Read Online Under the Highlander's Spell by Donna Fletcher - Free Book Online Page B

survive the difficult times.”
    â€œHow can you believe that?”
    â€œHow can you believe such fantasy?” he asked.
    She sighed. “It is not fantasy to me.”
    â€œYou’re not being logical,” he said.
    She tapped his chest. “Precisely.”
    He laughed. “You make no sense and are proud of it?”
    â€œI most certainly am.”
    He scratched his head. “We are of different opinions. I reason with my mind, you reason with your heart.”
    A sudden frown surfaced on her face and while he thought she would argue with him she remained silent in thought until her expression turned troubled.
    â€œYou think little of love,” she said.
    â€œI think highly of love. I just approach love differently than you, with more sense and reason.”
    â€œYou think me a fool?” she asked bluntly.
    He was quick to correct her. “I didn’t say that.”
    â€œBut if, as you suggest, I don’t speak with reason, then I must speak foolishly.”
    â€œYou twist my words.”
    She smiled. “I clarify them.”
    He grinned. “You are quick-witted.”
    Her smile broadened. “I am knowledgeable.”
    â€œThen perhaps it would do me good to think over your words,” he said.
    â€œA wise choice,” she said with a nod, and walked off.
    He smiled, admiring her opinion on love even if it was unreasonable. Love required sensibility if it were to survive. He saw that with his father and mother. They did what was necessary. He wanted the same, a dependable union.
    Artair followed after her. “Are there more plants to gather?”
    â€œYou don’t need to help me. Take the time to think about love.”
    â€œI can do both. Besides, I enjoy helping you. Just tell me what to do.”
    â€œTruly?”
    He smiled at her teasing glint. “Within reason.”
    She sighed and shook her head, though the glint remained. “Too bad.”
    â€œFor you or me?”
    â€œFor both of us.” She turned and walked away swallowed by the dense foliage.
    She taunted him and it worked, and made him follow her yet again. He disappeared after her and found her near a stream, harvesting another plant with her tender touch.
    â€œPudding grass,” she said without looking up at him.
    He noticed the change in her before he hunched down beside her. She was focused intently on her chore and working as usual with a delicate touch.
    â€œIt makes a good stuffing mixed with honey and has good healing properties when brewed, though caution must be taken with it.”
    Following her directions, he helped her pick the hairy leaves and after they finished they sat by the stream beside each other. There was so much he could say to her and yet he chose to say nothing. He simply enjoyed sitting beside her in silence.
    â€œWhat is it you are looking for here?” she asked.
    He glanced over at her and wondered himself. Was he remaining because of his brother or because of her? He couldn’t answer, and that disturbed him. He turned and focused on her eyes, always so passionately bright. “I’m not sure.”
    â€œThen you should remain here until you are.”
    â€œI was thinking the same myself.”

Chapter 8
    Z ia yawned and attempted to stretch the exhaustion out of her body. After a lovely supper with her grandmother and Artair, she had hoped for some quiet time alone with him. She had no idea why she was attracted to Artair. She liked that he was considerate and intelligent and also charming, but she believed he reasoned more than necessary.
    How could anyone rationalize love? The idea still had her shaking her head.
    Another yawn reminded her why her plans had changed. The barbarian developed a fever, and it had taken hours of constant care to make certain he didn’t succumb to it. He was resting now, spent from his ordeal.
    Zia wandered outside the cottage, the late summer night cool and the dark sky clear, every