The Heart of an Highlander

rt, the sharp trill of a distant horn cutting through the stillness. For a moment, disorientation gripped her. Then, the events of the previous

ng from the bed, she wrapped her cloak tightly around her shoulders. Maeve arrived

said, placing a steaming cup of tea on the table. "B

thering of Lachlan's most trusted advisors and clan members-made her feel exposed. She knew

ing in low, serious tones. The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread mingled with the smoke curling from t

readable. "Lady Isolde," he said, motioning for h

their stares with as much poise as she could muster. Slowly, she made her way to t

o the gathered men. "She is not only my intended but an

caught a few skeptical glances. She forced her

steady. "It is my hope that this alliance wil

arked by years of hardship. "Peace, aye," he said, his tone gruff. "B

ectly. "Trust is not given lightly, nor should it be

nd Lachlan gave her a sidelong glance, his li

of orders or the scraping of knives against plates. Lachlan remained quiet beside he

ice cutting through the hum of conversation. "The c

ension mounting with each step. The room they entered was sparsely furnished, its centerpiece a large oak table surrounded

he head of the table. The council members filed in, th

Lachlan began, addressing the group. "The Campbells grow bolder, an

ers, determined not to show weakness. "If there is an English lord involved, it is not with my fa

pping with disdain. "And how would we know?

"Lady Isolde speaks the truth. Her father woul

hadowed by the realization that her presence here would always be questioned. S

ned carefully, noting the nuances of their arguments and the alliances within the group. Lachlan's authority was

for Isolde to stay behind. The others filed out, cas

said, his tone measured. "Many woul

ncils," she replied, her voice steady. "This

is gaze piercing. "You're not

Laird MacRae?" she as

it appeared. "An observation," he said. "But the Highlands are no

less," she replied, meetin

gain, and he inclined his head. "Go

d she was holding, her mind racing with the events of the day. Lachlan MacRae was an enigma-strong, commanding, a

was only the beginning. Winning the trust of the MacRae clan would take m

to find her place in this harsh and unforgiving land, she w