Fiona's expression hardened."He's been stalking me for years.He injured my leg deliberately because he thought if I was maimed, no one would want to marry me, and I'd eventually settle for him.Tonight, he was going to kidnap me while Connor was...indisposed.Make it look like I'd abandoned my marriage and disgraced the MacNeils.I was trying to fight them off when Connor came to my rescue."
Ewan's face darkened with understanding."Their actions would have caused conflict between our clans and given Horas time to disappear with ye."
"A stupid plan born from twisted minds," Fiona said firmly."They underestimated both Connor's strength and my willingness to fight for what's mine."
Ewan began barking orders, “Secure the prisoners, fetch Morna to tend Connor's wounds.”But Fiona barely heard him.All her attention was focused on the man in her arms, checking his breathing and the shallow cuts that marked where he'd fought for her life.
Ewan and his men lifted Connor into the bed then went about their duties.
Eventually Morna bustled into the chamber with her healing supplies, her weathered face tight with worry that softened when she saw Connor breathing steadily despite his unconscious state.The old healer immediately began examining his wounds, muttering about foolish lads who got themselves into trouble just when they finally found sense.
"The cuts are shallow," she announced after a thorough inspection."And he only got a small dose of whatever drug they used.He'll have a headache when he wakes, but he'll be well."She looked up at Fiona with knowing eyes."Have ye found a stronger word to describe yer feelings for my lad?"
Fiona felt tears prick her eyes as she smoothed Connor's dark hair back from his forehead."Yes," she whispered."I have."
As Morna worked, cleaning and bandaging Connor's wounds while he slept, Fiona never left his side.They'd survived treachery and poison, knives and conspiracy.They'd fought for each other and proven that what they'd built together was worth defending.
And they'd finally found the words to name what had been growing between them all along.
Love.Pure, fierce, and unshakeable as the Highlands themselves.
When Connor woke hours later, the first thing he saw was Fiona's beautiful face watching over him, and the first words he heard was her whispering that she loved him too.He smiled lovingly at her and felt a feeling of pure joy wash over him as he clasped her hand and held it tight against his heart.
***
Epilogue
Five Years Later
The fire crackled inthe hearth as the MacNeil family settled into their evening routine.Fiona sat in her favorite chair, baby Rory sleeping peacefully against her shoulder, his dark hair catching the firelight.On the rug before them, five-year-old Tavish sat cross-legged, his grey eyes bright with anticipation, while three-year-old Seona curled against her father's chest, thumb firmly planted in her mouth.
"Ma," Tavish said with that tone all children mastered early, "tell us the story again.About how ye met Da and slayed the dragon?"
Seona nodded enthusiastically around her thumb."Dwagon stowee!"
Connor's arms tightened around his daughter, that soft smile Fiona loved so much curving his lips."Very well," she said, settling back in her chair."Once upon a time, there was a brave lass who had to travel to a great stone castle where a fearsome dragon was said to dwell."
