Kill or Be Kilt by Victoria Roberts Read Free Book Online Page B

were sticking up on the back of his neck.
    A shrill scream pierced the air.
    * * *
    A fallow deer jumped onto the path, and Ian withdrew his sword.
    Elizabeth covered her mouth, but it was too late. When she spotted the animal, a laugh escaped her. “Are you still hungry, Laird Munro? I could always ask the cook to prepare more food for you.”
    He sheathed his weapon. “Your screams did nae help matters. Ye may think ye’re comical, lass, but let me assure ye that ye’re nae.”
    â€œThe deer startled me. Please accept my apologies.” She turned her head away to hide her smile.
    They walked into a clearing and followed the dirt path up a hill. When they reached the top, she gestured to the view before her. “Isn’t it beautiful? This was what I wanted to show you.”
    The open lands that encircled the pond were covered with grasses and other soft, green plants. As a hawk glided fluidly through the air, she stole a glance at Ian. He stood tall, unwavering, and his expression remained impassive.
    â€œI know the water is nothing in comparison to your Scottish lochs, but I thought you’d enjoy the view nevertheless.”
    He finally graced her with a smile. “Thank ye, Lady Elizabeth. Your thoughtfulness means a great deal to me. Did ye come here as a child? I mean to say, before ye came to Scotland.”
    â€œYes, I often came here with my sisters and have many fond memories of this very spot. Not that you’d be interested, but wildflowers grow in the valley below during the late summer solstice. We used to pick them for my mother’s table.”
    â€œWhy did ye come all this way and nae pick the blooms from your mother’s own garden?”
    â€œI think my mother enjoyed when my sisters and I were away from the house at times. She would ask us to do tasks around my father’s lands, often coming up with ideas to keep us occupied so we wouldn’t be causing mischief, especially Grace and Ravenna.” Elizabeth gave him a knowing look. “But I’m not certain her efforts worked because one of us was usually in trouble.”
    There was a heavy silence.
    â€œWould nae ye rather travel with your sisters to pay your respects to your aunt on the morrow? I’m certain she’d want to visit with ye after Mildmay… ’Tis nae too late to change your mind.” As if he was guarding a secret, his expression was closed.
    â€œWhy, Laird Munro? Do you want me to change my mind?”
    He shrugged, casually resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. “I know ye are nae going to favor court, lass. Men and women are there for a purpose. They seek the king’s favor and will nae think twice about stabbing anyone in the back to get it.”
    She leaned toward him and spoke in a low tone, as if she was telling him a secret of her own. “Truth be told, I’m not worried. What could possibly go wrong? I’ll have three Highland warriors there to protect me from the vultures and to see that no one stabs me in the back. Besides, I’m not going to seek His Majesty’s favor.” She met his eyes and smiled. “I’m going to dance.”
    He chuckled.
    â€œDo you dance, Laird Munro?”
    â€œNae even under the threat of death. We’d better return before darkness falls.”
    As Elizabeth walked back to the manor house with Ian by her side, she felt as though she was in a wonderful dream and didn’t want to wake up. Her eyes wandered from his handsome face down his massive frame. She’d spent endless nights picturing times like these in her mind. That’s another reason why she wanted to attend court. She needed to move forward with her life and couldn’t keep dwelling on something that could never be.
    They continued silently on the dirt path. No sooner did they cross the drawbridge when Ravenna approached.
    â€œElizabeth, may I speak with you for a moment?”
    â€œYes, of course. Pray