Kahleena MacCarthy ~ To Meet a Highlander by Zarik

ladies maid according to Argus. So, I’ll be by yer side for whatever ye wish of me.”
    Tsarina signed in resignation. “Would you at least stop calling me m’lady?”
    “Oh no, m’lady. It’d not be proper.”
    With that Tsarina gave into her fate of being bathed by someone else and dressed as though she were an infant.
    Privacy was a thing of her past.
    ****
                  By the time Igrid was leading her downstairs for dinner, she realized that Zarik had avoided her as if she were a four-headed dragon. Niall and Argus continued to welcome her and basically hold her hostage. They had both stopped in to check on her in the hours between arrival and the late dinner. There would be no way to convince either to help her go back.
                  Igrid had been nothing other than under her feet. She’d never get used to that. The girl had even suggested a nap, as ladies do get tired . Really? She should have tried that with her boss.
                  Her boss. What would she do here to keep her busy? She could research, but how would she ever share her findings? Would they even let her nose around? Weren’t people of this time paranoid about what they considered nosy? She’d likely find herself drawn and quartered. Would her boss even remember she was employed there if she remained in this time?
                  What was she saving Zarik from? And why did she care that he avoided her? Could it really be that important to history that the two of them wed?
                  Tsarina never believed in fate or love at first site. If it didn’t work with someone, there was someone else waiting later on. There was no one person as everyone seemed intent on convincing her. Shouldn’t she feel sparks? Or be unable to breathe in his presence? She had to admit, he was hot. A romp between the sheets would be fun. But love? He seemed more of a beast, albeit an attractive one.
    ****
                  Zarik saw Igrid and Tsarina coming down the stairs. She looked lovely in his mother’s blue silk dress. Her hair was partially pulled up with some hanging lose in the back and on the sides. She looked absolutely lovely. Although, she seemed to have no jewelry. She’d need a few necklaces.
                  He shook his head wondering why her lack of jewelry would bother him. Perhaps it was because his mother had always had an abundance of trinkets and jewels that she claimed she didn’t need or want yet cherished every piece his father spoiled her with.
                  Annoyed, he realized that Torradan had gotten up and was approaching her, hand out to show her to her seat. Where would she sit? Zarik spared a glance over to his father who looked just as mesmerized by her appearance as he had.
                  Torradan placed a kiss on her hand and placed her arm in his as he lead her the rest of the way down the stairs.
    Niall cleared his throat loud enough to allow him to motion the two of them toward him. “She’ll sit at our table with us, Torradan. After all, she’s soon to be family. Tsarina, we’ll seat you between Torradan and Zarik. The two of ye,” Niall looked pointedly at Zarik. “need to get to know one another. I’m looking forward to publicly announcing the betrothal.”
    The man’s smile was warm and Tsarina found herself not being able to argue with him.
    “There is no betrothal father. We’ll be sending her back to the Fraser’s.” Zarik took a drink of ale and slammed the cup on the table.
    “There is no way to send her back, lad. Even if we could, we’d not. Ye need her. We need her. Ye’ll see. Now why not propose? It’s a good match and people have married knowing one another less. Love will grow. It did for yer mother and I. I approve of the match, so ye may ask her any time.” Niall was convinced this was the woman Argus had spoken of for years. He didn’t want to waste time. There were