She was to be the death of him, and as he was dead already, that was saying something.

He was supposed to be her protector, not a male who gawked at her whenever he came upon the chance.

Unfortunately, while he was looking at her, she looked right back at him, her interest palpable, and he’d experienced a rush of dazed pleasure expanding his heart.

She wanted to keep him?

The thought of it slayed him, weakened his will. Nothing could come from a romantic attachment, and he would not hurt her in such a way. Not when he had to leave.

He’d have to protect her without looking at her overmuch, and if that was the cost, he’d do it. Somehow.

As she chattered, seeming very happy this morn, he replaced the cushions, pulled the curtains and looked out the window at the pale morning sky, and waited.

“All right, I’m just about ready. According to the itinerary they are handing out breakfast burritos and muffins and juice on the bus for breakfast. Apparently, we have something of a drive, about an hour and a half according to the map, until we reach Stirling Castle. Have you ever been there before?”

“Of course, I have.”

She grinned at him. “Did you know that Scotland is actually about the size of South Carolina?”

He didn’t know where South Carolina was, and didn’t want to appear ignorant, so he shook his head, still not looking at her, still gazing out the window at the dawning light in the distance.

“I was surprised too. So, I guess if you lived in a place the size of South Carolina your whole life, you’d have pretty much visited all of the sights.”

Again, he simply nodded.

“Do you know that the national animal of Scotland is a unicorn?” Her voice was full of happiness, and when he did chance to turn and meet her gaze, it was warm, friendly, and he felt another arrow pierce his heart, another part of him claimed.

“Nae, lass, I didnae.”

“It is! I find that fascinating. But your country is so filled with history, myths, and legends that it shouldn’t be a surprise. But I just love that!”

Another joy-filled smile, and she was in her room putting her things in her suitcase. Her purple one. Yet another thing to like about her.

He groaned, and looked out the window again.

He wasn’t sure, but he thought he’d dreamed of her last night. Dreamed that she was his, mayhap?

Not in his lifetime, and not in this one either.

As he waited, he contemplated his role in last night’s events. Had the witch thought to send him here to kill the thief and keep Ashley safe?

Had he failed in his duty?

He thought perhaps he had, and it made his fists curl, and his teeth clench.

Why had she followed him? Interfered? He should have simply killed the man and been done with it. If another chance came, the next time he’d not hesitate.

But the thought of Ashley, seeing him in a murderous rage, had checked his impulses. Melted the rage away.

He’d not wanted to disappoint her.

He’d have to think on it some more.

She came out of her room and headed into the bathroom to fuss with her face painting and hair curling. The last thing he needed was for her to look prettier.

“Lass, ye need not fuss about in such a manner, ye’re quite comely without the extras. Addin’ such things seems quite unnecessary.”

She leaned out the door to grin at him. “You charmer, you. I have to say, that’s nice to hear, but I like make-up. You should see me when I’m cosplaying.”

“Cosplayin’?”

“Yes, you know, costume and play equals cosplay?”

Ronan moved to watch as she looked in the mirror and brushed something black on her eyelashes, making them longer and thicker instantly. “I’ve dressed up as Tinkerbell, Batgirl, Wonder Woman, Arielle and a few others. Last year I was Harley Quinn. And then of course the Star Trek conventions are their own thing entirely.”

She paused to look at herself in the mirror and he realized he was staring again, fascinated against his will.

“This year I’m planning to go as an Orion slave girl. I already have the costume and can’t wait to paint my skin green.”

“Mmm.” Again, he’d no idea what she was talking about — green skin? — but all the same, he felt he could listen to her forever.

As she chattered, he could feel himself sinking deeper and deeper into, what? Infatuation? Mayhap even love? And after a moment, realized, why should he fight it?

As long as she was not hurt by his feelings, what harm was there? He could feel them, and keep them to himself. And why should one such as she, filled with joy and self-confidence, pay him any mind anyway?

As soon as she finished, he carried her bag, her pack, and they headed out the room and down the stairs and joined the crowd gathering below.

“Did everyone have a good night?” Logan asked.

Monica and Garth joined her at that moment, and Monica gave her a nudge in her side. “Well? Did you?”

Ashley rolled her eyes. “I slept like a baby.”

At Monica’s knowing look, she nudged her friend back. “Alone.”

Monica sighed. “And I had such high hopes for you.”

Ronan heard the entire exchange, and could feel heat rushing to his face. Surely, her friends knew he was her protector? That he’d not dishonor her in any way?

Hoping to distract himself, he glanced around the crowd, scanning for the familiar face of the thief, but saw no one.

His hand tightened around Ashley’s pack, and he smiled grimly at the thought of anyone trying to take it from him.

He should like to see them try.

Once they’d settled on the bus, and the driver started down the narrow street, Logan pulled a box on wheels down the aisle, and encouraged them all to take some of the food from within.

Boxes of muffins were also passed down from one seat to the next, and Ashley got napkins and a muffin for each of them before passing the box on.

“Is blueberry okay?”

“Just fine, lass.”

Next, Logan came down the aisle with juice boxes, and Ashley again took one for them both, stuck a straw in his, then handed it over.

He was going to miss food again when all this was over.

“Good?”

He nodded.

“Better than what you had to eat in your last life?”

“Some aye, some nae.”

“What was your favorite food back then?”

“Meat pies. Nothin’ like a hot meat pie with a tankard of good Scottish ale.”

“Sounds good, but I’m not sure about that for breakfast.” That teasing look was back in her honey-colored eyes again, pulling him in, drowning him.

Once everyone had eaten, and the garbage had been dealt with, Ashley took his hand as she leaned forward to question her friends about Mary King’s Close.

He noted she did not tell them of the thief.

Contentment and satisfaction descended upon him — emotions that at one time seemed unfathomable to one such as he.

Occasionally, Logan pointed something out as they passed through small villages, keeping them well-entertained and content. They took a short restroom break at Falkirk before moving on to Stirling Castle.

They arrived at the town, full of tall stone buildings, a clock tower, and mountains lying in foggy mist in the distance. The parish church was still there, the tower seemingly unchanged by time.

And why not? He was here as well, was he not?

They drove through the main street, filled with tall historic buildings, colorful flags and cars lining the street.

“Oh, look at the castle! It’s beautiful.”

The bus turned a corner, giving them an unhindered view of the castle, atop a hill, the steep cliffs plunging down on three sides.

Ronan made a grumbling noise deep in his throat. “Try layin’ siege to it in the cold month of January.”

Ashley laughed. “Is that historically accurate, or did you make that up?”

“Oh, tis accurate enough.”

The bus climbed the hill and parked outside the castle.

Logan stood and faced them. “Welcome to Stirling! Has anyone here heard of time travel? Yes? And you thought it wasn’t real, didn’t you? Well, today we’re going to prove it is. So, follow me everyone! We’re going back in time!”

* * *

Logan gathered everyone near a short wall that overlooked an impressive church and cemetery below.

Ashley looked down at the ornate headstones, and even from the distance she could see they were old, many of them elaborate statues standing out here and there.

Two days was not going to be enough time in Scotland. Her gaze drifted to the man beside her. For more reasons than one.

“All right,” Logan clapped his hands together twice. “Tis said there are many a ghost that roam the grounds of Stirling Castle. Strangely, most of them are female, and most known by the color of their gowns. The one we’ll be discussin’ now has no name, other than The Green Lady, as she’s been spotted by the emerald gown that trails throughout the corridors of the castle and beyond.”

Logan flashed a knowing look. “A brave highland lass, she was, and known to have the second sight. She was given as a servant girl to Mary, Queen of Scots, and Mary’s kindness to her assured her complete loyalty.”

He drew a deep breath. “One day the servant girl came to Mary, flustered, crying. She told the queen she’d seen her die that very night. The only way to keep it from happening, was if the girl herself watched over the queen as she slept, and saved her from whatever impending doom was to follow.”

Logan pointed toward the castle. “Within those very walls, the girl locked the doors from the inside and watched her mistress fall asleep. The girl, worried some unfortunate event might take place, lit a candle, letting its dull glow shine across the queen’s face.”

Logan exhaled loudly. “The servant girl tried her best to stay awake, and succeeded for hours, until finally, she nodded off. Eventually, she jerked awake to the sight of a heat and light, finally realizing the candle she’d burned had lit the bed-curtains afire!”

Logan shook his head and tutted. “She tried to wake the queen, but smoke inhalation foiled her attempts, and so she dragged the queen from the bed, found she’d lost the key, and pounded for the guards to help.

The guards broke the door open, whereby the servant girl handed the unconscious queen out into the corridor, but the blaze caught her, and the servant girl died within.”

Logan looked around at the rapt faces of the crowd. “Now why should we fear such a brave lassie? Tis because her gift of sight was turned to darkness that night, and those who look upon her face, are subject to doom.”

Logan clapped his hands together and rubbed them. “All right, I’m going to let you loose. You have an hour to scout about, but I will warn you to be careful. The servant girl is not the only ghost about. There is said to be a tour guide who many have approached, only to watch him disappear. So, watch yer manners and don’t be insultin’ the dead.”

There were titters of laughter.

“Oh, one more. There’s a Highland ghost hereabouts. Staff and visitors alike have seen this apparition. He’ll be dressed in full traditional costume, kilt and all.”

At that, everyone turned to look at Ronan.

Logan laughed. “If ye approach him, tis likely he’ll simply vanish before yer eyes. Oh! And, of course, our most important ghost would be that of Mary, Queen of Scots herself. She’s often seen walking from the castle to the ruins of the church.”

Logan made a shooing motion at them. “Go, go, else I’ll continue! Time is short!”

Ashley headed toward the castle, Ronan at her side, the crowd following along.

“Oh, and footsteps,” Logan called after them. “Footsteps have been heard from one of the empty chambers upstairs. But let none of this deter you! Off with you now.”

Chuckling, they leisurely made their way up to the castle, and Monica and Garth turned back to wave at them. “We’re gonna hurry and go on ahead,” Garth called back. “See you back at the bus!”

She waved back. “So, you’ve been here before? In the castle?”

“Never inside the castle, we camped outside the walls.”

“When was this? What year was it?”

“1746. The castle was of course locked to us, as we were trying to overthrow it at the time.”

“No success?” She teased.

Looking pensive, he shook his head.

“What is it?”

He shrugged. “Just memories. We actually passed by here on our way to Edinburgh. We came back three months later to try and seize Stirling Castle. It would give the Jacobite cause a reputation, as it was a very famous place. It would’ve given us a place to stay for the winter, and also a way to bring in supplies easily.”

“Do tell.” Ashley said, her tone still teasing, though she was a little surprised at his glum tone. The way he stayed in character, she wondered if he could be an actor. The longer she was with him the more she wanted to know about him, not some fake storyline. “What happened next?”

“We were waitin’ for a consignment of artillery from the French.”

“And then?”

“The town surrendered, the gunner brought in the cannons, and the siege against the castle began. Some of us stayed here, and others headed to Falkirk to victory.”

“So, did you win?”

“Nae, the prince was counseled poorly. Between the snipers, bombs, and mortars, and more poor leadership, we were beaten back. It was foolishness, and many deserted. We had to abandon the siege.”

“It sounds like Bonnie Prince Charlie should have listened to better advice.”

“Aye, lass. On that, we are in complete agreement.”

“Shall we take a tour? Or just walk around?”

“Let’s go alone. I always did wonder what it looked like on the inside.”

* * *

They passed a tour guide pointing out the statue of Robert the Bruce, and the Wallace Monument in the distance.

Ronan seemed to be in a pensive mood, and Ashley was determined to cheer him up.

They walked toward two large lanterns, and through the open arched doorway that led to a courtyard. She had to admit, seeing the sights in the daylight might not be as spooky, but you could certainly see more.

They walked past a café that served sandwiches and desserts, then entered a long, dark hallway to get into the castle itself.

They stopped in front of murals depicting musicians, and Ashley pounded on a drum, played a harp, and played chopsticks on a small piano set out for tourist use.

“Well? What do you think?”

Ronan shook his head. “Tis not as I pictured.”

They passed more displays, murals, plaques describing castle life and even came across a costume room where they could dress as people from medieval times.

Ronan laughed as she posed in a dress and hat.

“No?”

“Er … the dress suits ye, but the hat is one that a page might wear.”

“You mean I’m a trend setter? Yay!”

His lips quirked. She’d get a smile out of him yet.

They kept going, but found no ghosts at all. “It looks like you’re the closest thing to a haunt we’re going to find here. Now, if we could only teach you to disappear.”

Finally, a grin!

Holding hands, they continued on. “You have to admit, even though there isn’t a lot of furniture, they’ve gone all out trying to keep guests entertained.”

And they had. Building blocks, things to read, plaques, and a lot of information about the Royals who’d once lived there.

At one point, they headed outside again, to an overlook of Stirling and the roads below. The grass was green, and there was even a plaque honoring a man who’d tried to build a bird suit so he could fly. He’d actually jumped off the wall and broken his leg.

They’d both gotten a laugh out of that.

They toured the King’s room, the Queen’s room, and eventually made their way to the great hall before going outside again.

“Well? Was it all you thought it would be?”

“Nae, at one time I’d thought it would be the most wonderful thing to live in a castle, but after stayin’ in yer room last night, with all the amenities close at hand, I’m thinkin’ I would prefer somethin’ like that better.”

“Well, where do you live?”

“Upon the moor.”

“Oh, that’s right. Trapped upon the moor with the others.”

With their arms entwined, she gave him a squeeze. “Have it your way, but eventually I will get all of your secrets out of you.”

“As to that, I suppose time will tell.” He sounded a bit sad again.

“Are your parents still alive?”

He gave her a startled glance. “How could they be?”

“Right.” Well into the castle, they started heading back in the general direction of the parking lot. “Well, tell me about them anyway. Do you miss them?”

He seemed to think about that, his gaze unfocused. “Aye, I suppose I do.”

“What was your mother like?”

“Tall, stern, but lovin’.”

“Your father?”

“Tall, stern.”

“I suppose they were proud of you?”

“Mum did not like me goin’ to war, but Da said I was built for it, and he was right.”

Ashley was getting confused, not sure if he’d actually been in the military, or if the ghost had been. “Did you enjoy the military?”

He took a breath and released it. “Enjoy? I suppose I did. I was always the largest on the field, and in hand-to-hand combat, I could not be beat. It turns out arrows were another matter entirely.”

“But your mother didn’t approve?”

“She felt I was being used. She didnae understand.”

“Used, how?”

“I was always in the front, you ken? I’d lose my head, so it was best to point me at the enemy, and let me go so as none of our own would get hurt. Sensible, no? But Mum never did ken the like.”

Ashley didn’t like the thought of it either.

“What happened with the arrows?”

He shrugged. “Bonnie Prince Charlie did not show up on time for the battle. When the fightin’ began, we were without leadership, positioned poorly, and I was filled with holes before I’d even taken my first step. Many of us were.”

“You didn’t even get to fight?”

His jaw clenched, and he shook his head. He seemed to be looking inside of himself as he said, “I should have led them, I shouldnae have waited.”

She could see a muscle ticking in his jaw and would swear he looked … wounded. Whatever he was thinking about was bringing out powerful emotions, and they did not seem pretend. It didn’t seem like acting.

Walking down a stone hallway, protective instincts sprang up out of nowhere.

She wanted to grab him, wrap her arms around him, and press his face against her neck while she calmed him, pet his hair, and rubbed his back.

She took his hand instead and twined their fingers together. “I think you’re incredibly brave. I think your mother and father would have been very proud of you.” She lifted their hands, and kissed the back of his. “I, for one, feel very safe with you around.”

He stared down at their hands, and then looked at her, strong emotion burning his eyes.

Now he lifted their hands, and kissed the back of hers.

They both stopped and turned to face each other. Breathless, Ashley tilted her face up, and Ronan lowered his head and kissed her. His lips were firm, and the kiss started out soft, tender, and then he pulled her into his arms and was kissing her like he’d never taken a woman’s lips and had been saving up for this moment with her.

A wolf whistle, loud in the long hallway, broke them apart, Ronan slowly releasing her. He was panting, smiling down at her, and she blushed, tried to catch her own breath, and smiled right back.

“Come, lass, or they’ll soon leave without us.”

He took her hand, and boneless, she stumbled after him feeling she’d follow him anywhere. The two of them ran down the steps, across the courtyard, and headed toward the bus.

They were soon in their seats again, with more people trickling in after them. Monica and Garth arrived minutes after they did.

“Did you have fun?” Ashley asked them.

Monica turned around. “Loved it!”

“But we didn’t see any ghosts,” Garth grumbled.

“Us either.”

“Where to next?” Ronan asked.

“Glamis Castle, I think.”

“Glamis?” There was something in his voice.

“Yes, have you been there?”

To her surprise, he shook his head. “Most avoid the place.”

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“Tis not.”

She grinned at her friends. “Then we’re going to love it!”