Rescued by a Highlander(56)

She rushed down the stairs and into the courtyard to greet her betrothed. Robbie and Brenna were already outside. She smiled at Alex as he dismounted and crossed over to them. His expression was grim.

“My laird?” she searched his eyes for answers.

Alex bowed and said, “My lady.” He took her arm and strode quietly toward the keep. Maddie stared at the dust and grime on his body and the exhaustion visible in his eyes. Robbie followed him into the great hall. Brenna immediately ordered food and ale for the soldiers.

Alex lowered himself in his chair after helping Madeline into hers. His expression remained bleak as he searched her eyes before speaking. “There is no evidence of Kenneth anywhere. We even inquired at your family’s keep, Madeline, but no one has seen him since he left for the Comming’s. We searched the entire area and found no sign of him.”

“Mayhap he is already dead, Alex,” Robbie offered.

“Aye, ‘tis a strong possibility,” Alex replied. “My men will continue to search and ask questions on their expedition to the king. Madeline, I am sorry, ‘tis the best we can do right now. But I will not give up my search. I stand by my promise to protect you from him.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“Thank you for your efforts. You have done more than I would have expected by searching for my stepbrother. Mayhap he will turn up when we do not expect him.”

Madeline’s gut turned somersaults at the thought of Kenneth nearby. Was he out there waiting for her right now? The trenchers covered the table and the men grabbed at the food as if they had not eaten in days. They ate in silence. Maddie couldn’t bring the food to her mouth. Her eyes perused every man at the tables. What if Kenneth had disguised himself and sat among them? What if he had a man inside the keep searching for her? Would one of these men be waiting to grab her to take her to Kenneth?

She jumped as a warm rough hand caressed hers under the table. Her head jerked back to find Alex’s eyes upon her. He leaned toward her and whispered, “I know all of my men, Madeline.” He brushed a kiss against her forehead. “I will protect you.”

“I know, I cannot thank you enough,” Maddie said as she squeezed his hand. “You are exhausted, Alex.”

He nodded his head in agreement. “I am tired. After a bath, I will settle things with Robbie for their journey. Then I plan to sleep.” His eyes searched hers with something she didn’t recognize. “I missed you,” he whispered.

“And I missed you as well.” She cast her eyes down as the blush spread across her face.

Alex reached over and brushed the back of his hand down her cheek. “Mayhap tomorrow….” He pushed himself away from the table and walked out the door.

***

The messenger and his escorts left early in the morning. Alex toiled in the lists for several hours reviewing training with his guards. His injuries had healed for the most part. But ensuring that his men were braced for an attack was paramount at this point. Being prepared for the wedding was vital as there would be many strange faces around that day.

Ever since he had met Madeline, he found himself often distracted. Searching for Kenneth had given him much time to think about his relationship with his betrothed. Mayhap it was time to get to know her better. Then his thoughts would be a little clearer.

He had gone to Cook early and requested a basket of food to be ready for midday. He planned a little excursion and had not forewarned her intentionally. Maddie worried enough about some things and he would not add to her concerns.

As the sun reached its peak, Alex went in search of his betrothed. He found her in the solar with Alice, standing for more poking and prodding for her gown.

She wore a yellow gown that clung to her curves perfectly. After realizing he was staring at a perfect set of breasts, he forced his gaze back to her face. Her blue eyes enchanted him. What ailed him? He noticed he had trouble focusing on his men in the lists this morning. For whatever reason, he couldn’t get Maddie out of his mind since he arose. ‘Twould be a perfect day for a sojourn.

“Madeline, may I have the pleasure of your company today? Would you care to ride to the loch with me?”

“Aye, I would like that very much!” she exclaimed as she ogled her handsome betrothed’s fine form.

“Hold still, Maddie!” Alice pleaded. She sucked a finger into her mouth, obviously having stabbed herself with the needle “You must let me finish first else I will prick your pretty skin.”

“Of course, Alice. I am sorry.” She gave Alex a sheepish grin.

When she finished, Alex caught her hand in his and they strolled to the kitchen to search out Cook. With a basketful of food, they headed to the stables.