Malcolm gripped the metal bars of his cell and cursed. Black rage flowed through his veins. His father would pay with his life if he touched one hair on Sheona’s head.

“I don’t think you’ll do anyone any good if you beat your brains out, MacDonald.”

Malcolm raised his head and looked across at the same face he’d seen there a few hours ago. Alasdair MacLeod smirked. Malcolm saw nothing humorous about the situation.

“You mentioned a plan earlier. I assume being thrown in a cell for the second time in one day is not part of it.”

He had to admit, it was a bit ridiculous. And no, he could not carry out his plan from where he stood at the moment. The question was how could he get word to the Privy Council about the escalating feud? They could intervene and put a stop to it. But if they were not informed about the goings on, nothing would change.

“I still intend to carry out my plan, MacLeod. I may have an additional challenge or two to contend with, but I will see success and all restored to its rightful place.”

“Well, if that means us under your boot you better find another plan because we will never yield.”

“Do you not see that is the problem? No one yields. For years and years we push and pull at one another and no one has gained one inch of ground. We’ve lost many lives along the way, as have you. Surely you see this is not the way.”

MacLeod was silent for a time. Did he see the reason in his words? His father’s heart was filled with bitterness and hatred. How could anything thrive in that environment?

“You have a noble heart,” MacLeod said.

That comment came as a surprise, considering the source. He’d never received a compliment within the walls of his own castle, let alone from his enemy. Perhaps there was reason to be hopeful after all. Perhaps the MacLeods were just as tired of the feuding as he was.

“So what do you intend to do?”

“Can I trust you, MacLeod?”

“Can I trust you?”

And there it was—the potential impasse that could keep them from moving forward. Someone, sometime, had to take a leap of faith or they were destined to forever circle one another, taking bite after bite.

“Aye, you can trust me, MacLeod. I will share my plan with you, but I must be assured that you are just as resolved to find a peaceful solution here, else we will all hang by my father’s hand.”

“You have my word.”

“What is your biggest barrier?” Malcolm suspected he knew the answer already.

“That my father doesn’t know how to do anything besides fight yours.”

Malcolm nodded and smiled. “I thought as much. That is mine as well.”

“So what do you suggest?”

“There is an authority that can ensure peaceful talks.”

MacLeod shook his head. “The Privy Council. You’ll get no such support from them. They’re more concerned with parliamentary affairs than clan feuds. And besides, how do you plan to contact them from in here?”

That was the biggest challenge at the moment. “You leave the Privy Council to me. What I need from you and yours is an assurance you will back whatever the council decides in order to end the feud. Are we agreed?”

MacLeod stroked his beard. “We are agreed. Neither of our fathers will be pleased about this.”

“It is the only way any of us will survive. You know this as well as I do.”

“I believe it is a possible solution, albeit an extreme one.”

It would have to do. Malcolm had no choice and even a soft agreement from the MacLeod chief’s son was better than nothing.

“And as to your other question, regarding his current dilemma . . .” Keith stepped out of the shadows. “I believe I may be able to assist with that.”

Malcolm moved to the cell door. “Keith! How did you get down here? Do you have a key?”

“Aye, that I do. And I can be a sneaky bastard when I want to be.”

“Good. Now let me out of here.”

Malcolm stood back as Keith unlocked the cell and slammed it shut again. He contemplated letting the others out but realized that would only take time he didn’t have. They would have to endure their imprisonment for a little while longer.

“You’re not going to let us out, are you?”

“I am not.”

“Are you already going back on your word then?”

“I am not.”

“They why do you not let us go and save us further degradation in this blasted place?”

“I cannot see you to safety and so therefore we must raise no suspicion that I am gone. If I release you all now, how can I possibly get you away from the men guarding the castle without revealing my own plot in the process? No, you must stay where you are and cause no ruckus. I will return as soon as I can. It will take me four days to get to Inverness and back. That’s how long you must keep the peace here. Do not cause any trouble. Do you understand?”

“I understand it MacLeod, but I do not like it.”

“I will do my best to return with good news.”

Malcolm and Keith moved swiftly through the dungeon. With only one way in or out, there was no reason for guards to be posted directly inside. They would need to figure out how to get past them once they entered the main chamber.

“This way.” Keith motioned for them to go left once they got there.

“But we will be seen.”

“It doesn’t matter. I did not want to say this in front of the MacLeods, but the castle is divided, Malcolm. Some are still loyal to the laird, but there are a good number very loyal to you instead. They did not like that your father put you down here.”

This was unexpected, but good news. Finally. At least with the right numbers backing him, he stood a chance when he returned. Regardless of the outcome of his request to the Privy Council to intervene, he would need to challenge his father.

“I am glad to hear it. What about Sheona?”

“I have spoken to Connor and Hamish. They will keep an eye on her as much as possible, but Malcolm, who can stop your father?”

Malcolm grappled with his decision. He had to make it to Inverness or they would all fall prey to his father. As much as he hated to admit it, he had no choice but to leave and move heaven and hell to return in four days as planned. He prayed something or someone else distracted his father away from his wife.

Please love, stay out of his way.

“We go as planned. I pray the men can keep her safe until I return.”

They encountered no resistance as they left the dungeon. Outside, Keith led Malcolm to where he had two horses secured away from the castle. They mounted and headed off into the night.

* * *

Two guards stayed inside her chamber with her for an hour. She desperately wanted them to leave so she could hide inside the passage. She sat staring out the window at the loch below. Not long ago she’d sat outside looking at the same view, gathering courage. Where had it all gone?

A knock sounded at the door and both guards left the chamber. This might be her only chance! She raced to the wall and fumbled for the hidden stone. Just as she reached for the trip for the hidden door, the main one to the chamber flew open. Sheona turned, cold tentacles of dread crept up her spine.

His face was flushed and he wore a smirk. Heaven help her—he’d said he would come by later. “Now that my son is out of the way, Lady MacDonald, I believe you and I should spend some time together.”

Sheona was frozen in place. She could neither speak nor move. No one could save her from any horror he chose to inflict upon her.

“Have you lost your voice, Lady MacDonald?”

Oh God what could she do? She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound would come out.

I am with you, Sheona.

“What?” She looked around. There was no one behind her, though the voice sounded as though it was near her left ear. The White Lady was with her. That was good, but what could a spirit do to help?

“What are you doing?” The laird took a step toward her and she in turn took one back.

“I—”

We will fight him together.

How could they fight him together? Neither had the physical strength to stop him. Still, she did not want him to know about The White Lady. She drew a deep breath and concentrated on the laird.

“Have you gone mad?”

Until she figured it out, she needed to distract him. “No, my lord. I am well. You caught me off guard.”

He sauntered toward her. He was a tall man who might have pleasant features except for the evil glint in his eyes. This man possessed not one ounce of kindness and she was determined to stay focused on him while she figured out what to do.

“You will join me for dinner, lass. We have much to discuss, you and I, about what happens when my son—well, we have much to discuss.”

Sheona’s stomach dropped. He intended to hurt Malcolm. Oh God, how could it possibly get any worse?

“What have you done with my husband?”

“Your husband is no longer here and no longer your concern.”

“What?”

“You heard me. He is gone. Fled, like the coward I never expected him to be. And so you see my dear, as your husband has abandoned you, I feel it is my duty to ensure you are properly taken care of.”

No! Malcolm had promised to protect her. How could he be gone?

Listen to me, Sheona. We can best him. I know him better than anyone.

The turbulence in her mind swirled and tossed like a ship on a violent sea.

“I do not believe you. My husband would not leave me here with you.” It wasn’t possible. She would not believe it of him.

“You may come to the dungeon and see for yourself if you wish. He is gone and the guards have informed me he does not intend to return.”

Sheona’s heart squeezed tight. “I do not wish to see your dungeon.”

“You do not care that your husband has left you to me to determine your fate?”

What could she say to that? Oh course she cared, but some part of her simply would not believe that he would leave her in this man’s clutches. She would hold on to hope that there was some mistake; that Malcolm was trying to find a way to her at that very moment.