Read Online Highlander's Promise by Donna Fletcher - Free Book Online Page A

him. “How many troops?” he asked as soon as Sloan entered.
    “A large contingent.”
    “Is the King with them?”
    “Not that we can see.”
    “How long before they arrive?”
    “An hour maybe less,” Sloan informed him.
    “Alert everyone to their arrival and see that everything is made ready. I will meet you in the Great Hall in a few minutes.”
    Sloan nodded and left the room.
    Dawn hurried out of bed and over to her husband.
    He took her in his arms. “This was not how I wanted to wake beside you this morning.” He smiled at her short, quick gesture. “You are right. We woke beside each other and that is all that matters.” He kissed her gently. “But I had not planned on sleeping through the entire night.”
    She smiled, tapped her chest and shook her head, letting him know that she had not as well.
    “It would seem we both needed the rest.”
    Dawn agreed with a nod.
    “I promise, tonight will be different.”
    Her smile faded.
    “I am hurt, wife, that you do not believe me,” he said teasingly, knowing it was not his words that had stolen her smile.
    She tapped his chest, then hers and crossed two fingers tightly and shook her head firmly.
    He understood full well what she was telling him. She would not see them separated again. He felt the same, but how could he promise her when he was not sure if he would be able to keep the promise?
    “I will do my best not to be separated from you and you will do your best to obey me.”
    She gestured quickly.
    Cree scowled. “You can make no promise to obey me?”
    She shook her head and with firm gestures, as if showing her anger, she let him know that she would not let the King himself take him from her.
    Another knock sounded before Sloan called out, “Minnoch is a day’s ride from here.”
    “I will be right there,” Cree shouted and stepped away from his wife to hurry and finish dressing.
    Dawn felt a chill race over her, prickling her arms with gooseflesh. With Minnoch and the King’s guard so close, she feared what might happen.
    Cree took her in his arms once again. “Do you have faith in me, Dawn?”
    She did not hesitate to nod her head.
    “Then do not worry and do not make me worry.” He kissed her quick and left with haste.
    Dawn slipped on a robe and hurried off to feed the twins.
    ~~~
    The Great Hall was chaotic with servants bustling about, but Flanna had it well in hand. Delicious scents wafted down the passageway that kept the kitchen separated from the keep and had Cree’s stomach grumbling. Their visitors would feast well today.
    Cree made his way through the chaos searching for Sloan and when he spotted him, he was surprised to see the Earl of Kellmara standing beside him.”
    “And do what do we owe this visit, Kellmara?” Cree said when he reached the two men.
    Kellmara turned to greet Cree. Age showed in his pure white hair that skimmed his shoulders and on his face, though it did not diminish his handsome features and bold blue eyes. He was tall, though not as tall as Cree and his body muscled and firm for a man his age. Cree could see where his sister got some of her fine features.
    “Torr made me aware of your situation and I came to offer my help.” Kellmara said.
    Cree laughed. “You mean you made sure to put distance between my sister and yourself.”
    Kellmara shook his head, though smiled. “I would rather fight to the death here, than face my daughter when she finds out that no one informed her of her brother’s dire situation.” His smile was replaced by concern. “Wintra continues to feel poorly and I am very grateful that my son-in-law is courageous enough not to let my daughter know what goes on with her brother or there would be no stopping her from riding here. But tell me, how may I be of help to you?”
    The three men sat at a table and Cree explained the situation to Kellmara.
    “This is more troublesome than I thought,” Kellmara said. “With the King’s troops arriving shortly and Minnoch a day