When Alex stormed away with her stepfather, she turned to Robbie. “What is the matter with him? I’ve never seen him like this.” Alex wasn’t foolhardy, but taking on the greatest swordsman in Christendom certainly qualified.

Robbie just shook his head. “He’s lost his bloody mind. He’s been out of control like this since he found out you were taken. Never thought I’d see the day.”

From the way he smiled, he actually seemed pleased by the whole thing.

It was from Robbie that she learned some of the details that Alex had left out, most important how his turning had come at a key moment in the battle when the king had been about to retreat. It was Alex’s timely intelligence and persuasiveness that had convinced Bruce to stay and fight.

She would have told Alex how proud she was of him, but he was locked in another confrontation. This time with her stepfather.

Good gracious, that didn’t take long! Alex and Lachlan’s temporary alliance hadn’t lasted all of about five minutes. She had just sat down to eat some of the beef and cheese that Alex had left her, when she noticed the two men arguing.

From the way they occasionally glanced in her direction, she didn’t need to guess what they were arguing about. She could tell from Lachlan’s expression that he was making threats, but Alex seemed completely unmoved. He waited until Lachlan was done, and then said something while pointing to his side. It was chillingly effective. Lachlan’s face went white with anger—and maybe worry?—and a few minutes later he stormed off.

She stood as Alex approached. “What was that about?” she asked.

She wasn’t sure he was going to answer her. He put his hands on her waist to lift her back up onto the horse. After making sure she was comfortable, he said, “Your stepfather didn’t approve of my change of plans.”

She turned around to look at him as he settled in behind her. The warmth and strength of his body felt so good she almost forgot what she’d been about to ask. “And what change of plans is that?”

“To stop at my castle in Winton on the way to Edinburgh.”

She frowned. Winton was on the old North road that ran mostly parallel to the coast. It was the road the first Edward had taken into Scotland, but not the road taken by Edward II nine days ago. “Does he not think the road is safe?”

“That isn’t the reason for his objection.” He distracted her by putting his hand on her face with such tenderness it made her heart catch. “I’m going to kill the man who did this to you, but first I will see you cared for.”