as she turned to gaze into his eyes. “It is not at all like my home.”
Alex drew her closer. Maddie rested her hands on his arm. They rode the rest of the way in silence, enjoying the fleeting feeling of intimacy. Why did this fill her senses with longing? She had her hands against his skin and she didn’t flinch. Calmness enveloped in her soul for the first time in two years.
There were a number of thatched cottages both inside and outside the keep walls. People came out of their cottages to greet them as they passed, sending curious looks her way. As they approached the outside wall, a horn sounded and the heavy iron portcullis rose for their entrance. Madeline’s nerves were on edge. Would Brenna and Jennie remember her? Would they welcome her? She had no friends her own age. She was uncertain how she would be received. Was the laird married or betrothed? Would his wife be angry she sat the horse with him?
Dusk descended as they rode their horses into the outer bailey. Alex rode next to Brodie and slid off his horse. He reached for Madeline and slid her down his body very slowly. Her first instinct was to push him away, but she was beginning to trust this man. He probably did that to keep from hurting me, Madeline thought. His hands lingered at her waist until her strength returned.
“Careful, lass,” Alex whispered. “You have been in the saddle for awhile.”
“Thank you, but I am fine,” she said as she straightened, their closeness lost.
Alex tossed the reins to the stable boy, took Maddie by the elbow and started toward the keep. Two females raced from the steps of the keep toward them, they had to be Brenna and Jennie.
“Maddie MacD!” shouted the younger of the two as her wee legs carried her straight into Maddie’s arms. Eight year old Jennie hit her hard enough to make her legs wobble.
“Be careful, Jennie!” Alex yelled.
Every face in the vicinity turned to stare at him.
Maddie recovered quickly. “It’s all right, Laird Grant. She is excited, as am I to see my friends.”
Brenna’s face broke into a warm smile “What a surprise, Maddie! We were not expecting you.”
Maddie turned toward Brenna with tears in her eyes. “I am very thankful your brothers came for me when they did.” She leaned over to embrace her friend.
Brenna smiled as she wrapped her arms around Madeline and whispered in her ear, “What happened, Maddie? You know we love to see you, but has something happened? Is that why you are here?”