Read Online Highland Barbarian (Highlander Series) by Ruth Ryan Langan - Free Book Online

front of the fireplace. When the servants left the room, the queen commanded Meredith to begin her story.
    While the others listened in awe, Meredith detailed her father’s tragic murder and her agreement to marry Desmond MacKenzie in order to assure protection for her people.
    “Those of us who live on the Border know the danger of invasion by the English.”
    “My beloved cousin, Elizabeth of England,” Mary said through clenched teeth, “assures us that she is doing all she can to protect our land and people. And while she sends us messages of assurance, her soldiers continue to plunder.”
    Meredith was surprised at the queen’s outburst. Was the young monarch always so outspoken? Was she not aware that even in the presence of her friends her words would not be kept secret? A queen, more than any other, must guard her thoughts carefully.
    “Go on with your story,” the queen commanded.
    “Did you love Desmond MacKenzie?” Mary Fleming interrupted.
    “What nonsense, Flem,” the queen interjected. “What woman has ever been allowed to marry a man for love?”
    Stunned by the queen’s comment, Meredith openly studied the young monarch. It was common knowledge that Mary Stuart had been betrothed to Prince Edward of England when both had been mere children. But his death had released her from that bondage. The rumors had been that she was fairly happy with the young, fragile dauphin, whom she had married at the age of fifteen. But his mother, Catherine de’ Medici, had been more than happy to be rid of the headstrong Queen of Scotland upon his untimely death.
    “Well? Did you love him?”
    Meredith studied the toe of her kid slipper. “We were friends when we were children.”
    “Were you eager to wed him?” Mary Seton asked.
    “Or bed him?” Mary Fleming added.
    Meredith’s face flooded with color.
    It was the queen who came to her rescue. “This lass has not been exposed to such bold discourse. Hold your tongues and allow her to tell the story.”
    “I—was reluctant to wed Desmond. I do not think I would have ever loved him the way a woman wants to love a man. But I knew that the union would assure my people the protection of the MacKenzie armies. I would do anything for my people.”
    “Spoken like a true Scot.” The queen smiled warmly at Meredith. Despite her earlier insult, the queen admired the girl’s spirit.
    “So you were willing to wed him though you did not love him. Was he as handsome as Brice Campbell?”
    Meredith felt her cheeks growing warmer by the minute. “He was fair of face and hair. Not much more than a lad.”
    “Brice Campbell,” the queen said with a smile of appreciation, “is no lad. He is all man.” Seeing Meredith’s embarrassed flush she said with an impatient sigh, “Pray go on with your tale.”
    When Meredith described the murder of her husband at the altar, and the deception by his brother, Gareth MacKenzie, the women gasped.
    “Did Gareth not realize that he was placing your life in danger by defying Brice Campbell’s orders?”
    “I had not thought about it,” Meredith said. “It all happened so quickly. When Gareth fired the arrow I saw this giant glide through the air and take hold of me. And then I was in his arms and soaring over the heads of the people in the cathedral.”
    “How exciting.”
    “How terrifying.”
    “How romantic.”
    “Did you cry?”
    “Nay.” Meredith lifted her chin, nearly overwhelmed by these outspoken women. “I would not give Brice Campbell the pleasure of seeing me cry.”
    “Oh, how wonderful.” Queen Mary clapped her hands and urged the others to silence. “That would infuriate a man like Brice. Now you must tell us everything that happened to you since your momentous meeting with Brice Campbell.”
    “Aye. Momentous.” Meredith described her abduction, the tedious journey to the Highlands, and her attempt to kill Brice in his bed. During the entire narrative the queen’s eyes glittered with a feverish