Keeper of my Heart by Laura Landon Read Free Book Online

bidding?”
    “Peace was that important to me. It still is.”
    “And the MacBride offered you peace if you would rid him of his daughter?”
    Her words held a coldness that sent a shiver down his spine. “Why do you say the laird wanted to be rid of his daughter? You were her maidservant. Was she that disagreeable, this Màiri MacBride?”
    “To her father she was. He would have given half of everything he owned to be rid of her.”
    Iain raked his fingers through his hair. Then why had the MacBrides attacked him? “If they were so desperate to have her gone, then why did they try to kill me?”
    “Are you sure it was the MacBrides who attacked you?” she asked, studying his face. “Were the men wearing MacBride colors?”
    “Nay, but who else could it have been? The MacBrides and MacAlisters have feuded for years. Mayhaps the MacBride laird is more of a traitorous coward than I thought.”
    “I do na think you can lay your friends’ deaths at the MacBride’s doorstep,” she said, looking at him through knowing eyes, the pain etched on her pale face evident. “Ewan MacBride has many reprehensible qualities but cowardice is na one of them. He is cunning and ruthless and a threat to anyone trying to take what is his, but bravery is na something he lacks. He would have worn his colors proudly so you would have na doubt as to who took your life.”
    “You sound as if you know the MacBride laird very well.”
    Màiri studied her hold on the reins, a slight color creeping to her cheeks. “As I said, I spent my whole life in the MacBride’s keep.”
    “Were you happy there?”
    Her breath caught as her cheeks paled even more. “Nay. I was na happy.”
    “I owe you, Agatha. Let me give you a home at MacAlister Castle to repay you for all you have done for me.”
    Màiri shot him a stunned look of disbelief. “Nay.”
    “Why?”
    “I do na want to live my life among strangers.”
    “You would na be a stranger for long.”
    “I will always be a stranger na matter where I go.”
    Kenneth pulled on his reins to slow his mount. “There is a spot ahead,” he said, pointing to a clearing near the stream. “We will stop there for the night.”
    The only one who objected was the girl. Even though her face was as pale as the shirt he wore and her hands shook from exhaustion, she still urged them on. “There is still a little daylight. We can go a little ways further.”
    Iain shook his head. “You are about to fall from your horse. We will still make the convent by early afternoon tomorrow even if we stop now.”
    Iain was glad Kenneth turned his mount toward the clearing, leaving the girl no choice but to follow. Once they dismounted, he helped Kenneth build a fire for warmth, then laid out their food and they ate in silence. With the cup of ale still gripped in her hand, the lass fell asleep leaning against the trunk of a tree, the food in her lap barely touched.
    Iain picked her up in his arms and placed her on the plaid Kenneth spread out by the fire then covered her with his own plaid. He was not sure he could leave her tomorrow.
    “She does na belong in the convent, Kenneth. Why is she so intent on being there?”
    Kenneth moved by the fire and added another log for warmth. “I am sure she sees it as her only choice.”
    Iain started to ask another question, but Kenneth gripped his broadsword in his hand and turned his back to him. Iain noticed, though, that Kenneth did not let the lass Agatha out of his sight, even when he slept.
    . . .
    She stood on her tiptoes to reach the latch the servant had forgotten to push down when they’d brought them their meals, and stepped out into the dark, stone corridor. Except for the rare times her mother was allowed to take her on the battlements to play in the sunshine, the four chambers in the far tower of the castle made up her entire world. In her six years, this was the first time she’d ever ventured from their rooms by herself.
    Shadows lined the stone