Highland Heather - Highland Heather Part 90
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Highland Heather Part 90

He would not mourn. She was not worth it.

Anger replaced the pain of a moment ago. Wild, surging anger. She had not loved him. She had never loved him. If she had, she would have not found another lover so soon. She had merely used him. Used his friendship with the queen to secure her freedom.

"I hope you will give the Lady Brenna my best wishes."

"You can give them to her yourself," Meredith said gently. She had read the pain in his eyes. Her heart went out to this Englishman. He was so fierce. And so wounded.

"Brenna has gone to a favorite place to be alone before the wedding."

"It does not matter, my lady. I must rejoin my men on the other side of the river."

"Aye. I understand," Meredith said softly.

"But Brenna would wish to see you, to thank you for all you did for her."

"I need no thanks from her."

"Brice will show you the way," Meredith said as if he had not even spoken.

Morgan watched as the Highlander pulled himself onto a horse and took off at a run. And though he had no intention of following, Morgan found himself doing just that.

The Highlander never paused, never looked back. His mount raced across the rolling hills, then began a steep upward climb. They crossed a farmer's field, and the Highlander waved to the man and his family before disappearing into the woods. Morgan followed. When they finally left the forest, they stepped out into a field of heather.

Morgan stared out at the sea of blue. In the gentle breeze,

the blossoms waved and nodded, giving off their wonderful perfume. He breathed it in, filling his lungs. It seemed appropriate that he should come upon her again in this field of Highland heather. For it was here that he would always see this haughty, regal woman. His mind went back to the first time he had been here. He could still see Brenna, looking so small and alone as she bravely tried to outrun him.

What an amazing woman she was.

He glanced around. The Highlander was nowhere to be seen. Shielding his eyes from the sun, he stared out at the expanse of blue. In the middle of the field stood a figure, gowned in white.

His heart began to race. Urging his mount forward he drank in the sight of her. How beautiful she was, with the proud, haughty lift of her head, that cool demeanor.

"Brenna."

At the sound of his voice she turned slightly. Her lips parted in a smile.

"Morgan. The queen said you would come."

"The queen." A little frown touched his brow.

"When did you see the queen?"

"She arrived only hours ago."

"Here? She is here in Scotland?"

"Aye. She came for my wedding."

His eyes narrowed. How could she speak so lightly of something that would tear out his heart?

"You did not wait long, my lady."

"I waited too long. But my lover was away, putting down some unrest."

"He is a soldier?"

"Aye." She stepped closer, and he watched the way the white gown fluttered about her ankles.

"I never knew you were such a cruel woman, Brenna."

"If one is to lead her people, she must harden her heart to many things. Your queen told me that."

"Elizabeth is a remarkable woman. But I would not have her for a wife."

"I would hope not, my lord."

He glanced sharply at her. She was making no sense. "A man can have but one wife. And you are already spoken for."

"I? Nay, I have no wife."

"But you shall very soon."

He saw the curve of her lips as she gave a delighted laugh. And then he understood. Still, he had to be certain.

He slid from the saddle but did not make a move toward her.

"What are you saying, Brenna?"

"It was important for me to return to my people a free woman. And it was equally important to be able to choose my own husband. It is the way of the MacAlpins."

The relief he was beginning to feel gave him renewed courage. The light of teasing laughter came into his eyes, warming his voice.

"What if this husband you choose does not return your ardor?"

"Ah, but he does, my lord. I would not be foolish enough to choose a mate who would not want me."

"Perhaps he has had a bad experience that has left him embittered."

"I would heal his heart."

"Perhaps his duties will take him far from his home."

"I will wait for him. Unless, of course, he wishes me to accompany him."

"Perhaps he swears allegiance to a queen other than yours."

"Then I will swear my allegiance as well."