To his surprise, she pushed him away. “Nephew, William and I are having a delightful time. Right, William?”

“We only stay here to talk. I will make certain your aunt seeks her chamber.” William met Alex’s eyes without flinching. “Alone.”

When Alex raised his brow at his aunt, she smirked, shooing him away. “Please, Nephew. ’Tis been a long time since I required a chaperone.” And with that, Aunt Iseabail promptly ignored him and continued her conversation with William. “Now what was I speaking of?”

Alex knew when he wasn’t wanted. Recognizing that sleep would not come, he wasn’t ready to seek his bed and walked out into the bailey. Against the far wall, John spoke in raised tones with Ian. When John threw his hands up in the air, Alex knew something was amiss.

He approached his men and John’s words were hostile. Ian received a verbal thrashing and looked none too pleased.

“What the hell is going on?” asked Alex. “I can hear ye from across the bailey.”

At the sound of his voice, Ian turned. “My laird, the MacKenzie has sought his chamber, but I cannae find the MacKenzie’s son.”

* * *

“Colin, what do ye think ye are doing?” Sybella scolded him, pulling her arm out of her brother’s grasp.

Colin lit the candle and she glanced around. Several pieces of unfinished embroidery were laid upon the table, and a handful of dresses were thrown carelessly on the bed. The room was smaller than hers but just as enchanting. The dark wooden frame of the bed and the ornate furnishings complemented one another. And with bunches of floral stems that were placed upon the mantel, Sybella knew in an instant whose chamber this was.

“What are ye doing in here?” she asked, her voice unintentionally going up a notch.

“I was searching for you,” Colin responded with returning impatience.

“Searching for me? Why would ye be searching for me in Aunt Iseabail’s chamber? I will have the truth, Brother.”

His stare drilled into her and he cleared his throat. “I didnae know it was her room.”

“Ye didnae know,” she repeated.

“Aye, ye heard me. What other reason would I have to be in her chamber, Ella?”

She walked around him. “Let me tell ye what I think.”

“Ye always do,” Colin murmured under his breath.

“Surely ye arenae so bold as to search for the stone before I am wed. Ye told me as much. That being said, I think ye cannae help but sneak around Glengarry and wonder how Kintail compares,” she simply stated.

He held up his hands. “Aye, ye found me out. Can we please take our leave now before we are discovered?”

She gave a brief nod. “That would probably be best. If we were to be discovered and Father found out ye—”

“Exactly. Let us seek your chamber. I would like to know what kind of poverty my sister is living in,” he said in a jesting tone. He opened the door and gestured her through as he blew out the candle.

They walked down the hall and entered Sybella’s bedchamber. She had just closed the door when Colin smirked. “There is nay way this is your chamber, Sister.”

“What do ye mean? Of course this is my chamber.”

He spoke in his casual, jesting way. “’Tis far too clean to be your room, Ella.”

She tossed a pillow at him and he caught it with one hand. He placed the pillow back on the bed and sat down beside her. His eyes had a burning, faraway look in them.

“What is it, Colin?”

“Are ye going to be all right here with the MacDonell? I would expect the truth.”

His smile was almost apologetic, and she punched him playfully in the arm. “Is that what is troubling ye? In truth, I am nae thrilled to be the MacDonell’s wife, but as I told ye before, I will do what is expected of me. Like all things in life, I am sure I will grow accustomed.”

“Do ye mean that?”

“I wouldnae speak the words if they werenae the truth.” She couldn’t figure out if Colin’s concern was that of an older brother or if there was some other meaning to his words or lack thereof. He was always direct with her and never made a play upon his words—yet, she had an underlying feeling something was off. “Are ye certain that is all that troubles ye?”

He hesitated, studying her for a moment. “I am only concerned for your welfare. Father made this alliance for the sole purpose of finding the stone. ’Tis dangerous, Ella. I want ye to be careful and donna be so quick to search for the stone. It will probably take the MacDonell a little while to lower his guard around ye. Give him time to know ye, and I am sure he will be besotted.” He smiled warmly. “Most importantly, earn his trust. Make him realize that his wife stands by his side. I know it may be difficult for ye, but be a dutiful wife and please try to hold your tongue.”

“This is the second time ye and Father have made such a reminder. Why do I get the feeling ye donna trust me to take this responsibility seriously? I am a MacKenzie. I know what is to be gained from recovering the stone.” When his eyes flashed with the same familiar display of impatience, she added, “But I understand what ye mean. I will make certain I have the MacDonell’s trust before I start to search for the stone so he isnae suspicious of me.”

Colin kissed her on the cheek and then rose. “I will see ye in a few hours for your wedding, Sister. Try to get some rest.” He was about to open the door when she spoke.

“And Colin?”

He turned around and raised his brow. “Aye?”

“Seek your own chamber and stop your wanderings lest we both find ourselves upon the gallows.”

He rolled his eyes and closed the door behind him.

* * *

“Where the hell is he?” asked Alex for the hundredth time.

“Donna worry. We will find him,” said John reassuringly.

“And ye searched the chambers?”

“Aye.”

“The bailey, stables, parapet.” Alex knew there was no need to continue because Colin MacKenzie had simply walked into the great hall. Turning to John, Alex snarled, “Make sure Ian keeps a firm watch on the MacKenzie’s son now. I will see ye on the morrow or in a few short hours.”

Alex reached the hall to his chamber. When he heard laughter, he glanced up as Aunt Iseabail and William walked from the other end of the hall, arm in arm. Alex made a mad dash inside his bedchamber and closed the door. When William’s voice carried through the hall, Alex couldn’t help himself and he paused inside the door.

“Lady Iseabail, I must thank ye for a most enjoyable evening. I havenae had the pleasure of such delightful company for quite some time.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed your company as well, William. Ye have many entertaining stories. I am especially fond of your tales as a young lad. They were verra charming.”

“’Tis been my pleasure. I shall see ye on the morrow for the wedding.”

“Aye, the wedding. We have waited so long for Dòmhnall to wed, and frankly, I ne’er thought it would happen. My husband and I are verra proud of him.”

William paused and Alex cringed. But he had to give William credit when the MacKenzie man simply made a polite farewell and left his aunt to her own devices. Poor Aunt Iseabail. Alex wished he could cease his aunt’s memory lapses, but at least she was otherwise healthy and happy.

He finally crawled into bed only to find himself staring at the ceiling. When he grew tired of that, he gazed at the wall. He lay in the drowsy warmth of his bed, thinking. He wasn’t sure how long he had remained in the same position when an image popped into his mind.

Five years ago, Alexander first laid eyes on the fair-colored lass with her golden tresses and dusty rose cheeks. She was going to jump from the top of the waterfall. Alex admired a lass who showed some bollocks. Of course, that was before he realized the wily female was a dreaded MacKenzie. At the time, he could not say what had surprised him more. The fact that the damn MacKenzies stepped foot on his father’s land or his own brazen mockery of kissing his enemy’s daughter.

The lass had barely spoken with him this eve, but he knew he hadn’t really gone out of his way to initiate conversation with her, either. He probably should have made more of an effort, been more attentive. Sybella said she had a headache. Perhaps he should show her some kindness and ask if she needed anything—well, if she was still awake.

Alex threw the covers from the bed and stood. Hastily, he donned his kilt. He walked toward the adjoining door, completely aware that the headstrong MacKenzie lass probably had it barred. He was momentarily taken aback when he tried the latch and found it unlocked. He knocked softly and then slowly pushed open the door.

One bedside candle remained lit, illuminating Sybella’s long golden tresses. He stood close to the edge of the bed and simply watched her. Her nightrail had slipped down over her shoulder and displayed the milky color of her skin. Her hair tumbled carelessly down her back, and her seductive young body and wholesome good looks tightened his groin.

Her smooth skin glowed with pale undertones, and her cheeks were of rose and pearl. She looked more delicate and ethereal than ever. The prolonged anticipation of touching her was almost unbearable.

He stepped forward and extended his fingers over the contours of her shapely figure. He was close enough that he could almost caress her. When reality sunk in, Alex hastily pulled back his hand, knowing the mere touch of her body would be his undoing. With one last look, he lazily appraised her.

She was beautiful. And in a few hours she would be his.

He walked back through the adjoining door and gently closed it behind him—completely unaware that Sybella’s eyes were open.