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“It might,” Fiona conceded, sounding concerned. “Naughty boy! Shoo, shoo. Now get away from there!”

Naughty boy?Gavin raised his brow. “Aye, now that will get his attention, make no mistake.”

Fiona bounced to her feet, making no comment as she pulled on her linen chemise. Disappointed to see her clothed, Gavin watched curiously as she stomped across the chamber and hauled the dog away from the tub by the scruff of the neck.

She dragged the reluctant beast to the door, wrinkling her nose with each step. “It might be a good idea to dunk him in the tub,” she remarked. “He smells rank.”

“There’s no need for him to be clean. He should only be coming indoors when the weather is vile.”

Fiona glanced down at the dog, looking somewhat guilty. The beast began wagging his tail enthusiastically, bestowing a look upon her that could only be described as adoring. “I’m afraid I’ve broken that rule. This mangy fellow has been my most faithful companion while you were away.”

Gavin didn’t bother to hide his surprise. “I would have thought ye’d be spending yer time with Spencer.”

Fiona’s hand moved down and she absently began stroking the dog’s head, causing his tail to move faster. “I’ve seen Spencer a few times, but he’s busy learning his duties. He appears to have taken well to his new surroundings.”

“And that displeases ye?”

Her hand stopped. “Why would you say that?”

“Yer brow is wrinkled and yer mouth is turned down on the corners,” Gavin answered, pleased that he was able to so easily read her emotions. “’Tis obvious ye aren’t happy.”

She gave a dainty, resigned shrug. “I suppose no mother likes to realize that she is no longer an essential part of her child’s life.”

“A lad needs to think fer himself, especially if he hopes to one day lead other men. A lass, now, that’s an entirely different kettle of fish. She does well learning to take orders.”

As Gavin hoped, that remark brought a flash of fighting spirit to Fiona’s eyes. Pleased, he reached out and rubbed the dog behind the ears. The animal sighed with gratitude, leaning close. So much for loyalty. The beast could easily be bribed with a bit of affection and most likely a large soup bone.

“You are wrong about women,” Fiona said. “Being able to think for themselves might one day save a female’s life.”

He opened his mouth to reply, but was quickly distracted. Gavin tensed and the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. The heavy sound of running footsteps outside the chamber was unmistakable. Beside him, the dog stood at attention, then let out a low, throaty growl.

“Get behind me, Fiona,” Gavin ordered, a surge of danger heating his blood.

Silently, she obeyed. Shifting the dirk to his left hand, Gavin reached for his sword with his right. Naked and battle ready, he faced the door, his sword ready to strike.

Gavin whirled as the chamber door burst open.

“We have news! Glorious news. King Edward is dead!”

Chapter 9

“Dammit! Are ye daft, Duncan, bursting in here with no other warning? I nearly sliced yer fool head off!”

Seeming unconcerned, Duncan cast him a lopsided grin. “Aye, I can see ye have both yer swords out, ever at the ready to protect and defend.”

Both? Gavin scowled, then glanced down, remembering his naked state. He lowered his sword and sauntered to the chair to retrieve his braies.

“Better?” he asked, pulling on the garment.

“Much. Ye were putting the fear of God in me, wagging that mighty snake in my direction.”

“Yer just jealous of its great size,” Gavin countered. “Now tell me yer news.”

“Longshanks is dead!” The width of Duncan’s smile matched the excitement in his voice. “He was leading his army north, preparing fer another campaign. But when they reached Burgh-on-Sands he fell ill, and thanks be to God’s wisdom and mercy, he died.”

“At Burgh-on-Sands? That means he never even made it over the border into Scotland,” Gavin replied, raising his arm in triumph. “’Tis the most rewarding news I’ve heard in years.”

Gavin’s heart lightened, while his mind raced. With Edward gone and his young, weaker son on the throne, Robert Bruce would now finally have the chance he had been waiting for to unite the clans and free them all from England’s iron fist.