Returning my lands was something which would cost the other Clans nothing in in terms of money. There were more than few muttered whispers indicating that they were calculating the risks but, with so many eyes watching, they couldn’t deny Byron. He knew it, I knew it and everyone else knew it too.

When Aifric got to his feet, he didn’t glance at his son as he addressed the crowd stiffly. ‘The Chieftains grant Byron Moncrieffe this prize,’ he said. He bowed once as everyone roared in approval.

I turned to Byron but he resolutely avoided my gaze. He folded his arms across his chest and nodded at Carnegie.

‘In that case,’ the MC boomed, ‘I declare these Games over!’

The audience rose to their feet. Everyone was yelling and clapping but Byron was already striding back off the stage. I stood up hastily, pushed back my chair and ran after him.

I spun past Carnegie, who hissed something under his breath. I didn’t pay any attention to him, he wasn’t important.

‘Byron!’ I called. He kept walking, not even turning his head to acknowledge me. I caught up with him and grabbed his arm. I could feel his muscles under my fingers.

‘You got what you wanted, Integrity,’ he said, without looking at me. ‘Be happy.’

‘But…’ I gasped, shaking my head in confusion, ‘but why?’

A muscle worked in his jaw. ‘Because it was the right thing to do.’ He wrenched his arm away from me.

‘Your Clan. The money you need…’

His head turned and his eyes met mine for a second. ‘There’s always another way.’ His mouth tugged up at the corner. ‘Right?’

I licked my lips. ‘Right.’ His words didn’t alter my disbelief. ‘Uh, thank you. Thank you so much.’

He looked as if he wanted to say something else.

‘Byron!’ Aifric was standing at the end of the corridor. I shivered involuntarily. ‘This doesn’t concern you, Miss Adair,’ he said. ‘I would like to talk to my son.’

Irritation flooded me; he had the knack of showing up at the worst possible moments. Why couldn’t Byron see the truth about his father?

‘Go, Integrity,’ Byron muttered.

I gritted my teeth then nodded. ‘Fine. I’ll leave you in peace.’ I flicked a look at Aifric. ‘There’s just one thing though, Steward.’

He glanced at me. ‘Yes?’

‘It’s Chieftain Adair.’

And then I smiled.

Thank you so much for reading Honour Bound! I really hope you enjoyed it. It would mean a huge amount if you could leave a review – any and all feedback is so very, very welcome and hugely important for independent authors like myself.

Find out more about me and my books, as well as the chance to sign up for my newsletter at http://helenharper.co.uk

The third book in the Highland Magic series, Veiled Threat, will be released on May 29th, 2016.

About the Author

After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That’s not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door!