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That ye had found me daughter, tis all.”
    He grinned. “ Well then l et me introduce ta ye the new Countess of Dunbar. We wed yester morn.”
    Dougal was a bit disconcerted that they did not wait for his presence, but as Lucian retold the circumstances, he understood the why of it. He nodded in agreement.
    “Aye, twas best ta make haste if Malcolm was sniffing about.”
    “That was m e thinking as well.”
    Arianna grew restless sitting there as they talked and wanted to check on Shalizar. He was in a strange place surrounded by people he didn’t know. She worried about him.
    Not knowing the appropriate way to interrupt...she tugged on his sleeve. His attention swung around to her but he didn’t look angry...just annoyed.
    “Yes wife?”
    She took a deep breath then mentally laughed at herself. She had no reason to fear him. He wasn’t the bad guy in her nightmares, after all.
    “I was wondering if you would excuse me while you two chat? I want to check on Shalizar. He’s used to me caring for him daily. I don’t want him upset.”
    He considered her request then gave a curt nod.
    “Very well. But do nae leave the castle walls, Anna. Tis much danger that ye be nae aware of yet.”
    She flashed him a quick smile as she hugged him. He caught her to him and gave her a possessive kiss before releasing her. “Mind your tongue, lass.”
    Nodding, she hurried out, anxious to reunite with her horse.
    Dugal watched as she left the chamber.
    “Is all well with her, Lucian?”
    He cringed inwardly. He knew that MacGregor needed to know the facts of her life but he dreaded speaking the words aloud. Frowning, he turned to Dugal.
    “Walk with me ...and I will tell ye what I ken.”

    Humming softly to herself, Arianna hurried towa rd the stable. A warm breeze ca ressed her skin carrying the scent of honeysuckle in various tones. She could hear a n assortment of birdsong drifting along with it. One particular bird sounded like it was whinneying...whinneying? Shrieking was more like it, she thought as she picked up her skirts and ran to the stables.
    As her eyes adjusted to the dim light within , her ire rose. There was a man attempting to mount Shalizar! She stomped up to the offender in a fury!
    “What in the hell do you think your doing to my horse?”
    She took a step back when the man swung around to face her, gasping as she felt recognition surge through her. Arianna knew this man...feared him. He was in her dream just last evening.
    “How dare ye speak ta me in that manner wench!” He drew back his arm to strike her but never got the chance. The man bellowed as Shalizar sunk his teeth into his arm. He swung his other fist at the Arab’s muzzle but he released him in time to avoid the blow.
    Arianna forgot her fear as rage filled her pores! How dare he try to hurt Shalizar! Infuriated, she picked up the nearest bucket and repeatedly beat him in the head with it while Shalizar stood back laughing at him...at least that’s how he appeared as he bared his teeth and curled his lips.
    An arm of steel wrapped about her waist and lifted her from the ground. She swung the pail without thought as she kicked his shin. Her steed rea red up in a threatening gesture, his hooves thrashing the air.
    “Hold wife! What goes on here?”
    Lowering the bucket, she slowly turned her head to see who held her...and cringed.
    “I didn’t hear you come in, Lucian. Sorry that I hit you...and kicked you.”
    “Twas naught.” He replied through gritted teeth. His head was throbbing and he was sure that his shin had been bruised. She was stronger than she appeared. “Now answer me.”
    “This man was trying to steal Shalizar!”
    The man rose from the stable floor wiping blood from his face. “The bloody beast bit me!”
    “Only because you tried to hit me! And then you tried to hurt him as well!” She turned accusing eyes on him. “Did you think that I didn’t notice the knife you held when you turned on him? I’ll be damned if