Chapter Thirteen

I t was late afternoon, and Nala had managed to avoid everyone. Wishing to spend time with Sencha, they took their midday meal in the sitting room upstairs away from the others to talk privately.

In the years Nala was gone, Sencha's life had changed dramatically. Her father had died unexpectedly. A tragic accident. He'd been shot through by an errant arrow while out hunting. Then Sencha's brother had left to find his own fortune, leaving Sencha and her mother to wrestle with their home and surrounding small plot of land. Thankfully, Nala's parents had helped them, sending over their own workers to help.

Over the years, Sencha's brother had made enough to afford them more land and the ability to hire workers and servants. The house, which had fallen into disrepair had a pair of rooms added and was now a proud home.

Sencha and her mother lived alone, with visitors for company. As a result, Sencha was a lonely lass, who delighted in the company of anyone who stopped by.

"I must return home today," Sencha said, a sad expression on her face. "Knox is going on patrol near my house and has graciously offered to take me."

Nala gave her friend a knowing look. "Should I expect anything will come of it?" Nala asked knowing Sencha had admired the handsome archer for many years. "Ye ken he is a rogue, not soon to settle."

Letting out a long breath, her friend nodded. "I am aware and remind myself that he sees me only as a friend."

"The same with Alexander," Nala said. "No matter the kisses, he will remain duty bound to the clan. He will never be mine."

Sencha looked to the doorway before speaking. "He and Leah Grant went for a walk earlier and returned arm in arm. I saw it with my own eyes. Immediately upon their entrance, Lady Ross and he went away from the room to speak. I am sure a betrothal will soon be announced. Ye must prepare yerself."

The tightening of her chest made Nala flinch. How had she allowed her feelings for him to deepen? Why hadn't she guarded her heart more? "Dinnae fret dear friend. I can take care of myself. Ye ken me, I am an independent sort."

The look Sencha gave her spoke volumes. She saw past Nala's outward expression. "I wish I could remain here. But Mother will be frantic. This is already the longest I've been away from her since…" She didn't finish the sentence as she rarely spoke of her father's passing.

Nala smiled at Sencha. "Ye care too much for the well-being of others. I will ask to return home soon. There are no prospects here for marriage. The warrior Hendry has nae sought me out again."

"What of the Grant's sons?" Sencha became animated. "They are very handsome. Perhaps the eldest, Connor. He will be laird one day and ye are a member of Clan Ross, which would be helpful in the clan's alliance."

Nala was taken aback, her eyes widening. "Do ye think Lady Ross or Alexander have considered it?"

"Perhaps. Yer father spent time speaking with Laird Grant. Yer lands do border each other's. I dare to say, yer father has in all probability considered it already."

"Oh, dear." Nala thought about it and the idea of marriage to Connor Grant would not be horrible. He was, as Sencha mentioned, very handsome.

Knox sent someone else to escort Sencha home, which made her friend sad and Nala angry at the man. Nonetheless, her friend seemed in good spirits as she rode away, riding with a young guard. After seeing Sencha off, Nala returned to the great room finding it empty.

"Everyone is outside watching the competition," a maid offered. It would be impolite to remain secluded, so Nala went back outside and around to the practice field.

It was an archery competition, which made it clear why Knox had not gone on patrol, since he was an archer.

"Come lass," Lady Ross called out waving her to a covered area, specially built for spectators during contests of all sorts.

Nala glanced at Leah and her mother. Only Lady Grant greeted her. Leah pretended to be engrossed in watching the men preparing to shoot their arrows.

Cynden stepped up to the line, eyed the target and shot. Everyone clapped and he bowed sweeping an arm over his head dramatically. His arrow did not hit the center of the target, which meant he would in all probability not win. It was a friendly competition as the men laughed and patted his back.

When Connor stepped to the line, he turned toward where the women sat and bowed his head, then scanned their faces. "I dedicate this winning shot to my beautiful mother."

The men shook their heads at the antics. Just then the man's blue eyes hesitated on Nala, and he gave her a wink. Nala wasn't sure it was meant for her, but then Ainslie nudged her, giggling. "The handsome man has taken notice of ye," she whispered with a grin.

As Connor turned and readied to take his shot, Nala looked over to find Alexander frowning in her direction. As she sat on the edge of the bench, next to Ainslie, it was obvious he was looking at her.

Nala let out a huff. "Is he glaring at me?" she asked Ainslie in a soft whisper. "Or is he cross with ye?"

"He must have noticed what Connor did." Ainslie clapped when the others did, and Nala followed suit although she'd not seen anything. "Ye, my dear, are the object of two men's affections it seems."

"I am nae," Nala said, unable to keep a smile from her lips.

Alexander took his turn. Unlike the others, he didn't address the spectators. He simply walked to the line and shot. His arrow was carried by a sudden gust of wind, and it plunged into the outer circle of the target.

The men roared with laughter, offering him a second try. Alexander's lips curved and he began laughing, deep dimples appearing on his cheeks. Nala did her best not to gawk at the handsome man, who she'd not seen laugh since returning. He declined the offer stating he'd still beaten Cynden.

When Knox took his turn, everyone silenced. It was well known that he was probably one of the best archers, if not the best, on the isle.

He stood straight and turned to look at Lady Ross. "Dear Aunt, who's arrow would ye like me to split?"

There was good-natured laughter as Lady Ross pretended to ponder the question. "Ye cannae split Connor's as he is our guest. I challenge ye to split Alex's arrow."

After offering a jaunty nod, the archer turned to face the target. Not taking more than a split second, he released one arrow and then a second. The first split Alexander's, the second splitting Connor's.

This time the applause was loud, everyone marveling at Knox's archery skills. He definitely was a talented archer, with eyes like those of an eagle.

"That was unbelievable," Nala said to Ainslie, who nodded in agreement.

"No matter how many times I see him in competition, his skills truly amaze me."

The contest continued and Nala became enthralled. The Grant twins were archers, and they too were very good. They elicited quite a bit of applause and cheers when taking their turns against a couple of clan Ross archers.

It was hard for Alexander to keep his attention on the competition whilst also dividing his attention between Nala and Connor. He was certain the man had made some sort of motion to Nala by her and Ainslie's reactions. Had he missed something? Perhaps Nala had an interaction with the man earlier that gave the impression she was interested in his attention.

He walked over to Knox who was still gloating over his accomplishment and hit his cousin's shoulder. "Ye should nae have split our visitor's arrow."

Knox shrugged. "I dinnae want them to think they are better than us. I could have hit the very center of the target, that would have still beat him and his brothers."

Just then an arrow whizzed by hitting the very center of the target. A hush fell over the crowd as they searched for who had shot.

Gasps sounded as a second flew past splitting Knox's arrow.

Everything stilled as every head turned to find Nala standing with her bow lifted as she notched a third arrow. She loosed the arrow and despite a slight breeze still managed to hit the center circle of the target.

Not only had she bested the other archers, but she stood at a farther distance.

Then at the crowd's applause, she bowed theatrically. After giving her quiver and arrows to a lad who hurried over, she rejoined Ainslie and his mother.

He and Knox exchanged looks. His cousin let out a long breath. "Do ye think she is who's been the mysterious rescuer against the attackers?"

Alexander shook his head. "At the moment, I can only think that a lass just bested all the archers and am nae sure how to proceed."

Nala was sure she'd just outed herself and those in the know were already sure of her role in helping the victims of the attackers. She shouldn't have done it, but it had been excruciating to remain on the sidelines and not compete.

Ainslie's wide grin and Lady Ross' compliments made her feel better. Still, she wondered if she'd overstepped by what she'd done.

"Dinnae fret," Lady Ross said seeming to read her thoughts. "Men should ken we are capable of more than stirring a pot and thrusting a needle through fabric."

"I agree," Ainslie said. "I will have to ask that ye tutor me in archery. I have done it before but am nae nearly as skilled as ye."

By the time the competition ended, it was time for last meal.

"I will order the food be served," Lady Ross said making her way down from where they sat.

"I will go with ye," Lady Grant said and turned to Leah. "Come along dear."

The women walked away, and Nala went to follow, but Ainslie held her back. "Someone wishes to speak to ye."

Nala allowed Ainslie to tug her to the side of the tent, then stood confused when Ainslie sauntered away. There was no one heading in her direction. The Grant and his sons were in conversation with Knox and Cynden.

"A word," Alexander said taking her arm and guiding her away from the others. They didn't stop walking until reaching the side garden.

"I can explain," Nala said, expecting to be admonished.

Instead of answering, he asked a question. "Have ye spoken to Connor Grant? It seems ye have garnered his attention."

Surprised at the direction of his question, Nala was confused. "I am nae opposed to marrying him," Nala blurted. "Our lands border and Father seemed to like the laird."

For a long moment, Alexander stared at her, as if at a loss for words. Neither did he seem angry or glad, his expression gave away nothing.

Nala had to break the silence. "I had nae heard ye laugh since I returned. It was good to see ye in good spirits during the archery challenge."

The muscle on the side of his face, at the jawline, twitched. He was grinding his teeth. Obviously he wasn't happy with her.

"Say something," Nala said. "Are ye cross with me about my participating in the competition without being invited?"

"Of course not, why would I be?" Alexander replied. "I knew ye were good, but I was nae aware of how precise yer shooting is. It will be good to ken ye can defend me if the need arises."

She fought the urge to grin and hug him. "Ye wished to speak to me. What is it that ye wanted to talk to me about?"

Alexander's brow fell into a frown, his eyes searching her face. In that moment, the thought of their shared kisses and the one intimate moment flashed in her mind. She ached to reach out, to kiss and caress him.

"The archer…" Alexander began.

Nala's stomach sank. If he asked if she was the mysterious archer who rescued people, he'd probably tell her parents. It would mean her freedom would definitely be taken from her.

"I came to fetch ye. Yer mother wishes for us to join her for honeyed mead in the parlor," Leah interrupted threading her arm through Alexander's. She gave Nala a flat look. "Ye too, I suppose."

Despite wishing to storm away from them, Nala forced a soft smile. "It will be my pleasure."

Leah's eyebrows rose when Nala joined them walking on the opposite side of Alexander.

"May I inquire why ye are here?" Leah said, peering at Nala. "Do ye not have a home?"

"Nala and I have known each other since childhood," Alexander replied in a curt tone. Nala wasn't sure if he was more annoyed with her or Leah. She guessed it was herself.

He continued, "Our families are very close."

"I am here to visit," Nala interjected. "To become reacquainted with the Ross family after being gone to England for ten years."

Leah gave a soft huff. "Strange that ye didnae marry after so many seasons in England. It is rare for a woman to be alone at yer age."

If not for the barrier of Alexander between them, Nala would have yanked the woman by the hair and slapped her silly.

"It was my choice. English men cannae compare to Scottish men. They are soft and pampered," Nala replied truthfully.

Alexander turned and gave her an amused look and then addressed Leah. "Would ye consider yer brothers to be pampered, Leah?"

"Of course not," Leah retorted. "They are warriors through and through. Of good stock like all of the Grant clan's men."

Once again he directed a glance to Nala. "Ye must be relieved to hear that."

"What do ye mean by that?" Leah asked stopping. "Why would she be relieved?" she asked.

Neither Alexander nor Nala replied. Instead, he motioned for Leah to enter the house. Then Nala—who pretended to stumble—promptly stomped on his foot.

When he grunted, she gave him an innocent look. "I apologize, Laird".

Throughout the entire meal, Alexander ignored everyone but the visiting laird. Nala kept an eye on Leah wondering what the woman planned to do after the meal. She'd probably come up with a reason to get him alone so they could discuss their betrothal and perhaps even kiss him.

The more Nala considered it, the angrier she got. It wasn't her place to be upset. Nothing could be done about the fact that thoughts of them hurt. Somehow she had to take control of her emotions. Things like this were bound to happen, she'd always known Alexander would only marry for the benefit of the clan.

Nala leaned over to speak to Lady Ross. "I am going to seek my bed. I feel a bit tired."

"Of course lass," Lady Ross looked at her with curiosity. "Would ye like me to send a maid up with some warm cider perhaps?"

What she needed was to be left alone. Nala shook her head. "I see one now. I will ask her myself. Thank ye."

After bidding a good night to Lady Grant and Leah, who looked her up and down and then turned to look where Alexander spoke to Laird Grant.

In her bedchamber, Nala stalked from one side to the other until a knock on her door startled her. She opened it to find a chambermaid who ushered in two red-faced lads carrying a wooden tub. "Lady Ross asked that we bring ye a bath to help soothe ye."

A warm bath would surely help, Nala thought as she moved aside to allow more maids with buckets of water to enter.

It was much later that she climbed out of the bath. She'd told the maids to wait until the next day to come for it. That way she could stay in as long as possible.

Standing before the hearth, the coolness of the room brought shivers. What was Alexander doing at the moment? Was he with Leah? What if… She turned away from the fire, exasperated at the direction of her thoughts and pulled on her nightshift.

It was best to climb into her bed and try to sleep.

Nala brushed her damp hair, taming the curls with practiced twisting as she bent before the fire so that the heat would help it dry.

Her gaze kept going to the door.

Alexander would never be hers. The sooner she accepted it, the better.