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made it nearly unbearable to join her new clan when King Robert ordered her to marryPadraig Munro. Blair’s heart broke when she learned of the prejudice Cairren faced andfor how long it took Padraig to realize he loved his wife.As she swept her eyes across the crowd, Blair noticed Cairren’s younger sister Caitlynonce again danced with Alexander Armstrong, the heir to his clan’s lairdship. The warriorhad made several trips to court of late to discuss border conflicts with the king. Caitlynand Alex were childhood friends, but Blair wondered if there might be more to theirrelationship than they realized. Laurel Ross danced by with a man Blair didn’t recognize.She squinted as she thought about Laurel. She developed a sharp and vicious tongueafter she befriended Kieran MacLeod’s younger sister Madeline, the unofficial ringleaderof the ladies-in-waiting. But after Kieran sent Madeline to a convent, both Laurel andCairstine smoothed their rougher edges and were less spiteful. She wasn’t sure what laybeneath Laurel’s facade, but Blair was certain Laurel wasn’t entirely as she appeared.“Sister,” Lachlan Sutherland approached Blair with Arabella Johnstone on his arm.Arabella had been Maude’s only other close friend while she was at court. The womenhad been roommates, and Arabella took Maude—and by extension Blair—under her wingwhen she arrived. “Every mon in this gathering hall keeps looking at you, and yet youseem to be in a world of your own, uninterested in them. Well done. I approve.”Lachlan grinned at his youngest sibling as Arabella released his arm. He swiped threemugs of ale from a passing servant, handing one to each lady. The three Sutherlandsiblings were very close, and Blair was ecstatic any time Lachlan appeared at court. Theonly family she knew that shared this kind of closeness were the Sutherlands’ cousins, theSinclairs. Lachlan wrapped his arm around Blair’s shoulders and dropped a kiss on thecrown of her head. They hadn’t seen one another since Lachlan’s unexpected arrival inlate autumn, when he accompanied Cairren and Padraig to Stirling, but he had returnedto settle the annual taxes their clan owed the crown. The brother and sister enjoyed afortnight of each other’s company. With Maude no longer beside her, Blair was starved fortime with her family. Lachlan never shied away from showing his affection for his sisters,and Blair welcomed it.“Shall I take you for a lap around the floor?” Lachlan inquired as he grinned at Blair.“Or will you prop up this wall a little longer? I may be your brother, but I shall be theenvy of every mon with a heartbeat.”Blair attempted to suppress her smile. It was well established that Arabella Johnstonewas the most beautiful woman among the ladies-in-waiting. She possessed an effortlessgrace that accentuated her perfect features and figure. She glanced at Arabella, whosmiled at the siblings. Blair suspected the pair held a tendre for one another, but Blairsensed neither felt comfortable acknowledging it.“I suppose I can spare you a dance, dear brother,” Blair returned her brother’s grin asthey eased their way among the dancers and picked up the rhythm of the music.“Blair, why were you standing alone? Even if Arabella and I were dancing, you haveother friends. Why aren’t you socializing like usual?” Lachlan whispered in an attempt tokeep their conversation private.“I’m simply not in the mood. I enjoy watching the others.” Blair assured her brother,

but his skeptical expression told her he wasn’t satisfied. “I’m not a wallflower like Maudebecame. I was just thinking about my friends who have left court to marry. Only Arabellaand Laurel remain as part of the original group of ladies I joined.”“Are you wondering when it will be your turn?” Blair heard the concern in Lachlan’svoice, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to wince or fall against his chest for a brotherlyhug.“A little. I will never take for granted that Mama and Da are allowing each of us tofind our own mate, but I wonder if I shall find a love match like the ones our parents andsister have.” Blair stopped herself before she asked Lachlan if he thought the same thing.She intuited that he didn’t, as she thought about how natural he and Arabella appearedwhen they spoke and danced.“You aren’t thinking of settling, are you?” Lachlan broke into Blair’s thoughts.She shook her head. “I don’t want to marry just for the sake of marrying. I don’t thinkmy expectations are unreasonable, but I haven’t met a mon who meets them.”“And what are those expectations?” Lachlan’s serious gaze told Blair he wasn’tmocking her; he was honestly interested in what Blair believed would make her happy.“I want a mon with a strong character, but not someone who is domineering. Thereneeds to be compassion along with his determination. I want a mon who is protective butnot possessive. Even Kieran tends to be rather possessive of Maude, though I think hebelieves he’s only protecting her. Someone who will make me smile, but also listens tome and takes me seriously. I want a mon who will prioritize me and our marriage over hisfriends. If he’s a laird or will be one, I want to be sure that he balances his duty to hisclan with his duty to his family.” Blair paused and shrugged. “I suppose I want a lot ofthings.”“It sounds like you described me. Or Da,” Lachlan chuckled.Blair pursed her lips in a mock scowl, but she knew her brother was right. She’d listedcharacteristics that she’d always seen in her father and that Lachlan emulated. Shewanted a husband who had the honor that the men in her family had.“It also sounds like you described Callum, Alex, Tavish, and Magnus.” Lachlan listedthe names of their Sinclair cousins.“They’re among the best men I ken. After you and Da, of course.” Blair smirked asLachlan pinched her waist. “Do you think I’m being unreasonable? Am I expecting toomuch? I know we and our cousins have unique families compared to most. Mama and Dalove each other as much as Uncle Liam loved Aunt Kyla. Even after all these years afterher passing, he’s still devoted to her.”“I think they have set the standard to be very high, but they’re also proof that it’spossible. It must be if ” Lachlan paused for a moment to count. “Eight couples havefound what you desire. Mairghread would probably cut off her brothers’ cods–and herhusband’s too–if they didn’t live up to our parents and their parents. She and Tristan aredeeply in love.”“Aye, but part of the reason I came to court was to find a husband. You ken othershave made offers, but I just couldn’t bring myself to accept any. Maybe I’ve turned awayall the ones that will come.” Blair sighed.

“It’s your future, one that should be very long, so don’t settle, Blair. It’s not as thoughyou’re long in the tooth. There is someone bound to make you happy. He just hasn’tshown up yet.”“I know you’re right,” Blair tried to smile. “I just find it hard to be patient when I lookaround, and none of the men in sight are appealing. Marriage may be aboot alliances, butnot all of them must include manipulation and ulterior motives. That’s what I shall findhere. Think aboot it. None of my friends have married men from court.”“That is true,” Lachlan agreed. “I ken it doesn’t help for me to say your turn will come,but it will. You don’t see me in a rush.”Blair opened her mouth to say that was because he’d already found someone, but shechose another perspective. “You’re a mon. You’re supposed to take your time and beolder.” Blair’s grin split her face. “It takes men a long time to pull their heads out of theirarses.”Lachlan pinched her again, and Blair giggled. “It’s a good thing I love you, Sister.”Lachlan spun them in an exaggerated twirl that left Blair dizzy, but she knew beforeLachlan turned that she would reap what she sowed.After her conversation with her brother, Blair felt more amicable. She spent the rest ofthe night dancing with one partner after another. She allowed herself to enjoy the music,and she even enjoyed some of her partners’ conversation. She was exhausted by the timeshe fell into bed.

TwoBlair raced through the gardens toward the lists with a missive flapping in her hands.She knew Lachlan would finish training soon, and she wanted to catch her brother beforehe disappeared into the bachelor wing. Her brother wasn’t difficult to spot since he stoodnearly a head and shoulders taller than several of the male courtiers. She often wonderedwhat it was about their Highland air and food that made the men appear more likemountains, while most Lowlanders looked like hills.“Lach!” Blair called out as Lachlan returned his dulled practice sword to the armorerand gathered his belongs. “Lach!”Lachlan put out his hands to capture Blair’s upper arms as she barreled toward him,breathless and giddy. Wisps of hair had come loose from the ribbon that tied it back, andher cheeks were rosy from her mad dash from the castle. She drew in a wheezing breathand placed her hand over her heart.“Maude’s had her bairn!” Blair practically squealed as Lachlan drew her in for a tightembrace, lifting her off her feet. Maude suffered a terrible accident while she carried hertwins and had nearly died from the wildcat attack. Lachlan and Blair, along with theirparents, had rushed to the Isle of Lewis when Kieran’s missive arrived. There had beenfear throughout Maude’s first pregnancy that she would lose the babes. Even thoughthere hadn’t been a reason to be fearful during this second one, all the Sutherlandssilently worried. “It’s a lass.”“Does she have a name?” Lachlan tried to pull the missive from his sister’s hand. Blairglanced down; she’d forgotten that she brought the parchment with her. She handed itover to Lachlan, who scanned its contents. “Mairi, after our cousin. Apparently, the lasshas been tiny but determined since the moment she arrived, just like Mairghread.”Lachlan looked up at Blair. “I like it.”“Me, too,” Blair chirped as Lachlan pulled her in for another embrace. This time Blairpulled away and turned her head to the side. “Ugh. You stink.”“Thank you.” Lachlan prepared to lift his arm since Blair stood even with his armpit,but she thrust a playful fist into his stomach. “You wound me, Blair.”“Nay more than you trying to poison me.”Lachlan donned his leine before he accompanied Blair back to the castle. They partedways as Lachlan wound through the passageways to his chamber to bathe, and Blairreported to the queen’s solar. Blair had raced from the queen’s solar when the page

delivered the missive. She’d barely looked to the queen for permission to leave, her mindsingularly on reaching her brother. As the guard opened the door to the queen’s solar,she slipped into the room quietly.“I take it the missive was wonderful news, Lady Blair,” Queen Elizabeth cocked aneyebrow.“The very best, Your Majesty. My sister had her bairn.” Blair smiled as she curtseyedbefore the queen.“That is delightful news. I know how you worried. Your mind must be at ease now.What is it now? Three babes?”“Yes, Your Majesty. The twins and now another lass. Both my sister and her bairn aredoing well.”“One of these days, it shall be your turn.” The queen offered a benevolent smile asher hand skimmed over her own rounded belly. The queen was expecting her first child.The royal couple had been married for several years, but the queen’s capture and housearrest by King Edward of England had made it impossible for the queen to bear the kingan heir. King Robert already had a daughter, Marjorie, by his first wife Isabella. It was nosecret that King Robert was in a hurry to sire a legitimate heir. He already had at leastthree sons, but none could inherit the throne.Blair nodded, but some of her excitement waned as she returned to her seat andresumed her embroidery. It had been one thing when it was her sister who was pregnantand lived far from court, but the queen’s reminder that she was expecting a child madeBlair once more consider that marriage and children were nowhere on her horizon. Shebowed her head over her work and listened to those who chattered around her. It wasthe distraction she needed.***Blair found herself in a better mood that evening. She was uncertain if it was the ongoinghappiness of Maude’s news or perhaps the extra chalice or two of wine, but she was moreamenable to dancing. She partnered with Lachlan at least five times, but she acceptedthe offer of nearly every other man. Alexander Armstrong intrigued her, but she knew hisinterest lay elsewhere, and she would never agree to live along the border. The climatemight have been milder than the Highlanders, but the strife certainly was not. She wishednone of her clansmen to ride off into battle, but she would take clan skirmishes over awar with England.Alasdair Dunbar was another man, with his sandy blond hair and deep dimple, whocaught her attention. He was her friend and former lady-in-waiting Isabella’s cousin, butthat meant he and the Armstrongs were neighbors. Along with that strike against him,she found him a touch too arrogant at times. He knew his dimple and wolfish grin drew

women like flies to honey, and Blair refused to be one of them. He was an enjoyablepartner though, both light on his feet and an interesting conversationalist. He was one ofher favorite partners during reels, as he was like Lachlan and would twirl her until shegiggled from dizziness.There were delegates from Highland clans, who, like Lachlan, were at court to paytheir clan’s annual taxes. Many were married men or friends of her father. She recognizedplaids belonging to Mackenzies, Gunns, MacLeods, and Frasers. None were family or closealliances, but it pleased her when the Highlanders asked her to dance. She felt morecomfortable with them than she did the Lowlanders, even allowing her burr to return toher voice.As the night progressed, the dazzling clothing and laughter distracted her from herearlier ruminations. She was tired but smiling when she retired to the chamber she nowshared with Arabella. It seemed like a silent agreement that they spoke about Blair’sfamily but avoided talking about Lachlan and his bachelor status. Blair considered playingmatchmaker, but she opted to let the burgeoning romance—if there even was one—takeits own course. She and Arabella were both soon fast asleep, having dismissed theirmaids and helping one another out of their gowns. Blair dreamed of herself as a dotingaunt with babies surrounding her as she played and cooed at them. When she woke, shefelt lighter and happier than she had in months.

Three“I’ll race you to the crest of the hill, and when I win, you shall give me the flask of Da’swhisky that I ken you brought,” Blair goaded Lachlan.“And just what will you be doing with that?” Lachlan arched an eyebrow with anauthority his sibling knew he didn’t possess.“Keeping warm,” Blair said slyly. She didn’t really want the whisky, but she knewLachlan was far less eager to part with it than she was excited to win it.“And when I win, you shall have to kiss a toad. I’d like to see how long it takes for thewarts to appear.”“You are wretched!” Blair giggled. She squeezed her thighs against her horse’s flanks,and the animal shot forward. She didn’t wait for Lachlan to turn his horse around.“You cheat!” Lachlan called. While he rode a stallion, her gelding was an equal matchto his mount. Her father tried to insist that she ride a more sedate mare, but Blair hadalways had a wild streak about her. She’d gained her horse’s loyalty by sneaking itapples, carrots, and sugar when it was a colt. It had followed her like a lamb, and HamishSutherland relented when the horse wouldn’t allow anyone but Blair to mount him.Blair was nearly to the submit of the hill when she noticed movement on the otherside. She pulled her horse to an abrupt stop and looked back at Lachlan. “Ridersapproach.” Blair wouldn’t put herself in full view of strangers without Lachlan and theirguards at her side. Of the half a dozen Sutherlands riding with them, two were Blair’spermanent guard while she was at court, and four had traveled with Lachlan. She shadedher eyes as she watched the mounted party approach. She could tell they wore plaids,but they weren’t yet close enough for her to make out the pattern. Until she could, shecouldn’t tell if they were friend or foe.Lachlan maneuvered his horse alongside hers, but the approaching group of menveered toward the castle rather than encounter the Sutherlands. Blair assumed theycouldn’t recognize the Sutherland plaid from a distance either, and opted for a differentpath to the castle lest there be a conflict. Lachlan looked over at Blair before asking,“Could you tell who they are?”“Nay. They were too far away.” Blair shook her head, but she was less eager to lingeroutside the castle walls knowing a group of strangers was nearby. It was obvious theywere Highlanders from the plaids, but that didn’t mean they were allied with theSutherlands. Brother and sister exchanged a look before the Sutherland horses turned

back toward the castle. Blair sensed Lachlan and their guards were even more alert thanthey had been when they rode away from the keep. Rather than charging ahead, Blairrode in the center of the riders. She didn’t expect a problem, but she knew the menwould never take lightly their duty to protect her. As they clattered into the bailey, Blairgasped from a joyful surprise. “They’re Camerons.”“Aye, there’s Hardwin,” Lachlan pointed. He called out, “Hardi!”A man with short, shaggy tawny hair turned toward them as his feet touched theground. His face beamed as he recognized the Sutherlands. “Lach. Blair.”Hardi reached up to Blair when her mount stopped before him. His warm handsgrasped her waist, and Blair realized the callow man who’d left Sutherland years ago wasnow a muscle-hewn warrior. Her fingers felt the ripple of muscle beneath his shoulders ashe eased her to the ground. She playfully kicked his shin, crossed her arms, and poutedmuch as she had as a child when Hardi wouldn’t agree to let her join the boys when theywent hunting. Lachlan had always refused immediately, but Blair nearly always woreHardwin down until he acquiesced. “You never visit.”“If this is the welcome I can expect, then I’ve been wise to stay away,” Hardi’s deepchuckle rumbled against Blair as

Sutherlands being allied. The familial bond between the Sutherlands and Sinclairs is also fictitious, but it is a main feature in both The Clan Sinclair and The Highland Ladies series. Since all the siblings in the Sinclairs and Sutherlands are fictitious, none were the godchildren of King Robert the Bruce and Queen Elizabeth de Burgh.