Under the Highlander's Spell(78)

Artair leaned over James. “I’d say Mave had something to do with you wanting to live.”

James grinned. “She’s been in my thoughts since we left the village Black, though I’ve been wondering…”

“Speak your piece,” Artair urged, sensing the man’s reluctance.

“What if I wanted to return to the village Black with Mave?”

“I would wish you both a long and happy life together.”

James sighed with relief. “Thank you, Artair, though know I would serve you if ever you should ask.”

“I had no doubt of it.”

Artair took Zia’s hand when they left the cottage.

“I heard,” she said. “It was good of you to release him to live elsewhere.”

“Actually, it is up to Cavan, but I know he would do the same, which is why James asked me first.”

“Your brother is a good and fair laird.”

“Yes he is,” Artair agreed.

“Has he asked if you’ve spoken with me?”

“Not yet. He waits, for he knows I will have an answer for him.”

“You expect me to change my mind?” she asked.

He tapped her head. “I expect that I understand my wife and trust her word.”

Zia threw her arms around him and kissed him soundly.

“Be careful,” he whispered in her ear, “or I will carry you into your healing cottage and brace the door so no one can enter until I have had my way with you.”

“Promise?” she begged breathlessly.

Artair shook his head as he pointed at her cottage. Five people were already waiting outside her door.

“Later,” she whispered, before rushing her lips across his and hurrying off to tend the ailing.

Artair entered the keep with a sense of relief and joy, hoping to find his mother and tell her all about Zia and his plans. He was certain she would be thrilled and get busy immediately with the preparations, which in turn he hoped would alleviate her sadness, if only for a while. He knew his mother felt lost at times without her husband, and while she kept her spirits up in front of everyone, suffered when alone. He worried about her, but then so did his brothers. If only Ronan would return, that would surely make all the difference to her.

“You’re wanted in the solar,” his mother said as soon as he entered the great hall.

Artair could tell by her serious expression that something was wrong, and he hurried into the solar, to find Cavan and Lachlan waiting for him.

Cavan held up a paper with an official seal. “The church council will arrive in a few days to speak with Zia in regard to claims of her being a witch.”

Artair felt as though an arrow had struck his heart. He grabbed hold of the top of a chair and took a breath. “Who do they send?”

“Bishop Edmond Aleatus,” Cavan said.

“He leads the witch hunt in this region,” Lachlan said. “Many say he is a fair man.”

“Fair to whom?” Artair asked.

“Bishop Aleatus knew Father and respected him,” Cavan said. “Once the bishop realizes it is the Sinclare family he deals with, I am sure there will be no problem.”

Artair nearly swore aloud. He knew this farce of a marriage would return to haunt him. He should have forced Zia to wed him from the start.

“Have your marriage papers ready to present to the bishop,” Cavan said to him.

“The villagers will be a help since they speak highly of Zia,” Lachlan said.

Artair listened to them talk, though he barely heard their words. He could arrange for Zia and he to exchange vows secretly, but what of the documents? The date would need to be forged, the cleric bribed, but if he learned or knew of the claims of witchcraft against Zia he would never agree. He would report the matter immediately to the church.

“Though her remarkable healing talent could work against her,” Cavan said. “For instance, James’s recovery. None expected him to survive. Many claim it a miracle.”

Lachlan shook his head. “That’s all the bishop needs to hear.”

“Artair and Zia being wed will probably do her the most good. The Sinclare name is a respected and honorable one. I doubt there are many who would go against it,” Cavan said. “And with the bishop having known father, I believe all will work out well.”

“I don’t think Artair is feeling the same way,” Lachlan said, looking at his brother.

“Don’t worry, Artair, all will be fine,” Cavan reassured.

Artair shook his head. How could he have ever been so stupid to get not only Zia but his family into such a serious situation? Reason had warned him to wed Zia, and yet he’d allowed her to have her way. And now look at the dangerous mess they were all in.